GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT

When a property’s been abandoned for 30 years, even the best marketing campaign might struggle. Firbeck Hall in the UK went from royal parties and luxury to full-blown haunted house vibes. Good news though, after a little TLC (and probably a few hundred tradies), it’s now luxury apartments. Just goes to show: no listing is too far gone... just maybe not "auction ready" next Saturday.

Today’s read time: 5 minutes, 1 second

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OPINION

From sales star to business owner: why talent alone won't cut it

Crushing your GCI targets might feel like the ultimate badge of honour in real estate

But making the leap from top salesperson to business owner? That’s a whole different game, and one many agents aren't fully prepared for.

Auctioneer, speaker, author and podcast host Andy Reid argues that strong sales skills don’t automatically translate into strong business leadership. In fact, without the right groundwork, many agents find themselves running businesses "held together by sticky tape", or burning out under the weight of it all. Here’s where the cracks typically appear— and how to avoid them.

Education isn’t enough

Getting your Cert IV might make you "qualified" to open a business, but it doesn't mean you're equipped to run one. As Andy points out, these certifications focus more on compliance and legislation, not financial management, recruitment, or leadership. The traditional franchise model has historically filled this gap, offering systems and support. But with more agents questioning the value of franchise fees, many are stepping into ownership without fully grasping what’s required behind the scenes.

Time: your hidden enemy

Agents often underestimate how time-consuming business operations can be. You might hire a PA or buyer’s agent to help, but unless you clone yourself, productivity and revenue will likely dip.

Running a business isn’t just an "add-on" to your sales hustle; it’s a second full-time job. Andy highlights the common trap: agents open a business assuming revenue stability, only to spiral into panic hiring and operational chaos when time (and cash) slip away.

Support systems are critical

Being a top salesperson means being laser-focused on personal results. Business ownership flips that script - you now carry everyone’s problems, not just your own.

Without a strong mentor or coach, new business owners often suffer from loneliness, poor leadership habits, and high staff turnover. As Andy quotes Simon Sinek, in business: “leaders eat last.”

Read the full article here.

ICYMI, yesterday, we discussed why success is not just about transactions — it is about the experiences we create.

DEPT OF DEMOLITION

Big money, big knockdowns: rebuilds reshape wealthy suburbs

There’s a quiet makeover happening in Australia’s wealthiest suburbs, and it starts with a wrecking ball. Over the past five years, more than 30,000 homes have been approved for demolition in both Melbourne and Sydney, according to Ray White research. But it’s not just a random teardown spree. These rebuilds are mostly happening in high-end suburbs where the land does the heavy lifting, older homes often make up just 20–30% of a property’s value.

DEPT OF EXTREME WEALTH

Inside Australia’s Billion Dollar Playground

Luxury real estate and travel in Australia has had a serious glow-up, and it is no longer just about marble bathtubs and flashy mansions. Today’s high-end travellers want homes that are private, sustainable, and deeply personal, with everything from Michelin-star chefs to helicopter wine tours on offer.

DEPT OF AI

Built your own ChatGPT in 10 minutes (no coding, no stress)

Turns out, you don’t need to be a tech whiz to build your own conversational AI. With the right tools, it takes less time than making a cup of tea. In this article, Samantha McLean shows you how to train and deploy a fully functional chatbot in under 10 minutes, no coding, no complicated setup. It can answer questions, handle client queries, and save hours each week.

CELEBRITY HOMES

Fancy a rose ceremony? Bachelor mansion hits the market for $20 Million

The original Bachelor Australia mansion, where Tim Robards met Anna Heinrich, is up for grabs, and no, there’s still no rose garden. La Joie de Vivre offers six bedrooms, a tennis court, a resort-style pool and serious coastal glamour, all for a cool $20 million. The French-inspired estate has seen multiple owners (but no reality TV repeats) since its 2013 fame. Sydney Sotheby’s are taking expressions of interest, and yes, private inspections only, cocktail dresses are optional.

MOVERS + SHAKERS

Leon Mitchell & Chané Lewis go independent with LM Realty

After 15 years in the industry, Leon and Chané launched LM Realty with the support of OASIS powered by @realty, drawn by its strong commission model, marketing support, and user-friendly CRM. More here.

Brent Pullar named Director of Growth at Harcourts

The 30-year industry veteran returns to a leadership role and will focus on helping Victorian offices achieve long-term success. More here.

Success doesn’t rest on weekends! 
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AGENTS ON SOCIAL

The husband said the house was too expensive. The agent said, "No problem, I know a few cheaper husbands if you’re ready to upgrade."👰🏻‍♀️🤵🏼‍♂️

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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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