Saturday. 5:00am

Alright, I’m an early riser. My body clock wakes me up at the crack of dawn every day.

But it’s the weekend! So I hit snooze on that internal alarm and try to rest a bit more before I start my day.

 

6:00am

That’s more like it.

Early in the morning, I go through the motions in zombie mode. Roll out of bed, brush my teeth, get dressed and head out the door – being careful not to wake my wife and kids in the process.

But as soon as the first breeze of fresh air hits my face, I’m awake – and ready to take on the day.

 

6:30am

My morning energy hits me just in time, because every Saturday at 6:30am I’m at my gym.

Spoiler alert: HIIT training + weights = sweat. But in my experience, it’s also the winning formula for a fantastic day.

 

 

7:48am

I’m home. I’m showered. And I’m ready to wake the beasts (my kids). Only kidding! Brodie is going through a dinosaur phase.

So I bring my three-legged French (bulldog) friend, Archer, to help wake my sons, Dylan and Brodie.

My wife, Ariella, is already awake. So we all meet in the kitchen for some brekkie. Cereal for the kids, eggs for me and Ariella, and… well, dog food for the dog!

 

 

8:26am

Time to put my records on. Okay, not records. But my music taste is old school. Zeppelin, Doors, and sometimes even the Paw Patrol soundtrack (as per my audience’s request).

Then, opening our very own doors into the back garden, we let in some fresh air.

And as the family and I listen to the golden oldies, I put my real estate hat down in favour of my architectural one. Did somebody say Lego house?

 

10:00am

And it’s off to work I go!

Today, I’ve got a full day of opens – but nothing unusually busy. Our busiest periods can involve us having up to 10 opens a day! Today, it’s a bit quieter.

 

 

10:24am

First snack break of the day, and it’s a protein shake for me. With only six minutes until my first open, it’s bottoms up!

 

10:30am

I take my position at the front door for my first open-for-inspection. And I recognise many friendly faces while I’m at it!

As I stand here greeting buyers, I’m reminded of how lucky I am to have built the connections I have in my role. Starting my workday with beautiful company and conversation, what more could I ask for?

Today, there are four more inspections on the agenda. And they all go just as smoothly as the first (thank goodness!)

 

 

1:35pm

With a quick detour via the Bambra Road deli to pick up a bagel (get the pastrami one, trust me), I’m off to get right into the thick of the Gary Peer auction magic.

 

2:00pm

My team and I arrive at the home on offer half an hour before auction time. We set up the space, say hello to the vendors – and then check in with the Gary Peer coffee van for a pick-me-up. Skinny latte, please!

Today, it’s Phillip Kingston holding the gavel. And right before he goes out to work his magic, we confirm the reserve price with the vendors.

All good, now it’s time for the show!

 

 

3:04pm

Going once… going twice… SOLD!

After a neck-and-neck bidding war, I bring the buyer inside for contract signing with a side of champagne (or champagne with a side of contracts)!

I put up the sold sticker, pose for the camera with the buyers, vendors and Gary Peer team, post it on social media, then I’m off to the next one.

It may sound very Groundhog Day, but I truly never get tired of being amongst the auction action.

Our auctioneers, in their element, are a sight to behold. Week in, week out, we continue to put smiles on the vendors’ and buyers’ faces – because it’s always an emotional sale. It doesn’t get old.

We’re being trusted with people’s biggest assets; I never take that for granted.

 

5:07pm

As the last auction of the day wraps up, it’s time to head home. But I won’t be there for long.

With the babysitter on the way, I’ve got a quick turnaround to get ready for date night with Ariella. Luckily, I’m already in my suit!

 

 

6:26pm

Life is good with a forkful of Bamboo House’s Peking duck on its way to my mouth.

As we dine, Ariella and I talk about our days, our kids and the show we’re about to see. We’re always on the lookout for whatever’s coming to town – theatre, concert, circus, I’m there.

Tonight, it’s Moulin Rouge. Bring on Christian and Satine!

 

7:30pm

In our seats at the Regent, we watch as the lights go down, the curtains go up and the spotlight turns on.

Showtime.

 

 

11:15pm

Riding the post-show buzz, Ariella and I leave the theatre hand in hand and make our way home.

And on the way, I check in on my third greatest love (just behind my wife and kids) … Manchester United.

I’m a big Premier League fan, so I’ll always try to catch whatever the first game is. Ariella isn’t as interested, so as we arrive home and say goodbye to the babysitter, I take my place in front of the telly while she heads up to bed.

 

12:00am

While I firmly believe you can never have too much football, I am pretty tired now.

So I turn off the telly, head to the bathroom for a shower, and get into bed.

Goodnight!

 

Sunday. 5:00am

I told you.

*hits internal snooze*

 

6:00am

And I’m up! Again, I brush my teeth, get dressed and hop in the car. The destination this morning? Caulfield Park.

 

 

6:30am

Warming up with some quick stretches, I see three of my mates walking towards me just in time for our Sunday morning jog. Slow jog!

 

6:54am

Dripping with sweat but smiling, we head into our local café for a morning coffee and D&M. Always keeping things fresh, I forgo my skinny latte order and go for a macchiato. Crazy, I know.

 

7:27am

Back home! And the family’s already up and ready to face the day.

So I run under the shower before meeting them back in the kitchen for breakfast. With Archer turning his puppy dog eyes on me, I can’t help but offer him a corner of my toast. Good boy.

 

7:55am

The sun’s already out this morning, so what better way to greet it than by heading out to the back garden for some family time in the fresh air?

And with my mini-me, Dylan, loving all things football – and Dylan’s mini-me, Brodie, loving all things Dylan loves – the three of us have a fun game of two-on-one as we kick the soccer ball. Unfortunately for me, it’s kids vs dad!

 

 

10:00am

And it’s back to work I go!

Today, it’s two auctions and six inspections. But as you saw yesterday, time flies when you’re having fun.

 

 

4:42pm

Finishing up at my last inspection for the day, I stop by the grocery store on the way home to pick up some burgers and sausages. With the sun gracing us today, we’re firing up the barbecue tonight!

 

5:03pm

I’ve got the goods, walk through my front door and am greeted by my favourite people. And with an hour to spare before our dinner guests arrive, Ariella, Dylan, Brodie and I head to Caulfield Park to finish this morning’s soccer game.

I won’t tell you who won. (Hint: it wasn’t me.)

 

6:10pm

Right on time, our family friends walk through the door with salads and desserts in hand.

And as soon as the kids are reunited, they’re out to run amuck in the back garden – trampoline, magnet tiles, Archer – they’re always pretty happy with their playground for the night.

As for us big kids (or adults, as some would say), we start the barbecue, crack open a drink and catch up on the week that was.

 

 

8:04pm

After a beautiful night with our friends, it’s time to say goodbye and get the kids to bed.

But there’s no getting them down without a bedtime story. Tonight, we’ve settled on a classic: I Just Ate My Friend.

It’s a tale as old as time. A little monster can’t find his friend because he ate him, only to find a new friend who eats him. Sorry, spoilers!

 

8:36pm

After many cuddles and ‘one more story’, the kids have finally drifted off. Which means Ariella and I can settle down on the couch for our lazy Sunday evening.

Turning on the familiar dun dun of Netflix, there’s no need for us to browse through our list of show options tonight. As the Manchester United mega-fan I am, it’s straight to the Beckham documentary for us.

 

 

10:22pm

After watching a sneaky second episode (how could I have stopped at just one?) it’s our turn to head to bed.

It’s nights like these – filled with family, friends and football – that never fail to remind me how lucky I am to live the life I do.

So, with a full heart and soft smile, I roll over to switch off the bedside lamp, already looking forward to another great day tomorrow.

See you then.

 

At Gary Peer, our people are everything – and they all have a story to tell. So head to The Peer Blog to hear all about them!