BEN HANLY

BEN HANLY

WHAT DO YOU DO AT UNDER THE HAMMER?

I’m an Auctioneer and Trainer/Assessor.

WHEN DID YOU START YOUR CAREER AS AN AUCTIONEER?

I started calling with Under The Hammer in 2016. Prior to launching into auctioneering, my property career was primarily in the Inner West marketplace.

I enjoyed positioning myself alongside the auctioneer every Saturday to record bids.

Having the perspective of seeing bidders amongst the crowd and pensively waiting to note where the next bid would come from, was invaluable before formulating my decision to be an auctioneer.

WHAT WAS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE AUCTION?

It would have to be a Zoom auction called on my laptop during the lockdown of 2021.

The resulting sale price was a $1,026,000 over reserve, but it was surreal to log off the auction and only have the agent and vendors present to get excited with!

In fairness, there have been plenty of memorable auctions from a bunch of hotted-up cars and motorcycles showing up to disrupt proceedings, to including my necktie in the sale to get the deal done.

With the latter, the underbidder went another five grand and took the house and tie.

As it was a blistering hot February day, I was more than happy to take it off my neck!

WHAT IS YOUR MAIN AREA OF FOCUS?

I’m often found in The Inner West, but can also be calling in surrounding suburbs in every direction…

I guess it’s a case of, ‘have gavel, will travel’.

When not suited up to call, I can be found at “UTH HQ” delivering training or marking through assessments.

WHY DID YOU BECOME AN AUCTIONEER?

The excitement and performance aspect is ultimately what drew me in.

A chance meeting and suggestion that I should be an auctioneer was the planted seed, and I kept revisiting the idea until I was ready to jump in the deep end.

WHAT DO YOU BRING TO THE TABLE ON AUCTION DAY?

Enthusiasm, energy, and an appreciation for collaboration. I enjoy the people, process and excitement of an auction.

I am happy to provide or welcome any input towards a strategy for auction day and working in the real estate training space, I also appreciate an enquiry where I can offer up assistance to help ensure that requirements are met to complete a transaction.

It’s great to be able to form and foster relationships with agents.

WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING YOUR CLIENTS MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU?

A trained actor before becoming an auctioneer, I auditioned and landed the part of an auctioneer in a TV commercial for ANZ first home buyers.

Thankfully I had some auction-calling experience to help me land the gig!