What it's like to be a real estate agent on The Block: the pressure, the wins and those auction reserves

We’ve had all the tears, tantrums and tribulations of The Block, but now, as we head towards the final showdown, it’s time for the spotlight to shine on those who make the transformation magic count: the agents.

But for them, what is it like working on The Block listings? Is it like any other auction campaign – or like no other one they’ve ever worked on?

“The Block is a very different kettle of fish,” said Aaron Hill of Ray White Sunbury, who’s marketing House 4 for NSW contestants Steph and Gian. 

“Here, the campaigns go for two to three months, rather than the usual four weeks, and they want a lot more than a regular, general campaign. There are so many things going on all the time.

“This job to me is a sport. I just want to make sure I get as many buyers through the property as possible to get the vendor the best price.”

This season of the show, transforming houses from the 1950s has been a humdinger for the Blockheads and viewers alike, with a range of styles and interpretations of the era. It’s been incredibly demanding of everyone involved, and now the agents are no exception.

As well as doing their best to market their allocated homes to the best of their ability, they have the added pressure of knowing over 1.4 million people are watching their every move.

“I can tell you, it’s a lot of work,” said Michael Townsend of McGrath St Kilda, who is selling House 1 for West Australian parents Kyle and Leslie. 

There are always plenty of reminders of the audience, too, as soon as each episode airs.

“We do get a lot of text messages – and pats on the back from people saying, ‘I saw you last night on the show’ and ‘Well done!’ and these sort of things.”

After all, it’s such a popular show; everything’s on a much grander scale.

McGrath St Kilda colleague Josh Stirling, who’s working on the same house, said, “It’s the biggest, most popular sales campaign of the year for any house in the country.

“When you compare The Block campaign, say, to a regular home, even though we actually are selling the house ‘next door’, it’s a very different process. It’s much more time-intensive. There’s fan days, there’s VIP nights, there’s buyer nights …

“But obviously, being on our fifth season now, we’re far more relaxed about the process than we were back in 2018. It certainly has its moments, though, where it’s high stress. But that’s okay because we love it!”

This 2023 series of the show, the 19th, is set in Melbourne’s Hampton East, on the beautifully named Charming Street. 

According to Domain statistics, the median price for a four-bedroom house is $1.648 million in that suburb. All the agents know that’s the figure to beat, a tricky target when renovating a 70-year-old home.

A major difficulty is, however, the show’s massive popularity. Every home sales campaign attracts sticky beaks who want to nose into neighbours’ properties, but with The Block, this can reach new heights.

“Inevitably, we always have inquiries from people who perhaps aren’t genuinely interested in buying and are just more curious to have a look,” said Julian Cannata of Belle Property Brighton, who’s putting House 3 up for auction for South Australians Kristy and Brett.

Local agent Noel Susay of Buxton Hampton East, with House 2 for Queenslanders Leah and Ash, agrees. 

“So, it’s really about filtering down to the genuine people that have a real intention to purchase and bid on the day,” he said.

That puts added pressure on agents who are already striving to meet the expectations of a TV show where the added value of a renovation is everything. 

“Normally, you’d find that a sale $20,000 or $30,000 above the reserve is considered a great success,” said Cannata. “At The Block, however, they’re really pitching for $300,000, $400,000 or $500,000 over the price at times.

“Yet the other thing that’s beautiful about working on The Block, particularly this year, is a good sense of camaraderie among the other agents.”

The hard work and long hours mean they all understand what they’re up against, which is quite different from a regular TV show. 

Halli Moore, also of Buxton Hampton East, said, “Working as an agent on The Block isn’t as glamorous as you might think. But, for us, the show’s literally about 70 metres from our office. So, that’s just really fantastic.

“And I do actually enjoy the pressure. Yes, I’m on television, but that’s okay.”

First-timer on The Block, Nick Renna of Jellis Craig Brighton, who’s marketing House 5 for Victorian sisters Eliza and Liberty – who had to counter accusations that the judges were favouring them – is finding it an incredible experience.

“It’s a lot of fun,” he said. “I have to say it’s been great. But it’s packed with a lot of anxiety. I guess because you’re in front of the Australian public, it completely changes the dynamic. 

“As the agent, I feel responsible, and you’re representing them – and their fans – when the moment comes. You want to make sure that you’re at your absolute best.

“I’m a first-timer on The Block, so this is all new to me. I’ve been in the industry for 30 years, but I have to say this is terrifying. At the same time, The Block is all about challenging yourself …”

Yet it still feels like a privilege to be involved in such a TV ratings juggernaut. Susay speaks for all the agents working to make The Block as successful financially as it is physically and emotionally.

“I’ve just found it a real honour to represent that TV show,” he said. “It’s just a real joy.”