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- Key figure: Brett Andersen, Sales Manager and Auctioneer at McGrath North Lakes
- Challenge: Adapting to digital platforms while maintaining the essence of traditional auctioneering
- Solution: Embracing Realtair’s comprehensive suite of tools, including timed online auctions
- Key achievement: Successful transition to online auctions, managing multiple high-demand properties efficiently
When auctioneer Brett Andersen first considered moving his auctions from the driveway to the digital realm, he was apprehensive. “We hadn’t done one before,” Brett admits, reflecting on his first online auction with Realtair. But this leap into the unknown would soon change his Queensland-based office’s operations.
In July 2023, Brett’s team expanded from property management into sales, armed with Realtair’s arsenal. Within months, they were handling properties that attracted up to 45 potential buyers at a single open house and managing sales with as many as 26 offers. This is the story of how one auctioneer’s embrace of PropTech is reshaping the real estate landscape in Queensland and beyond.
How Brett’s team embraced Realtair
Brett Andersen’s team joined McGrath in mid-2023, facing the challenge of building a successful sales arm from their existing property management business. The solution came in the form of Realtair, a comprehensive proptech platform that would transform their approach to real estate.
“We’ve been on Realtair for about the last 12 months,” Brett explains. “More recently, we’ve taken up the online sales end of it and the forms. It’s been a game-changer for us.”
The transition wasn’t without its hurdles, but Brett’s experience with CRM systems helped him navigate the learning curve. This background proved invaluable as he guided his team through the adoption process. They began by using Realtair for Price Updates, gradually expanding to leverage its full potential in managing high-volume sales and online auctions.
The impact on their daily operations was significant. “We’re gathering a lot of data and leveraging it,” Brett notes. The platform’s ability to streamline processes and provide real-time insights has transformed how they approach everything from client communication to offer management.
Streamlining high-volume sales
Managing high-volume buyer interest can be a daunting task. Brett and his team found themselves facing this challenge head-on, with some properties attracting up to 45 potential buyers at a single open house.
Realtair Sign and Realtair Sell became game-changers for Brett’s team. “It’s almost like a micro mini website. Everything’s there. They can access all the documents, they can make their offer there, they can update their offer there, they’re updated with what’s going on.”
This centralised system not only saved the agents valuable time but also significantly enhanced the buyer experience. The transparency of the system was particularly appreciated by all parties involved. Buyers could see their offer ranking in real time, understand the competition, and make informed decisions about updating their offers.
“I think that if you're serious about your business, you work hard to get leads, this is a great way to capture them, give them really good quality information and make sure that the touch points are in place.”
From hesitation to auction success
The opportunity to test online auctions came with a property that had previously fallen through under traditional contract terms. Brett proposed a short, sharp 14-day campaign culminating in an online auction.
As the auction day approached, Brett’s team had only secured a couple of registered bidders. However, the flexibility of the online platform led to unexpected developments. “We ran an open house on the Saturday and we were closing the auction Sunday night at 8:45,” Brett recounts.
The Sunday of the auction brought surprising turns. Throughout the day, new bidders continued to register online. The auction itself was a learning experience, with Brett adapting his traditional auctioneering skills to the digital platform.
The result was a success. “The first bidder put in a massive bid right up over the top of everyone,” Brett explains. The property sold above reserve to a bidder who had only viewed the property the day before.
Brett’s approach to Offer Ranking and Timed Sales
One of the most significant advantages Brett discovered in Realtair’s platform was its ability to enhance transparency in the sales process, particularly through features like offer ranking and timed sales.
The Offer Ranking feature proved particularly valuable in private treaty sales. “There was 12 offers in there and it just shows ’em their ranking,” Brett recalls. This transparency had a profound effect on buyer behaviour, motivating them to put their best foot forward.
The Timed Sale feature added another layer of transparency to the process. “We had five active bidders in it,” Brett recalls of one auction. The platform allowed all participants to see the bidding activity, creating a fair and open environment akin to a traditional auction, but with the added convenience of online participation.
Balancing traditional skills with modern technology
As Brett reflects on his journey with Realtair, it’s clear that the integration of proptech has been transformative for his agency. But for Brett, it’s not about technology replacing traditional real estate skills – it’s about enhancing them.
“I started to think, well, this is what I need to do. I just need to give that person a call. Just as if I was standing with them at the auction,” Brett explains, describing how he adapted his auctioneering skills to the online platform. This blend of personal touch and technological efficiency has become the hallmark of Brett’s approach.
Looking ahead, Brett sees exciting possibilities. He’s already planning to explore Hybrid Auctions, combining on-site events with online bidding. For Brett, the future of real estate lies in this balance – leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and reach, while maintaining the personal connections and expertise that have always been at the heart of good real estate practice.
“I think that if you’re serious about your business, you work hard to get leads, this is a great way to capture them, give them really good quality information and make sure that the touch points are in place,” Brett affirms.
As the Queensland property market continues to evolve, Brett Andersen and his team stand ready to meet new challenges, armed with the perfect blend of traditional expertise and cutting-edge technology. The future of real estate is not just digital – it’s personal, efficient, and exciting.
