Mr Hicks told WILLIAMS MEDIA his five pieces of advice for young people starting in real estate, and his claim to fame!

How did you start out in real estate? Have you always worked in the industry, or did you do something else previously?

I started in real estate six years ago after a 25-year career in senior retail management that saw me running national and international brands.

I had what I called my “midlife correction” and decided to follow a passion that I’d always had for real estate and sales.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love the fact that we get to deal with people in the biggest transactions most of them will ever make in their lives.

This brings with it a human element that sees many different emotions (both highs and lows) but when you guide people through the process calmly, and give them confidence in their decisions, the end result is very happy buyers and sellers.

I get a real high out of seeing them happy with their decisions.

Related reading: Savvy homeowners cash in on high capital growth suburbs in Brisbane

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72 Illidge Street, Coorparoo for sale by Shane Hicks and Antonio Puopolo of Place Bulimba, as seen on Luxury List

Can you tell us about an interesting property you’ve sold?

I have sold lots of interesting properties, and I will touch on two of them.

They have one thing in common in that they both sold for $1 million over the reserve, under the hammer at auction.

The first was a property at 258 Oates Avenue, Holland Park in 2014.

After the first week I had found what would eventually be the final two bidders.

They both wanted to buy before auction and the seller was also keen to wrap it up, but she took my advice and we held our nerve and took it all the way to auction.

At the start of auction night the seller was a bit gruff with about why we hadn’t sold before to avoid this stress.

This was before I told her that we had 12 registered bidders in the room.

Bidding kicked off and quickly flew past the reserve, with the two buyers from week one the only ones fighting for it over $2 million.

After a 24 minute auction we knocked it down for $2.559 million and went out with the whole family to celebrate!

In 2017 I had the pleasure of marketing “Fairholme” a 1912 historic heritage home on 1712m² on top of the hill in East Brisbane.

The home had been in the one family since it was built but now needed to be sold to tidy up the estate.

We launched a big campaign and the phone did not stop ringing.

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First open home we recorded 75 groups and this gathered momentum until the auction.

We had planned for the auction to be held on the tennis court, but on the day of auction it stormed so we ended up with 300 people inside this historic home and on the verandah.

25 Bidders fought it out and 30 minutes after starting the auction finished with a sale of $4 million, $1 million over reserve!

I've learnt a lot in my six years in the industry but from these properties in particular, I learned two valuable lessons:

1. Never put a cap on the ultimate sale price.  
2. The benefit of letting the auction process run its course.

What’s your advice to young people starting out in real estate?

1. Focus on a market and become an expert in that market.
2. Play the long game rather than chase a quick deal.
3. Remember you are creating a “self-brand” that will determine your level of success, so be that brand every time you are seen in public (both in person and on social media).
4. Frequency builds trust so make sure your market gets some sort of touch point from you frequently.
5. Stay committed to the cause, have faith in yourself, and don’t make a plan B.

Related reading: Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in top 20 for global prime residential price growth

If you could change one thing about the real estate industry, what would it be?

I’d love to help change the traditional stereotypical view of real estate agents from where it is today to one of a more trustworthy professional.

What’s your outlook for the property market in Bulimba for the next 12-18 months?

In Brisbane we have had no boom but rather consistent growth at consumer price index or better for the past seven years.

We are also experiencing record interstate migration and we have huge infrastructure projects underway.  

For these reasons I don’t see any downturn like the Sydney and Melbourne markets are experiencing but rather a period of continued modest growth.

Where do you live now, and what would be your dream home if you could live anywhere in the world?

I live in Norman Park which is right in the heart of my market.

I live in a 100 year old workers cottage in a very friendly neighbourhood where I can walk to my favourite cafes and coffee shops.

I wouldn’t want to move too far, but I would love to live on the river with a jetty and my boat in the water.

Related reading:

"A smooth process:" despite market, quality homes continue to perform

Get to know Dion Tolley of Place Bulimba

Brisbane the winner with home value changes