Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing Mums out there.

While many are taking the day to celebrate family, the industry is still moving, with major deals and leadership changes coming hard and fast.

We have all the updates in this edition of Movers + Shakers!

eXp World Holdings has acquired NextHome and rebranded as AGNT, creating a dual-model platform that blends traditional franchising with cloud-based brokerage at global scale.

Andrew Brien has been appointed CEO of Nutrien Harcourts, stepping in to lead the rural network’s next phase of growth with expansion and acquisitions firmly on the agenda.

And prominent housing economist Cameron Kusher has joined Herron Todd White as Chief Economist, bringing two decades of experience to the national valuation firm.

All that and more in this week’s edition of Movers + Shakers!

This week’s big moves

eXp World Holdings acquires NextHome and rebrands as AGNT

The deal brings 500-plus franchisees into a dual-model platform that offers agents a choice between traditional franchise ownership and cloud-based brokerage. More here.

Andrew Brien appointed CEO of Nutrien Harcourts

He'll lead the rural and regional network's expansion strategy with acquisitions on the agenda across 200-plus locations. More here.

Together with realestate.com.au

Running Up the Down Escalator to Win

RWC Bayside won Commercial Agency of the Year at the 2025 REA Excellence Awards, defying their own expectations that Sydney or Melbourne would take the prize. Their success stems from a guiding idea by Ray White chairman Brian White, emphasising constant progress.

Nathan Moore explains the team's mindset: "You have to run up a downwards-facing escalator because if you stand still, you're going backwards." This philosophy influences their approach to innovation and maintaining high standards daily, encouraging a proactive attitude.

A key part of their success is treating client money as if it were their own, prompting better decision-making. This mindset recently helped secure seven offers above expectations, with one exceeding the seller's goal by $500,000, illustrating the power of their market-testing approach.

What you'll learn in the full article:

• The escalator philosophy: How to build continuous improvement into your agency's DNA

• Market-testing vs off-market: Why Nathan won't "bang together" off-market deals – and how to explain this to sellers

• The ownership mindset: The question that changes how your team approaches every decision

• Brisbane 2032 opportunity: Why southeast Queensland is entering a once-in-a-generation growth phase

Nathan's approach isn't complicated – but the discipline to maintain it for decades is what separates award winners from everyone else.

New offices, fresh launches and community champions

This week we put the spotlight on some exciting office expansions across the country, bold new business ventures taking flight, and agencies giving back to their local communities. We've rounded them up for you here…

Ray White duo expands with radio legend Marty Haynes

Daniel and Jennifer Norris are launching Ray White Five Islands Group in Illawarra, bringing on local media icon Marty Haynes as brand ambassador and agent after his 22-year breakfast radio career. More here.

Harcourts Ignite opens fifth Wide Bay office

Michael and Julie Vella have expanded from a single location to five offices across the region in just five years, now backed by 48 property professionals. More here.

Barry Plant Coburg expands Lions partnership

The agency has added jersey sponsorship for the 2026 VFL season to its existing five-year deal with Coburg Football Club that saw the ground renamed Barry Plant Park. More here.

Heather Edwards, Mark and Sarah Sheppard, Tom Donnelly, Con Kavooris. Photo: Supplied

Con Kavooris and Mark Sheppard are leading the new venture, focusing on advisory-led transactions and relationship-driven service across South Australia. More here.

O'Brien Real Estate Carrum Downs expands into Langwarrin

The Melbourne agency adds a second location to deepen its presence in the city's south-east. More here.

Vern Fitzgerald joins Ideal Buyer's Agency

The former wine industry sales leader has partnered with his sister Jade to specialise in Brisbane's Bayside market, bringing his negotiation expertise to the buyer's side. More here.

Ray White Burwood doubles down with Blackburn launch

Directors Henry Lin, Hans Liu and Jichen Quan are expanding into Melbourne's east with a second office and a combined team of more than 30 staff. More here.

James Nelis launches his own buyer's agency

The former semi-professional AFL player is combining his high-performance sporting background with property expertise to work with athletes and professionals. More here.

Highland secures NSW affordable housing licence

The property group can now manage rental homes under the state government program across its six NSW offices, creating an end-to-end service from project marketing to long-term management. More here.

Jamie Hershman builds Agency Matters on empathy and transparency

After a frustrating first-home buyer experience, he's created a business in the Adelaide Hills focused on skilled communication and putting clients in control. More here.

And finally…

Do you know of any upcoming moves we should know about? Tip us off by emailing [email protected].