Coffee with Luke: A Deep Dive into Kobe Rae — Auctioneer Extraordinaire at Harcourts Queensland
Introduction
Today on “Coffee with Luke”, I’m honoured to feature Kobe Rae — a name that’s rapidly gaining respect and recognition in the Australian real-estate auction scene. He’s not just any auctioneer; he’s been appointed as the Auction Growth Manager for Harcourts Queensland, and achieved significant award milestones that mark him out as a standout figure.
In this blog we’ll explore his background, his journey through the industry, the awards he’s collected, what he brings to Harcourts Queensland and to clients, and why his story resonates with anyone interested in property, auctions or simply doing something well. I’ll include source links so you can explore further, and reflect on what his approach teaches us all.
Background & Early Career
Kobe Rae’s early life is interesting because it offers context for how he operates now. According to his profile, he was raised as a child of the Australian Defence Forces (RAAF) and lived across different states, which taught him adaptability and people-skills. harcourts.net+1
For the past ~16 years, he has called the Ipswich region (Queensland) home, giving him deep local market knowledge and roots in the community. harcourts.net+1
Before his recent appointment, he held roles including Sales Manager and Head Auctioneer at Harcourts Connections and Harcourts Greater Springfield. therealestateconversation.com.au+1
His agent and sales profiles show strong performance: for example, on realty.com.au, the profile for Kobe Rae lists 7 properties sold in the past 12 months. Realty.com.au
Major Milestones & Awards
Here are several of Kobe’s achievements (with links to sources) that underscore his rise:
At the 2024 Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) Awards, Kobe Rae was named Novice Auctioneer of the Year. Realestate+1
In 2025, at the Harcourts International Awards, Kobe Rae achieved the title of National Auctioneer of the Year for the Harcourts network. harcourts.net+1
He also was a standout competitor in the Novice section of the LVD Auctioneering World Championships, representing Harcourts Greater Springfield, which emphasises his commitment to his craft beyond his day-job role. Elite Agent
These accomplishments signal not only his skill in auctioneering, but also his recognition by peers and the industry.
His Role & Vision at Harcourts Queensland
With his appointment as Auction Growth Manager for Harcourts Queensland (20 June 2025), Kobe Rae is now in a strategic leadership role. harcourts.net+2Elite Agent+2
According to Harcourts Queensland, his mandate includes:
Leading the state auction division and raising performance standards. harcourts.net
Bringing innovation to auction campaigns and helping staff/elevate emerging auctioneers. Elite Agent
Leveraging his local market knowledge (Ipswich region) and his adaptable personal style to enhance vendor and buyer experiences. harcourts.net
In his own words:
“An auction doesn’t merely sell a home; it provides a tailored stage to connect people with their future homes.” harcourts.net+1
And the CEO of Harcourts Queensland, Andrew Friebe, said:
“Kobe Rae embodies everything we stand for at Harcourts Queensland. His innate ability to connect with people and his expertise in the auction space are unmatched.” Elite Agent
What Sets Him Apart: Auction-Style & Personal Approach
From available commentary and profiles, here are key traits that make Kobe Rae stand out:
Local knowledge plus personalisation: Because he’s lived in the Ipswich region for many years, he knows local trends, demographics, amenities and growth corridors — which informs how he prepares for auctions. harcourts.net+1
Adaptability: His upbringing and movement across states taught him to read environments and adapt—useful when auctioneering diverse properties and bidder audiences. harcourts.net
Continuous improvement: Competing in world-level auctioneering championships shows he doesn’t rest on being competent — he pushes to excel. Elite Agent
Communication & education: He emphasises transparency, vendor-briefing, buyer engagement and clearly framing the auction as an experience, not just a sales event. Elite Agent+1
What this Means for Vendors & Buyers
If you’re a vendor thinking of listing with Harcourts Queensland, or a buyer attending their auctions, Kobe Rae’s involvement offers several advantages:
For vendors: You’re likely to get a campaign led or influenced by someone who knows auctions deeply, understands his region, and values clear communication. That means your property is treated with a strategic campaign (not a “we’ll see” approach).
For buyers: Auctions led by a seasoned, award-winning auctioneer tend to be more professionally run, with transparent bidding, clearer incremental bids, and a better atmosphere of fairness and engagement.
For both sides: The fact Harcourts Queensland has placed someone like Kobe Rae in a leadership role signals they’re investing in auctions as a growth area — so you’re working with a network rather than an isolated agent.
My Takeaway (over the Coffee)
Sitting with my coffee imagining an auction room with Kobe Rae at the helm, a few reflections come to mind:
Excellence is built through incremental steps: from being “novice” one year to “national auctioneer” the next, Kobe shows how growth matters.
Relationship + skill = unique selling point. His approach suggests that auctions are as much about trust and people as they are about property and hammer price.
Leadership doesn’t mean you stop doing — it means you do plus you help others do. His role as Auction Growth Manager shows he’s both performer and mentor.
Auctions are changing. With new formats, digital hybrids, buyer expectations shifting — someone like Kobe, who competes, learns and leads, is well-positioned to navigate that change.
Closing Brew
So, there you have it — Kobe Rae: an auctioneer whose journey is worth watching, whether you’re about to sell, buy, or simply stay on top of how the property market in Queensland is evolving.
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