REB Podcast Network

The technology agents rely on every day is changing fast. From AI and mobile-first CRMs to smarter automation, the next generation of real estate software could transform how agencies operate.

On the REB Business Empowerment Showcase, Emilie Lauer sits down with LockedOn co-founders Luke Newton and Iain French to share the story behind the CRM, from spotting a gap in the market more than a decade ago to rebuilding the platform as the industry evolved.

The trio explore how the industry's expectations have changed, shifting towards mobile-first CRMs – faster, simpler technology that helps agents spend less time on administration and more time winning business.

Newton and French also discuss the rise of AI, the importance of protecting client data, and how customer feedback continues to shape the platform as technology and legislation continue to evolve.

The trio also discuss how changing market conditions, compliance and customer expectations are shaping the next generation of real estate software – and what agencies need to do to keep up.

AI is changing property management faster than ever, but the biggest challenge isn't the technology; it's building systems that solve real problems for agencies. Here's what you need to know to stay ahead.

On The Property Management Excellence (PMX) Podcast, Alex Whitlock is joined by Bairave Jeyasothy and Louis Amon from Managed to take listeners behind the scenes of building one of Australia's fastest-evolving property management platforms.

The trio reveal how customer feedback shapes every product decision, why automation has become the biggest priority for agencies, and how AI is changing the way property managers work behind the scenes.

They also lift the lid on the technology powering automated payments, explain why trust accounts are becoming a thing of the past, and discuss the challenge of balancing new features with keeping a platform running smoothly.

The conversation also explores the rise of agencies building their own AI-powered workflows, the opportunities this creates, and why understanding the fundamentals of technology will become just as important as adopting the latest tools.

The property industry is facing a trust test, with questionable advice, buyer's agent practices, and rushed investment decisions putting buyers on alert.

On Property Buzz, Phil Tarrant and Liam Garman unpack the biggest issues facing property investors right now, from misleading investment advice and buyer's agent concerns to the rush before major self-managed super fund (SMSF) changes take effect.

The pair discuss the growing scrutiny around buyer's agents, questioning whether some business models have prioritised sales over investor outcomes.

They also examine the latest developments from the Dashdot collapse, including concerns around upfront fees, investment advice, and the impact on customers left out of pocket.

The duo explores why some investors are being drawn towards questionable opportunities, from expensive apartment purchases to promises of easy returns, and why due diligence remains critical in a shifting market.

Tarrant and Garman then turn to the SMSF borrowing changes, the rush to secure deals before the deadline, and whether policy decisions are accurately reflecting the realities of the property market.

The episode also looks at housing affordability, falling prices, and what a more cautious market means for investors trying to make their next move.

The biggest stories in real estate rarely end with the headline. From industry controversies and market shake-ups to the topics everyone is talking about behind closed doors, REB's new podcast Real Estate Exposed is here to cut through the noise.

In the debut episode of Real Estate Exposed, Liam Garman and Emilie Lauer break down the major developments shaping the real estate industry, giving agents deeper context.

The pair tackle the collapse of buyer's agency Dashdot and the controversial launch of its founders' new business venture, questioning what it means for trust, accountability, and the wider industry while hundreds of former clients remain out of pocket.

The conversation also examines the rush of self-managed super fund (SMSF) buyers racing to beat the August deadline, what happens when that demand disappears, and why some agents are already preparing for a very different market.

Along the way, the duo share the stories catching the industry's attention, reveal what they're hearing from agents across the country, and explain why Real Estate Exposed is set to become the go-to podcast for the conversations happening behind the headlines.

As tax reforms reshape Australia's investment landscape, more investors are looking beyond residential property, putting commercial real estate firmly back on the radar.

On the REB Business Empowerment Showcase, Liam Garman is joined by commercial buyer's agent Chris Huxter to discuss why recent budget changes have renewed interest in commercial assets and what investors need to know before making the switch.

Huxter explains why commercial property has largely escaped the proposed changes affecting residential investors, driving a noticeable increase in inquiries from investors looking to diversify their portfolios.

The pair also explore why industrial property continues to outperform, the risks behind chasing high yields, and the due diligence investors often overlook when buying commercial assets.

The conversation covers the importance of understanding leases, tenant quality, and specialist property management, with Huxter outlining the common mistakes that can turn a seemingly attractive commercial investment into a costly one.

Property managers are being challenged to think beyond rent collection, with the industry's future increasingly defined by strategic advice, technology, and stronger investor relationships. On The Property Management Excellence (PMX) Podcast, Phil Tarrant sits down with LJ Hooker's head of property management for Australia and New Zealand, Cathie Crampton, to discuss how the profession is evolving and where agencies can create more value for landlords. Crampton argues property managers should shift from being transactional operators to true asset managers. She said property managers should be helping investors maximise returns through rental performance, tax depreciation, property improvements, and long-term portfolio planning rather than focusing solely on rent. The conversation also examines the growing role of technology and AI, with automation taking over routine administration and freeing property managers to spend more time building relationships and delivering strategic advice. The pair then discuss the future value of rent rolls, explaining how operational efficiency, strong business culture, and high-quality data are becoming key drivers of growth as agencies look to expand through acquisition.

Australia's property market is entering another period of uncertainty, with the SMSF borrowing deadline, interest rate speculation, and shifting buyer demand all set to test the market in the months ahead.

On Property Buzz, Phil Tarrant and Liam Garman discuss the SMSF buying rush ahead of the 10 August deadline, what the market could look like once that demand fades, and where opportunities may emerge for prepared buyers.

The pair also examine how tighter borrowing conditions are pushing investors towards higher-yielding properties, and why chasing cash flow alone could come at the expense of long-term performance.

They also turn their attention to the latest trust account theft case, questioning why fraud continues to plague the industry and whether technology can finally remove one of real estate's biggest ongoing risks.

The days of winning business with an inflated price guide are over. In today's market, accurate appraisals separate top agents from the rest – with those getting the price wrong risking the client, the campaign, and the result.

On the REB Podcast, deputy editor Emilie Lauer sits down with Elders trainer, mentor, and coach Sebastian Bonaccorso to discuss why appraisal skills have become more critical than ever as agents navigate a more competitive and considered market.

With more than 40 years in the industry and over 11,000 auctions under his belt, Bonaccorso shares why agents must move away from chasing listings through unrealistic expectations and instead build trust by delivering honest, evidence-based appraisals.

The discussion explores the skills separating top agents in today's market, from managing vendor expectations, using comparable sales effectively, and building trust from the first conversation through to negotiation and sale.

Finally, Bonaccorso explains why today's market is exposing the gap between agents who rely on favourable conditions and those who continue to sharpen their skills, with preparation, transparency, and ongoing training becoming the foundations of long-term success.

The market hasn't beaten great agents. It has exposed the ones who stopped learning.

On the REB Business Empowerment Showcase, Liam Garman sits down with coach Michael Sheargold to discuss why today's changing market is separating agents who adapt from those waiting for conditions to improve.

Sheargold argues that many agents have only experienced one type of market, leaving them unprepared as buyer behaviour shifts and competition intensifies.

He explains why the industry's best performers are focusing on new skills, better conversations, and stronger leadership rather than blaming market conditions.

The discussion also explores the responsibility of agency leaders, with Sheargold revealing why coaching, communication, and understanding what success looks like for each team member have become more important than ever.

Finally, the pair examine AI's growing role in real estate, why leaders should embrace technology without losing the human element, and how agencies can position themselves for long-term success regardless of where the market heads next.

The agencies winning more landlords won't be the ones simply collecting rent – they'll be the ones proving their value beyond the basics.

On The Property Management Excellence (PMX) Podcast, Alex Whitlock is joined by Jason Back from Broker Essentials to discuss why property management is at a turning point and what agencies can learn from the transformation of mortgage broking.

The pair explore why collecting rent and managing maintenance is no longer enough, with landlords increasingly looking for advice, communication, and greater value from their property managers.

Back explains how mortgage brokers built trust by solving bigger client problems, and why property managers have a similar opportunity to become strategic partners in an investor's journey.

The discussion also highlights why proactive communication, stronger relationships, and a clear value proposition will separate the agencies that grow from those that simply manage properties.