General News
21 January, 2025
Craig Bell marks 40 years in real estate
Craig Bell doesn’t see an end in sight after passing his 40 year milestone in the real estate industry.
Despite not knowing what real estate was, Mr Bell started in the industry in November 1984 on the recommendation of a mate at cricket. By December 24 that year, he’d sold his first block of land for $6000, the first of many, although he’s still learning.
“I’m sure my family would agree with it that I think I know everything, but that’s a foible of getting old. You don’t, you do learn, it’s amazing,” he said.
Through all those sales and decades Mr Bell got his full licence, bought into First National Real Estate Maryborough, and eventually bought out his business partner. Mr Bell is now manager and co-director of the business along with his wife, Donna Bell, although she’s not involved in the company.
“It’s a natural progression. Back then, it was almost like buying yourself a job,” he said.
In fact, these 12-months have been a time of anniversaries for the Bells. Not only has Mr Bell marked 40 years in his career but so has Ms Bell with the Maryborough District Health Service, who spoke with The Addy in December, and the two will be celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary this year.
Although Mr Bell loves the flexibility of being his own boss, “it’s a nice way of living”, it also means he spends a lot of time talking about real estate. Both at work but also at the pub.
“If I go to the pub tonight someone will want to talk about real estate, if I go to the footy on Saturday someone will want to talk about real estate,” he said.
“You’ve got to be Craig Bell first and then you become a real estate agent. If you try to be a real estate agent at first I think it comes through as being false.”
It’s that trust that has led Mr Bell to selling homes as if he were a family doctor. He’s buying and selling not just for one generation, but their children, and their children’s children.
“I’ve sold to a third generation, that’s really weird,” he said.
It’s a trend that comes with experience, something he’s proud to have with his staff, some of which have been in the business for decades.
“Your staff are the most important people in the office ... it’s gold.”