After more than four decades’ involvement, Wes Belt’s passion for property continues to shine.

Into his 44th year in the industry, he still loves everything about it, from listing a property to the  buzz of an auction, and helping buyers put a roof over their heads.

“It’s great when the authority to list is signed, the auction is called, the contract is sealed, and the sold sticker is put on the board,” the Buxton Mentone director said.

“For me, it’s not a job but a career, where every day is different, and I help clients sell and buy homes.”

The bayside-born and bred agent’s love affair with real estate began at a young age when he joined the family business soon after leaving school.

His parents ran an Agency in Dingley Village, and Wes started the office at 99 Charman Road, Mentone from scratch with no listings and built the business to number one in the area.

“I was the youngest person with a full licence at 23 years of age,” Belt said.

His first listing was a block in a Dingley Village subdivision.

“The office signed up more than 40 contracts that day,” he said.

The winner of numerous industry awards, he has conducted more than 3000 auctions and estimates his total sales at around 4000 properties so far.

In 2004, Belt and partner Mathew Cox acquired Buxton Mentone at 99 Charman Road, where his family’s business was originally located.

Belt works closely with wife Georgia at the Mentone office, while their son Heath, who recently entered the industry, works with Buxton Hampton East.

The trio have acquired their first joint listing, with the names of the three Belts displayed on the board for 33 Stewart Avenue, Parkdale. 

Belt noted there were significant changes to the industry over the decades.

Agents have had to adapt from printed pages and faxes to the internet, mobile texts and digital technology.

“In the past, we waited for clients to ring or walk in, and we would spend hours driving them around to look at homes,” he said.

“Today, we rely on digital footprints and social media to reach clients.”

However,  the agent’s main role has remained the same throughout. 

“And it’s to chase up and acquire new business,” Belt said.

In hindsight, Belt said he would have hired a  personal assistant 10 years earlier to allow him to focus on essential tasks and to maximise his time.

“A PA enables an agent to focus on the core task of prospecting new clients, listing and selling,” he said.

Belt’s negotiating skills plus his ability to listen to people and seek solutions, have contributed to his success.

One of many highlights is his four-decade involvement with a Mentone family and their 10 property transactions, which included helping the grandparents and now the grandchildren to buy and sell homes.

In keeping with its core value of giving back to the community, Buxton Mentone is a keen sponsor of community events, sporting clubs and St Bede’s College projects.

“We live an active life,” Belt said.

“And I enjoy boating, playing sports. travelling, and planning a holiday every three months with Georgia.”