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Brendan Wong
The Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) has announced the five finalists for its Senior Auctioneers Competition taking place next month.
Michael Choice from McDonald Real Estate Aspendale Gardens, Harry Li from McDonald Real Estate Springvale, Toby Parker from hockingstuart Balwyn, Jeremy Tyrrell from Fletchers and Michael Wood from Marshall White will compete for the REIV’s prestigious award.
The winner and runner-up of the Senior Victorian Auctioneer of the Year award will represent Victoria at the Australasian Real Estate Institutes’ Auctioneering Championships in Perth in September.
Tony Parker, director of hockingstuart Balwyn told Real Estate Business he was very excited and looked forward to the competition.
“It’s something I’ve worked hard for,” he said. “I’ve been doing this for 13 years, so it’s an opportunity to challenge myself and focus on our craft and really hone our skills. It’s another opportunity to step outside my comfort zone."
According to Mr Parker, a good auctioneer is someone who has a real presence and is in control.
“You've got to know how to use light and shade in your voice and keep people engaged. You always have to have your vendor’s interest at heart,” he said.
A mistake some auctioneers make is putting too much focus on themselves, he said.
“I believe that sometimes they can try to make themselves too much the centre of attention. It should be more about the buyers rather than the auctioneers," he continued.
Mr Parker said his secret to running a successful auction was staying calm.
“It sounds a bit silly, but try to stay relaxed and breathe,” he said.
