Born and bred in Bayside, James was drawn to real estate by two things - a love of the homes in and around his Bayside suburb and the opportunity to channel his high-energy personality into a high-energy role. It was clearly the right step, with a career spanning more than two decades James has been an agent for all his working life...and is now a director and senior auctioneer of Hodges.

Never afraid to take centre-stage, James is renowned for his entertaining auctioneering style. Yet behind the easy banter and relaxed presence, an unflinching determination to draw yet one more bid has built his reputation. For James, using goodwill and panache to encourage bidding is just the first step, his technique sharpens to a steely resolve as the auction draws to a close and, if necessary, around the negotiating table after bidding ceases. At the end of the day, achieving exceptional results for his vendors is James’ first priority...and it is this that makes him one of Bayside’s most highly-sought auctioneers and agents.

Married to Jane and a father to three fast-growing boys, Lachlan, Harry and Charlie, James is a serial renovator whose passion for local housing has been the family move through a variety of styles from pretty Edwardian to cutting-edge contemporary. A keen cyclist currently riding most mornings of the week with the Brown Cow Group and a participant in the Portsea and Lorne pier to pub swims, it seems his energy is boundless...and now with his boys set for Elsternwick Primary School and sure to follow on through Hailebury college, James’ energy is sure to be put to good use in local schools and sporting clubs for many years to come.

M 0418 390 133
E jpaynter@hodges.com.au

Ben completed a sales cadetship with one of Australia's largest real estate networks, then worked at a Brighton agency prior to joining Hodges Sandringham.

“I am passionate about real estate and get enormous satisfaction out of meeting new people, successfully negotiating sales for Hodges' vendors and, at the same time, finding that dream home for buyers.”

A people person with a sense of fun and genuine desire to help buyer and seller alike, Ben is respected for his organisational skills and attention to detail. “Buying or selling property is a serious matter which requires great diligence, but it's also about people and I believe the human element should never be undervalued.”

Ben attributes Hodges' success to the way the team works as a cohesive unit to obtain listings and then service each vendor's particular needs. “When you have everyone across the network working together as one, the results achieved bring smiles to the faces of vendors.”

“This team approach, plus great branding and a hard-won reputation for customer service have established Hodges as the leader in Bayside real estate,” Ben says.

In his leisure hours Ben enjoys sharing time with family and friends or following his favourite outdoor pursuits, jet skiing and snow skiing.

M 0408 070 863
E bsmaczny@hodges.com.au