REB Podcast Network

In this episode, REB editor Liam Garman is joined by Tim McKibbin, CEO of the Real Estate Institute of NSW (REINSW), to explore one of the most pressing issues in the industry – the exceptionally high churn rate among new agents – and the steps needed to create a more sustainable, educated workforce. The conversation kicks off with a sobering statistic: nearly 80 per cent of new real estate professionals exit the industry within their first year. McKibbin unpacks why better foundational training in areas like contract law, property fundamentals, and client advocacy is critical to reversing this trend. They then delve into the soft skills that underpin success in real estate – from building trust to mastering interpersonal communication. The episode concludes with a look at the evolving role of technology and AI. McKibbin shares how REINSW is harnessing AI for data analysis and interpreting legislation and how agents can leverage these tools to work smarter and strengthen client relationships. Enjoy the podcast, The REB Team

In this episode, Liam Garman sits down with Goldfields managing director Marco Gattino to dive into the evolving build-to-rent (BTR) sector, the complexities of Australia’s housing supply shortage, and what lies ahead for Sydney’s luxury property market. They begin by examining how BTR could be a game changer in addressing the housing affordability crisis – provided key factors like land costs, yields and international capital remain favourable. Gattino also underscores the importance of a bipartisan, long-term approach to boosting supply and warns against relying too heavily on short-term demand-side fixes. The episode wraps up with a look at the resilience of Australia’s premium property market and why Sydney – with its ongoing supply constraints – is set to remain one of the country’s most expensive and in demand cities. Enjoy the episode, The REB team

In this episode, REB editor Liam Garman sits down with Metricon CEO, Brad Duggan, to discuss what’s holding back housing supply in Australia, the trades shortage, and his optimism for the future of Australia’s property market. They begin the podcast looking into the planning process and the opportunity to access land to unlock more housing stock, before unpacking the much discussed skills shortage. Brad and Liam then look ahead and discuss what the state of the residential construction pipeline looks like, and buyer sentiment towards Australia’s construction industry. They wrap up looking at what trends Metricon is seeing among Australian home buyers in terms of their dwelling choices. 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 voice to the show, email editor@realestatebusiness.com.au for more insights.

In this unmissable episode of the Secrets of the Top 100 Agents podcast, host Liam Garman sits down with Real Estate Institute of NSW (REINSW) CEO, Tim McKibbin, to see what’s in store for Australia’s housing market amid global economic volatility – and how property will remain a store of value for many Australians. The pair discuss the global economy, interest rate cuts, and how property remains a stable long-term investment when compared to alternative asset classes. They then analyse Sydney clearance rates and vendor/buyer sentiment. Tim shares how REINSW is looking to develop a ticker tape for agencies to display median house prices, providing greater transparency over the market and trends. The pair wrap up unpacking how demand for housing in Sydney is outstripping supply, and how 40 per cent of the costs of a new property can be attributed to tax. 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 voice to the show, email editor@realestatebusiness.com.au for more insights.

In this episode of the REB Business Empowerment Showcase, LJ Hooker's head of commercial Tom Donnelly, and head of research, Mathew Tiller, join host Liam Garman to explore why an increasing number of real estate principals and agents are shifting into the commercial property space – and how it can serve as a rewarding, long-term business path. They begin by breaking down the key differences between residential and commercial real estate, discussing everything from sales cycles and client relationships to the data-driven nature of the commercial sector. Tom and Mathew also share valuable insights for agents considering a move into commercial real estate, outlining the training and support LJ Hooker provides to help professionals make the leap. The conversation then shifts to opportunities for growth and investment in the commercial space, including the potential for higher commissions and the chance to build long-term strategic relationships with clients. The episode wraps up with a look at current market trends and real-world case studies of agents who have successfully transitioned into commercial real estate. Enjoy the episode, The REB Team

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, including career breaks, and share practical strategies for navigating these pivotal moments. Plus, they offer actionable advice for women looking to advance in this dynamic industry. Enjoy the podcast, The REB team

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 voice to the show, email editor@realestatebusiness.com.au for more insights.

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. 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. Cyber security is another major topic, 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 concludes with a discussion on the RiSE initiative, a program that aims to combat burnout in the real estate sector.

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 uncertainty around policies like the Help to Buy scheme.

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 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.

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 costs while improving security, ensuring funds are distributed instantly and accurately to landlords and tenants. 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 voice to the show, email editor@realestatebusiness.com.au for more insights.

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: 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 voice to the show, email editor@realestatebusiness.com.au for more insights.

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 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 voice to the show, email editor@realestatebusiness.com.au for more insights.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.