The Undercover Agent Behind the Ultimate Sold Sign Surprise

In a property play months in the making, Mr McPhillips (32) turned the purchase of their first home at 25 Mewing Court, Windaroo, into the ultimate surprise proposal - with the help of Ray White Jimboomba principal Brooke Colledge.

The secret was so well-guarded that Mr McPhillips had to resort to some creative corporate espionage to keep Ms Young (29) off the scent.

The Queensland couple had started searching for their first home back in April last year, but the stars aligned on Christmas Eve when their offer was finally accepted for the three-bedroom, two-bathroom Logan property.

To pull off the surprise, Mr McPhillips enlisted the help of his "secret soldier", Mrs Colledge.

“I couldn’t have done it without Brooke,” Mr McPhillips admitted.

“There were so many emails and phone calls that I had to change her contact name in my phone to an inconspicuous air conditioning company.”

On February 21, the plan moved from the contract phase to the forever phase, Mr McPhillips said.

As they stood in front of the home, the ‘For Sale’ overlay was pulled back to reveal not just a ‘Sold’ sticker, but a custom message: WILL YOU MARRY ME?

Mr McPhillips said his fiance was shocked and had no idea the proposal was to happen that day.

“We’ve been through the thick of it looking for a house, and to have this happen right here was just perfect,” he said.

The couple may have secured their dream home, but the luxury living part is still a work in progress.

With a full-scale renovation currently tearing through the property, the newly engaged pair is celebrating their milestone in true Aussie DIY fashion: currently sleeping in a swag in the master bedroom.

“She is just my one. We’re joining forces to make this place ours, one room at a time,” he said.

For Mrs Colledge, who has overseen more than 300 home sales, this was a career highlight.

“Behind every property is a story, but this was a first for me,” Mrs Colledge said.

“We’re often focused on the logistics, but this reminded me of the human side of what we do.

“We aren’t just selling houses; we’re helping people start their most important chapters.”

“In real estate, we often say no two days are ever the same, and it’s true,” she said.

“Behind every property is a story, a family, a fresh start or a long-awaited next chapter.

“But every so often, a moment comes along that reminds you just how special this role can be.”

It started like many other journeys, she said.

“ A buyer searching for the right home, navigating inspections, making offers, negotiations, and all the emotions that come with securing a property.

“But along the way, Joseph shared a vision that he wanted this home to be the place he proposed to his partner.

“From that point on, it became more than just a sale.

“Together, we quietly planned how to bring it to life. The sold sign, something we use every day in our industry, became the centrepiece of the moment.

“With a simple but meaningful twist, it would reveal the question he had been waiting to ask.”

On the day, everything came together perfectly, Mrs Colledge said.

“Standing in front of their new home, a place that already symbolised their future, we

prepared to place the sold sticker, removing the planned sale overlay to reveal a very simple message,” she said.

“He got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. She said yes, of course.

“There was something incredibly powerful about witnessing that moment. Not just because of the surprise or the joy, but because of what it represented.

“As agents, we’re often focused on the logistics, the campaigns, the negotiations, the results.

“But experiences like this are a reminder of the human side of what we do. We’re not just helping people buy and sell property; we’re stepping into some of the most significant chapters of their lives.

“To be trusted with that is something I’ll never take for granted.”