Luke backs it up to take out consecutive auctioneer titles
Date: 23 May 19
MEDIA RELEASE
Thursday, 23 May 2019
Luke Banitsiotis of Woodards Blackburn has taken out the title of 2019 REIV Senior Auctioneer of the Year for the second consecutive year while Paul Tzamalis of The Auction Company was Runner Up.
The two were declared the top performers from a field of nine contenders, which was narrowed to five finalists over a two-day competition on 21 and 22 May at REIV Headquarters in Camberwell.
Luke and Paul will go on to represent Victoria at the Australasian Auctioneering Championships in Melbourne which will be held from 22 to 24 October 2019 in association with the Real Estate Institute of Tasmania.
Mr Banitsiotis said his secret weapon is his mathematical abilities which enables him to call bids quickly and accurately.
“I felt a bit of pressure going in after winning it last year so it’s good to come out with a win and I’m looking forward to October, going in to the Australasians in my home State,” Mr Banitsiotis said.
“The Australasian Competition is a great experience; it’s one level up so it’s all about learning and developing and hopefully this year we go one better and make the final.”
REIV Vice President, Auction Chapter Chair and Chief Judge Adam Docking said the competition was strong.
“Luke was technically superior, heads and shoulders above everybody else, while Paul’s calling had a lot of life in it,” Mr Docking said.
“They were outstanding. In competition, just like in today’s market, it is all about being technically correct while putting on a performance and engaging with the crowd.
“Paul’s calling was the longest out of all of the entrants, but looking at the crowd, everyone was watching, no one switched off and that just goes to show that he was able to hold the crowd’s attention.”
The REIV was delighted to again have the Herald Sun and Leader as our Auction Partners.
For the first time this year, the REIV live-streamed the competition via our Auction Partner, GAVL with links for each competitor updated on the REIV’s Facebook page throughout the competition.
You can watch the recap videos via the links below:
Well done to all contestants.
Media contact:
Chanelle Pearson 0402 241 621