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The Block couples: a peek behind the real estate curtain

For real estate agents, The Block provides a unique case study in how to market high-end homes under pressure.

In this yearโ€™s season, four of the couples, Ricky and Haydn, Kristian and Mimi, Grant and Courtney, and Maddy and Charlotte, have shared how they navigated the process, what they looked for in an agent, and how they prepared for the auction of their renovated homes.

Ricky and Haydn: A trusted hand

Ricky and Haydn knew from the outset that they needed an experienced hand to guide them through the sale of their Block home. The couple selected Aaron Hill from Ray White Sunbury, who brought with him the rare combination of being both a local expert and a veteran of The Block. Aaron had previously handled Block sales, and his intimate knowledge of the competition gave Ricky and Haydn an added sense of security.

โ€œWe wanted someone who had been through the process before and knew what to expect,โ€ Ricky explained. โ€œAaronโ€™s familiarity with The Block and his connections with potential buyers and advocates really worked in our favour.โ€

Not content to let the professionals do all the work, Ricky and Haydn have been deeply involved in the marketing campaign, even writing copy for ads and organising VIP nights for registered buyers.

The couple is especially proud of their homeโ€™s standout features, which include a grand rumpus room with five-and-a-half-metre ceilings, expansive indoor and outdoor living areas, and a boat worth over $100,000, which was part of a competition they won on the show.

โ€œPlus, weโ€™ve got more turf than all the other houses combined,โ€ said Haydn.

Kristian and Mimi: following their instincts

For Kristian and Mimi, the decision to choose Jaime Morris from Stockdale and Leggo was based on pure gut instinct. โ€œWe were watching a short Instagram reel of their work, and both of us had goosebumps,โ€ said Mimi. โ€œIt just felt right.โ€

The couple valued the fun and relatable energy that Jaime and her team brought to the table, believing that their agentsโ€™ personalities were a natural extension of their own. 

โ€œWe wanted someone who took their work seriously but was also approachable and fun โ€ฆ someone who could connect with potential buyers the way we connected with them.โ€

Their home, designed with families in mind, blends holiday vibes with the comfort and practicality of a permanent residence. Kristian and Mimi ensured that every room created an emotional connection, hoping to appeal to buyers seeking more than just a functional space. The couple also made sure to maintain a light, playful energy in their marketing campaign, to reflect their personalities and draw in potential buyers.

Grant and Courtney: backing a proven winner

Grant and Courtney took a more data-driven approach when choosing their agent, opting for Yvette Tancheff  from Ray White Phillip Island due to the agencyโ€™s solid track record in the area. โ€œIโ€™m a big believer in going with history, and Ray White has the best results on the island,โ€ said Grant. The couple also drew comfort from Yvetteโ€™s extensive database of buyers, which they hoped would bring in both local and interstate interest.

Their home is an entertainerโ€™s dream, with a stunning indoor-outdoor living space that seamlessly flows from the dining area to the deck. โ€œWeโ€™ve got the best position in the estate,โ€ Grant said. โ€œAs soon as you walk in, youโ€™re greeted by this huge open-plan area that stretches out into different zones in the yard – itโ€™s perfect for big groups or families.โ€

To ensure the property is marketed to both investors and families, Grant and Courtney are keeping their campaign flexible, focusing on private viewings for serious buyers rather than large open homes. Their approach is designed to cater to buyers who are genuinely interested in the property and want the time to experience it in privacy.

Maddy and Charlotte: local expertise with corporate power

Maddy and Charlotteโ€™s late entry into the competition meant they had less time to choose their real estate agents, but they quickly found a perfect match with Krystal Chandler from Oโ€™Brien Real Estate. The couple appreciated the dual benefit of Oโ€™Brienโ€™s local presence in Phillip Island and the backing of its corporate offices in Melbourne.

โ€œWe wanted agents who were genuine and shared our values of kindness and integrity,โ€ said Maddy. โ€œWe got the best of both worlds with Oโ€™Brienโ€”theyโ€™re driving the campaign with local knowledge, but they also have the resources and connections from their corporate team.โ€

The coupleโ€™s marketing plan includes extensive social media promotion, professional photography, and video content, as well as personalised outreach to potential buyers.

Kylie and Brad: sticking with experience


Greg Price from Alex Scott Real Estate Phillip Island
, and Michael Townsend from McGrath Real Estate (Melbourne-based) will be working on selling Kylie and Brad’s property on The Block. This will be Michael’s sixth time selling a property on the show, and he has an impressive track record, having successfully won three Block auctions before.

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Catherine Nikas-Boulos

Catherine Nikas-Boulos is the Digital Editor at Elite Agent and has spent the last 20 years covering (and coveting) real estate around the country.