Thought Leaders – Real Estate Re-imagined (formerly The Elevate Podcast)

In a profession known for its cutting edge competition, three agents are redefining what it means to be a real estate agent one good deed at a time.

For Ray White Northern Coast Director of Investment Growth Janine Prinsloo, Buxton Geelong Group Director Matt Plunkett and Ray White Erskineville Senior Sales Executive Moira Verheijen, real estate isn’t just about doing deals, it’s about using the platform to give back to their clients and their communities.

In this special edition of the Elevate podcast, hosted by Kylie Dulhunty, the trio reveal their acts of kindness, why they look to help others and how, even though it’s not the aim, they help build a personal brand and shape their success.

Janine reveals that her dedication to kindness, from crafting memorable gifts to consistently going the extra mile, has enriched her career and deepened her client relationships in property management.

Matt shares how his philanthropy and innovative use of real estate tools not only support community causes but also humanise the industry, showing that genuine engagement can redefine the role of real estate agents.

Moira explains how her signature gesture of baking cookies for open houses enhances her relatability, creates lasting impressions, and strengthens client relationships, emphasizing the power of personal touches in real estate.

“We don’t do it for business. Definitely not. I can guarantee that. It’s because I want to help, first of all, but I think it shows the human side of a real estate agent as well.” – Matt Plunkett

If you know of a real estate professional doing good deeds for their clients or community please let us know at [email protected]

What would you do with an extra hour or two each day?

Would you prospect more? Spend more time with your clients? Work on your business, not in it? Connect with your team more often?

Artificial intelligence can give you the unfair advantage over your competition.

In today’s special edition of the Elevate podcast, Elite Agent Managing Editor Samantha McLean takes you back to her appearance on Virable Founder Jonathan Creek’s Spring into Action podcast, taking a deep dive into the impact of AI on business, particularly real estate.

Sam explores how AI tools, such as ChatGPT, are redefining communication and content generation and creating operational efficiencies in real estate.

Samantha and Jonathan also analyse the importance of approaching AI, or any new technology, with a curious mindset and why embracing adaptability is critical to personal and professional growth in the ever evolving AI era.

Sam also examines AI’s limitations and touches on why what ChatGPT produces should only ever be a first draft, not the final output.

“If what you’re looking to do is to grow your business, the smart thing to do with AI is to save time on the admin-type stuff, and spend that time doing more human things and more creative things, with both your customers and, I would say, your team.” – SAMANTHA MCLEAN

To win more listings with AI, join the waitlist for Sam’s upcoming AI Powered Agents course at https://aiagentcourse.com.

To subscribe to AI powered agents and keep up with all the latest on AI and real estate visit https://aipoweredagents.com.

In the ever-evolving world of real estate, staying ahead of the competition is crucial. With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT, gaining that edge is increasingly achievable. Samantha McLean, in a recent episode of the Elevate podcast, shared her insights on how AI is reshaping the industry and strategies for its effective use.

Maximising Time with AI
Samantha believes that success lies in optimising the time saved through AI tools. A thoughtful leader, she notes, would use this time to enhance human connections and refine business processes, as exemplified by Matt LaHood, who focuses on fostering relationships within his team.

The Impact of AI on Real Estate
In her conversation with Jonathan Craig on Spring Into Action, Samantha discussed the transformative role of AI in the industry. Tools like ChatGPT are improving communication, content creation, and workflow efficiency. However, she emphasises the importance of a learning mindset and critically reviewing AI outputs to ensure quality and reliability.

Learning and Adaptability in the AI Era
Adaptability is key in navigating AI’s rapid advancements. Samantha advises agents and property managers to embrace AI as a tool for efficiency while sharpening their human skills. Ultimately, the effectiveness of AI depends on how it is applied.

Content Creation with AI
Engaging content remains vital to business strategy. While AI can assist in generating ideas, Samantha stresses the need for human oversight to ensure content resonates with the target audience. By automating routine tasks, agents can dedicate more time to community engagement and relationship-building.

A Balanced Approach to AI
Samantha recommends a measured approach to AI adoption. Staying informed about developments and scrutinising AI-generated information is essential, particularly when using it for client communications or creating policies. Personalisation and relevance must remain priorities.

Getting Started with AI
For those new to AI, Samantha suggests exploring tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT with a curious, experimental mindset. Resources like futuretools.io can offer guidance and inspiration for maximising AI’s potential.

Summary
Samantha McLean highlights AI’s transformative potential in real estate, stressing the need for a balance between technological capabilities and human wisdom. By adopting AI thoughtfully, real estate professionals can enhance their operations, strengthen client relationships, and maintain a competitive edge in the industry.

1. What was the main focus of this podcast episode?
The episode focused on the transformative potential of AI in the real estate industry, with Samantha McLean sharing strategies for effectively leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT.

2. How does Samantha suggest real estate professionals use AI to maximise their time?
Samantha advises using time saved by AI to focus on human-centric tasks, such as fostering relationships and improving business operations.

3. What impact does AI have on the real estate industry?
AI improves communication, streamlines processes, and assists in content creation. However, Samantha stresses the importance of critically evaluating AI outputs and understanding its limitations.

4. What role does AI play in content creation?
AI can generate content ideas and draft materials, but human input is essential to ensure the content resonates with audiences and aligns with business goals.

5. How should agents balance AI and human skills?
Samantha encourages agents to embrace AI for efficiency while refining their interpersonal and strategic skills, ensuring a balance between automation and empathy.

6. What are Samantha’s tips for implementing AI?

7. What tools does Samantha recommend for getting started with AI?
She recommends starting with OpenAI’s ChatGPT and exploring platforms like futuretools.io for deeper insights into AI capabilities.

8. What are the key takeaways from Samantha’s insights on AI?
Real estate professionals should approach AI with a strategic mindset, leveraging its capabilities while maintaining a focus on human connections and ethical practices.

9. Who would benefit most from this podcast episode?
The episode is ideal for real estate agents, property managers, and industry professionals keen to explore how AI can enhance their business operations and client interactions.

Nyree Ewing’s real estate ethos is remarkably simple but highly effective – building a referral empire starts with a single well-served client.

In an industry where many promise personalised service, yet often fail to deliver, the high-performance agent with LJ Hooker Property Centre has made her point of difference her ability to create swift, genuine connections with clients and provide hands-on service for both vendors and buyers.

In today’s edition of the Elevate podcast, hosted by Kylie Dulhunty, Nyree reveals how she has crafted a reputation for excellence in the real estate market, turning her unexpected start in the profession to an enviable reputation as an agent that marries heart with a tireless work ethic.

Nyree also takes a deep dive into her collaborative approach with buyers’ agents to enhance service delivery, her focus on understanding client motivations for unmatched personal connection, and how these elements have built a robust referral network.

Kylie and Nyree also explore her strategic navigation of the fast-paced Brisbane market, her methods for managing professional resilience, and her plans for scaling her business while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Nyree reveals how each step of her journey has not only shaped her professional identity but also continuously drives her to innovate and adapt, ensuring her services always exceed client expectations.

“It’s about acknowledging that it is a really personalised service. Acknowledging that whole selling experience and that, even if someone is selling an investment property, there is a reason why their selling it and that will have an impact on them personally.”

Kylie and Nyree also discuss

Tara Bradbury knows how to reshape the real estate landscape, one innovation at a time.

A master of transformation, Tara has pioneered a paperless agency at Active Agents, not only embracing technology, but turning it into a defining pillar of her brand and setting new standards of efficiency and client engagement.

Tara and her husband Shane recently celebrated five years in business – and in today’s edition of the Elevate podcast, with Samantha McLean, Tara takes a deep dive into why she left her successful coaching career to become an agent again and reveals the strategies that have helped her build success.

She explores the impact of virtual tours and how they’ve revolutionised how properties are shown, saved her team time, and helped them serve their clients better.

Sam and Tara also examine her innovative approach to building authentic social media engagement and how she turns every tenant interaction into a potential referral.

Tara also reveals how changes to Queensland’s rental laws have impacted her business and how maintaining a work-life balance fuels her professional and personal growth.

“If you’re thinking of starting your own property management business, don’t be afraid. Just because someone tells you that you can’t do it doesn’t mean there’s not another way or another angle to get to it.”

Fostering talent today lays the foundation for tomorrow’s leaders.

That’s the astute ethos of not just Ray White Chairman, Brian White, but of Australasia’s largest real estate group as a whole.

In a very special edition of the Elevate podcast, Brian sat down with host Samantha McLean, at Ray White’s recent Leadership Academy, peeling back the layers on the 122-year-old group’s strategic approach to nurturing the next generation of real estate pioneers, building a culture of competitive selling and a focus on always innovating.

Brian also reveals the nuances behind trademarking the term ‘Competition Creators’, why auctions are a core philosophy in the group and why they are not merely a sales tactic, but a driver of market momentum that offers advantages for vendors and buyers.

He also shares insights on The Tesolin Group leader Josh Tesolin’s meteoric rise in the industry, including the traits that foster his success and the principles industry newcomers can adopt to craft their own careers.

Brian and Sam also discuss Ray White’s strategies for tripling its market share in just a few years,  how a culture of excellence propels agents forward, the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing real estate practices, and the essential nature of mental resilience for agents navigating market fluctuations.

“Being a family business has a lot of advantages. We are the springboard for our people, and the harder they jump on us, the higher they’re going to go.”

The early years of Active Agents were characterised by a commitment to innovation and client-centric strategies. Tara set out to establish a paperless office, addressing the needs of the Hervey Bay market. Traditional, paper-based applications were replaced with streamlined online systems, making the process more accessible for out-of-area clients.

Initial hurdles included resistance from within the industry and documents requiring physical signatures. However, the introduction of digital signatures and a gradual shift in attitudes towards technology allowed Tara’s innovative approach to flourish. Her priority was clear: to deliver high-level service that benefited landlords and tenants by embracing cutting-edge technology.

Adapting to Market and Regulatory Changes
In a constantly shifting industry, Tara’s ability to adapt has been critical. From navigating COVID-19 challenges to tackling legislative changes in Queensland, including new pet policies, she emphasised proactive communication and education. By prioritising transparent relationships and compliance, Tara has built trust and a strong reputation among property owners.

Harnessing Technology as a Differentiator
The integration of virtual tours has been a significant innovation, enhancing the tenant experience and offering landlords comprehensive insights into properties. As market challenges arose, such advancements helped Active Agents retain a competitive edge.

Customer Service as a Growth Catalyst
Tara attributes much of Active Agents’ growth to tenant referrals—a testament to the company’s exceptional service. By providing genuine assistance and feedback to prospective tenants, even when they weren’t leasing from Active Agents, Tara created brand advocates among tenants.

Looking Ahead: Growth with Purpose
Under Tara’s leadership, Active Agents has grown while maintaining its core values. The addition of a sales department, led by Shane Bradbury, marks a strategic expansion. However, the company remains committed to selective, purpose-driven growth that aligns with its ethos.

Managing Work-Life Balance in a Family Business
Working alongside her husband, Shane, Tara acknowledges the importance of clear boundaries between work and personal life. Strategic communication and prioritising family well-being have been central to managing these dynamics effectively.

Future Prospects and Unyielding Resilience
The next chapter for Active Agents will focus on continued growth, innovation, and maintaining its ethical foundations. Tara’s dedication to exemplary service and adapting to industry changes will remain central to the business’s ongoing success.

Summary
Tara Bradbury’s journey with Active Agents highlights resilience, innovation, and a steadfast vision. Her story offers invaluable lessons for business leaders navigating change. Tara’s advice resonates deeply: never let naysayers define your path; remain true to your vision, ask the right questions, and forge ahead with purpose.

1. Who is Tara Bradbury?
Tara Bradbury is the founder of Active Agents, a real estate agency based in Hervey Bay. She is recognised for her innovative approach to property management and her commitment to leveraging technology to improve client experiences.

2. What is Active Agents?
Active Agents is a boutique real estate agency known for its paperless operations, tenant-focused innovations, and exceptional customer service. The agency recently celebrated its fifth anniversary.

3. What were the challenges Tara faced in the early days of Active Agents?

4. How has technology played a role in Active Agents’ success?
Tara implemented several tech innovations, including:

5. How does Active Agents handle regulatory and market changes?
Tara stays proactive by:

6. What makes Active Agents’ customer service unique?
Active Agents focuses on providing genuine support and advice to all clients, including prospective tenants who may not end up leasing from them. This approach has led to strong tenant referrals, a key driver of the agency’s growth.

7. How has Active Agents expanded its services?
The agency recently introduced a sales department led by Shane Bradbury, focusing on selective and value-aligned growth while maintaining its property management foundations.

8. What challenges does Tara face working with her husband, Shane?
Tara highlights the importance of setting clear boundaries between work and personal life, strategic communication, and prioritising family well-being to manage the dynamics of a family-run business.

9. What advice does Tara offer to others in the real estate industry?

10. What are Tara’s plans for the future of Active Agents?
Tara aims to:

Josh Horner knows how to choreograph success, one client at a time.

Adept at grabbing an audience’s attention and keeping it, Josh has rewritten the script as a dancer on Broadway, a choreographer at Disneyland and now he’s doing it with real estate.

As director of The Horner Agency, Josh has built an attraction brand and redefined what it means to engage, educate, entertain and exceed expectations in an industry where trust, time, and confidence are currency.

In today’s edition of the Elevate podcast, hosted by Kylie Dulhunty, Josh gives a master class in how to tap into the emotion behind a sale and use it to connect with clients and craft memorable experiences that generate word-of-mouth acclaim.

He also peels back the layers on how he creates his viral listing and sold videos, including how to capture and keep attention, how to navigate the fine line between clever and tacky and what to do when a vendor isn’t interested in a humorous video.

Kylie also quizzes Josh on his dance career, how he got into real estate, the unlikely crossover skills between the two professions, and the strategies that took Josh from struggling with real estate basics to the phone ringing off the hook.

And what about his garden gnome logo? With the flair that only he can muster, Josh reveals where the logo concept came from, what it symbolises and how his client gifts continue to market his brand long after the sold sticker goes up.

“Your two words are trust and confidence, with the entire community. If you can build trust and confidence with people, then they’ll listen to what you have to say. Otherwise you just sound like a bloody parrot repeating some scripts or dialogue from some real estate coach.”

Josh Horner, celebrated internationally as a dancer and now a trailblazer in the Australian property industry, understands this better than most. On the latest episode of the Elevate podcast, Josh shared his journey from the ballet stage to real estate, revealing the innovative strategies that set him apart in the industry.

A Journey in Dance
Josh Horner’s career began in professional dance. Born in Wyong, his passion for dance stemmed from a doctor’s recommendation to strengthen his lungs after childhood asthma. After rigorous training at the Australian Ballet School, he joined the Australian Ballet, later branching into musical theatre with roles in Dirty Dancing, Billy Elliot, and performances on Broadway. His adaptability and vibrant energy were evident even during his stint as a judge on Dancing with the Stars Australia.

Transitioning to Property
After years of global performances, Josh returned to Australia ready for a new challenge. Initially hesitant, he was encouraged by a friend’s suggestion to try real estate. Though the learning curve was steep – grappling with industry-specific terms like “vendor” and “exchange” – Josh applied the discipline from his performance career. Skills like reading body language and engaging naturally with clients have been pivotal to his success.

Revamping the Real Estate Experience
Josh’s signature energy and charisma remained as he entered the real estate arena. He channelled these traits into creating a buying and selling process that is both memorable and enjoyable. Known for producing video marketing content that blends entertainment with showcasing properties effectively, Josh transforms transactions into celebrations, building client trust and fostering emotional connections with buyers.

Creating a Personal Brand
Josh has cultivated a unique personal brand as the “House Guy,” making real estate transactions engaging and approachable. Through social media, he shares vibrant property videos and celebrates sales with joyful “soul dances,” resonating with clients and prospective buyers alike.

The Iconic Gnome
A playful garden gnome has become a hallmark of Josh’s brand. More than just a quirky symbol, it embodies his mission to bring joy and connection to his clients, creating a memorable touchpoint in their real estate journey.

Moving Forward
Looking ahead, Josh aims to grow his brand by building a team that shares his client-focused ethos. He remains committed to quality and authenticity, prioritising genuine connections over volume.

Summary:
Josh Horner’s story illustrates how embracing past experiences and individuality can lead to success in any industry. By blending his passion for dance with real estate, Josh is redefining client experiences, one joyful “soul dance” at a time.

1. Who is Josh Horner?
Josh Horner is an internationally renowned dancer turned real estate professional in Australia. Known for his dynamic energy and innovative approach, he has redefined the property buying and selling experience.

2. What is Josh’s background in dance?
Josh trained at the Australian Ballet School and performed with the Australian Ballet before transitioning to musical theatre. His career highlights include roles in Dirty Dancing, Billy Elliot, and performances on Broadway. He was also a judge on Dancing with the Stars Australia.

3. Why did Josh transition to real estate?
After years of performing globally, Josh sought a new challenge upon returning to Australia. Encouraged by a friend, he entered real estate, applying the discipline and interpersonal skills developed during his dance career.

4. How has Josh applied his dance experience to real estate?
Josh leverages skills like reading body language, engaging naturally with people, and performing under pressure. These qualities have helped him connect with clients and excel in creating memorable property experiences.

5. What is Josh’s unique approach to real estate?
Josh combines entertainment and professionalism by creating video marketing content that highlights properties in a lively and engaging way. He ensures the process of buying and selling homes is enjoyable and celebratory for his clients.

6. What is the significance of the “House Guy” brand?
The “House Guy” brand reflects Josh’s playful and approachable personality in real estate. It includes vibrant social media content and celebratory “soul dances” for successful sales, which resonate with both buyers and sellers.

7. Why does Josh use a garden gnome as part of his branding?
The garden gnome symbolises playfulness and joy, values that underpin Josh’s approach to real estate. It helps clients associate his services with positive and memorable experiences.

8. What advice does Josh offer to others?
Josh advises people not to take themselves too seriously, to embrace playfulness, and to engage with life joyfully. This mindset has been a cornerstone of his success.

9. What are Josh’s future plans in real estate?
Josh plans to expand his brand by building a team that shares his joyful, client-focused approach while maintaining authenticity and quality in all interactions.

Success in the Easter market and beyond hinges on strategic planning and seizing opportunities.

And no one knows how agents can achieve exactly that, better than The Agency’s CEO of Real Estate, Matt Lahood.

On today’s episode of the Elevate podcast, hosted by Samantha McLean, Matt unveils groundbreaking strategies for maximising sales and supercharging client engagement in an ‘always on’ landscape where agent response times can make or break deals.

Matt also takes a deep dive into the essence of effective planning, how you can leverage the Easter period to its full potential, and why face-to-face interactions with clients are more important than ever.

He also tackles the ever-persistent challenge of talent acquisition, and offers a fresh perspective on optimising revenue while minimising expenditures for a robust business model.

“Speed is a new currency. If you can ring up and get McDonald’s delivered to your door in 20 minutes and you can’t find an agent… Well, our industry is disconnected from reality, isn’t it?” – Matt Lahood

In an industry that promotes that it never sleeps and where agents thrive on hustling, will new Right to Disconnect legislation change the fabric of real estate?

That’s the question Elite Agent Digital Editor, Kylie Dulhunty, explores in this episode of the Elevate podcast, hosted by Samantha McLean.

Kylie takes a deep dive into how the legislation will alter real estate practices, detailing the specific types of communication affected and what will happen if agencies fail to comply.

She unpacks the six crucial factors that will be examined in deciding if communication is unreasonable, offers insights into how this legislation extends to evaluating employee behaviour as well and explores what the changes mean for sales agents, property managers, senior managers and admin staff.

“I’ve talked to agents that have driven to the airport in Sydney at 10 o’clock at night because the vendors have got back and a buyer has signed and they want to get the deal done. And I think that is still going to happen, because if you look at the way sales agents are paid, it’s based on commission. So if they potentially miss that contact, it could really affect what they earn. If they miss a phone call or an email, it could mean they miss a listing or they miss a sale, that buyer’s gone and they buy with someone else.” – Kylie Dulhunty

Elite Agent: What the right to disconnect means for you
REIQ: Right to disconnect – Information for real estate workplaces

Kul Singh’s method for elevating the agent experience with REA Group hinges on a simple but effective principle of doing and being “better”.

As today’s guest on the Elevate podcast, hosted by Samantha McLean, the Chief Customer Officer reveals the three pillars REA Group will focus on this year – better customer experiences, better employee experiences and better business growth.

He takes a deep dive into the transformative strategies that set the stage for customer satisfaction and agent success, including a new focus on streamlining onboarding, and how this intersects with what buyers and sellers want in today’s market – price transparency and data security.

Kul also analyses 2023’s market shifts, the positive outlook for this year and how agents can harness these changes to not only meet, but exceed, their own clients’ expectations.

Sam and Kul also dissect the ethos behind Ready24, and how this initiative and the prestigious AREA Awards go beyond accolades to foster a culture of excellence and philanthropy among real estate professionals, and how each can help agents better build their brand and engage more with real estate consumers.

“If we come down to the fundamentals on what consumers are looking for, they want prices on listings and 70 per cent of them say they skip past listings without them. That’s not good for us. That’s not good for our customers.” – Kul Singh

What makes a good year a great year in business?

Usually it’s not dozens of things … often it’s as simple as strategically making (or missing!) one or two ‘genius’ moves.

And it’s with that realisation that Elite Agent Managing Editor Samantha McLean and Publisher Mark Edwards decided the theme for this year’s Elite Retreat.

In this special edition of the Elevate podcast, Samantha and Mark take you behind the scenes of our annual signature event, Elite Retreat and what makes the event truly unique in the industry.

They also reveal the plan to invite a couple of people to speak at Elite Retreat, enter our new Innovation Awards and be a part of the action in our fresh launched newsletter, Movers + Shakers; bringing together all the latest on the big moves in the real estate industry.

Mark and Sam also share what they learnt from flipping and selling their Gold Coast home, including how they chose their agent, the easy opportunities agents missed and how you can use their experience to stand out from your competition.

“Success leaves clues, but it doesn’t guarantee it. You’ve always got to put your own spin on whatever it is and face forwards, not backwards.” – Samantha McLean