” Without your support we would not have been able to stage this event on August 4 and raise the money we did, in excess of $450,000!
Dr Susan Alberti, AO, MAICD
Susan Alberti Medical Research Foundation Chairman
I first met Phil back in 2015, where we engaged his services to conduct Auctioneering training for my staff. It became evident that Phil was not only a natural but, the best auctioneer I had ever seen. I soon after engaged Phil to Auctioneer at a land subdivision where five lots were being offered for sale by auction in one day. Phil and I worked well together, his advice, direction before the auction made sure we were in a perfect position, come auction day. The auction was a huge success with $647,000 above the reserve prices achieved, a considerable crowd and thrilled vendors.
I only use Phil, and I will only ever use Phil for my auctions as I would never want to risk my vendor’s result by not using the best!
Thanks, Michael Ferris – Ferris Gold
Michael Ferris
Director, Ferris Gold

The Real Estate Market and COVID-19: An Observation
Monday, 23 March 2020
The current state of the real estate market is very good, even with the downturn in the stock market and the uncertainty of the COVID-19. Auction clearance rates are very good especially in Melbourne and Sydney. In fact clearance rates, in all but two states and territories are tracking at 70% or above, (Source REA). People are still wanting to buy and people are still wanting to sell. There is, however, some hesitation about how this can be done and that is only natural given the situation.
A global economic prediction given in a podcast only yesterday, from Escala’s Chief Investment Officer, Tracey McNaughton, is that we are in a reasonable position and the world will get through this but there will be challenges along the way.
I have always been a big believer in the traditional auction process and I still am. Whatever happens at this time, we need to show leadership and confidence to navigate the way through.
To do this agents need to consider:
- Providing a safe environment – Having sensible processes in place to protect; sellers, buyers, tenants, agents and of course the community as a whole.
- Create momentum – All campaigns thrive on momentum and this is enhanced through transparent activity. If there is no engagement from the market, the agent needs to act accordingly. Not just sit and hope.
- Maintain Control – agents need to be connected and ensure their campaigns are ‘on track’. The agent, not technology or any other means, needs to be in complete control of their campaigns and deliver more bidders at the end i.e. Talk to more people not less.
Over the past 35 years I used seen and used a great deal of auction technology.
Openn Negotiation is a great tool that assists agents to provide these considerations above. As a product / method, I believe it is superior to private sale / treaty or Expressions of Interest. I sincerely hope that we will not be shut down and prevented from performing public auctions but if we are shut down, the Openn Negotiation platform could be a viable option. In any case, it’s worth further investigation.
Stay well and take care.
Phil de Fégely – Auction Coach and creator of Auction Assist and Auction Campaign Formula