Auction Action with Justin Nickerson
When the fervour of auction fever takes hold, little can compare to the thrill of the chase and net effect.
The auctioneer plays a pivotal role in determining the outcome, as readers will discover:
Justin Nickerson
Title: Director
Company: Apollo Auctions
Love of the sport — What do you love most about selling a property at auction?
The ability to reach an agreement between a buyer and seller in a stressful environment [that] ultimately has significant implications in both parties’ lives forever.
Experience pays — How long have you been an auctioneer?
Full time for 12 years.
Fully qualified — What qualifications did you undergo to become a licensed auctioneer?
I was a property buyer and seller, then a real estate agent for four years.
Vendor appreciation society — What is your best advice for vendors?
Don’t underestimate the importance of choosing the correct agent to represent your large asset. The gulf between the great agents and the mediocre is enormous — and can quite literally result in huge differences in outcome of potential sale prices.
Bid to win — What is your best advice for bidders?
Be brave — do your research and make sure that you arrive at the auction with a strategy built around activity. The wait-and-see approach can never work, because simply to buy at auction you must bid.
Trophy wall — What is your proudest achievement as an auctioneer?
I’ve been fortunate enough to be awarded the Australasian Auctioneer of the Year award three times.
Case of the jitters — What is your most nerve-wracking auctioneer moment?
The first auction, for sure! A sleepless night filled with all of the ‘what could possibly go wrong?’ thoughts running through my mind.
Best result — What is your biggest margin above reserve?
We were lucky to work with an amazing team, on the Gold Coast, securing a world-class, irreplaceable property in Burleigh, which went far, far beyond both a likely selling price and the owners’ expectations.
