And Mr Macleod’s passion has been rewarded, with the Ray White Rural auctioneer/valuer/agent chosen as a finalist 

for the 2013 Real Estate Institute of NSW Auctioneer’s Award for Excellence.

Eleven competitors vied for the award in Sydney recently by way of a “live” residential property auction, with Mr Macleod making the top three.

“They’re all professional auctioneers,” he said.

“They’re not real estate agents as such. 

“The winner will be decided by the judges in the next couple of weeks; we don’t have an auction again.”

Mr Macleod performs clearing sales for plant machinery auctioneers and valuers MS Davlan as well as auctions for Ray White and said he learns from any auction he sees.

“I just take note of any auctioneer; whether they’re good or bad – I take note to use for next time.

The finalist said his dad had an influence on his love for selling and there were a few tricks he employs to win a crowd’s favour.

“I think I did my first bucket of bolts at 16,” he said. “My old man’s an auctioneer at Hay.

“He definitely started the lead in to it for sure.”

“You’ve just got to build a rapport and throw in a few jokes. 

“You’ve got to use your quick wit – if you’ve got one. There’s little one-liners you normally use.

“You’ve got to be pretty quick on your feet, especially if someone throws up a smart comment.

Mr Macleod said he gets a buzz from the bidding game.

“I love it – you’ve got to enjoy what you’re doing,” he said.

“I love the interaction with the crowd.

“The greatest accolade is when someone comes up after and says that was a great auction.”