GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT 👋

It’s World Computer Literacy Day, and for real estate agents, that’s your cue to give your tech skills a quick polish. Whether it’s mastering your CRM, fine-tuning your social media strategy, or finally figuring out that new AI listing tool everyone’s talking about, digital know-how isn’t optional anymore; it’s your competitive edge.

The most successful agents are those who embrace technology to streamline workflows, connect with clients faster, and market properties smarter. So, today’s the perfect excuse to learn a shortcut, try a new app, or even clear your desktop (yes, all 86 icons). After all, the more tech-savvy you are, the more time you’ll have for what really matters, which is closing deals.

Today’s read time: 7 minutes, 3 seconds

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MINDSET

End-of-year fatigue is real: How real estate professionals can reset

Re-finding your spark

Kyrstie Nolan, Harcourts Head of Business Operations, offers a sharp and honest look at what happens when the pace of real estate drains a person’s energy to the point where the work no longer feels the way it once did.

Her turning point came “on my kitchen floor, during the day, between meetings,” when she recognised that her spark had faded. Instead of treating burnout as a personal flaw, she reframes it as a signal that the demands of the industry have pushed people too far for too long, and that rebuilding starts with adjusting the way we work, rest, and reset.

Why her message cuts through

Kyrstie points out that “70% of real estate professionals experience burnout symptoms,” a reminder that this is a widespread issue rather than an isolated struggle. Her perspective highlights how the pressure to be always available, combined with financial stress and heavy emotional load, leaves many running on empty without acknowledging it.

The early indicators we often ignore

She shows how burnout slips in through ordinary moments: “unanswered calls and emails, disappearing energy, irritability,” disrupted sleep, or the creeping sense that tasks require far more effort than they once did. These are often dismissed until the loss of enthusiasm becomes impossible to overlook.

What turning the corner looks like

Kyrstie’s shift began when she stopped pushing through and started rebuilding her routine around health, order, and small pauses that helped her regain clarity. Treating sleep, nutrition, movement, and boundaries as “non-negotiable” brought her spark back slowly but steadily. Her approach encourages others to treat burnout as a prompt to reset habits so they can regain energy and satisfaction in their work.

Read the full story here.

ICYMI, yesterday we discussed the emotional tax no one warns leaders about.

TOGETHER WITH RAY WHITE AND REA

Ray White strikes major data deal with REA Group to sharpen market intelligence

Ray White has become the first real estate network to access REA Group’s new market-intelligence data suite, following a landmark partnership that integrates PropTrack and realestate.com.au insights into its NurtureCloud and Pulse platforms.

The agreement also includes a network-wide Pro subscription, giving Ray White’s Australian offices access to advanced tools designed to help agents win more business. Chief Systems Officer Jason Alford said the group’s investment in its own technology stack made Ray White the natural first partner for REA’s expanded data capability, and REA’s Tim Bradley said Ray White’s sophisticated systems would allow the network to seamlessly integrate the new data and convert it into strategic advantages.

The partnership is expected to support Ray White’s ambition to generate more leads and reach more prospective vendors as they consider selling. REA’s market-intelligence products will continue to evolve into 2026, including AI-enhanced reporting through Ignite.

Read more about the REA/Ray White deal here.

HOUSING MARKET: ONLY WAY IS UP

National home values continue to rise

Australia’s housing market reached another record in November, with national home prices rising 0.5 per cent, according to the latest PropTrack Home Price Index. The monthly lift marks a slowdown from October yet pushes prices 8.7 per cent higher than a year ago, adding nearly $78,000 to the national median and leaving values 51 per cent above where they sat five years ago.

Capital city markets matched the national pace with a 0.5 per cent rise, taking prices to a fresh high and 8.5 per cent above last year’s levels. Adelaide and Perth were the strongest performers in November, each climbing 0.9 per cent, followed by Brisbane and Canberra at 0.6 per cent. Perth also led annual capital growth at 15.5 per cent, ahead of Darwin at 14.1 per cent. Regional markets continued their upward trend, with a 0.6 per cent gain in November and an annual rise of 9.3 per cent.

2026 MARKET PREDICTION

Housing market defies expectations with strong momentum

Australia's housing market is entering 2026 with surprising strength, already returning to double-digit annual growth ahead of schedule. Previously lagging cities like Melbourne and Darwin are now firmly in growth territory, while Gold Coast unit prices have climbed so rapidly they now exceed Sydney's. Despite construction costs easing, supply remains constrained, suggesting the market will likely stay undersupplied well into 2026, though growth may moderate without interest rate cuts.

INDIA: BRANDED RESIDENCES

India climbs into global branded residences elite

India has entered the world’s top ten markets for branded residential projects, according to the Savills Branded Residences 2025–26 Report. Rising wealth and stronger demand for premium living are driving the country’s rapid growth in this sector. Savills reports that Asia-Pacific supply has expanded sharply in recent years, with India among the main contributors.

Major cities such as Mumbai, Delhi NCR and Bengaluru show strong absorption and premium potential. Dubai remains a key destination for high-net-worth Indian buyers, creating one of the busiest luxury corridors globally and Savills expects India to play an increasingly significant role as global brands expand into new lifestyle and wellness-focused residential categories.

CELEBRITY HOMES

Fashion mogul's historic mansion hits market after Clooney rental

Kenneth Cole is re-listing his Stanford White-designed Westchester, NY estate for US$22M, a significant markup from the US$2.8M he paid in 1991. The architecturally significant 12,000-square-foot residence sits on 14 gated acres and recently served as George Clooney's temporary home during his Tony-nominated Broadway run. The historic property even appeared in the 1969 film adaptation of "Goodbye, Columbus."

MOVERS + SHAKERS

Gavin Croft named COO of Ray White Queensland.

The award-winning Chief Auctioneer will step into the role in 2026, bringing two decades of industry experience across multiple facets of real estate. More here.

Samantha Bonnici joins Harcourts Pinnacle.

The real estate powerhouse brings 13 years of experience and a reputation for tailored marketing strategies to the agency. More here.

Success doesn’t rest on weekends! 
Get the latest on top agent and agency moves every Sunday with our weekly roundup in Movers & Shakers. Subscribe now.

AGENTS ON SOCIAL

When the new stylist walks in and has to give “gentle feedback” … also known as trying not to scream. 🪞😅

Seen an Agent On Social we should include? Let us know here (email link)

Wishing you a productive day!

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