The Block 2021: The Blockheads get some real feedback at the Domain Buyers Jury Challenge
We’ve only got a few weeks left of The Block and now the teams really need to think about the end game, which is getting buyers through the door on auction day.
Without buyers, all the blood, sweat and tears can lead to absolutely nothing at auction, so it’s finally time for the Domain Buyers Jury challenge. The Blockheads got their houses prepped, cleaned and styled to show what they’ve done to real buyers, to get some real feedback.
There was a lot on the line, with not only a $10,000 cash prize for the team who received the most votes, but Danny Wallis was back as well and this time he bought the Gnome to award to the home he liked the most.
It all kicked off in House 1 where Ronnie and Georgia have created a classic contemporary home with a modern twist. The internal space is 307 square metres and features four bedrooms and two bathrooms.
“We’ve created a really beautiful entertainer’s paradise, really. It’s a family home but it flows nicely, it’s got a vibe and I’m excited to show it to people and share what we’ve created,” Georgia said of the home.
Their entertainment was a balloon pop performance, which was definitely something different. But in typical Georgia style she colour co-ordinated the balloons to the interior of House 1.
“They’ve got a fantastic style, they’ve obviously got a lot of experience and they get it, they know what works,” buyers’ advocate Frank Valentic told Shelley Craft.
Next up was House 2, Mitch and Mark’s Federation-look home which they have transformed with a contemporary coastal style cottage. The house features four bedrooms and two bathrooms over 297 square metres.
As potential buyers and buyers’ advocates walked in the first thing they all noticed was the incredible cathedral ceiling.
“I think the volume of the ceiling heights and just the negative space that they’ve been able to create, I think is true luxury,” Nicole Jacobs noted of the house.
Domain’s Alice Stolz and Shelley also spoke about the “genius flow” of the home while buyers’ advocate Greville Pabst hinted he thinks his buyers are going to love House 2.
Into House 3, where Tanya and Vito stayed true to the 1950s architecture with a mid-century modern theme. The couple have the second largest internal space of 331 square metres, although they’ve opted for only three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Their real estate agent, former Blockhead Jesse Raeburn, was there to show potential buyers the listing on the Domain app, clearly working the crowd.
“All night long we heard ‘congratulations’, ‘well done’, ‘oh my goodness’,” Vito said.
“‘What do you guys do? Are you designers?'” Tanya added of the questions they were asked. “That’s awesome, because we’ve never done this before, right!”
At the end of the cul-de-sac Josh and Luke have kept the modern, moody theme in 297 square metre House 4. They’ve gone with four bedrooms and three bathrooms, including their infamous indoor/outdoor en suite.
“This is my secret property that I think is really going to appeal to investors,” Alice explained in the master bedroom.
“I like that idea that you sort of have put this bedroom away from the other ones. A lot of the other houses have got them together which is a much more family-centric thing. I’m not saying families won’t like this, but I do like this idea of being a little bit different from the other houses in that regard.”
Onto the other side of Bronte Court and we’re at the 361 square metre internal space home that is House 5. Kirsty and Jesse have gone with four bedrooms, four bathrooms and the very popular Hamptons style throughout.
Kirsty started belting out a song as potential buyers made their way into House 5. The couple went with a simple pitch for their home too.
“We put our heart on the line, we just said, ‘This is our home that we’ve put so much love and care into, it’s our dream home’. Pointed out all of the amazing things and let the house speak for itself’,” Kirsty explained.
They also took a different approach with catering — instead of high-end they decided to go with donuts.
The one thing everyone was anxiously waiting for was Danny Wallis’ arrival in Bronte Court. The IT entrepreneur has purchased several Block homes in the past and he was there to check out this year’s. He also had the Gnome in his hands, to give to the home he liked the best.
After Danny had toured the five homes and the 150 potential buyers had cast their votes on which home they loved the most, Scott and Shelley tallied the numbers.
Up first, Ronnie and Georgia with a score of 31, then Mitch and Mark on 34, next was Tanya and Vito on 32, Josh and Luke with 27, and last to be revealed, Kirsty and Jesse with 26.
“Which means, a first-ever challenge win,” Shelley excitedly declared.
Mitch and Mark, who have never won a single challenge on both seasons of The Block until now, were absolutely gobsmacked as it sunk in.
“The first time in two seasons we’ve won a challenge,” Mark said.
Shelley was just as excited as them and said proudly, “You did, the drought has ended.”
But then it was time for the big announcement: who got the Gnome.
“We know that Danny is a very discerning buyer, he holds the key to many Block homes in the past, and he decided the house he loved the most here tonight, in Bronte Court was, House 5,” Shelley announced.
Kirsty and Jesse were stoked to get the Gnome and admitted Danny’s vote is the one you really want.
“Hopefully he’s here on auction day and he loves it as much as we do,” Jesse said.
This article was originally published by Nine.com.au. Reproduced with permission.
We recommend
We thought you might like
States
Capital Cities
Capital Cities - Rentals
Popular Areas
Allhomes
More
