In this episode, REB’s Liam Garman is joined by the CEO of Laing+Simmons and president of the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA), Leanne Pilkington, to talk about the challenges and opportunities facing the Australian real estate industry.

The duo starts by discussing the upcoming Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) reforms, set to take effect in July 2026, which will require agencies to register as reporting entities and implement policies aligned with AUSTRAC’s requirements.

Leanne stresses that while some businesses may manage compliance internally, complex transactions involving foreign investors will need more rigorous checks, and external support may be necessary.

She highlighted that AI and automation can streamline compliance and property management, allowing agents to focus on client relationships.

She further emphasised the importance of building a cohesive team culture through understanding individual motivations, hiring aligned with company values, and clear communication of vision.

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, REB’s Liam Garman sits down with Mark Nunn – director and principal of Buxton Ballarat and the listing agent for House 3 on The Block – to go behind the scenes of this season and explore why Daylesford is fast becoming Victoria’s hottest lifestyle market.

As the listing agent for Britt and Taz’s “Wellness House”, Mark lifts the lid on the features turning buyer heads in Victoria’s “spa country” – from saunas and yoga studios to design-led living tailored to post-pandemic lifestyles.

Mark then examines the surge in buyer activity across regional Victoria. In particular, how proximity to the city, improved infrastructure, and demand for short-stay accommodation have all contributed to strong capital growth across the regions. They then turn to why Daylesford, in particular, is now front and centre, thanks to The Block’s national spotlight.

They then discuss what buyers are really looking for in 2025 – turnkey properties, wellness-focused design, and flexible homes that blend lifestyle with liveability – and how this informed the strategy for House 3.

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, REB’s Liam Garman sits down with Geraldine Hermens – top-selling agent and licensee at LJ Hooker Dunedin – to uncover the grit, determination, and leadership that have defined her extraordinary 32-year career.

From being one of only a handful of women in real estate in Dunedin in the early 1990s to building a market-leading family business, Geraldine shares the mindset, work ethic, and personal sacrifices that helped her rise to the top in a male-dominated industry.

Geraldine reveals the strategies she used to outwork the competition, build long-term trust in a tight-knit market, and maintain a consistent pipeline in the days before mobile phones and CRMs. She also unpacks the value of brand alignment, mentorship, and ongoing education – and how these have powered both her personal growth and her team’s long-term success.

Now working alongside her daughter in a thriving family-run agency, Geraldine offers practical insights into legacy planning, client relationships, and creating a supportive, high-performance culture.

In a recent Real Estate Business roundtable, Adrian Bo sat down with REB editor Liam Garman to reveal the foundational systems that have underpinned his decades-long success – and why short-term thinking is the biggest threat to a sustainable real estate career.

Speaking to an exclusive audience of Australia’s top agents, Bo argued that structure, not spontaneity, is the key to long-term performance, and that agents who commit to a non-negotiable process across prospecting, databasing, vendor management, and personal marketing are best positioned to thrive in a changing market.

The roundtable also explored the rise of shallow coaching models, with Bo criticising “motivational slogans” that offer a dopamine hit without long-term change. He instead champions accountability as the true driver of success, whether through a coach, peer or structured system.

Bo also warned agents not to over-rely on social media and digital marketing. While powerful as amplification tools, he said they should support – not replace – traditional prospecting and relationship-building.

Enjoy the podcast,
The REB team

In this episode of the REB Business Empowerment Showcase, host Liam Garman is joined by NAB professional services banking executive Donna Kosiek and Harcourts Property Centre managing director and principal Sam Devlin to explore one of the most important – yet often overlooked – drivers of sustainable growth in Australian real estate: succession planning.

With a strategic approach and the right support, succession planning is transforming how real estate leaders future-proof their businesses while empowering the next generation of owners and operators.

Donna shares how succession isn’t just about stepping away from a business, rather it’s about building something that lasts, using equity exchanges to bring in talent, reward loyalty, and drive expansion.

For Sam, this approach has been a game changer. Since joining forces with Aaron Brooks, Harcourts Property Centre has grown from one office to operating across 12 locations, with a team of 200. He shares how the firm’s clear cultural values have helped align shareholders and build a cohesive, high-performing team.

The conversation dives deep into the practicalities of passing the baton, from financial governance and cultural fit to the mental shift required to move from rapid growth to sustainable profitability. With NAB’s expert support, Sam’s team has successfully navigated the complexities of succession while setting the business up for long-term success.

Tune in now to discover why planning for tomorrow is one of the smartest moves a real estate leader can make today.

Enjoy the podcast,
The REB team

In this episode, REB’s Liam Garman sits down with renowned coach and industry expert Michael Sheargold to unpack the strategies, philosophies, and mindset shifts that have helped shape some of Australia’s top-performing agents and businesses.

With a career spanning more than three decades, Michael shares how coaching, discipline, and a clear plan can transform results and reputation across the real estate profession.

Michael explains why confidence, courage, and clarity – his “three Cs” – are the foundation for success in today’s fast-moving market. From picking up the phone after rejection, to having tough conversations with clients and teams, and staying focused on what really matters, Michael reveals how agents and leaders alike can build resilience and deliver standout results.

The conversation dives into the parallels between elite sport and real estate, exploring how the right coaching, practice, and routine can give agents a competitive edge. Michael also shares a behind-the-scenes look at his upcoming Business of Real Estate event – now in its 10th year and set to bring together 500 industry leaders to level up their teams, performance, and growth strategies.

Listeners will gain practical insights into building stronger teams, improving culture, and recognising both results and effort to inspire loyalty and lift performance across the board.

Tune in now to hear why clarity, confidence, and courage are more important than ever for real estate professionals ready to take their business to the next level.

Enjoy the podcast,
The REB Team

In this episode, REB journalist Emilie Lauer sits down with PRD chief economist Dr Diaswati Mardiasmo to unpack the current state of Australia’s property market and spotlight the most affordable, liveable suburbs.

The duo starts the episode by exploring the market’s response to the previous interest rate cuts and how they’ve impacted demand, supply, and property prices.

Asti said that while the first cut had minimal effect, the second led to a modest rise in auction clearance rates, building momentum for future cuts.

The duo then turns to PRD’s latest report, identifying affordable suburbs within 20 kilometres of the capital city CBDs.

Asti said affordable suburbs are defined as those below capital city median prices but still offer strong liveability, based on factors like low crime, access to infrastructure, and new housing supply.

The report also considers rental yields, appealing to both owner-occupiers and investors.

In Sydney, suburbs like Guildford and Punchbowl stand out, while Melbourne offers more affordable options in areas such as St Albans and Maribyrnong.

While units remain more affordable than houses, Asti noted that the price gap has narrowed, signalling growth potential across both asset types.

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, REB’s journalist Emilie Lauer sits down with Melbourne’s leading luxury real estate agent Sarah Case to share her journey from snowboard instructor to director of sales strategy at RT Edgar, where she now oversees $350 million in annual sales.

Sarah’s path into real estate was unplanned, sparked by a spontaneous lunch and a job interview at Mirvac, where she built a strong foundation in residential and off-the-plan sales.

Known for her unwavering honesty, Sarah believes transparency is essential in real estate, even when it means delivering hard truths to vendors.

She’s seen the industry evolve significantly over her 25-year career, particularly in the shift from print to digital marketing and the growing complexity of educating buyers on rising property costs.

Sarah remains confident in Melbourne’s family home market, though she notes that apartments are a harder sell due to developer challenges and buyer perception.

At the core of her success is a deep focus on relationships, with referrals and client trust driving her business forward. To aspiring agents, Sarah’s message is simple: educate yourself, build genuine connections, and never compromise on integrity.

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.