GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT

On this day in 1993, CERN made the World Wide Web freely accessible to the public, revolutionising the way we communicate and access information.

For real estate agents, this marked the beginning of a new era. From online listings to virtual tours, the internet has transformed how we connect with clients and showcase properties. It's a reminder that embracing technology can open doors to innovative ways of doing business. With the rise of new tools like AI it’s a reminder to always think about how technology can make you better and more efficient at your job.

Today’s read time: 5 minutes, 51 seconds

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HAPPY AGENT/HAPPY VENDOR

The happiness factor: why emotion is your real estate superpower

When Katrina Tarrant sat next to celebrity chef Manu Feildel recently, she wasn’t just starstruck.

She was inspired. Manu’s simple observation, “Food tastes better when you’re happy,” led her down a new line of thinking: happiness transforms every experience, including real estate.

Relationships: The true currency of success

Drawing from the Harvard Study of Adult Development, the longest study on human happiness, Katrina reminds us that it’s not money, fame, or accolades that predict long-term success. It's relationships. Warm, trusted connections lead to healthier, happier, longer lives. This insight has a direct and profound application for real estate: how clients feel about their interactions with you often outweighs the transaction itself.

Whether it's a first home buyer nervously stepping into a new chapter or a seller parting with decades of memories, real estate is always emotionally charged. The agents who understand this, and act with empathy and care are the ones who build lasting brands, referral networks, and resilient businesses.

Service is an experience, not a transaction

It’s easy to fall into the habit of thinking we’re just providing information like market updates, contract terms, inspection times. But Katrina doesn’t agree: every appointment, every inspection, every email is an opportunity to serve an experience, she says.

Positive emotional connections don’t just feel good; they directly impact business outcomes. Sellers remember how you made them feel long after settlement. Buyers fall in love not just with the bricks and mortar but with the possibility of a better life.

Kindness is a business strategy

Just like a fine meal tastes better when you're happy, every property interaction feels better when it’s seasoned with kindness, care, and genuine human connection. Katrina feels that kindness isn’t just a virtue; it’s a competitive advantage.

As she puts it: “If happiness can enhance the flavour of food, imagine what it can do for your business.”

Bon appétit. May your next client meeting be served with a generous side of connection.

Read Katrina Tarrant’s full article here.

CYMI, yesterday we found out how Michelle Champion rebuilt her business - and her life - one breakfast at a time

TOGETHER WITH DOMAIN

Final seats available

The Leads to Listings workshop series, in partnership with Domain, kicks off tomorrow, with the first event taking place in Brisbane. Aimed at helping agents convert more leads into listings with AI, the series is already close to capacity, with only 8 seats remaining in Brisbane.

Melbourne and Sydney agents still have time to register, but spots are filling fast ahead of the Sydney workshop on 6 May and the Melbourne event on 8 May. Designed to deliver practical strategies and real-world insights, Leads to Listings will equip agents with the AI skills they need to get ahead of the competition.

Find out more and secure your place here.

DEPT OF MONEY

Real estate faces anti-money laundering crackdown

Australia's 46,000 real estate professionals are racing against the clock as mandatory anti-money laundering reforms approach. With money laundering causing an estimated $60.1 billion in harm to the economy annually, the government has set strict deadlines: enrolment with AUSTRAC by March 31, 2026, and full compliance by July 1, 2026. Experts warn that procrastination could be costly, with potential penalties reaching $19,000 per day for non-compliance.

DEPT OF ECONOMICS

WA has the hottest economy, but Queensland’s coming

Western Australia has maintained its position as Australia's strongest economy for the second consecutive quarter, leading in five of eight key economic indicators, including retail spending and unemployment. Queensland has climbed to share second place with South Australia while also claiming the top spot for economic momentum in CommSec's latest State of the States report. Despite higher interest rates and inflation, Australian state economies are holding strong thanks to strong job markets and solid population growth.

DEPT OF AI

AI search is coming for Google's crown

ChatGPT's new search functionality is transforming how we find information online. Instead of sifting through Google's wall of links and ads, users can now get direct, conversational answers to their questions.

For real estate, this means property listings may soon need more structured data about neighbourhoods, schools, and exact distances to amenities. ChatGPT already drove 3.1 billion visits in September 2024, up 112% from last year, while sending increasing traffic to sites like YouTube and Amazon.

CELEBRITY HOMES

Kristen Bell's Netflix home hits the market

The Mediterranean-style Los Angeles home featured in Netflix's "Nobody Wants This" is now for sale for US$3.55M, down from its initial asking price. The 1926-era property in the historic Miracle Mile neighbourhood spans nearly 3,776 square feet with four bedrooms and impressive features, including hand-painted tiles, a grand staircase, and a separate guest house. Designer David Lucindo transformed the property from what he called a "can of worms" into the stylish home seen on screen.

AGENTS ON SOCIAL

In real estate, you’re not just an agent. You’re a therapist, a counsellor, a magician, a locksmith, a negotiator, a personal assistant, and occasionally... a marriage counsellor. All for the same commission. No wonder we all need good coffee. 🤑☕️

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

Wishing you a productive day

Elite Agent is crewed by Mark Edwards, Catherine Nikas-Boulos, Rowan Crosby, Charmagne Arrubio and Samantha McLean. We aim to uplift the real estate industry by delivering forward-thinking, hype-free news and education that fosters knowledge and fuels ambition.

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