Youtube: Real Estate Success Principles – Episode 02
🎙️ Catching Up With Mark Appleby – Buckmaster Hawkey and the Role of Recruiters in Real Estate
Michael Furlong here from Rent Roll Maximiser, bringing you another round of Real Estate Success Principles.
I had the pleasure of sitting down with a long-time mate and industry legend, Mark Appleby, Managing Director at Buckmaster Hawkey – one of Melbourne’s longest-established Real Estate Recruitment Agencies.
We go back over 15 years, and every time we catch up, I walk away with fresh insights into our sector.
🏢 Who is Buckmaster Hawkey?
Founded in 1981 by Pam Newton, Buckmaster Hawkey was Melbourne’s first specialist Real Estate Recruitment Agency. Mark joined in 2001, and after a management buyout in 2007, he’s been running the show ever since.
The agency recruits for everything property-related:
✅ Real Estate
✅ Owners Corporations
✅ Property Developers
✅ Buyers Advocates
✅ Project Marketing Firms
They focus primarily on Greater Melbourne, but have also stepped into Geelong and regional spots when needed.
👔 The Role of a Real Estate Recruiter (Done Right)
Mark isn’t a résumé-pusher. He’s a consultant.
In an industry hit hard by skill shortages and shifting dynamics, a great recruiter becomes a partner to your business — understanding your team, your goals, and your culture before suggesting candidates.
As Mark says, “It’s like a listing appraisal. You wouldn’t try to sell a house you’ve never seen.”
🔄 Real Estate Recruitment Post-COVID
COVID changed the game.
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Working from home is no longer a “maybe” — it’s a new standard.
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Agencies are now more open to flexibility, remote work, and even longer commutes if it means securing quality talent.
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During lockdowns, only roles tied to active portfolios were filled. Once restrictions lifted? The market exploded.
💼 Do Real Estate Agents Make Good Recruiters?
Short answer: Yes.
Mark’s top recruiters all came from within the industry — especially Sales. Why? Because they understand the job and the pressure, and they can speak with authenticity to both clients and candidates.
🧠 What Sets Buckmaster Hawkey Apart?
In a time when nearly everyone with a laptop seems to have started a recruitment agency, it’s easy to get lost in the noise.
What makes Buckmaster Hawkey different?
👉 No résumé spamming
👉 No guessing
👉 No shortcuts
Mark builds real relationships. When I ran my own agency, he came in, learned our mission and team culture, and helped us grow with the right people — not just available people.
🙌 Final Thoughts
I’ve seen many come and go in this space. But Mark’s stickability, depth of experience, and hands-on approach have made him a pillar in the property recruitment space.
If you’re in real estate and want to work with someone who gets it, check them out:
— Michael Furlong, Rent Roll Maximiser
Rent Roll Growth Consultant | Property Management Trainer & Coach | Conference Speaker | Podcast Host | Easy to follow Trello Online Systems & Procedures Manuals | Real Estate Agency “Systems” Specialist
