Showered with bids

This anecdote reminds me of an actual similar incident I had – more on that later.

Tony Pride

“We auctioned a flat in one of the areas very popular better avenues.

The owner was fairly tough and open young man who partied hard.

On the morning of the auction we arrived and knocked on the door. There was no answer. We were inside as the crowd started gathering and heard the shower going. So we called out: “You in there Jack?” “Yeah come on in!” he replied.

He was in the shower with his girlfriend. They were lathering each other up and drinking cans of beer!

“Jack the auction’s happening, the crowds starting to come in!” I cried. “No worries, Tony, show ‘em through, we’re staying here!” They did just that!

Many people went through the property. Jack and his friend weren’t fazed – they just kept lathering up and drinking more beers.

The bidding opened well. We referred the highest bid to Jack. “Yeah Tony, go for it, just sell it!’ We did, signed up the buyers, went back to the bathroom and Jack, still in the shower lathering up and drinking beers, leaned out and signed the contracts.

He congratulated me on my performance ad I likewise was very tempted to congratulate him on his enduring performance!

Settlement was quick which suited Jack as he had a court appearance scheduled the following week whereupon soon after, spent a considerable time in a country environment.

Published by Maximiser “Under the Hammer” by Geoff Buck and Sarah McFarlane. I picked up a copy from the Law Institute Victoria Bookshop Bourke Street Melbourne $24.95.

My storey is not that disimilar. One hot summer’s day I had a client Harry who had an interest in buying a serviced apartment re-sale in the Melbourne CBD. The 3 bedroom 2 storey apartment was centrally located and by all measures a rock solid investment returning about 6% nett. Harry simply wanted to inspect the property before making the commitment. Like Jack, Harry is just a little eccentric.

The inspection was simple enough. Make an appointment with the serviced apartment operator to make sure the apartment was not occupied. There was nothing especially special about this apartment. Three bedrooms spread over two storeys. I show Harry the apartment and pointed out its amenities. On inspection of the bathroom, Harry has a request. Could he have a shower? A little unusual. But hang on, you have to consider any request as a sale may depend on it. Thinking about it. Why not, its going to be Harry’s apartment anyway! Five minutes later, Harry emerges, showered and refreshed. And Bingo, Harry now owns one very fine 3 bedroom 2 storey apartment in the centre of Melbourne’s CBD