We Are Real Estate

Stuart Benson: The Power of Relationships

Auctioneering champion Stu Benson knew he was never going to be a traditional 9-5er when it came to choosing a career. Now at the top of his game, he notes the future of the industry is about shifting public perception - with agents not a 'necessary evil' but a 'fundamental must'

On getting into real estate
I consciously chose real estate. I knew a traditional 9-5’er wasn’t for me, and was happy to do odd days and hours because every day was a new location, a new client, a new challenge.

On the other hand, auctioneering chose me after a few colleagues reckoned I was born to do it.

The happiest moment in my career
Winning the 2018 Australian Auctioneer of The Year award, and most recently winning the 2019 Hills District Sole Trader of The Year award – a testament to the resilience and determination of staying focused in my toughest year in business.

The most memorable moment
Apartment 3, 27 Darling Street, South Yarra – my sale on Channel 9’s ‘The Block’. Being on The Block was something I really wanted to do, and I was not only thrilled when the opportunity came about, but to have achieved such a fantastic result was the icing on the cake. It changed my business.

Best advice he’s received
If you can’t afford it, you don’t need it.

Biggest challenge
The perception that ‘we’ – real estate professionals – are a ‘necessary evil’ rather than a ‘fundamental must’. I feel that the only way to avoid the automation of transacting real estate, therefore the elimination of most of our jobs, is to overwhelmingly validate the power of people, relationships, negotiation and empathy – things that I don’t believe can be synthesised.

Change for good?
Agents realising that Social Media (rightfully) makes us accessible, and that perception is the reality. If you’re trying to get my business, and I can see photos of you and your clique vaping in your underwear with a dreamcatcher on your head because Coachella was lit, fam.. then you’re probably not the agent for me!

โ€˜Eliteโ€™ agent means
I believe an Elite Agent is one that is giving of their time and wisdom. Someone who leaves people and situations better than when they found them. Someone who gives more than they take, and someone who, perhaps without even knowing it, inspires others to be better.

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Staff Writer

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