REINZ Top Real Estate Auctioneer
26 June 2012
REINZ Top Real Estate Auctioneer
Twenty-two year old, Daniel Coulson from Bayleys is New Zealand’s top real estate auctioneer. The two-day REINZ National Auction Championships event concluded last night after a captivating show from four impressive finalists - Robert Tulp of Harcourts Group, John Bowring of Colliers International, Andrew North of Harcourts Cooper & Co, and Daniel Coulson of Bayleys.
But it was Coulson’s humour and stage presence - and perhaps the bright orange tie! - that took out the top award in a tightly fought contest. Andrew North of Harcourts Cooper & Co was close on his heels as Runner Up, with judges remarking on the tightness of the margin.
Typically only known to the public by their brief appearances at real estate and charity auctions, the humour, camaraderie, professionalism and commitment of auctioneers to their craft is little seen. All of these were more than evident when the 26 senior competitors from around the country pitted themselves against their peers under the eye of discerning judges in the hope of taking this much-coveted award.
At the champs, competitors are introduced to an actual house for sale on the day of competition. They have just a few hours to prepare their pitch and research the property’s features. In a scripted sequence which is identical for each competitor, experienced auctioneers acting as bidders battle it out for their imaginary new home, with audience interjections and other distractions thrown in for good measure. It is the auctioneer’s role to manage – within a tight time limit - the fast paced bids, complex number sequences, tricky questions and curve balls as they draw out the best aspects of the property to ensure top dollar for their client, the vendor. Auctioneers have just 15 minutes in the final to conclude the sale, it is fast paced and full of suspense, with marks deducted for the slightest faux pas.
Both Coulson and North have also won the right to represent New Zealand in the Australasian Championships held in Adelaide in October. The Australasian Trophy travels to Australia with the New Zealand contingent, having been won by this country’s Mark Sumich last year. Based on yesterday’s performances we have high hopes that one of our two representatives will have extra luggage on the return journey!
Nu Taramai of Harcourts Team MKH got a great return from his trip from Paraparaumu when he took out the REINZ Novices Championship, and Tony White from Harcourts Cooper & Co had much to be proud of as he took out the runner up position from a field marked by its quality.
ENDS