Secrets Of The Top 100 Agents

On this episode of Secrets of the Top 100 Agents, REB journalist Emilie Lauer sits down with Natalie Hortz and Bridgette Collis to explore how women are overcoming structural barriers in the traditionally male-dominated field of real estate – and how they can continue to empower one another to rise to the top. Natalie shares how she has seen women step into roles once dominated by men, including sales and business leadership, while also reflecting on how lingering perceptions of the industry can still hold back true parity. Bridgette then dives into the power of mentorship and the importance of finding role models to inspire the next generation of female real estate professionals. Together, they discuss the Leading Ladies of Real Estate initiative, a thriving community where women can connect, learn, and support one another – creating valuable opportunities for mentorship and networking to elevate their careers. Throughout the episode, they also tackle common challenges faced by women in real estate, includin

In this episode of Secrets of the Top 100 Agents, founder and director of A-Class Estate Agents, Amir Jahan, joins Liam Garman to discuss his pathway to Instagram fame – and how he’s harnessed social media to cut through the clutter, drive his listings, and deliver results for his vendors. Amir talks about his life journey, including tackling homelessness as a teenager, and how he built his real estate business. The pair then discuss Amir’s fame on Instagram, including appearances on a number of prime time television shows, and how he used expensive cars to cut through a cluttered market in Western Sydney to deliver results for his clients. Amir shares his marketing tips for agents looking for media cut-through, and how he’s now looking to open his third office. Enjoy the podcast, The REB team

In this episode of Secrets of the Top 100 Agents, Thom Richards, managing director and head of product at Cohabit Technologies, joins host Liam Garman to discuss strata management and the need for greater transparency for all stakeholders. Formerly the head of product at Managed, Thom shares his steps to providing a verified source of truth for building data across the nation. He then unpacks Cohabit’s health score, evaluating buildings across five key pillars: financial aspects, compliance, liveability, condition, and sustainability. Liam and Thom also look at what the future of strata management looks like, and how technology is changing the field. Enjoy the podcast, The REB team Did you like this episode? Show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (REB Podcast Network) and by liking and following Real Estate Business on social media: Facebook, X and LinkedIn. If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you’d like to lend a

In the latest episode of the REB Business Empowerment Showcase, Liam Garman sits with Paul Findlay, director of real estate Australia at Cloudstaff, to discuss key challenges and innovative solutions in the real estate industry - and how business can utilise outsourcing to scale operations. Paul discusses his transition from real estate agent to Cloudstaff, addressing the 4,000 vacant property management jobs, staff retention challenges, and the role of remote assistants in easing workloads.   Technology, especially artificial intelligence, is also explored as a key product to enhance efficiency and productivity, with Paul addressing the misconceptions about offshoring and emphasising the role of remote assistants in filling job gaps.   The pair address key myths in outsourcing including cyber security, with Paul outlining the measures Cloudstaff takes to protect client data, and how Cloudstaff helps support employees, including its professional development and personal wellbeing initiatives.   The podcast co

How have economic indicators, local and global events, and supply and demand shaped the first half of the 2025 Australian property market? In this episode of Secrets of the Top 100 Agents, host Emilie Lauer sits down with Dr Diaswati Mardiasmo, chief economist at PRD, to unpack the network’s latest Australian Economic and Property Update report for the first half of 2025. Key topics include the resilient but cautious economic climate in Australia, the country’s global standing in property development and capital city performance. Diaswati said that while Brisbane and Adelaide drive price growth, Melbourne remains more affordable, and rising construction costs have been affecting new builds in most parts of the country. The duo also discusses the rental market, noting a slight easing in rental inflation and the potential for cash rate cuts in the second half of 2025. Diaswati highlights the impact of the federal election on buyer activity and investor sentiment, especially among first home buyers, due to uncer

Queensland agent Anna Dunne knows all too well that time management and personal accountability form the backbone of sales success. On this episode of Secrets of the Top 100 Agents, host Liam Garman sits down with Place Bulimba lead agent Anna Dunne to discuss her career shift from hairdresser to real estate agent, and the mindset and techniques that have fuelled her sales success. Having worked as a hairdresser and hair care product salesperson, Anna shares how excellent time management and a consistently positive outlook enabled her to pivot into real estate and overcome the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic. Anna also discusses how her determination and strong sense of personal agency have helped her succeed as an agent, and shares her approach to empowering and uplifting her team to fulfil their goals.  Did you like this episode? Show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (REB Podcast Network) and by liking and following Real Estate Business on social media: Facebook, X and Link

Software expert Rohith George shares why embracing innovative financial management solutions is key to preventing trust abuse and enhancing operational efficiency. In this episode of Secrets of the Top 100 Agents, host Liam Garman is joined by Rohith George, chief operating officer at Managed, to discuss how agencies can mitigate the risks associated with trust account mismanagement and modernise their approach to financial transactions. The pair unpacks the vulnerabilities of traditional trust accounts, where large sums of money are handled manually, creating opportunities for misuse. They then explore how emerging digital solutions, such as automated payment platforms, are reshaping the industry and offering transparency, efficiency and compliance benefits. George also delves into the advantages of digital wallet systems that eliminate the need for communal trust accounts and reduce administrative burdens. Additionally, the duo talks about how agencies leveraging these technologies have significantly cut co

In this episode of the Secrets of the Top 100 Agents podcast, top agent turned coach and auctioneer Adrian Bo sits down with REB editor Liam Garman to unpack what makes a top performing agent, including how he nurtures the skills necessary for success. Adrian begins the podcast discussing the “20 per cent club”: how the top 20 per cent of agents make 80 per cent of the income. He then unpacks their common skills, and challenges conventional wisdom that prioritises technical skills over personal attributes. The podcast continues unpacking how agents can develop goals and KPIs to stay accountable, before analysing how to best structure sales processes – from calls to calendars and CRMs. The podcast wraps up with critical insights on how to structure a campaign in its final days before auction. Enjoy the podcast, The REB team Did you like this episode? Show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (REB Podcast Network) and by liking and following Real Estate Business on social media: Face

In this episode of the Secrets of the Top 100 Agents podcast, speaker, trainer and coach Josh Phegan sits down with REB editor Liam Garman to unpack how agents can strive for excellence and what they should expect from the property market over the next 12 months. The pair begin the podcast discussing what’s in store for the property market over 2025, including the impact of the upcoming “property election” and potential rate changes, before discussing whether it might lead to unforeseen consequences for agents. The speaker, trainer and coach then shares his top tips for developing one’s mindset and motivation, before discussing common mistakes that he sees as agents adopt new technologies. Josh wraps up the podcast sharing his must-read books for agents looking to broaden their horizons and continue learning. Enjoy the podcast, The REB team Did you like this episode? Show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (REB Podcast Network) and by liking and following Real Estate Business on s

Agents who prioritise a knowledge-based approach are best prepared to navigate the evolving real estate sector. On this episode of Secrets of the Top 100 Agents, host Liam Garman is joined by the CEO of Laing+Simmons and president of the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA), Leanne Pilkington, to discuss how agents can set themselves up for success in the ever-changing real estate sector. The duo unpack the potential legislative changes and economic shifts the real estate sector could face in 2025, such as the impending anti-money laundering (AML) legislation, and highlight the importance of being prepared for the compliance requirements that will soon be mandatory for agents. Leanne also discusses her unique leadership style which prioritises accountability and transparency, and delves into how agency leaders can create a team culture where personnel are empowered to take ownership of their own goals and actions. Did you like this episode? Show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Pod

In this episode of the Secrets of the top 100 Agents, REB editor Liam Garman unveils REB’s new Stellar Agencies 2025 ranking, recognising the nation’s top 10  independent property management start-ups.   Liam is joined by director of Agile Market Intelligence, Michael Johnson, to discuss the key metrics used to assess the nation’s top performing property management start-ups, including the number of properties under management, growth, and efficiency score.    Liam and Michael pull apart some of the emerging themes across this year’s top 10 – including how some start-ups are harnessing emerging payment technologies to improve efficiency and increase the number of properties per manager.    To learn more about the Stellar Agencies, and to view this year’s full ranking, click here. 

In this crossover episode with The ifa Show, hosts Maja Garaca Djurdjevic and Keith Ford are joined by shadow financial services minister Luke Howarth to discuss the Coalition’s goals for financial advice and the economy. They begin the podcast discussing the Coalition’s stance on implementing the Quality of Advice Review (QAR) recommendations. The podcast then turns to analysing the Australian economy following high inflation and increased government spending. The trio wrap up the podcast discussing whether the financial advice profession would be better off under a Coalition government.

Parliamentary wrangling, rental reforms, industry news and agency moves – here’s what dominated real estate headlines in 2024. On this episode of Secrets of the top 100 Agents, REB editor Juliet Helmke is joined by journalists Sebastian Holloman and Liv Adams to discuss the year in review. The trio rehash the government policies that struggled to make their way through Parliament this year, and set the scene for their future in 2025. They also take a look at where some of the states that are making big changes to rental regulations currently stand, so that the industry is well-informed heading into 2025. Together, Juliet, Sebastian and Liv recount some of the big industry changes that took place over the past 12 months, and pay tribute to the agencies going out of their way to give back to their communities. Did you like this episode? Show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (REB Podcast Network) and by liking and following Real Estate Business on social media: Facebook, Twitter 

Whether a business leader or industry professional, everyone can benefit from taking stock of what they’ve achieved in 2024 and use it proactively to set goals for 2025. On this episode of Secrets of the Top 100 Agents, host Juliet Helmke speaks with Jacqui Barnes, Laing+Simmons head of people and growth, about how she helps the network’s businesses and professionals strategise for the year ahead. Jacqui delves into some of the factors that are set to influence real estate businesses in 2025, and how they can prepare to tackle them with their team. The duo share strategies on setting goals that are both motivating and achievable. Jacqui explains the method she encourages professionals to use for creating measurable outcomes, and shares the best advice she’s heard for starting a new year strong. Did you like this episode? Show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (REB Podcast Network) and by liking and following Real Estate Business on social media: Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. If

In a nation that has embraced auctions, the reputation of this sales strategy is mixed. But according to one auctioneer, the experience can always be positive if the professionals involved communicate right. On this episode of Secrets of the Top 100 Agents, Aaron Davis, Harcourts’ new head of auctions Australia, talks with REB’s Juliet Helmke to discuss making the jump over the Tasman from the New Zealand market into Australia, and how he’s approaching being a mentor to the network’s up-and-coming auctioneers in the nation. Aaron shares some of the lessons he learnt as a young professional – including the biggest mistake he sees young auctioneers are making – and his thoughts on who is suited to the job. The duo discuss gender diversity in the auctioneering world, and what’s required to encourage more women to enter the fold. Aaron also gives his views on why auctions can benefit all parties, so long as the professionals involved are upfront and honest in their communication. Did you like this episode? Show

Training, education and upskilling are integral to excelling in real estate, and different types of businesses will approach these tasks in different ways. On this episode of REB’s Business Empowerment Showcase, host Phil Tarrant speaks with Christine Mikhael, chief executive officer of LJ Hooker, about her journey into real estate and how a chance offer to work in property management led her to the top job in one of the biggest real estate networks in Australia. Christine shares her experience working in both an independent model as well as a number of big real estate brands, and explains her perspective on the pros and cons that business leaders must weigh when deciding how to structure their businesses. The duo discuss the modernisation of the real estate industry, and how LJ Hooker has adapted to suit the times. Christine also talks about what’s ahead for the network in 2025.

What does it mean for a suburb to be both liveable and affordable?  In this episode of Secrets of the Top 100 Agents, REB’s Juliet Helmke speaks with Dr Diaswati Mardiasmo, chief economist at PRD, to unpack the network’s latest report in a series its been issuing for 10 years, that defines not only the suburbs with a below-average price point, but those that also offer high amenity. The duo discuss the market segments that have been gaining steam, and delve into how buyer preferences have been increasingly changing, with new attitudes to lifestyle set to define what’s selling in 2025. Diaswati spotlights some of the surprising hotspots identified in the report across Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and beyond. She shares what the firm has learnt doing these reports over 10 years, and provides insight into what economic factors will define the market in the year ahead.

The REB editorial team breaks down the latest real estate news and explores how these developments are shaping the industry today, laying the groundwork for what’s ahead in the months and years to come. On this episode of Secrets of the Top 100 Agents, hosts Juliet Helmke and Sebastian Holloman examine the federal government’s stalled housing policies and explore their chances of passing in the final parliamentary sessions of the year. The duo also delve into what markets are running hot in Australia’s multispeed property market, and assess whether a slight rise in the national vacancy rate signals positive change, before discussing how the winning designs of NSW’s pattern book initiative could offer an innovative solution to the state’s housing shortage. Did you like this episode? Show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (REB Podcast Network) and by liking and following Real Estate Business on social media: Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. If you have any questions about what you

One of the most valuable assets of a real estate agency is its data – but only if business leaders and personnel know how to use it. On this episode of PropTech Pulse, REB’s Juliet Helmke speaks with Josh Symons, head of real estate solutions at CoreLogic, which took out the coveted award for AI Innovator in the category of Real Estate at the inaugural edition of the Australian AI Awards. Josh explains the value that real estate agencies are often sitting on in the form of their deep trove of data, and how AI tools can help to mine its potential to deliver better results for agencies and their staff. The duo delve into common perceptions around AI, and talk about how, contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t dehumanise the process of doing business, but can actually act as a tool to make key relationships stronger.

Prospecting, nurturing leads, and managing customer relationships – new tools are set to shake up how real estate professionals manage all these tasks. On this episode of Proptech Pulse, REB’s Juliet Helmke is joined by Seth Watts, co-founder of CampaignAgent, who recently took home the prestigious honour of being named AI Leader of the Year - Enterprise, at the inaugural Australian AI Awards. Known for his presentations as the AI Guy, which help real estate professionals prepare for coming tech changes in the real estate space, Seth talks about the techniques he believes agents should employ to stay ahead of the curve. As the AI landscape continues to evolve, Seth encourages a bottom-up approach to AI adoption, advocating for experimentation and problem-solving at the individual level. The duo discuss whether current perceptions of this technology match with their practical applications in reality, and how tech is likely to shake up the industry in 2025.