Crowders Real Estate

Mr John G Crowder made his mark quickly being the first agent of his era to use auction as the preferred method of selling real estate. In turn, the business made its mark on the industry, with a significant footprint in the Frankston CBD. In fact, Crowders sold the whole of Wells Street, then linked Young Street to Nepean Highway. From Balmoral Centre, Chatsworth House, London House, Totfield House, McEwans, Brockwood House and Terminus House, Crowders then put together the whole of the Myer/Bayside Shopping Centre. And as Frankston grew, so did Crowders.
By 1958 when Geoffrey Crowder joined, Crowders was three times its original size. In 1965 Geoffrey opened the Mount Eliza office, and Crowders soon became the largest, most successful real estate agencies of its time.
At its height, Crowders employed 16 auctioneers. Geoffrey Crowder himself was regarded as one of the state’s best Auctioneers, having once been a finalist in the Australasian Senior Auctioneers Competition.
Representing the third generation, Geoffrey’s sons Michael, Sam and Tom later joined the business along with their cousins, Ian’s sons James and Phillip. By the mid 1990’s, Crowders employed 65 staff across eight family owned and operated offices on the Peninsula.
Upon the unfortunate passing of Ian Crowder in 1993, Geoffrey took over as Managing Director. John G. Crowder continued working in the business well into his eighties, standing beside Geoffrey at his auctions and taking bids.
For 54 years Crowders specialised in the sale, lease and management of residential commercial, industrial and retail properties. Always maintaining its founding philosophy of “Family Tradition You Can Trust”, Crowders has been credited with setting the benchmark for real estate and strongly influencing development on the Mornington Peninsula.
The late John G. Crowder was quoted on numerous occasions instilling the message into his sons and grandchildren “Never expect to be liked by your competitors, but always be respected by them for your ability”.
John. G Crowder & Sons was eventually sold to a private company in 2006.
After the sale, all of the Crowders went on to enjoy successful independent careers in their own capacity, and some went on to choose career paths aimed at different ways of helping people; neither of which is a surprise given they belong to a family which has changed the course and progress of a community. As a family they have always remembered the values passed onto them via their fathers and grandfather: “Stand up for your principles and always be prepared to say what you think, whether it is good for business or not, and whether it makes you popular or not”. Now, almost a century later, the words of John G. Crowder resound clearly amongst his family who have continued in the industry.
Finally, the generational focus of this story – Sam Crowder has gone on to live and work on the Southern Peninsula forging his own path and building on his considerable family network.
With almost 25 years’ experience in real estate on the Mornington Peninsula, Sam’s knowledge of the local market is unparalleled. Well known amongst his community and peers for his professionalism, work ethic and consistent outstanding results, Sam represents distinct core values and an unrivalled level of experience formed by a strong background in the industry. With the stars aligning and his vision clear, he is proud to pay homage to his family’s legacy by establishing a new generation of Crowders Real Estate on the Southern Peninsula.
Fiercely passionate about his role in every transaction and driven by providing the best possible service to each client – no matter the price point – Sam’s background and natural affinity with real estate translates to a straight-talking, customer orientated focus. A highly skilled negotiator, Sam has built strong business and personal connections throughout his career and can draw on over 130 years’ collective experience between himself, his father and brothers alone.
A family man with three children, Sam is proud to have his wife Narelle alongside him to lead the team at Crowders Real Estate.