Secrets Of The Top 100 Agents

Whether you’re on the verge of a career breakthrough or on the threshold of a new business venture, Sandy Taylor says “maintaining the rage” is key to overcoming obstacles and attaining your goals. The recently appointed national director and Queensland head of growth for Agents’Agency sits down with Grace Ormsby and Sadhana Smiles to talk about how venturing beyond her own black stump — armed with a never-ending hunger for learning and a “no-blinkers, open eyes” attitude — has helped her establish a successful career in real estate. With over 13 years of experience in various roles, Sandy shares how she draws from her own background as a business owner to assist others in achieving their entrepreneurial ambitions, emphasises that planning is a quintessential step in achieving one’s goals and explains why she sees “untapped potential” in the real estate industry. In this episode, you will hear:   The importance of having an “accountability partner” when setting business goals Why agents and business owners s

What makes a good agent in today’s market? And how does a business make a point of difference amid rapidly shifting conditions? With CampaignAgent proudly partnering with REB’s Awards for 2023, host Grace Ormsby is joined by the firm’s co-founder and chief executive Shaun Moriarty to take a closer look at this year’s finalists and talk about the importance of recognising the major movers and shakers in the sector. As we enter the post-pandemic world, the pair explores the market trends that have emerged and are prevalent in 2022, takes a deep dive into the anatomy of a good agent/business/operator amid the current market conditions and touches on what the future holds for the industry.  In this episode, you will also hear: Why it’s important to “extract” and add value for all involved parties in a transaction How leveraging data can help businesses set higher benchmarks The systems and processes businesses can adopt amid the changing market Make sure you never miss an episode by subscribing to us now on App

Despite being trained not to take risks as a lawyer, Ruby Rozental defied the norm and took the plunge into business ownership. Now, four years later and with a thriving business under her belt, she believes she made the right call. The co-owner and director of operations at Ray White Commercial Western Sydney sits down with Grace Ormsby to talk about how her 16 years of experience working as a corporate and property lawyer helped her hit the ground running when she entered the commercial sector as a business owner. Now leading a 30-strong team, Ruby reflects on the mindset and skills she brought from her previous job to her leadership position and emphasises the importance of creating a working environment where “everyone feels valued” before sharing insights into the future direction of the business.  In this episode, you will hear:   Why leadership is a “two-way street” How systemisation and automation can help a business scale  The strategies that can help fast-track the recruitment process Make sure yo

An expert lays out the argument on why rapid rate increases — which has been the Reserve Bank’s traditional weapon of choice against inflation — won’t just cut it anymore. In this special episode, host Phil Tarrant sits down with Mark Bouris, the founder of Wizard Home Loans and Yellow Brick Road, to talk about why the central bank’s current approach to tackling the high inflationary levels is short-sighted, as it fails to consider current economic trends. With this, the industry commentator called for the government, along with the RBA, to tweak its monetary and fiscal policies and explained why its inflation target band should be a medium-term goal rather than a short-term one based on the chain of events that unfolded during the country’s 1990s recession. The pair also delves into how mortgage holders are specifically being “punished” by the rate hikes, the current state of play in the world of brokers and lenders, and unpacks what options are available to borrowers in today’s high-interest rate environme

To mark International Women’s Day, Grace Ormsby and Sadhana Smiles are holding no prisoners as they unpack the range of challenges and inequalities that women are still facing in today’s world. The editor of REB and the chief executive of Real Estate Industry Partners (REIP) shine the spotlight on the ongoing struggle for gender equality and women’s rights and highlight the work that needs to be done in order to achieve gender equity not just in the industry, but across society. Emphasising that equity is not just a social movement but a “basic human right”, they talk about the ways leaders can drive real change in the sector and underline why removing gender disparity is a conversation everyone should be involved in.  In this episode, you will hear:  The vital role leadership plays in achieving equity in the industry Why it’s important to “keep the conversation” on equity alive beyond International Women’s Day What steps can be taken to drive immediate and significant changes Make sure you never miss an e

For Christine Mikhael, taking charge of an iconic and legendary brand didn’t feel like taking on more than she can handle — it was an opportunity to drive real change across the real estate industry. In this special International Women’s Day episode, the chief executive of the LJ Hooker Group sits down with Grace Ormsby to share how her passion for the real estate industry grew its roots in the early years of her life and how her experiences in different roles, as well as in different parts of the world, prepared her for the leadership role she stepped into 12 months ago. Now at the forefront of a new chapter of growth for the network, Christine explains the process behind creating a sustainable and at-scale expansion strategy, the core values that underpin the brand’s legacy, and emphasises that any internal transformation should also put into perspective a brighter vision for the industry itself.  In this episode, you will hear:  How technology has transformed the real estate industry  Why human connectio

On this episode of Secrets of the Top 100 Agents, Real Estate Institute of NSW (REINSW) chief executive officer, Tim McKibbin sits down with host Grace Ormsby for a discussion on the issues currently facing the state’s property market. Tim provides a snapshot of the NSW property market’s movement across the turbulent last 12 months, before offering up solutions to the approval inefficiencies of the “utterly ridiculous” council approvals process. Additionally, he wonders whether the upcoming state election being a “renters’ election” is compounding market woes. In this episode, you will also hear: What NSW needs to do to match supply with demand Are government and opposition solutions adequate? Is there an accountability issue when it comes to property? Make sure you never miss an episode by subscribing to us now on Apple Podcasts. 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

When Amanda Coles made the risky move to leave behind a long-running career in marketing, not only did she jump careers — she also chose to become the captain of her own ship. The principal of Stone Real Estate Glenorie/Wisemans Ferry sits down with Grace Ormsby and Sadhana Smiles to talk about how she and her husband made the brave decision to become the owners of an independent real estate agency five years ago. With the husband-and-wife duo set to enter a new market under a network, Amanda explains why they made the switch from being a stand-alone brand and unpacks the strategic decision-making process behind every venture they undertake, before talking about the direction she wants to take the business towards as she leads it at the helm. In this episode, you will hear: The importance of attracting the “right agent” to your business Why marketing is important when expanding your area of operations How to grow your business strategically Make sure you never miss an episode by subscribing to us now on Ap

Establishing a standalone agency can be daunting, more so in the competitive market of Sydney’s upper-north shore, but Sash Aptaker believes there are certain factors that can help any brand stand out from the crowd. In this episode, the founder of Sash Aptaker & Associates sits down with Grace Ormsby to talk about how his life experiences and his career journey brought him full circle to his “first option” — the world of real estate. While Sash acknowledged that fear is a constant companion when taking on new ventures, he explains how rising above one’s apprehensions is vital to drive growth before talking about his plans for his business in the coming months.  In this episode, you will hear about: The importance of “doing the hard work” How agents can “level up” by leveraging available resources  Why it’s important to value your personal brand

Whether it’s working in sales, property development or retail, Deirdre McTiernan attributes her success to following a  fundamental belief: treating others the way she wants to be treated. The Perth-based agent, who recently joined the ranks of RE/MAX Extreme team, sits down with Grace Ormsby and Sadhana Smiles to reflect on how certain circumstances throughout her life and career aligned at the right moment and helped to pave the way to a successful career in real estate. Now embarking on the journey to eventually own her own business, Deidre talks about the lessons she brings from her past work experiences, and why it's important to provide a standout service to every client you encounter before touching on her future plans.  In this episode, you will hear: The importance of nurturing business relationships How having the right support system can help drive career growth  Why there is no one-way track to finding your own version of success Make sure you never miss an episode by subscribing to us now on

Creating your own mark in a leadership role is no easy task, but Nicole Prime believes that the true measure of a leader lies within the success and synergy of a team. The top-ranking agent who recently joined McGrath St Kilda office as a principal, sits down with Grace Ormsby to talk about how her love for interacting with people and the community, combined with her goal of achieving financial independence, led to a long-time career in the real estate industry.  She also talks about how leadership is a process of “natural progression”, why it’s important to set up your employees for success, and how leading from the trenches can help unite and drive a team to head towards the “right direction”.  In this episode, you will also hear:  The importance of having a good relationship with your mentors  How to transition from a sales position to a leadership role  Why communication is key to team synergy Make sure you never miss an episode by subscribing to us now on Apple Podcasts. Did you like this episode? S

Jackie Wang thought her real estate job would be a two-year gig at most, but it ultimately led her to discover a career that she could see herself doing every day. The Ashfield-based agent, who recently joined the ranks of Hudson McHugh, sits down with Grace Ormsby and Sadhana Smiles to talk about how her experience across several industries, including tax, accounting, marketing, and hospitality helped provide the right building blocks for her career in real estate. With communication being the foundation of any solid business relationship, she also explained how her multilingualism helped her to break language barriers and helped her service multicultural clients in order to deliver the best results before sharing how she plans to take her already stellar career to the next level.  In this episode, you will also hear: Why being ‘too honest’ can be beneficial to involved parties in a real estate transaction The importance of recognising the boundaries of your capabilities How to build a strong rapport with

Having previously spent time at national brands such as Raine & Horne and Elders, Andrew Brien is no stranger to big business. But his newest challenge sees him operating on a different scale, having moved into the role of general manager and principal at northern NSW’s Dougherty Property. The industry veteran — who also touts career experience as a chef — looks back on the winding road that led him to his latest role, and shares his myriad of motivations that prompted the career shift back “home”. In this episode, you will hear: - Why a leader shouldn't stay too long - How real estate agencies can look outward for recruits - What local businesses can teach corporate (and vice versa) Make sure you never miss an episode by subscribing to us now on Apple Podcasts. 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

When faced with a life-changing diagnosis, Jessica Giampetrone believed that she only had two options: to let it overtake her or for her to overcome it. A year later, not only did she triumph over adversity — she is now set to live her legacy. The director of the newly launched Coronis Templestowe sits down with Grace Ormsby and Sadhana Smiles to share how a breast cancer diagnosis in February 2022 became the fire that ignited her drive to find her higher purpose in life and led her to embark on a 12-month journey to become a business owner. Now at the door of a new chapter in her life, one that is filled with hope and limitless possibilities, Jessica underlines the importance of taking the risks that are necessary for growth, shares why she believes challenges can be turned into opportunities before sharing the major lessons she gleaned from her extraordinary journey.  In this episode, you will hear:  The importance of having a solid business plan  Why ‘empathy’ should not be left outside the office do

Proptech Pulse returns for 2023 with Seth Watts, the co-founder of CampaignAgent. The leader in Pay Now, Pay Later technology sits down with host Grace Ormsby to discuss his business’s humble beginnings and its amplified role in a changing market. Seth shares how CampaignAgent manages the role it plays as an in-between for both consumers and agents and explains why it is important to help customers understand the market. In this episode, you will also hear: Why this market isn’t like 2019 What CampaignAgent is focused on in 2023 What’s next for the Buy-Now-Pay-Later space Make sure you never miss an episode by subscribing to us now on Apple Podcasts. 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 heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you’d like to lend a voice to the show, em

With 2023 shaping up to be a “challenging” year, Maria Milillo contends there is no better time than now to rethink the property management space by embracing changes that will benefit not just businesses, but the industry as a whole. The head of property management at Raine & Horne talks about the different bugbears that property managers are facing in the current market, including a rental crisis, increased pressure from tenants, as well as feeling undervalued in their work, before explaining why businesses need to tackle these issues head-on. She also talks about why property management can be “a rewarding” career choice for agents and how “going above and beyond” for prospective tenants can open up opportunities.  In this episode, you will hear about: The culture-cultivating strategies to recruit and retain property managers How businesses can be cyber safe in the face of rising threats of data breaches  Why business leaders must prioritise the mental health of their property managers Make sure you

With January half gone, join host Grace Ormsby and fellow REB journalist Kyle Robbins for this editorial catch-up edition of the Secrets of the Top 100 Agents show, where the pair sit down to discuss the whirlwind beginning to the year in property and how it may shape the coming months. Reflecting on the stories that characterised 2022’s conclusion, the pair then look ahead to the year and predict the biggest stories that could dominate the remainder of 2023. Make sure you never miss an episode by subscribing to us now on Apple Podcasts. 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 heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you’d like to lend a voice to the show, email editor@realestatebusiness.com.au for more insights.

Looking to take your business to the next level in 2023? Consider taking a leaf from Su Reynolds’ playbook — which puts culture at the heart of its success. The director, sales and chief cultural officer of First National Byron Bay recalls how the onset of the pandemic became an opportunity for their business to not only strengthen their workplace culture but also boost their ties with their clients and community. Su, who ranked 16 in REB’s Top 50 Women in Real Estate 2022, further explained how fostering positivity and keeping communication lines can improve employee morale, encourage equitable workplaces, and ultimately drive strong financial results for the business. She also talks about the changes that the Byron Bay market has seen over the last few years before touching on the business’ next steps in the coming 12 months.  In this episode, you will hear about: The importance of leaders being proactive in sustaining a healthy business culture How to adapt to rapid shifts in market trends  Why it’s impor

It’s been a bumper 2022 for the industry, and Hayden Groves is here to help us wrap up this “extraordinary year”. The president of the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) and director of dethridgeGROVES talks about the factors, events, and trends that changed the real estate game in the past 12 months.  While Hayden acknowledges that the market is entering a transitional period, he also raised that progress has been made on several fronts and explains why 2023 presents a good opportunity for the industry to drive change for the better. In this episode, you will hear:   The regulatory changes and rollouts across the country that affected the real estate market   Why the property market will remain strong in 2023     How agents can better adapt to the changing market conditions Make sure you never miss an episode by subscribing to us now on Apple Podcasts. 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 follo

In this year-end episode of the Secrets of the Top 100 Agents, host Grace Ormsby is joined by fellow real estate journalist at Momentum Media, Kyle Robbins, to discuss the biggest real estate industry stories that captured our audience’s attention in 2022. As we count down to 2023, the duo unpacks the year that was riddled with spotlight-grabbing headlines, including The real story of The Block 2022, controversial court cases such as Warning issued as legal disputes over commission crank up and Property manager faces court over alleged referral fee scheme,  as well as RBA’s much-awaited May cash rate decision.  In this episode, you will also hear: What trends emerged and dominated the industry in 2022? The top predictions for the real estate market 2023 How succession planning is becoming a norm among businesses To read the other top stories discussed in this podcast, see the links below.  Also, don’t forget to share your favourite story/podcast in the comments!  Philip Webb Real Estate joins forces w