Home-grown people skills

Ben grew up in the heart of Caulfield, in a lively, loving family home where the door was always open.

‘I’m one of four kids, and our house was always full,’ he says with a grin. ‘It was chaotic in the best way. Friends, family, food, laughter – there was always something happening.’

That dynamic environment, paired with a community-oriented upbringing, instilled in Ben a love of connection. And sharpened his social radar.

‘My siblings are quite a bit older than me and super smart. So, if I wanted to be part of the conversation, I had to learn fast,’ he laughs. ‘I think those early lessons in tuning in and speaking up have shaped how I interact with people now.’

The accidental agent

Before property, Ben dabbled in a bit of everything.

He completed an arts degree at Monash with a major in history and geography. He volunteered as an English teacher. He backpacked through India. And once upon a time, he pitched compliance services to real estate firms.

In fact, it was during one of those sales calls that he stumbled into his future.

‘I was meant to be selling a service to this agent, but instead, she offered me a job at her real estate agency,’ Ben recalls.

‘At the time, I’d just started dating my now-wife, and I wanted to be able to say I had a steady job when I met her family. It seems kind of crazy, but that’s why I said yes!’

Losing listings – and finding the right fit

That was how Ben found himself in real estate, ready to roll up his sleeves and give it his best shot.

But his first year on the job? Not exactly smooth sailing.

‘I didn’t get much guidance in those first months, and I lost listings left, right and centre – mostly to our competitor, Gary Peer!’ he laughs.

‘I’d ask my team why, and they just said, “Everyone’s a sheep”, as though it was just because Gary Peer were popular in Caulfield that people were choosing them. That didn’t seem like a satisfying answer to me. And it wasn’t exactly something I could learn from.’

So he took a different approach: he jumped ship.

‘I thought, if you can’t beat them, join them. That’s when I reached out to Gary, Phillip and Jeremy – and a few meetings later, I was in.’

Where culture comes before commission

Thirteen years on, Ben’s still here – and he’s not the only one.

‘There’s a reason so many of us stick around,’ he says. ‘There are so many agents here who are elite at their craft. But what I really appreciate is that they’re generous enough to share their talents – to try and lift the people around them and make them better.’ 

For Ben, that sense of camaraderie is everything. Whether it’s learning from directors like Leon and Phillip or bouncing ideas around the Caulfield office, it’s the culture, not the commission, that keeps him motivated.

‘It’s intense, sure. It can be stressful. But I think I’m wired for that,’ he says. ‘And when you’ve got a team like this around you, it never feels like you’re on your own.’

Behind every sale is a story

When it comes to his work, it isn’t the deals Ben loves. It’s the people.

‘I love telling stories and observing human behaviour,’ he explains. ‘In this job, you’re constantly meeting people in high-stakes situations. It brings out quirks, humour, vulnerability… I find it all fascinating.’

In fact, he’s convinced there’s a sitcom hiding in his stories!

‘But on a more serious note,’ Ben continues, ‘we’re stepping into people’s lives at a deeply personal time. Selling a home often means leaving behind memories. That emotional weight… I don’t take that lightly. It’s an honour to help people through it.’

Pressure, perspective and playing the long game

After more than a decade in the game, Ben’s learned a lot about the sales process.

His biggest lesson? How to keep your cool.

‘Pressure’s part of it,’ he says. ‘Yes, the transactions are big. But we’re not saving lives here. You can always think your way through problems if you stay calm.’

And another pearl of wisdom for aspiring agents?

‘Never overpromise or tell people what they want to hear,’ Ben stresses. ‘Be honest, even when it’s difficult. In my experience, it always comes back to you.

‘I’m at the point in my career now where I’m helping the same clients sell for the third or fourth time. And I think it’s because they can sense that I’m in it for them, not just the deal.’

Life beyond listings

Outside of real estate, Ben’s world is happily chaotic once again. He and his wife are raising three young kids in Caulfield South, with footy and the odd jam session with friends keeping things loud and lively.

‘I don’t get much spare time,’ he says. ‘But when I do, it’s all about family, sport and music.’

As for what’s next? Ben’s quietly planning his next chapter; one with a growing team, a potential move into auctioneering – and definitely more stories to tell.

Because for Ben Ajzner, it’s never just about the houses. It’s about the humans who make them home.

Ben’s just one of the many personalities that make up our dynamic team. Discover more stories on The Peer Blog.