GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT

Real estate queen Barbara Corcoran has a no-nonsense message for struggling celebrity sellers: “Get realistic!” Her advice? Skip the endless price cuts and re-list with a fresh strategy. While celebrity homes might have "bragging rights," Barbara says buyers still want a good deal. It’s time to ditch the drama and close the deal.

Today’s read time: 4 minutes, 3 seconds.

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CAREER

Why people are choosing real estate as their “next” job

According to the National Association of Realtors, 95% of real estate agents in the US have had previous careers. Similar trends have been observed in Australia, so real estate is increasingly becoming a second career of choice.

Romany Brooks, a former business owner, and Ryan Trama, once a school teacher, exemplify how skills from previous professions can pave the way for success in real estate. Their journeys highlight the adaptability that second-career professionals bring to the field.

Making the leap

Transitioning into real estate often requires courage and determination. Romany Brooks left her business behind to pursue a long-held dream, landing her first role just a month after deciding to make the switch. “I had always been attracted to the pace and excitement associated with real estate,” she shares. Similarly, Ryan Trama sought a fresh start after a decade in teaching, inspired by his mother-in-law, a successful agent. "She gave me my start at her agency," Ryan says, setting him on a path to real estate success.

Challenges and growth

Second-career agents often face steep learning curves, and Romany and Ryan were no exception. Romany struggled with early rejection and rigid scripts but found her stride by embracing authenticity. “People buy your energy,” she says. Ryan, on the other hand, learned the importance of immediacy. “If I got a lead, I’d call them within 10 seconds,” he says. His dedication turned challenges into opportunities, achieving $900,000 in GCI in his second year.

Leveraging transferable skills

What sets second-career agents apart is their ability to transfer skills from previous roles. For Ryan, teaching provided expertise in relationship-building. “Both teaching and real estate rely on positive relationships to ensure the best outcomes,” he says. Meanwhile, Romany’s business background gave her strong networking skills. “People skills are everything in this industry,” she explains.

ICYMI, last week, REINSW president Thomas McGlynn called for leaders to ditch the ego

SMART SNIPPETS

Rate relief on horizon, but not until May
Homeowners will need to wait until May 2025 for interest rate relief, according to a new Finder survey of 40 leading economists. While the cash rate sits at 4.35%, nearly half of experts predict the first rate cut won't come before May, with an expected drop of just 25 basis points. Despite ongoing cost-of-living pressures, 58% of experts believe Australians will be in a better financial position by 2025.

Why real connection matters more than ever
In 2025, thriving in real estate will require more than cutting-edge tools – it will depend on building trust, empowering teams, and recognising that while property is the business, people are the purpose. Industry expert Rik Rushton highlights that genuine connection remains the cornerstone of success.

Grow yourself, grow your business
If you want to grow a great business, you need to learn how to grow as a person. That’s the belief of Besser & Co's Marcel Dybner, who has been able to grow the agency’s property management business three times over after taking the time to work on himself.

Luxury real estate booms in Kabul amid stability
Kabul's luxury real estate market is thriving, driven by improved security and an influx of returning expatriates. High-end properties, some priced at US$450,000 or more, are attracting wealthy Afghans, including those fleeing deportation from Iran and Pakistan. Real estate agents have reported a 40% rise in property values, with lavish homes featuring gardens, gyms, and pools in high demand.

MOVERS + SHAKERS

Travis Gill expands RE/MAX Advantage team.
Three experienced agents join the Wynnum office including Julie Harris and Sean Dawson returning to RE/MAX plus Kim Gordon relocating from New Zealand. 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.

SOUND WAVES

Benefits of working through Christmas

Stuck working this festive season? It’s not all bad; think holiday pay, bonuses, career growth, and skill-building opportunities. Tune in to today’s curated listen for the perks of staying on the clock.

Dive straight into the listen below or the deeper dive here.

Read the report from Reed.com.uk Here

AGENTS ON SOCIAL

An agent holding a sign that reads, “You’re not sad, you just need a new house” is either a real estate genius or a therapist in disguise. Either way, it's probably cheaper than therapy... 🥺🏡

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, Giverny Pringle, 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.

Stories marked with * are sponsored, including 'Together With' and the weekday 'Movers & Shakers' sections. Interested in promoting your brand to Elite Agent’s audience? Learn more at eliteagent.com/advertise.

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