The White Report AU | June 2024 | Page 47

Inclusive auction sets a new standard for accessibility

BY ALEX TILBURY
Ray White Noble Park | Springvale made history recently by providing an Auslan interpreter to sign the live auction call of 28 Jacana St , Noble Park .
This initiative , called by Ray White Victoria ’ s chief auctioneer Jeremy Tyrell and Alex from Expression Australia ( pictured ), marks a significant step towards inclusivity in the real estate industry .
The pair called four auctions for the south-east Melbourne business and they sold 2 / 4 properties .
Ray White Noble Park | Springvale principal Allison Grant said the three bedroom brick home at 28 Jacana St , Noble Park sold for $ 810,000 , $ 80,000 over reserve with active bidding from five parties . helping people with accessibility . When I was engaged to sell the property by online auction , I suggested we could have an Auslan interpreter attend the auction to assist our seller and his daughter during the auction .
“ Our online auctions have come about through Covid and have been so successful , we have continued them . Because of the nature of being online , the auctions are accessible to buyers and potential sellers to gauge the market ; not just locally but interstate and overseas . What we hadn ' t considered until meeting Peter and Judi was the lack of accessibility for deaf people navigating the real estate landscape .”
Allison said her seller had become unwell in aged care and unfortunately passed away . His funeral will be held today .
“ Our vendor , the owner of the home , recently went into aged care . He was deaf . His only daughter is also deaf and they have many family and friends that are deaf ,” she explained .
“ This has given me a whole new perspective about creating accessibility for everyone . This includes exploring additional ways to ensure our services are inclusive for everyone .”
“ I met with my seller ’ s sister Judi and brother in law , Peter when I inspected the home . Both are hearing and born into deaf families and very active in