Aussies divided over estate agent's bizarre promo of ‘uninhabitable' property
Aussies have had a mixed reaction to the video, with some finding it fun while other said it was insensitive given the current housing crisis.
An estate agent has raised eyebrows with his unique approach to promoting a "trashed" property ahead of auction day — choosing to dress as Hugh Jackman's character from 'The Greatest Showman' and dance along to the film's soundtrack in a video.
The content was created to promote a four bedroom property in the suburb of Crestmead, located in Brisbane's south, with images of it on the Ray White website showing it in total disrepair.
Potential buyers were asked whether they would "renovate or detonate" the property if they were lucky enough to nab it at auction at the end of the month.
"Some bones may be broken, but they can be fixed! This well sized corner block brings endless potential," the listing read. "At this stage, the property is uninhabitable but with your keen eye and a bit of attention, it's the perfect opportunity to make your vision come to life."
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Mixed reaction to video online
Images which reveal the property's condition were shared alongside the listing, with broken glass, torn down plasterboard and damaged walls revealed before the promotional video.
In it, estate agent Cory Boyd can be seen wearing the recognisable uniform of a ringmaster, complete with a cane, as he walks around the property strewn with debris. "Ladies and gentleman this is the moment you've been waiting for... a property you can afford," he said in time to the soundtrack.
The video has instigated mixed reaction, with many finding it "hilarious", while others have been left disgruntled by it, believing the property's poor conditions can't be glossed over by "creative marketing" strategy.
"It looks like a crime scene," one said. "Agents are literally laughing in buyer's faces and they're still getting purchased. Insane times."
Yet many saw the potential in the property much like the listing pointed out, saying it was a "reno delight" for those who are good with power tools.
"Being a chippy I would actually buy this house, good base for renovation," one tradie said.
Real estate agent defends video
Mr Boyd admitted the video was created in an attempt to boost the property's profile ahead of auction and believes it was a successful tactic.
"We just wanted to showcase the property in an 'as is' state and we tried to add a little bit of fun out of a bad situation," he told Yahoo News Australia. "We're not trying to hide anything about the property."
He explained previous owners used it as an investment property before it was left vacant for over a year before "vandals got in there and done damage". Despite its condition, Mr Boyd said there has been a lot of interest in it and people have mostly responded positively to his video.
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