GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT

Today we remember Elvis Presley, a man who changed music forever and showed us all how to rock a jumpsuit like no one else. Whether you're a fan of his legendary voice or just his love of peanut butter and banana sandwiches, on his birthday you can celebrate his legacy by cranking up ‘Jailhouse Rock’ while you tidy up for your next open home.

Today’s read time: 4 minutes, 57 seconds.

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MOTIVATION

The 5 laws for growth and lasting happiness in 2025

What’s your plan for staying happy and growing your business in 2025? Shane Kempton, CEO of Harcourts WA State Office, knows how easy it is for big goals to slip away as the year wears on, leaving us stuck in the grind of eat/sleep/work/repeat.

To break the cycle, he’s sharing five key laws to help you stay focused and find real fulfilment this year.

Growth and happiness are a pursuit, not an event

It’s tempting to think happiness and growth come from big moments, be it a new job, hitting a milestone, or achieving a goal. But as Shane points out, "The small, consistent efforts we make daily shape who we become and how we feel." True happiness is found in the process, not just the results. Think about the habits you can cultivate, like regular exercise, or carving out time to reflect. These daily actions build the foundation for a happier life - and happier work/life balance.

Growth comes from seeking discomfort

Growth rarely happens when we’re comfortable, as Shane reminds us once again that, "Growth begins at the edge of your comfort zone." Stepping into challenges, whether it’s learning a new skill, starting a tough conversation, or trying something unfamiliar, may feel daunting, but it’s essential for personal evolution.

Reframing discomfort as a sign of progress can make these moments easier to embrace. In 2025, ask yourself: What opportunities can you say “Yes” to, even if they scare you a little?

Happiness is rooted in connection

At its core, happiness is about people. Building authentic relationships and investing time in others enriches our lives in profound ways. "It’s the people we share our lives with who make the journey worthwhile." Whether it’s forming new friendships, or finding a sense of community, the connections we nurture will help us grow as agents and business leaders.

Growth and happiness will not happen by accident, but with small, intentional steps, the rewards can be huge.

Dive into the article here and read the other two laws Shane says will help you grow and achieve lasting happiness this year.

ICYMI, yesterday we covered how real estate can thrive without barriers

TOGETHER WITH AI POWERED AGENTS

Feeling overwhelmed by the endless AI tools and buzz? You’re not alone. Samantha McLean, founder of Elite Agent, admits she was once caught up in the excitement of exploring every tool and feature. But she soon realised that success with AI isn’t about trying everything, it’s about mastering the right tools and using them effectively to transform your business.

Samantha’s FREE 5-day AI crash course is tailored for real estate professionals, focusing on essential skills like choosing the right AI tools. ”Being successful with AI isn't about trying every new tool that comes along - it's about practising and mastering a few key skills that really move the needle for your business,” she said. ”In real estate, as with any industry, there's no one-size-fits-all AI solution. The key is to choose tools based on your specific needs and goals, not just because they're hyped up.”

Sign up now to save time, win more listings, and stay ahead in your market.

SMART SNIPPETS

National home values fall for the first time in two years
CoreLogic’s Home Value Index fell -0.1% in December, marking the first national decline since early 2023 and ending a strong growth period. “This result represents the housing market catching up with the reality of market dynamics,” said research director Tim Lawless said, citing affordability pressures and increased supply.

Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane led annual growth, while affordability drove demand in lower-priced markets, and regional areas outperformed the capitals with a 6.0% annual rise.

Raine & Horne appoints new CEO
Raine & Horne has named Chris Nicholl as CEO to drive its next phase of growth. He brings over 35 years of property experience and will focus on expanding the brand while maintaining strong relationships across its global network, which included more than 370 offices across Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, the UAE, and Fiji.

Private equity boosts UK rental housing investments
Private equity and pension funds have poured £1.5 billion (AUD 2.9 billion) into UK single-family rental homes in 2024, driven by soaring demand and affordability challenges. Major corporate players are reshaping the market with large-scale investments and partnerships.

CELEBRITY HOMES

Call in the Ghostbusters: Bill Murray’s iconic NY home listed

Bill Murray’s former “Yellow House”, a 5,177-square-foot Colonial-style retreat blending history and modern charm, is on the market for $3.69 million USD ($5.76 million AUD). The property also comes with a history of other notable celebrity owners.

MOVERS + SHAKERS

Pulse Property Agents is set to open a new office in Cronulla next month, marking its third location in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire. This expansion includes welcoming the Luxe Real Estate Agents team into the Pulse family. 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

Celebrities who’ve made the leap to real estate

Who says you can’t mix fame and property? From singers to sports stars, check out these Aussie celebrities swapped the spotlight for open homes and are now thriving as real estate agents.

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

Read the article from The Advertiser here

AGENTS ON SOCIAL

Every now and then, someone decides not to hire you, and that’s fine -everyone’s entitled to a mistake. The real fun comes when you get the call to fix the mess left behind by their mate who ‘knows the market.’ ❌🤷🏻‍♀️

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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