By NARELLE COULTER
SPRINGVALE real estate agent Harry Li has brought down the hammer on one of real estate’s most prestigious titles – that of REIV senior Victorian auctioneer of the year.
Mr Li fought off stiff competition to win the top title in August.
In a competition usually dominated by inner city agents, Mr Li broke through to demonstrate the high calibre of auctioneering talent on offer in the south east.
Mr Li and six other contestants inspected a 1950s, two-bedroom weatherboard house and then had just hours to prepare for a mock auction before an audience of judges and real estate peers.
Judges said Mr Li’s auction was “consistent” and “engaging”.
Mr Li laughingly admits to constant practising in front of the mirror during his early days learning the art of conducting a skillful auction.
“Practise in the mirror certainly helps, but I also sought out good auctioneers as part of my training. I would go to auctions being conducted by auctioneers with a good reputation on Saturdays just to watch and pick up techniques and tips.”
Mr Li said confidence, but not arrogance, was the key to being a good auctioneer. Empathy also helps generate bids and put people at ease in what is often a very stressful situation.
“It is during those auctions where bids are struggling that show whether you are a good auctioneer. That’s where the craft comes in.”
His most memorable auction to date was bringing down the hammer on the sale of a childcare centre owned by the City of Greater Dandenong in Springvale. With a reserve of $1.5 million, heated bidding between two interested parties saw the sale price rocket to $2.1 million.
Mr Li said auctions were becoming increasingly popular among Springvale vendors, with more than 50 per cent of sales now going to auction.
He hopes winning the prestigious REIV title will help elevate his profile within the very competitive real estate industry and also give vendors confidence that the sale of their most important asset is in good hands.
He will be presented with his award of Victoria’s top auctioneer at an awards night in October, before heading to New Zealand to compete against winners from other states.
