Elite Agent

  • The personal touch – at scale

    Email autoresponders cut through the obstacles which get in the way of responding to the many property email inquiries an agent receives all day. Bill Shields examines how they can help you boost your client experience. Many of us are thinking about how we will do things differently post-COVID-19 and, perhaps, what things will stay the same. While the market…

    Read More »
  • Only 30 auctions expected this week for Melbourne

    Auction activity has taken a hit across the combined capital cities this week, as Melbourne enters its fifth week of Stage 4 lockdowns. The city will hold only 30 auctions, down from 765 auctions this time last week. CoreLogic are tracking 937 auctions in total across the capital cities this week, down from both last week’s 1128 and the 1533…

    Read More »
  • 1.2m Aussie building jobs now in jeopardy

    Over 1.2 million jobs and 400,000 businesses are in danger after the 7 per cent fall in the June quarter GDP. Master Builders Australia are calling for the National Cabinet to reach a consensus “to deal cohesively and practically with the tension between the health and economic impact of the virus” or the entire building industry, and therefore the national…

    Read More »
  • Ray White NSW | ACT celebrates its 2020 winners

    Close to 1000 people tuned in to watch the Ray White NSW | ACT 2019-20 awards, which looked a little different this year, held over Zoom. Nonetheless, the night felt the same, as the network celebrated the achievements of its top offices and individuals. Ray White NSW CEO Andrew McCulloch said the iso-style awards were a sign of 2020 given…

    Read More »
  • House hunters are rarely told the home energy rating

    Most Australian homes have been built to notoriously poor standards. The energy performance of existing homes in Victoria, for instance, averages 1.8 stars – 6 stars is mandatory for newly built homes under the 10-star Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NaTHERS). Decision-makers typically fail to appreciate the importance of a low star rating, even though it have profound impacts on households’ health and…

    Read More »
  • Communication conquers crisis

    From bushfires and hail storms to Coronavirus and Kanye for president; we’ve been living through a state of instability and unknowns. Many industries, including ours, have kept on keeping on—albeit with a host of changes, and a welcome opportunity to innovate and challenge the status quo. Everywhere you look, there are lessons to be learnt from living through times of…

    Read More »
  • Perth rentals moving the fastest since 2015 mining boom

    In August 2019, it took a median of 34 days to lease a property in the Greater Perth region. This August, it only took 21 days, meaning that properties are turning around two weeks’ less than this time last year. Reiwa.com data shows this is the quickest uptake rate since the last mining boom in February, 2015. The median rent…

    Read More »
  • WA rental properties leasing two weeks faster in August

    August data from the Real Estate Institute of WA (REIWA) indicates it took a median of 21 days to lease a property in Greater Perth. The swift turnaround time is 13 days less than the same time last year and the shortest time to lease since the construction phase of the last mining boom in February 2015. REIWA President Damian…

    Read More »
  • RBA takes hold and hope approach

    The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has left the official cash rate on hold at 0.25 per cent as the nation’s economy continues to feel the fallout of COVID-19. Noting the economy is grappling with the “biggest contraction since the 1930s” RBA Governor Philip Lowe said his board was committed to doing what it could to support jobs, incomes and…

    Read More »
  • The Agency reports 48 per cent increase in revenue

    The Agency is celebrating success, with their financial results for 2019/20 indicating a turnaround in cashflow and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA), along with a 48 per cent increase in revenue. Released on August 31, The Agency’s ASX announcement highlights 12 months of operational growth and improvement, resulting in revenue of $41.86 million, compared to $28.34 million…

    Read More »
  • The buck stops with the boss

    Every day I receive an email from Seth Godin and I highly recommend you subscribe to him too. One particular piece that he wrote recently resonated with me. The piece was titled Systems, Design and The Front Line. In this blog, Seth talked about how when things are not going well, the buck stops with the boss. “If you experience…

    Read More »
  • Landlords the forgotten people: REIV

    The Real Estate Institute of Victoria has expressed concern commercial and residential landlords are being left behind and all but forgotten as the government makes decisions on financial support for people impacted by the economic downturn. Citing the recent decision to extend the rental moratorium to 31 December 2020 as one example, they note tenants have been provided with substantial…

    Read More »
  • Clearance rate continues to climb in conjunction with higher volume

    The national preliminary clearance rate has risen to 67.7 per cent after a higher volume of auctions across the capitals this weekend. Sydney led the charge with a preliminary clearance rate of 74 per cent, while Melbourne returned a success rate of 49.6 per cent on the back of high withdrawal numbers. CoreLogic reports 1163 homes were taken to auction…

    Read More »
  • Canberra’s property prices quadrupled since 2000

    Housing prices have quadrupled in just two decades, unit prices have tripled, and values could reach an average of over $3.8 million and $1.3 million respectively – These are some of the key insights from Allhomes’ research on Canberra’ property market over the past 20 years. The report also noted that, since 2000, houses sold at auction have risen from…

    Read More »
  • REIA makes five key recommendations to Government

    The Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) has provided five key recommendations to the Australian Government ahead of the October 6 Federal Budget. At the forefront of REIA’s considerations are policies to aid first home buyers, thereby boosting the economy. “Agents, renters, investors and those looking to enter the market for the first time are all facing difficulties,” REIA president,…

    Read More »
  • Powers of persuasion

    The power of persuasion is a valuable skill for real estate agents to have in their toolbox. Michelle Bowden explains precisely how to build your persuasive skills and make others take notice. When was the last time you had to persuade someone? Was it this morning when your children forgot to make their beds or needed to do their homework?…

    Read More »
  • Ouwens Casserly appoint new COO

    Ouwens Casserly Real Estate has expanded its senior leadership team with the appointment of John Thompson.  Mr Thompson joins OC in the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer (COO), offering strategic support and leadership across all divisions of the business.  “John has been managing a hugely successful recruitment business that has more than tripled in revenue over his seven-year…

    Read More »
  • Australian housing at its most affordable since 1999

    HIA’s Housing Affordability Index for the June Quarter 2020 indicates national property prices are at their most affordable since 1999. HIA’s Affordability Index is calculated for each of the eight capital cities and regional areas on a quarterly basis and takes into account the latest dwelling prices, mortgage interest rates, and wage developments. Housing affordability improved in the June quarter…

    Read More »
  • Harvard economist: Australia has most overvalued property prices in world

    Leading Harvard economist Harry Dent has warned he believes Australian property prices are set for a huge fall. Dent is a Harvard MBA graduate, a Fortune 100 consultant, a New York Times bestseller, and claims to have correctly predicted “nearly every major economic event in the past three decades including the 90s recession, the decade-long bull market which followed it,…

    Read More »
  • New online tool helps estimate reno costs

    If you’ve been watching The Block recently, you may have noticed that Suncorp and CoreLogic are both among the sponsors.  The pair have teamed up to launch a new renovation calculator, aimed at helping those inspired by The Block work out the cost of home renovations, according to the room, renovation type, and particular suburb you are renovating in. The…

    Read More »
  • Domain launches new spring campaign

    Domain have launched their latest lighthearted campaign, ‘see the possibilities’, which plays on those ‘it’s time’ moments, when people know they need to make a property change that’s a better fit for their current lifestyle. The campaign is “centered on the human truths underpinned by changing search behaviour” from needing a proper home office to wanting more natural light. The…

    Read More »
  • Diving into Claudio Encina’s Winter Challenge

    As we navigate through 2020, real estate coach and mentor Claudio Encina has rounded up real estate agents and leaders within Sydney and the ACT to dive in and take part in the 2020 Winter Challenge. With a flair for the socials and a bravery of the winter chill, Claudio is on a mission for himself and those in the…

    Read More »
  • Andrew Kyriacou: Deliver what you promise

    Years in the industry?I have been in the industry for 15 years. What’s a special place in your local area?The special place in my area is the local café, this is the place where I proposed to my wife on the balcony and she was caught by surprise, of course. Did you choose real estate or did real estate choose…

    Read More »
  • REIV: Lack of info from Daniel Andrews ‘extremely frustrating’

    Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) president Leah Calnan has spoken out against the lack of consultation between the government and the industry. “There’s been a real lack of communication with our industry — it’s extremely frustrating,” Ms Calnan said. “We need to know what’s going on so agents can start planning, so they can prepare contracts, engage solicitors, organise…

    Read More »
  • Trouble at the mall as landlords and tenants ponder mutually assured destruction

    “This is not a bluff,” Scott Evans, the chief executive of Mosaic Brands, has said of his threat to permanently close 300 to 500 stores in Australia unless landlords reduce rents. Mosiac’s network of about 1300 apparel stores includes Katies, Noni B, Rivers, Rockmans, Millers and Crossroads. With stores shuttered temporarily due to COVID-19 restrictions, it posted a A$170.5 million loss in the…

    Read More »
  • realestate.com.au springs into fresh campaign

    realestate.com.au has surged to an all-time audience high, reaching 12 million Australians in July, as the brand announced the launch of its new campaign. The campaign extends upon the successful ‘Millions More Buyers’ messages and continues to leverage the platform’s market leadership position of having the largest and most engaged audience of property seekers. REA Group Executive Manager, Consumer Marketing,…

    Read More »
  • Take it or leave it: How to negotiate with irrational buyers

    It’s safe to say we are living in interesting times and bearing witness to adversity and its related irrational behaviour. I’ve never seen anyone fight over toilet paper before. It can be hard to negotiate deals in such a climate. We need to question if this behaviour is really irrational? Many would answer a resounding “yes”, but I propose that…

    Read More »
  • RE/MAX appoints Business Growth Manager

    After the successful transition of WA offices into its national network, RE/MAX Australia this month announced the appointment of experienced real estate professional Donna Goddard to the corporate team. Ms Goddard is Perth-based in the role of Business Growth Manager, WA. She has longevity in the Australian real estate landscape with around 12 years as an advertising director with News…

    Read More »
  • ANZ: Melbourne house prices to fall by 15%, Sydney not much better

    Melbourne house prices will fall by 15 per cent, according to new predictions by ANZ’s economists. The bank also forecasts tough times for Sydney owners, with housing set to drop by an estimated 13 per cent. It predicts the bottoming out of prices will likely occur in the second half of 2021. The bank predicts a national price drop of…

    Read More »
  • REIV Leah Calnan lockdown

    REIV announces new board of directors

    Members of the REIV have chosen four new directors to serve on the board, with Jacob Caine, current president Leah Calnan, Adam Docking and Andrew Meehan all set to take up their positions from October 1, 2020. Current president Leah Calnan and senior vice president Adam Docking were re-elected for their third and second three-year terms respectively. Jacob Caine and…

    Read More »
  • Why more companies are going dog friendly

    Bringing pet dogs into the workplace is becoming increasingly common. Large companies like Google, Ticketmaster and challenger bank Monzo are just a few that have joined companies in the pet sector (like Pets at Home) that allow employees to bring their dogs to work. Dogs are even being labelled as a new “must-have accessory” in smart offices. But research shows that 64 per cent of workplaces do not…

    Read More »
  • The ultimate guide to real estate prospecting resources

    We have trawled the Elite Agent archive, as well as the entire living history of the internet, to present both golden oldies and new thinking to help you gain inspiration in your real estate prospecting.

    Read More »
  • ‘Meanwhile’ building use: another way to manage properties left vacant by the COVID-19 crisis

    The COVID-19 pandemic has temporarily shut down cities across the globe, resulting in abandoned buildings and deserted streets. How might we better use our own vacant buildings during the crisis and beyond? We can learn from the benefits and challenges of the UK’s “meanwhile” building use sector. Sometimes referred to as meanwhile housing or property guardianship in its residential forms, it’s a recognised property tenure solution for vacant…

    Read More »
  • Crown Group CEO calls for ‘wellness’ to be integrated into building standards

    Crown Group Chairman and CEO Iwan Sunito is calling for tenants’ physical and mental wellbeing to be considered and incorporated into building design standards in the post-COVID world. “Many people are spending more time working from home, studying from home, home-schooling their children and exercising and recreating,” Mr Sunito said. “People who live in well-designed homes that offer plenty of…

    Read More »
  • REA launches new tools for self-managed landlords

    REA Group has announced a new experience for self-managed landlords to either connect with an agency on realestate.com.au, or list their rental property directly on the site. Set to go live later this month, the move comes in response to research highlighting that over one third of investors now self-manage their rental properties, presenting an untapped segment for realestate.com.au consumers and customers to…

    Read More »