In this episode, AI expert Silvio Giorgio joins REB editor Liam Garman to reflect on how artificial intelligence is reshaping real estate while transforming human behaviour and decision making.

According to Giorgio, AI is transforming the way properties are bought and sold, influencing both consumer decisions and industry practices.

He highlights AI’s impact across prediction, natural language processing and computer vision, showing how it moves from passive recommendations to actively shaping decisions.

In real estate, AI is boosting agent productivity by automating tasks, analysing market trends and personalising client communications.

Looking ahead, Giorgio says AI could independently manage listings, marketing and negotiations, thereby enabling more direct interactions between buyers and sellers.

Giorgio advises professionals to actively engage with AI, experiment with generative tools and retrain algorithms to stay competitive.

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, Dott and Crossitt founder Jared Zak joins REB editor Liam Garman to unpack the complexities and common pitfalls of real estate agency agreements.

Jared explains why so few vendors seek legal review of agreements, warning that clauses around exclusive agency periods and “effective introduction” can leave sellers exposed to costly disputes and even double commission claims.

He highlights how courts have approached these cases, why many vendors still settle out of court, and the potential for damages if misconduct voids an agreement.

Jared also outlines why ethical agents should encourage transparency and straightforward commission structures to build long-term trust.

The conversation turns to recent changes in Queensland’s disclosure regime, with Jared sharing how stronger upfront documentation benefits buyers, vendors, and the stability of the wider market.

Ultimately, Jared stresses the importance of due diligence for vendors and professionalism from agents – insights that could help both sides avoid disputes and strengthen credibility in a competitive industry.

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, Harcourts CEO Adrian Knowles reflects on how the real estate industry can balance new technology with the fundamentals of human connection.

Adrian explains why tools such as AI and video marketing should be used to amplify an agent’s reach rather than replace their role, cautioning against generic marketing that risks undermining trust.

He highlights the importance of training, describing how Harcourts’ academy prepares agents through role play, discipline and rehearsal – much like athletes and soldiers who practise under pressure before stepping into competition.

Adrian also discusses the pressures that agents face in such a demanding industry and why wellbeing initiatives are critical. He outlines Harcourts’ partnership with the Rise Initiative and the rollout of the RealCare app across the network, providing agents with mindfulness tools, support resources, and access to counselling to help manage stress and avoid burnout.

Finally, Adrian shares insights on leadership, patience and growth, drawing on his own career lessons and the principle of “hasten slowly” to avoid rushing into decisions.

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 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