From the desk of Claire Corby, ACT State Rep & Capital Buyers Agency
REBAA’s national conference this month saw the event’s highest attendance since its inception in 2005. The conference brought our membership together, with hundreds of years of combined experience in the room, fostering an environment of open and collaborative sharing.
The conference featured member-led presentations, a cornerstone of REBAA’s culture. From the moment REBAA president Melinda Jennison opened, it was clear this conference would be jam packed with industry insights and essential learning for buyer’s agents at the top of their game. Zoran Solano discussed expanding services to add value across the client life cycle and exploring opportunities to guide clients beyond their property acquisition.
Bryan Loughnan gave a warm REBAA welcome to the eight new members in attendance; Kristy Bruggy (Noosa Buyers Agent), Chris Clarke (Clarke Buyers Agents), Jenny Jia (JL Property), Sarah Kaye (Sarah Kaye Buyers Agent), Marika Martinez (NE Aspect), Michael Olivieri (Central Coast Buyers Agent), Carly Susic (Select Property Advocates), and Matthew Hughes (Capital Property Advisory).
Affiliate member Mike Mortlock from MCG Quantity Surveying provided insights into current construction costs, builder insolvencies, and trends for investors buying off the plan, highlighting that investors often prioritise tax deductions over asset quality. “They fear the stick more than they covet the carrot” was a quote for the ages.
Luke Assigal and Michelle Tucker shared their experiences using ‘champions’ to enhance efficiency and delegation, openly discussing challenges to help others navigate similar issues. Breakout groups facilitated discussions on successful (and costly mistakes) in marketing approaches, sparking fresh ideas and conversations across the tables.
Cate Bakos and Veronica Morgan presented on due diligence, stressing the need for evolving processes to maintain best practices. Veronica’s 90-point due diligence approach and Cate’s critical case studies underscored the risks of untested assumptions.
Shivani Gupta wrapped up day one and energised the room, encouraging attendees to prioritize personal goals and passions, and to be brutally honest about their desires to preserve mental health.
Day two saw Kylie Walsh’s impactful session on leadership included the memorable quote, “We are not what we say we are. We are what others say we are.” She urged attendees to plan for their last day, understand their team’s goals, and lead with authenticity and care.
Matt Sharp and Jay Anderson highlighted the benefits of collaboration, proving what can be achieved in partnership.
Then there was Justin Nickerson who entertained and educated with his expertise in negotiations and auction bidding, demonstrating his mastery through role play and sharing his ‘rule of 3’. He emphasised the importance of understanding flawed bidding approaches and shared insights into why buyers fail under the stress. His quote, ‘We get paid to be comfortable in uncomfortable situations” was a great summary. Matt Scafidi backed up this session with another perspective on auctions, detailing key observations and questions to consider at all stages of the auction.
Eliza Owen, despite her challenge of presenting after lunch, captivated the audience with her insightful data analysis on clearance rates, days on market, median price trends, and market projections. Mark Erichello then led a session to collate useful resources, including apps, podcasts, and AI tools from around the entire room.
Our affiliate member Chris Bates provided a punchy session on partnering with brokers, resulting in a list of collaborative benefits to enhance client and broker relationships. James Castrission concluded with his inspiring and challenging journey into hardcore adventuring, highlighting the need for planning, handling stressful situations, commitment to the goal, and celebrating successes no matter the size.
Of course, among the education was also plenty of opportunity for relaxed collaboration and celebration. Moments to forge ties with fellow professionals and share experiences and stories with friends across the industry.
The 2024 REBAA conference proved to be an invaluable opportunity for members to come together, to strike new friendships and nurture existing ones, share hard-won knowledge, and strengthen professional networks, ensuring our membership continues to deliver exceptional value to clients.
I’m sure all will agree, 2024 has set a new benchmark for this national event, with everyone no doubt eager to return in 2025.
