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Today’s read time: 3 minutes, 42 seconds.

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OPINION

Paul Curtin on why real estate thrives without barriers

A leading voice in Queensland’s real estate industry, Paul Curtin, co-founder of Place, has long championed the importance of keeping the sector accessible and innovative.

He kicked off 2025 by highlighting how a deregulated framework empowers individuals from diverse backgrounds to succeed, fostering growth, adaptability, and exceptional service.

Accessibility and opportunity

Paul champions real estate’s accessibility as a career path, crediting its deregulated framework for enabling people from diverse backgrounds to succeed. “The beauty of real estate lies in its accessibility as a career path,” he said, pointing out that many of the industry’s brightest talents wouldn’t have had the opportunity under stricter qualifications. These individuals succeed through “drive, emotional intelligence, and an ability to connect with people.”

Regulation versus innovation

Paul draws comparisons to the financial planning sector, where overregulation has hindered growth. Reflecting on the Banking Royal Commission era, he said: “You wouldn’t do that job for all the tea in China.” He believes real estate’s lighter regulatory touch allows for innovation and agility, enabling agencies to pivot quickly to market changes.

Addressing debates like auction price guides, he notes: “If we had to have price guides on our auctions, we would list and sell just as many properties – it’s about execution and service, not the regulatory framework.”

Leadership and standards

He rejects the notion that regulation is the key to professionalism, instead emphasising the importance of strong leadership and culture. “The key to maintaining industry standards isn’t more regulation – it’s better leadership and stronger company cultures.”

ICYMI, yesterday industry leaders shared their views on the big issues for 2025

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SMART SNIPPETS

Rachel Berry’s formula for real estate success
Rachel Berry, Equity Partner at Ray White Mt Eden, sat down with Bianca Denham to share her journey to becoming one of New Zealand’s top real estate agents. Known for her straightforward approach, Rachel navigated the post-COVID downturn with honesty and a commitment to robust systems. “We’re not selling hope; we’re selling property,” she said.

Granny flats peak in popularity in SA
Granny flats have become a hot commodity for South Australian homebuyers, with searches for properties featuring these dwellings skyrocketing by 114% in 2024, according to realestate.com.au.

Europe’s real estate sector set for a bumper 2025
Europe’s real estate market is gearing up for a dynamic recovery this year, with investment activity projected to soar by 15%, according to CBRE. Falling interest rates are expected to revitalise the sector, driving growth across offices, residential properties, and logistics hubs. Office occupancy is climbing back to historical levels, while residential asking prices are set to rise by 4%, fuelled by easing borrowing costs.

CELEBRITY HOMES

Breaking Bad home now on the market

The iconic Breaking Bad house at Albuquerque, New Mexico, is up for sale at $4 million USD (approximately $6 million AUD). Known as Walter White’s home in the series, the four-bedroom property has been a fan magnet for years.

SOUND WAVES

Does manifesting actually work?

Well yes, and no.

Manifesting, the practice of visualising success, has surged this year, with TikTok hashtags #manifesting and #manifestation trending and “manifest” named Cambridge Dictionary’s word of the year. But, experts stress that once you have the intention, action is essential for results.

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

Read the article from The Wall Street Journal Here

AGENTS ON SOCIAL

The developer’s off buying a yacht, the agent’s treating themselves to a business-class upgrade, and the mortgage broker’s splurging on a fancy coffee. Meanwhile, the photographer’s sitting there, baffled: “Wait... you guys are getting paid?!”🛥️☕️

Seen an Agent On Socialwe 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.

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