The 74-year-old has made a career out of helping others buy and sell real estate for fifty years, with three of those decades spent working for Ray White.
Mr Hudson started his career in Hornsby in 1969 following a stint as an apprentice motor mechanic.
“I saw an ad in the local paper wanting real estate agents,” he said.
“I just had an urge that I wanted to sell. I loved talking to people and making them happy. If they’re happy, I’m happy. That’s how it works and I’ve never regretted one moment of my life.”
Mr Hudson hasn’t forgotten his first sale, a new unit at 6/219 Pacific Hwy, Hornsby on which he secured a contract for $11,240.
“I can remember when we talked about unit prices going up in value to $20,000, thinking it wouldn’t hit that. Real estate has its ups and downs but it’s always going in the right direction and the good times outweigh the bad.
“I took advantage of the market to be the only person in Hornsby at the time to concentrate on putting development sites together,” he said.
Mr Hudson is now enjoying a high level of repeat business reaped from an initial 15 to 20 years of day-to-day cold canvassing, knocking on doors and putting up signs.
“I carried a leaf blower around in the boot of my car so I could make sure paths were clean before the open for inspection sign went up. It’s the little things that make a difference.
“I’m selling to three generations of the one family. Repeat business is what I built my business on. You do the right thing by people and they come back to you.”
Mr Hudson has said that good health is the secret to his longevity in the property game.
As for when he’ll put away his real estate licence, Mr Hudson said that time still has a large question mark hanging over it.
“I did the hard yards in the first 20 years and the last 30, since being with Ray White, it’s been nothing but a pleasure working. I love the White family and have even thought of changing my last name, but the only problem is I’m not tall enough.”
Ray White Chairman Brian White said Mr Hudson was one of the most influential members in establishing credibility for Ray White in Sydney.
“His skills and sales achievements enabled us to claim to potential members that first-class results would be possible with this new group,” Mr White said.
“Not only is Barry an exceptional performer, but the quality and ethics he’s always displayed give additional proof that providing value to one’s clients is the only way to sustained success.”
As for advice for young starters dreaming of making a name in the industry, Mr Hudson had some hot tips.
“Go beyond what you should do, really go beyond,” he said.
“You make people comfortable, have a general chat and make them feel relaxed. I’ve found that always works. Show interest in them, more so than in their property and the property part comes after when you’ve got their trust and confidence.
“I say to any young people wanting to crack the industry: start in property management to learn without pressure and, once you get the gift of the gab, come across.”
Ray White New South Wales Blue CEO Jason Andrew paid tribute to Mr Hudson, labelling him a “legend of the game”.
“Very few people can say that they’ve been a team player in this era – Barry is,” Mr Andrew said.
“Not only is he an extremely special individual to our brand, but he is also a special person in our industry. We applaud Barry’s longevity of tenure, his loyalty and the impact he has made on our industry.”
