- REIWA's auctioneering championships seek to showcase WA's auctioneering talent
- Tom Esze, a real estate agent with over 30 years of experience has won the senior category
- Lisa Mann, a real estate agent from Ray White South Perth has won the novice category
Tom Esze and Lisa Mann have taken out first place in the senior and novice category respectively, at REIWA’s annual Gift of the Gavel Auctioneering Championships.
The championships were held on Tuesday 22 June at Wembley Golf Course. The event calls for fast thinking from the contestants as scripted audience members attempt to put off the auctioneer with interjections, odd behaviour and confused bidding. Just like the real world.
The participants have to handle all this, and continue the auction correctly through to a natural conclusion. Among the audience are regular real estate agents and supporters, who can judge each contestant’s performance.
Judges preside over the competition, and pronounce the winner. Tom Esze is a highly skilled auctioneer, who has entered the awards for many years.
REIWA CEO Neville Pozzi said auctions were gaining popularity in WA, with the number of properties being sold under the hammer having increased 29% in the year to March 2021.
“As the market has strengthened, so too has the interest in auctions. The auctioneering talent on display at this year’s championships was impressive and serves as a strong benchmark for auctioneering standards in WA.”
Mr Esze will now represent WA and compete at the 2021 Australasian Auctioneering Championships in Sydney later this year.
“I’d also like to congratulate Lisa Mann from Ray White South Perth on winning the novice category, which sees up and coming auctioneers battle it out for top honours,” Mr Pozzi said.
“Finally, I’d like to thank all of the participants in this year’s championships for their role in helping to lift the profile of auctioneering in WA.”
