Gardener’s one hour job puts council to shame in viral video

Nathan Stafford has called out council over its failure to clean what was reportedly less than an hour’s work for him alone. Source: TikTok/nathanslawnsandgardens

A gardener has embarrassed his council spectacularly, doing by himself in an hour what residents claim would’ve taken four blokes, traffic controllers and much more ratepayers’ money.

Nathan Stafford who runs Nathan’s Lawns and Gardens exposed what some describe as a “broken” council system and use of residents and ratepayers’ funds, drawing more than 13,000 hearts when he put a video of his clean-up job on his popular TikTok account.

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His video was posted to Tiktok where it drew some reaction. Source: TikTok/nathanslawnsandgardens

It filmed him mowing and tidying a neglected stretch of Ocean View Drive in Terrigal, New South Wales, claiming “it’s been years since this was last cleaned. Check out the before and after”.

The clip attracted more than 13,600 hearts, 225 comments, and 208 saves, with most viewers applauding the effort, and taking aim at council inefficiency – though it did also spark fierce debate over safety standards and traffic control.

“The council would send 4 blokes, 4 traffic control, 2 spotters and 1 supervisor, and cost taxpayers 6k,” one claimed.

Another said “and take 8 hours” to which a third person pipped “yeah 8 hours spread out across 4 days”.

Some expressed frustration at the system: “One time it took 8 men to put up 4 clocks in my local aquatic centre. Guaranteed they took home 2k+.”

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There was some concern for his safety while cleaning up the road. Source: TikTok/nathanslawnsandgardens

But a critic warned safety regulations were not a joke. “It’s not as easy as pull up in your truck and going out in live traffic and cleaning up”.

“Traffic control is required under the law … it only takes one vehicle to come through quickly and hit him and we’d be reading the funeral notices.”

One said “western councils may look ‘slow and expensive’, but that comes with strict safety rules, accountability, and decent jobs for workers. In many developing countries, the same job might be done faster and cheaper, but often with poor safety standards, low wages, and little accountability when things go wrong. So the real question is: do you want it ‘fast and cheap,’ or ‘safe and fair’? Because in the long run, cutting corners often costs even more.”

Another agreed, saying “it’s to make sure the job is done safely without accidents, because one serious injury could cost way more than a day of extra labour … it may look slower compared to a single bloke doing it alone, but the trade-off is safety, fairness, and stable jobs.”

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Nathan Stafford has been running his garden and lawn mowing business since 2010. Picture: nathanslawnsandgardensau.com

Another disagreed, adding: “That’s not the point, it can be done safely, but it should be done in half an hour. Unfortunately there’s no incentive or culture that makes jobs like this happen that quickly.”

Some were shocked Mr Stafford didn’t get in trouble for doing the work without permission, though another suggested he “send the council an invoice”.

“Our local council would send you a fine for cleaning it up,” said one user whose comment received hundreds of likes.

Mr Stafford started his gardening and lawn mowing business in 2010 and began uploading his videos to Instagram six years later – some of which show him doing work for free that councils haven’t picked up, and even cleaning blocked drains on roadways.

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The area after his efforts. Source: TikTok/nathanslawnsandgardens

“One of the best parts of my job is cleaning up yards for free and making videos about it. I love sharing my work and helping those who need it most. I get to meet people from all walks of life and start conversations that might not happen otherwise and hopefully bring some attention to important causes.”

He donates $2 from every order made for merchandise with his logo on it to the Heart Centre for Children with the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network.

Many believed Mr Stafford was a “legend” for his efforts with him responding to supporters with a mix of thumbs up, hearts, and humble thanks in the comment thread.

No official statement on the viral video has been issued by The Central Coast Council as yet.

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‘Act fast’: Sydney buyers and sellers spring into action

Sydney real estate agents are preparing for a spring surge, as the market – and the weather – warms up following a cool few months.

Home prices in Sydney increased by 3.3% in the year to July, with the most recent PropTrack Home Price Index showing a median price of $1.194 million. 

It’s some of the strongest annual growth the harbour city has seen since December last year, and agents expect to see the momentum continue come September.  

“Spring in Sydney is an amazing time of year, people are happier, they’re out of hibernation,” LJ Hooker Padstow principal and director Lush Pillay said.  

“The property market this spring is strong. There’s an abundance of buyers out there, so you don’t want to miss the opportunity.” 

As interest rates have begun to ease, more buyers have started to enter the market, taking advantage of their improved borrowing power.  

Sellers in turn are responding, Elders Real Estate Toongabbie sales consultant Alex Georgiou said.  

Sydney’s median home price has increased by 3.3% to $1.194 million during the year to July. Picture: Getty

“We’re starting to see there’s a lot more decisions being made by buyers and sellers,” Mr Georgiou said.  

The Reserve Bank has cut rates three times this year so far, and Mr Georgiiou said another cut was expected this year.  

When rates are falling, property prices tend to increase, as the more people who are able to buy, the more competition there is in the property market. 

Ray White United Group founder and director Peter Diamantidis said on top of the current interest-rate environment, spring was typically a busy time for property transactions in Sydney, further adding to the robust market.  

Sydney suburbs with the fastest growing house prices 

Suburb   Median price  Annual price change 
Oakville  $1,599,000  42% 
Warrawee  $4,900,000  39% 
East Hills  $1,590,000  30% 
Enfield  $2,294,250  26% 
East Lindfield  $4,190,000  23% 
Mount Pritchard  $1,125,000  22% 
Cecil Hills  $1,440,500  20% 
Austral  $1,015,000  19% 
Auburn  $1,400,000  19% 
Tallawong  $1,304,750  19% 
Green Valley  $1,150,500  19% 
Darlinghurst  $2,575,000  18% 
Bronte  $6,202,500  18% 
Fairfield  $1,157,500  18% 
Cabramatta  $1,348,500  18% 
Girraween  $1,415,500  18% 
Zetland  $1,815,000  18% 
Balgowlah Heights  $4,520,000  17% 
Parramatta  $1,760,000  17% 
Warnervale  $1,145,000  17% 
Source: PropTrack. Suburbs ranked by 12-month change in median prices. Excludes suburbs with fewer than 30 sales in the 12 months to July 2025.

“More buyers start to look at properties,” Mr Diamantidis said. “Average days on market will come down a lot.” 

Mr Pillay said spring was a popular time to sell, not only because homes looked better with lush gardens, but due to people’s end of year holiday plans.  

“People are looking to buy their next home prior to Christmas, and settle in that time frame,” he said.  

Though buyers were becoming very active in the Sydney market, Mr Pillar said sellers shouldn’t be complacent. 

The five-bedroom house at 7 Flying Fox Circuit, Oakville sold for $1.625 million in July. Oakville has recorded some of the fastest growing house prices in Greater Sydney. Picture: Realestate.com.au/sold

He said they should get their home looking its best to get people through the door, thinking about natural light and thoughtful styling.   

“If you’re preparing your home for inspections, less is sometimes more,” he said.  

Mr Diamantidis said his top tip for sellers was to de-clutter – particularly as the number of properties being listed started to increase.  

Sydney suburbs with the fastest growing unit prices 

Suburb  Median price  Annual price change  
Thornleigh  $1,200,000  48% 
Dural  $1,160,000  37% 
Oatley  $1,070,000  23% 
Rydalmere  $895,000  23% 
Cremorne Point  $2,062,500  22% 
North Rocks  $747,500  21% 
Punchbowl  $550,000  21% 
Jamisontown  $515,000  21% 
Hunters Hill  $1,100,000  21% 
Balgowlah  $1,475,000  20% 
Darling Point  $2,900,000  20% 
Richmond  $667,500  20% 
Leumeah  $520,000  20% 
South Wentworthville  $775,000  19% 
Werrington  $660,000  19% 
Milsons Point  $2,370,000  17% 
Narwee  $698,500  16% 
Edmondson Park  $710,000  16% 
Maroubra  $1,145,000  15% 
Bexley  $870,000  15% 
Source: PropTrack. Suburbs ranked by 12-month change in median prices. Excludes suburbs with fewer than 30 sales in the 12 months to July 2025.

PropTrack data shows new listings in Sydney increased by 6.8% in the month to July, though they were down by 5.3% compared with the same time a year ago. Total listings were up by 2.2% for the year, but down slightly (1.4%) for the month.  

Mr Georgiou said buyers were looking for well-presented homes near good schools and public transport – and were willing to pay more to secure their “dream home”.  

“Presentation is everything, we want to give the buyers an opportunity to envision how they can live inside your home,” he said.  

“When buyers fall in love with your home, they do pay a premium.”  

For buyers wanting a competitive edge, Mr Diamantidis said keeping a close eye on new listings was a good strategy.  

“Act fast and attend the first inspection once you see a property go live,” he said.  

Mr Pillay agreed – and said buyers who hesitated could see the market run away from them at this time of year.  

“Make decisions quick,” he said. “What you feel you can afford today, can easily slip away from you in the coming weeks.”  

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‘Don’t be shy’: Brisbane buyers brace for a booming spring

Brisbane real estate agents are encouraging buyers to get their ducks in a row this spring, as the city’s already sizzling market heats further in the wake of interest rate cuts.  

Home prices in the Queensland capital have recorded some of the strongest growth in the country in recent years – the most recent PropTrack data showing the median home price increased by 9% to $919,000 in the year to July.  
 
The strong growth coupled with the Reserve Bank’s three interest-rate cuts so far this year, means competition will likely be fierce for buyers, as more of them enter the market thanks to improved borrowing power.  

“With money easing, borrowing is going to get easier,” Coastal Broadbeach sales agent Guy Powell said. “Those who are prepared to back themselves and go in strong will end up taking the keys.” 

Brisbane was the only capital city where new listings did not increase in the month to July, PropTrack data showed.  

New listings were flat for the month, while total buy listings were down 1.2%. In the past 12 months, new and total listings were down 10.6% and 7.5%, respectively.  

Though listings tended to pick up in spring, buyers needed to be ready with their finance if they wanted to grab a rung on the Brisbane property ladder, Place New Farm lead agent Heath Williams said.  

Brisbane’s median home price has grown 9% to $919,000 during the year to July 2025. Picture: Getty

“What they need to be mindful of is ‘what is your position? Are you actually ready to buy?’” Mr Williams said.  

He said Queensland was going from “next level to next level in terms of value” and that buyers should be ready to “put their best foot forward” if they didn’t want to miss out.  

Partner Stone Palm Beach sales executive Rebecca Leo said many buyers inspect a property and fall in love with it, only to miss the boat because they’re not ready to buy. 

“I’ve seen this time and time again,” Ms Leo said.  

Brisbane suburbs with the fastest growing house prices 

Suburb  Median price  Annual price change  
Tivoli  $646,000  37% 
Sherwood  $1,730,000  33% 
Toogoolawah  $525,000  31% 
Kilcoy  $620,000  31% 
Birkdale  $1,200,000  30% 
Thorneside  $1,179,250  28% 
Wilston  $1,845,000  26% 
Brendale  $588,500  26% 
Moggill  $1,210,000  26% 
Lota  $1,255,039  26% 
Leichhardt  $615,000  26% 
East Ipswich  $605,000  25% 
One Mile  $610,000  25% 
Northgate  $1,242,000  24% 
Upper Mount Gravatt  $1,230,000  24% 
Banyo  $1,091,500  23% 
Eagleby  $699,999  23% 
Woodend  $705,000  23% 
Darra  $860,278  23% 
Middle Park  $1,175,444  22% 
Source: PropTrack. Suburbs ranked by 12-month change in median prices. Excludes suburbs with fewer than 30 sales in the 12 months to July 2025.

She said buyers should not only have their finance in order, but should be confident to make an offer.  

“Don’t be shy to jump on a property, even if it’s the first one you’ve seen.” 

Mr Powell said the best way for prospective buyers to secure a home was for them to meet with a mortgage broker.  

“Get your finance all in order, or if you’ve got an asset to sell, sell that first,” he said.  

The three-bedroom house at 8 Spresser Street, Tivoli recently sold for $740,000. Tivoli has recorded some of the fastest growing house prices in Greater Brisbane. Picture: Realestate.com.au/sold

For sellers this spring, things were definitely working in their favour, with strong prices and surging demand from buyers, Ms Leo said.  

“There’s a lot of buyers around, the weather is changing,” she said. “It’s a great time for everyone to be out there in the property market.” 

Despite having somewhat of an upper-hand, there were things sellers should do to get their homes sale-ready, including styling their homes to stand out among other listings.  

Brisbane suburbs with the fastest growing unit prices 

Suburb  Median price  Annual price change 
Dakabin  $670,000  38% 
Bethania  $564,625  34% 
Bundamba  $502,500  34% 
Eagleby  $515,000  34% 
Woodridge  $415,000  34% 
Greenslopes  $755,000  33% 
Lawnton  $600,000  32% 
Beenleigh  $475,000  32% 
Acacia Ridge  $596,000  31% 
Loganlea  $542,600  30% 
Slacks Creek  $480,500  30% 
Stafford  $675,000  30% 
Deception Bay  $550,000  29% 
Waterford West  $452,750  29% 
Newmarket  $717,450  29% 
Goodna  $450,000  29% 
Milton  $635,000  27% 
Parkinson  $730,000  27% 
Springwood  $571,000  27% 
Logan Central  $385,000  26% 
Source: PropTrack. Suburbs ranked by 12-month change in median prices. Excludes suburbs with fewer than 30 sales in the 12 months to July 2025.

“My one thing that every seller should do before they list in spring is to de-personalise the house,” Mr Powell said.  

This could include de-cluttering, removing personal items and replacing family photos with artwork.  

Spring was often a popular time with sellers as gardens started to bloom, but Mr Williams said it was important to put the work in and make sure your yard was “trimmed and fertilised” to really stand out.  

He said though buyers were plentiful, many were looking for easy-to-maintain properties.  

“Demand is going to be focused on turn-key solutions,” he said.  

Ms Leo said beachside homes and apartments were in high-demand, but those with little-to-no work needed were most popular.  

“People are really loving an easy-living, low maintenance lifestyle,” she said. “There’s a lot of people looking for that type of property.” 

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Title insurance industry innovates to protect consumers from fraud

With real estate fraud becoming more sophisticated, the title insurance industry has taken a transformative step to protect consumers and redefine what it means to protect a home in today’s environment. This month, the American Land Title Association (ALTA) will introduce two new policy endorsements that offer forward-looking coverages that directly guard against seller impersonation fraud, a dangerous and rapidly growing risk in real estate.

According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) report, cyber-enabled crime and fraud resulted in losses of $174 million in the real estate sector during 2024. Seller impersonation fraud, where criminals forge deeds to illegally sell someone else’s property, have increased, with 28% of title insurance companies experiencing at least one attempt in 2023.

These crimes can derail lives, drain savings, and force families into costly legal battles simply to defend what’s already theirs. In fact, the average title insurance fraud and forgery claim costs more than $143,000, which is more than twice the national average salary in the U.S. 

That’s why ALTA has introduced two new title insurance endorsements that offer post-policy protection against forgery. These endorsements allow homeowners — whether they’re purchasing a new policy or already have an existing one — to add coverage that addresses a pressing threat. 

This market-driven move builds on what began in 1998, when ALTA developed the Homeowner’s Policy of Title Insurance, which provides enhanced coverage compared to the standard Owner’s Policy. The enhanced policy was created in response to calls for stronger consumer safeguards. It was a big moment, marking the first time buyers could get coverage for problems like forgery that might arise after they moved in. 

However, not all policyholders have historically been offered or opted into this more comprehensive coverage, which is why these endorsements can benefit consumers. In some states, the Homeowner’s Policy of Title Insurance hasn’t been approved by regulators. 

Now, with these new endorsements, homeowners have another affordable option to proactively guard against deed and mortgage forgery. These endorsements are also accompanied by one of title insurance’s most powerful protections: the duty to defend. 

If someone attempts to record forged documents related to a homeowner’s property, the title insurer steps in — not just to resolve the issue, but to cover legal expenses and defend the homeowner’s rights in court. That’s an enormous relief for homeowners who might otherwise face substantial legal fees to untangle a fraudulent claim on their property.

ALTA’s efforts don’t stop with policy innovation. Recognizing that fraud prevention must begin before documents are recorded, we’ve also updated our Best Practices framework to raise the bar for identity verification and closing security across the title insurance industry. 

A new identity fraud prevention program being released this month as part of ALTA’s Best Practices establishes clear expectations for how title and settlement companies manage identity risks, including training staff to recognize the signs of impersonation fraud; implementing procedures to carefully control the selection of signing professionals; outlining the responsibilities of in-house signing agents; and establishing additional confirmation steps when working with third-party agents. 

The guidance also requires companies to treat documents notarized by outside professionals as potentially “at risk” and to create clear internal protocols to respond to suspected fraud attempts. Taken together, these efforts mark proactive steps to address the variety of threats homeowners face.

Real estate fraud is quickly evolving, and we have to lead with new approaches to combat it. That means not only enhancing the integrity and security of real estate transactions for consumers by offering the strongest protections through title insurance policies, but also putting stronger safeguards in place throughout the transaction itself. ALTA and the industry are committed to staying one step ahead and protecting what matters most: the security of homeownership.

This moment calls on all of us — insurers, agents, lenders, real estate professionals, and regulators — to work together to amplify the tools and protections available to consumers. These endorsements and safeguards aren’t just technical updates. They’re a renewed promise to homeowners that our industry will keep innovating to protect the places they call home.

Chris Morton is the CEO of American Land Title Association.

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of HousingWire’s editorial department and its owners.

To contact the editor responsible for this piece: zeb@hwmedia.com.

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How DPA is rewriting the lending playbook

The old playbook of financing mainly single-family, site-built homes is getting a radical makeover, and we’re pleased to note that, looking at the numbers, down payment assistance (DPA) programs are leading this charge, allowing buyers to use funds to purchase manufactured homes, multi-family properties and newly constructed homes.

Lenders can use DPA to reduce a homebuyer’s loan-to-value (LTV) ratio by an average of 6%, significantly improving loan qualification rates for first-time mortgage-ready buyers. Beyond the down payment, many DPA programs also help cover closing costs, prepaid items, interest rate buydowns, mortgage insurance premiums, and even the buyer’s agent commission. In some cases, buyers can stack multiple programs for greater financial benefit.

This support is increasingly vital as affordability challenges rise. In Q2 2025, the median U.S. home price climbed to $369,000 — up from $350,275 in Q1 — while the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.82%.

DPA turns manufactured into mortgage-ready

Our latest Homeownership Program Index (HPI) report, published in July, shows a 4% jump in DPA programs supporting the purchase of manufactured homes, climbing from 971 programs in Q1 2025 to 1,006 in the second quarter of 2025. 

That’s tracking with growing demand: According to the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI), more than 100,000 new manufactured homes were shipped across the United States in 2024. This figure represents a significant increase compared to previous years and signals a growing demand for this type of housing. Why the excitement? Simple economics. While site-built homes cost around $166 per square foot, manufactured homes clock in at a budget-friendly $87 per square foot, says MHI. 

Because manufactured homes are built indoors in modern, carefully controlled factories, every step of construction is consistent, from the materials used to how the house is assembled. That kind of controlled environment often leads to better, more reliable quality than homes built outside on a job site, where weather and other factors can affect the outcome.

These homes don’t look or perform like your grandpa’s mobile home. Manufactured homes today are built to rigorous federal standards established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which have evolved significantly since the 1976 HUD Code was introduced.

These standards regulate everything from structural design and durability to fire safety, plumbing, heating and energy efficiency. As a result, modern manufactured homes are safer, more resilient, and more comfortable than their predecessors. 

Although some old stereotypes still linger, manufactured housing has become a smart, stylish, and financially sound choice for many first-time homebuyers. More communities and policymakers are starting to recognize its value, especially as housing prices continue to rise. We are heartened to see the number of DPA programs allowing for manufactured homes consistently rising, opening the doors to affordable homeownership for many buyers. 

Live-in, rent-out, pay down

With median home prices up and interest rates unyielding, many buyers opt for multi-family purchases — including duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes. Our Q2 HPI report shows 861 DPA programs supporting multifamily purchases, with growing support for three-unit (573 programs) and four-unit (546 programs) properties — a 3% quarterly gain. 

These homes are more than residences, they’re income-generating assets. Buyers can live in one unit by purchasing a duplex, triplex, or fourplex while renting out the others, generating monthly income that can offset or even fully cover their mortgage payments. This “house hacking” model particularly appeals to first-time buyers and younger generations facing high home prices and steep borrowing costs. With the right tenants and rental rates, owners can create cash flow that reduces their housing expenses and builds equity and long-term financial security.

In many cases, the rental income from additional units can help borrowers qualify for a larger loan. When underwriting the mortgage, lenders may count a percentage of projected rental income, typically 75%, toward the borrower’s income, making multifamily properties more accessible than buyers might assume. As housing demand continues to outpace supply in many markets, particularly for affordable rentals, owning a multifamily property positions buyers to benefit from steady tenant interest and rising rents. 

It’s also important to note that DPA-backed buyers won’t be going blindly forward into homeownership and being a landlord. Most programs mandate standard homebuyer education classes and specific landlord training. This ensures that first-time buyers, especially younger investors, are equipped with the knowledge they’ll need to manage the property as both the owner and an investor.

Fresh builds, zero sticker shock

DPA programs increasingly support new construction, offering more homebuyers a pathway to purchasing brand-new homes. With more than 2,044 programs now available for new construction, a statistic we are just beginning to track, buyers have unprecedented opportunities to access recently built properties that might have previously been out of their financial reach.

For national home builders like Lennar and D.R. Horton, these DPA programs represent a strategic advantage in a challenging real estate market. By making new construction more accessible, builders can potentially generate more foot traffic to their developments and sell homes more quickly. The programs help reduce financial barriers for buyers interested in a newly built home but lack sufficient upfront capital.

Many new construction DPA programs come with additional educational requirements, ensuring buyers are prepared for homeownership, such as specific training or resources to help buyers understand the nuances of purchasing a newly constructed home. This comprehensive approach helps mitigate risks for both the buyer and the builder.

Expanding new construction DPA programs is part of a broader strategy to increase housing supply and accessibility. By supporting buyers in purchasing newly built homes, these programs help address inventory challenges and provide more options for first-time homeowners. They’re particularly valuable in markets with limited inventories and high home prices like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, Honolulu or Miami.

Turning new buyers into new business

Allowing DPA to purchase manufactured homes, multi-family properties, and new construction isn’t just an incremental change — it’s a strategic revolution in mortgage lending. For forward-thinking lenders, these expanded DPA programs represent a critical opportunity to capture emerging market segments and drive loan origination in a challenging environment.

Manufactured homes are no longer a stigmatized market. Multi-family investments are now accessible. New construction has suddenly become a viable option for a broader range of borrowers. These aren’t just housing options — they’re untapped revenue streams for lenders willing to adapt their approach. 

Millennials and Gen Z represent a massive, underserved market segment systematically priced out of traditional homeownership. By leveraging these expanded DPA programs, lenders can position themselves as innovative partners who understand the evolving needs of younger borrowers. DPA is emerging as a powerful tool in 2025 that unlocks previously inaccessible markets and creates competitive advantages for agile lenders. To those who claim affordable homeownership is dead: Watch. Us. Innovate.

Rob Chrane is the founder and CEO of Down Payment Resource and is a leader in the homeownership affordability space.

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of HousingWire’s editorial department and its owners.

To contact the editor responsible for this piece: zeb@hwmedia.com.

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Grand Hawthorn home of former Vic premier hits market

Former Victorian premier Ted Baillieu is selling his much loved grand Victorian Hawthorn mansion of 27 years with a price guide of $9 million to $9.9 million.

It was love at first sight when Mr Baillieu first set foot in ‘Kardinia’, at 8 Calvin Street, Hawthorn. He told realestate.com.au it had all the features he wanted in a home – a hilltop position, city views, a quiet neighbourhood and an interesting history.

The three-storey home has undergone an extensive renovation. Picture: realestate.com.au

“When we first bought the house I walked into the house and walked straight out again not saying anything to anybody,” he said.

“The real estate agent didn’t know that I’d been there.

“I bought it at that auction, and I rang my wife and said “I bought this – you’d better come and have a look,” and went inside and opened the papers up for the first time only to see that the house was called ‘Kardinia,’ and as a Geelong supporter I thought this was meant to be,” he said, in reference to Kardinia Park, the home ground of the Geelong Cats football club.

The home has spectacular panoramic views over Richmond to the CBD skyline. Picture: realestate.com.au

Mr Baillieu, who worked as an architect before his political career where he was the premier of Victoria from 2010 until 2013, said he knew from day one how he would renovate the six bedroom and five bathroom residence.

“We renovated and we knocked off the back of the house and rebuilt the back of the house because it really wasn’t taking advantage of the views,” he said.

“We put in a substantial basement, and we put in a huge family room and kitchen with westerly views, and the bedrooms have the most magnificent views.

The home has multiple living, entertaining and outdoor terrace areas. Picture: realestate.com.au

“I call it the dress circle view of the greatest show on Earth, which is the weather coming, the city lights, the fireworks, the balloons, the MCG lights, the river valley, the birds…

“We are in a heritage home so we restored the heritage part of it, we restored the slate roof and it’s got high ceilings and big spaces.”

The palatial main bedroom with terrace and city views. Picture: realestate.com.au

Sales agent Mike Beardsley from Jellis Craig Boroondara said the home has the best floorplan he’s seen in any two- or three-storey Victorian residence.

“Every room is grand. There’s not one room that’s compromised, they’ve certainly designed the home to maximise that vantage point of sitting high on the river,” he said.

The chef’s kitchen is equipped with a full complement Gaggenau appliances. Picture: realestate.com.au

The sprawling floorplan includes multiple living, entertaining and outdoor terrace areas, a rooftop deck, four large bedrooms located upstairs and a lower level sixth bedroom with its own living room/retreat and kitchenette.

Other highlights include Gaggenau kitchen appliances, a home office, 3.6m ceilings, open fireplaces, a wine cellar and a 15m lap pool.

The private landscaped garden with 15m lap pool. Picture: realestate.com.au

Mr Baillieu said he and his wife will not be moving too far away from the area and it was time for their next adventure.

“It’s been terrific for us. I became the local member and won four elections while we were there and home was headquarters, but home was also this retreat, sort of a peaceful place where you walk in the door and recover,” he said.

Expressions of interest to buy the home close September 16.

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Mortgage rates hit a new year-to-date low, despite Fed drama

Mortgage rates hit a new low today for 2025, despite President Trump’s attempt to fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook on Monday, which many said would drive up bond yields and mortgage rates this week.

I completely understand that this is a complex and confusing topic. On today’s episode of the HousingWire Daily podcast, I discuss why I believe the bond market and mortgage rates didn’t react much to the news of a president trying to fire a Fed governor. But I don’t think anyone would have the lowest mortgage rates of 2025 on their bingo card this week.

It’s been a crazy headline year between the Fed, President Trump, tariffs, The 10-year yield and mortgage rates. But if you take all the noise out of the equation and you believe, like I do, that Fed policy really drives 65%-75% of where the 10-year yield and mortgage rates can range, than rates this year look about right.

Mortgage rates

Mortgage rates are currently just 0.1 percentage point lower than the previous low, as reported by Mortgage News Daily, which listed rates at 6.51% today. Setting the Fed drama aside for a moment, the real highlight for 2025 is the mortgage spreads, which are behaving as they traditionally do at this point in the economic cycle — they are improving.

Without the improvement in mortgage spreads this year, mortgage rates would not have reached a year-to-date low today, particularly because the 10-year yield is currently at 4.28%. The chart below illustrates this progress.

chart visualization

Now this is using data that we add to our weekly Housing Market Tracker, but it gives you an idea of where rates would be today if the spreads were as bad as they were in 2023 — or if they were back to normal.

From last week’s tracker: “If the spreads were as bad as they were at the peak of 2023, mortgage rates would currently be 0.84% higher. Conversely, if the spreads returned to their normal range, mortgage rates would be 0.46%-0.66% lower than today’s level. Historically, mortgage spreads have ranged between 1.60% and 1.80%.

“The best levels of normal spreads would mean mortgage rates at 5.86% % to 6.06% today, a notable difference.”

Conclusion

I know this might be a confusing headline given all the recent events, but I do my best to explain it in the podcast today. However, next week is the truly big week — the last Jobs Week before the September Fed meeting and the bar is very low for the jobs data to look decent again. So, we shall see where the 10-year yield and mortgage rates are at with all the data next week. For now, mortgage rates are at year-to-date lows again today.

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12 open house follow-up email templates proven to win clients

Hosting an open house is exciting, but the real opportunity comes after the last guest leaves. A well-timed open house follow-up email is often what turns a quick conversation at the door into a real client relationship. Still, figuring out what to say in each situation isn’t always easy, which is why having a go-to open house follow-up email template can save you time – and maybe even a headache.

We’ll provide practical open house follow-up email templates you can make your own. Whether it’s a simple thank-you, a gentle nudge to hot leads or a check-in with someone who missed the event. Each open house email follow-up is written to feel natural and personal, so you can be confident after an open house without overthinking it.

Page one of Vetted by HousingWire's "Open House Follow-up Email Templates" downloadable.

Download our open house follow-up templates

Why open house follow-up matters

Open houses aren’t just about showing off a property. They’re about building a connection with every person who walks through the door. Each person you meet is a potential client, referral source or even a future seller that you can add to your sphere of influence. One thoughtful follow-up keeps that door open long after the event is over, showing visitors you’re attentive and ready to help.

When you skip the follow-up step, you leave money and opportunity on the table. A quick email can:

  • Remind buyers of the home they toured while it’s still fresh in their mind
  • Give them a clear next step, whether it’s scheduling a showing or starting a search
  • Position you as the go-to resource when they’re ready to make a move

It doesn’t have to be complicated. It just needs to convey a consistent message, be genuine and arrive in a timely manner. Otherwise, you just might miss an opportunity to close your next deal.

12 customizable follow-up email templates

Following up after an open house is where the real work begins. A quick, thoughtful email can be the difference between a one-time visitor and a long-term client. The good news? You don’t need to reinvent the wheel every time you hit send.

Below you’ll find 12 ready-to-use email templates you can copy, paste and tweak to fit your own personal style. Each one is designed to help you stay top of mind, build trust and guide buyers – and potentially sellers –  toward taking the next step with you as their agent.

1. Say thank you

A simple thank-you note can go a long way. It doesn’t need to be complicated—just genuine and personal enough to remind them you’re there to help.

Subject: Great meeting you at [Property Address]

Hi [First Name],

Thanks so much for coming by the open house at [Property Address]. It was great to meet you, and I hope you enjoyed checking out the home. If you’d like, I can send you a few other listings in the area or set up a private showing—whatever works best for you.

Talk soon,
[Your Name]

2. Create urgency for hot leads

When a lead shows real interest, timing is everything. A quick follow-up will help you stay ahead of the competition.

Subject: Don’t wait too long on [Property Address]

Hi [First Name],

I wanted to follow up after the open house at [Property Address]. We’ve had a lot of interest, and I don’t think this one will be around for long. If you’d like to schedule another look or talk through next steps, let me know today.

Best,
[Your Name]

Person looking at a Coffee and Contracts template on their tablet.
Templates for all your marketing material (Source: Coffee and Contracts)

If you like having email templates at your fingertips, you’ll love Coffee and Contracts. They put together done-for-you real estate marketing content, including emails, social posts and buyer/seller guides. With endless marketing possibilities, you’re never stuck staring at a blank screen. It’s a quick way to keep your follow-up fresh and engaging without spending hours writing from scratch.

Visit Coffee and Contracts

3. Nurture warm leads with care

Not every buyer is ready to make a move right away. Keep the tone light and open the door for conversation.

Subject: Let’s keep your search moving

Hi [First Name],

It was great meeting you at [Property Address]. I know this house may not have been the perfect fit, but I’d love to hear more about what you’re looking for. Can you share a few of your must-haves in your next home? Then, I’ll send over homes that are a closer match.

Talk soon,
[Your Name]

4. Share helpful buyer resources

Sometimes, offering value keeps buyers engaged even if they aren’t ready today. Providing the lead with a branded buyer’s guide or other homebuying resource helps position you as a trusted advisor.

Subject: A quick resource for your home search

Hi [First Name],

Thanks again for stopping by [Property Address]. I thought you might find this [buyer’s guide/homebuying checklist/mortgage resource] helpful as you think about next steps. If you have any questions, I’d be happy to walk you through the process.

Warmly,
[Your Name]

5. Position yourself as the neighborhood expert

Buyers want more than a house, they want to feel like a part of the community. Sharing your local knowledge will help build credibility and connection.

Subject: Want to learn more about [Neighborhood Name]?

Hi [First Name],

Since you toured [Property Address], I wanted to share some insights about the [Neighborhood Name] area. There are many schools, parks and other hidden gems that the locals love, and I’m sure you will too. If you’d like, I can also send you a list of other homes for sale nearby.

Best,
[Your Name]

6. Reconnect with leads who couldn’t attend

Sometimes people register for an open house, and life just gets in the way. A quick note keeps the door open and lets them know you’re still available.

Subject: Missed you at [Property Address]

Hi [First Name],

I saw you signed up for the open house at [Property Address], but didn’t make it. We hated to miss you, but the house is still on the market. Do you want me to set up a time for you to see it, or just shoot you a quick video?

Let me know,
[Your Name]

7. Build trust with client testimonials

One of the easiest ways to build credibility is to show how you’ve helped other buyers. A short story or quote from a past client can go a long way.

Subject: What past clients say about working with me

Hi [First Name],

It was great meeting you at [Property Address]. I know buying a home can feel like a big step, so I thought I’d share a quick note from a client I recently helped:

“[Insert short testimonial here].”

If you’d like to chat about your goals, I’d love to help you in the same way.

Best,
[Your Name]

8. Offer a sneak peek for upcoming open houses

People love getting the inside scoop on popular neighborhoods. Sharing what’s coming up before everyone else sees it makes buyers feel like VIPs.

Subject: Want a first look at next week’s open houses?

Hi [First Name],

Since you came by [Property Address], I wanted to give you a heads-up about a few homes I’ll be showing soon. They haven’t hit the wider market yet, but I think you might like them.

Would you like me to send you the details?

Best,
[Your Name]

9. Follow-up with investor-specific data

If you hold an open house that attracts investors with inquiries, ensure you provide them with data they care about. Investors care about the numbers. Make sure you’re speaking their language by offering stats and insights that help them make business decisions.

Subject: Numbers on [Property Address] and other options

Hi [First Name],

Thanks for stopping by [Property Address]. If you’re looking at it as an investment, I can share comps, rental estimates and a breakdown of how similar properties are performing in the area.

I also know of a few places that might make sense as rentals if you’d like to take a look.

Best,
[Your Name]

10. Turn neighbors into potential sellers

Neighbors often pop into open houses just to see what’s going on. That curiosity can be the perfect opening to talk about selling their own home.

Subject: Wondering what your home could sell for?

Hi [First Name],

Thanks for coming by [Property Address]. If you’ve ever wondered what your own place might be worth in today’s market, I’d be glad to put together a quick home value report for you.

No pressure—just solid info to help you stay in the know.

Best,
[Your Name]

11. Stay connected with drip campaigns

In most cases, one email isn’t enough. A simple check-in a few days later shows you’re paying attention without being pushy. However, if you’re looking to convert a lead into an actual buyer, you have to remain consistent and top of mind.

Subject: Still thinking about [Property Address]?

Hi [First Name],

I just wanted to follow up and see what you thought of [Property Address]. If it’s not the right fit, no worries! I can send over a few other options that might line up better with your wish list. Can you tell me a little more about what you need in your next home?

Talk soon,
[Your Name]

CRM drip campaign automation page
CRM automated drip campaigns  (Source: Real Geeks)

Even the best follow-up emails won’t work if you’re not organized enough to make them effective. That’s where Real Geeks comes in. It’s an all-in-one CRM and lead generation platform designed for real estate agents to help you track every contact, automate follow-up, and stay top of mind until your leads are ready to buy or sell.

Visit Real Geeks

12. Nurture for the long-term conversion

Some buyers need time before they’re ready to make a move. Staying in touch keeps you top of mind when that time comes.

Subject: I’ll keep you in the loop on new listings

Hi [First Name],

Even if you’re not planning to buy right now, I’d be happy to keep you updated on homes that match what you’re looking for. That way, when the timing feels right, you’ll already have a jump on the market.

Looking forward to helping you,
[Your Name]

Tips for maximizing open rates and converting leads into clients

Sending a follow-up email is only half the battle. Your email needs to get opened to even spark a response. Adding a few small details can make all the difference between your message being ignored or turning into a real conversation.

  • Use a subject line that feels personal. Skip the generic “Thank you for attending.” Try something like “Great meeting you at Oak Street” or “Quick question about your home search.”
  • Send it quickly. Within 24 hours is best while the house (and you) are still fresh in their mind.
  • Keep it short. People don’t want to read a novel. Two to three quick lines with a clear next step work better than a long pitch.
  • Make it about them. Reference something they said or the home they looked at, so it doesn’t feel like a mass email.
  • Have a clear next step. Whether it’s asking to book a property tour, sending other listings for them to look at, or asking them to grab a coffee to talk through their options, be sure to make it easy for them to reply.

These simple moves are sure to help you stand out and make your emails feel like a personal note instead of just another message in their inbox.

Curb Hero being used on tablet and mobile device.
Digital open house sign-in (Source: Curb Hero)

Do you want to make your real estate open house follow-up even easier? Curb Hero is a free digital sign-in app that collects open house visitor info instantly. That means no messy paper sheets to sort through. Best of all, it syncs right into your CRM, so you can send those first follow-up emails while the conversation is still fresh.

Visit Curb Hero

The full picture: Open house follow-up email templates

Following up after an open house isn’t about sending the perfect message, it’s about making sure people remember you. A quick thank-you, a reminder about the home or just checking in later can be enough to turn a random visitor into an actual client.

These templates give you a starting point. Be sure to add your own voice, mention something personal from your conversation and make the next step clear. Do that, and your emails won’t just sit in someone’s inbox – they’ll actually get answered.

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Housing industry groups are fighting the surge in homeowners insurance costs

With homeowners insurance premiums expected to rise an average of 8% in 2025, according to data from Insurify, and researchers blaming these rising costs for an uptick in mortgage delinquencies, it’s clear that insurance costs are hampering homebuyers’ and owners’ already strained wallets. 

“Insurance is one of those things that flies under the radar when people are buying a home, but it is something that is part of your monthly payment, and it needs to be budgeted for,” Joel Berner, a Realtor.com senior economist said. “For existing homeowners, they know how much their mortgage will be each month and they budget for taxes, but if insurance keeps going up, along with the cost of everything else, then it just becomes more difficult and they start feeling the financial pinch. For buyers, they are seeing these costs rise and maybe it is keeping some on the sidelines longer.” 

Affordability is hampered by insurance

In addition to consumers, housing industry players are also feeling the strain caused by rising premiums. 

“Affordability is already a challenge for homeowners and insurance is just another catalyst making it more difficult for a lot of consumers to continue making their payments,” Toby Wells, the president of Cornerstone Servicing, said.

He adds that this, in turn, drives up costs for servicers as they need to provide these consumers with loss mitigation efforts. Additionally, Wells said servicers have to be mindful of service fees because they don’t want to exacerbate the affordability issues.

These challenges led Wells, along with professionals across the housing industry to reach out to their trade associations to see what they could do to help improve the situation for both themselves and their clients. Since homeowners insurance is regulated at the state level, this is where the brunt of the homeowners insurance-focused advocacy activity has occurred. So far, in California and Florida, two states plagued by insurance issues, these efforts have been met with meaningful change. 

Insurance in the Golden State

Susan Milazzo, the CEO of the California Mortgage Bankers Association (CMBA), said her group’s efforts to ameliorate its state’s insurance issues began back in 2023. Although California’s insurance issues seem to have hit their zenith in recent years, the root of these challenges dates back to 1988, when the state passed Proposition 103. 

“It put limitations on a carrier’s ability to be approved for rate increases,” Milazzo said of the law. “So, what happened over time, with this regulatory issue and with the state being prone to natural disasters like wildfires, is that it became impossible for the carriers to continue to provide coverage based on their inability to reset their premiums at a level that would cover the risk that they’re assuming.” 

Additionally, if a carrier did request a rate increase, Milazzo said the requests were frequently held up by the Department of Insurance.

“We started making appeals to the Department of Insurance commissioner saying that something needs to be done — we were at a crisis point,” Milazzo said. “People were being denied homeownership, not because they couldn’t qualify for a mortgage, but because when they got to the point where they found out how much their insurance would be, sometimes it would cost more than their monthly mortgage payment, and deals were falling through.”

In order to amplify their message, the CMBA and other state trade associations, embarked on a PR campaign, which saw them publish op-eds and share their message across a variety of media channels.

The result of these efforts was the state DOI creating the “Sustainable Insurance Strategy,” which, among other things, allows carriers to use catastrophic rate modeling, meaning that the carriers are allowed to set their rates based on their predictions of catastrophe or natural disasters, and it streamlines the process for approval for a rate increase.

According to Milazzo, many of the carriers that have left the state or have stopped writing new policies have promised that, as long as the strategy continues to be implemented, they will return to the Golden State. While this is good news, Milazzo said the progress is not coming without roadblocks, including consumer groups who do not want insurance rate increases, so they are pushing back against the implementation of the strategy. 

“We are trying to use any opportunity we can to support the DOI’s efforts to move forward and hopefully give the insurance market the stability it needs,” she said.

Changes in the Sunshine State

In Florida has been hampered by similar challenges, including carriers leaving the state, as well as many others going insolvent. The state’s Realtor association has helped spearhead much of the efforts focused on improving the situation for consumers in the state. 

While the rising cost of the natural disasters hitting the state was certainly a factor in so many carriers choosing to leave the state or go insolvent, many insurance experts also fault the state’s laws surrounding insurance claim lawsuits, which they felt led to thousands of frivolous lawsuits. 

As the situation in the state worsened, Trey Goldman, the senior vice president of public policy at Florida Realtors, said he and his association decided to take action. 

“Recognizing our decision and participation would help determine whether Florida would continue to have a private insurance market, Florida Realtors ultimately passed motions to 1) support legislation repealing one-way attorney fees and assignment of benefits – the then-largest cost driver of unsustainable property insurance rate increases, and 2) ensure statutory consumer protections are retained, enhanced and enforced on behalf of policyholders. We then lobbied the legislature accordingly,” Goldman wrote in an email.

In the three years since these motions were passed encouraging state lawmakers to take action, Goldman said there has been meaningful change in the state’s insurance market. 

“Florida’s insurance market has dramatically improved, with 15 new private property insurers offering coverage. Are we still the No. 1 hurricane risk in the world? Yes, but since enacting the above reforms, we’ve become attractive to private insurance capital,” he wrote. “To be sure, work remains, including efforts to make buildings and infrastructure more resilient, and we remain committed to making this a reality.”

Although all of these changes are welcome, insurance industry professionals are still hoping for more. 

“Many states are taking the right steps to align with constituents in the state to make positive change, but they also need to keep an open mind and consider how those measures will impact the insurance carriers who are currently participating in the state,” said Sean Kent, the senior vice president of insurance at FirstService Financial/FS Insurance Brokers.

“I think a true win-win outcome where consumers get super-low rates and carriers get the rates they want to have a stable business is far-fetched, but there has been movement over the past couple of years, and we are starting to see certain legislation in some states gain momentum. I think we will probably see some positive change in the near future.”

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