The biggest difference in an agent’s performance often lies in how strategically they use information.
Today, the challenge isn’t simply finding leads; it’s identifying the right leads, connecting meaningfully, and prioritising time effectively.
But the fundamentals haven’t changed. Great real estate still starts with consistent prospecting, insightful conversations, and relationship-building. What has changed is how top agents are using technology and verified data to amplify those basics.
As international real estate coach and speaker Josh Phegan puts it, “High performance is all about moving from just getting on the phone to actually getting in front of people who can make decisions.”
Verified data doesn’t replace those fundamentals; it supercharges them, helping agents focus on what matters most.
Over the past few years at iD4me, we’ve seen top-performing agents across Australia and New Zealand evolve their approach.
Those who embrace verified property and homeowner data can focus their efforts, personalise their outreach, and make every interaction count — turning prospects into genuine opportunities.
1. Contactability is just the beginning
Having accurate contact information is essential, but the real advantage comes from knowing who to reach out to and why.
For example, if you’ve listed a four-bedroom home in Sydney or Auckland, you don’t need to call every homeowner in the suburb.
Instead, using verified data from platforms like iD4me, you can identify owners of three-bedroom properties nearby who may be looking to upgrade.
A conversation could be as simple as:
“Hi, we’ve just listed a four-bedroom home in your area. If you’re considering an upgrade, would you like a quick look?”
This level of relevance turns cold calls into permission-based conversations because you’re sharing valuable, hyper-local information. It often generates multiple opportunities, not just for the current listing, but for future transactions as well.
2. Prioritisation: Prospect smarter, not harder
Once contact is possible, the next step is making sure you’re focusing on the opportunities that matter most.
Top agents no longer rely on broad, untargeted outreach. By analysing property types, street-level activity, and household makeup through verified data, you can focus on the homes and streets that truly matter.
Why it works:
- You spend more time building relationships that are likely to convert.
- Your outreach reflects homeowners’ realities, creating trust and relevance.
For instance, in Melbourne’s inner suburbs or Auckland’s premium markets, reviewing the property and household details that appear in iD4me’s platform makes it easy to spot streets dominated by high-demand three-to-four-bedroom homes — the pockets where homeowner engagement is stronger and listings tend to move faster.
3. Speed to lead: Timing is everything
Even with the right contacts, timing is everything, and acting quickly turns opportunities into results.
Fast-moving property markets reward agents who can act fast. Verified data lets you reach the right people at the right time — whether it’s a new listing, a property under contract, or a local development creating demand.
Josh Phegan highlights the power of this approach: “Now you’ve got verified data to go after the right people for the right reasons, and build relationships at speed.” Agents who respond quickly can guide decisions, build trust, and secure listings before competitors even know an opportunity exists.
4. Personalisation that respects privacy
Verified data is valuable only when used responsibly. In New Zealand, for example, the Privacy Act 2020 requires information to be collected directly and handled carefully. In Australia, compliance with the Privacy Act 1988 (APPs) is mandatory.
By using property and household context, agents can personalise outreach without being intrusive:
- Highlight upgrades or lifestyle opportunities relevant to the homeowner’s property type
- Share market insights specific to their suburb
- Offer guidance rather than hard selling
As Josh Phegan puts it, “This is about getting smarter with data about who the key people are that you need to build relationships with.”
This approach builds credibility, demonstrates expertise, and creates trust-based relationships that lead to stronger long-term results.
5. KPIs that prove the value of data-led prospecting
Strategic, insight-driven prospecting delivers measurable results:
- Higher contact rates through precise targeting.
- More appraisals booked because outreach is highly relevant.
- Increased conversion from conversation to listing.
- Stronger long-term client relationships.
Tracking these metrics helps agents understand the impact of their efforts and refine their approach over time, turning data into a true performance advantage.
The takeaway: Clarity, context, and confidence
The biggest shift in modern prospecting comes from clarity of focus. Knowing who to target, why, and what context to bring to the conversation is what separates top agents from the rest.
Verified, contextual data is an enabler, allowing agents to:
- Prospect with purpose.
- Prioritise effectively.
- Personalise conversations responsibly.
- Build relationships faster and with confidence.
The best agents master the basics of prospecting, communication, and follow-up, and let technology amplify them. Verified data gives those fundamentals power, helping agents have smarter conversations, act faster, and build stronger client relationships.
In today’s market, technology doesn’t replace the basics; it enhances them. For those who use it well, that’s where real growth begins.
