Repeating history to revitalise charity auction

Filed under: REINSW -Real Estate Journal December 2011

After performing the role of live auctioneer on the charity event circuit for the past three decades, I started to see the same faces attending the events year in, year out. While it was great to see so many committed supporters of charity, it became apparent to me that I needed a fresh new delivery that would stimulate, motivate and entertain the diverse crowd – or risk them become bored and, therefore, less likely to dig deep for the cause.

I originally came up with the ‘history of auctioneering’ concept for my live auctions a decade ago.

It takes the audience on a globe trotting journey, starting with the origin and the birth place of live auctions in Ancient Roman times, quickly moving through the Middle Ages to the English, German and Dutch auctions, then jumping across to Japan, before finishing with a high-impact Australian cattle auction. Each auction takes on a life of its own and has a slightly different finish every time.

Each country is represented with a costume change and supporting props that leave the audience energised and entertained.

When I did the auction this way for the MS Trish Foundation, it was the first time in 10 years of doing the annual event that I had seen the room of 500 people quiet.

I believe the reason it has been such a success is the experience is not only memorable, it’s a point of difference for the event that can be adapted to suit different audience sizes and age groups.

 

You don’t need to be a comedian – though a sense of humour helps. What is important is to deliver a creative, polished performance that captures the audiences’ attention and keeps them guessing for the duration of the auction.

Once you have a great concept, don’t be afraid to keep updating it. After a fun and successful 2011, I am already planning a new and innovative approach for the 2012 — stay tuned. 

 

"Each auction takes on a life of its own"

 BY CRAIG MARSHALL, PRINCIPAL, CENTURY 21 CORDEAU MARSHALL GROUP

 

 

 

Posted on Wednesday, 08 February 2012 by Laura Taylor

OCTOBER SEES HOME LOAN LEVELS INCREASE

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Century 21, the largest real estate organisation in the Asia Pacific region, believes that the moderate improvement seen in mortgage lending over October 2011 could be indicative of strengthening in the Australian residential property market. 

 

“Housing finance data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that the number of owner occupied housing commitments increased by 0.7 per cent in October as compared with September 2011,” said Owner and Chairman of Century 21 Australia, Charles Tarbey. 

 

“Although slight, this upwards movement is positive news for the residential property space and we expect that further improvements will likely be seen over coming months as the impact of recent cuts to interest rates becomes evident.”

 

Of note, the figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed that the number of first home buyers obtaining a mortgage as a proportion of total owner occupied housing finance commitments had risen – from 16.4 per cent in September 2011 to 17.9 per cent in October 2011.  

 

“Century 21 Australia is certainly starting to see a lift in activity in the first-home buyer market, as we suspect recent cuts to rates have encouraged many of those Australians who have been considering a purchase for some time to act,” continued Charles Tarbey. 

 

“Along with first time buyers, the residential property market continues to offer attractive purchase opportunities for buyers across the board who are financially positioned to act and have done the appropriate research. 

 

“For those in such a position, now may be a prime time to sit down with your local real estate agent to discuss the appropriate purchase opportunities available in your area or others,” concluded Charles Tarbey.  

 

Craig Marshall, Principal of CENTURY 21 Cordeau Marshall GROUP said "Recent months have seen a record number of sales for my agency offices" further backing up the figures and statement by Charles Tarbey.

 

With over 3,000 offices, Century 21 is the largest real estate company in the Asia Pacific region, a region vital to Australia’s continued economic success.

Posted on Wednesday, 14 December 2011 by Nicola Watson

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