Research shows that most sellers spend 4–6 months thinking about selling before they contact an agent, and the average Australian homeowner stays in their property for 9–11 years before making their next move. That means by the time a homeowner reaches out to an agent, they’ve often been silently considering their options for months.

After a decade leading Property Assist, Shannon Welch reflects on why the old “hustle harder” mindset no longer works in property management — and what sustainable success really looks like.

Spring is one of the most exciting and competitive times of the year in real estate. With warmer weather, longer days, and gardens in full bloom, properties look their best, and buyers and sellers are more motivated to make a move.

Despite robust market fundamentals, including population growth, rising rents and solid price growth, new listings for residential properties across Australia remain constrained. This persistent and widespread decline suggests the market is being shaped by structural, rather than seasonal, factors. LJ Hooker Head of Research & Business Intelligence Mathew Tiller outlined his Top 5 reasons why listings are down:

We need to talk about something I see all the time: a beautiful new logo, a fresh colour palette, maybe even a shiny website refresh... but no consistent content, no updated blog, no regular social posts, and definitely no clear message.

Recently, someone asked me how I manage contracts and pay structures for my team. It was a genuine question, but it struck a chord. Because the truth is, I’ve spent years making sure we do things right, and that didn’t happen by accident.

You don’t build culture with a values poster on the wall. You build it with the example you set when you think no one’s watching.