Insights
History of Hodges
December 16th 2015
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Hodges real estate agency had beginnings in 1856, when the company first set up in Chapel St, Prahran.
A single practice under skilled auctioneer, Robert H. Hodges, Robert concentrated on sub-division and keeping a strong customer service ethic. Some years later he was joined by his two sons, Robert Jnr and William, who subsequently took the reins of the business.
An innovator like his father, Robert Jnr was the first in the real estate industry to offer potential buyers the option of travelling to inspect properties in horse-drawn open carriages and later on in motor cars. Robert moved the business to Brighton, shortly after Federation. His idea, a great one for vendors and the company as it turned out, was to capitalise on the sale of land that had previously been used for holiday houses and market gardeners.
In the 1960s, Hodges installed two-way radios in the agents cars, and were the first agents to introduce display advertising in the industry to better promote the sales of their clients’ properties. Hodges was also the first to install floodlights on display boards.
Hodges’ historic innovation continued well into the 19th and 20th Centuries and continues on today.