Sophie Foster
Updated 1 May 2026, 12:21pm
First published 1 May 2026, 10:50am
Joseph McPhillips spent months planning an unforgettable proposal while he and partner Jevarna Young were searching for their first home in Brisbane. Source: Ray White
An Aussie first homebuyer took a bold gamble when he secretly turned their ‘sold’ sign into a surprise proposal that left his partner stunned.
Joseph McPhillips spent months planning an unforgettable proposal while he and partner Jevarna Young were searching for their first home in Brisbane.
The couple began house hunting in April last year, eventually securing a three-bedroom, two-bathroom property in Logan on Christmas Eve – with a long settlement period giving Mr McPhillips time to execute his plan.
Jevarna Young had no idea what was ahead of her the day they went to put a sold sticker on their first home. Source: Ray White
Mr McPhillips enlisted the help of the real estate agent Brooke Colledge for his proposal on the sold sign. Source: Ray White
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Ms Young was unaware of what was coming – a sold sign that was revealed at their new home which included the proposal message asking her to marry him.
“We’ve been through the thick of it looking for a house, and to have this happen right here was just perfect,” he said.
To keep the surprise hidden, Mr McPhillips enlisted Ray White Jimboomba principal Brooke Colledge, describing the secrecy as requiring what they jokingly called “creative corporate espionage”.
“There were so many emails and phone calls that I had to change her contact name in my phone to an inconspicuous airconditioning company,” he said. “I couldn’t have done it without Brooke.”
Ms Young had no idea what was about to happen.
Grainy images capturing the moment off a video as Mr McPhillips got down on one knee.
Done deal for the couple who are now getting stuck into renovations. Source: Ray White
The couple are now renovating the home and spending their engagement living in a swag in the master bedroom as they work through the build.
For Ms Colledge, who has overseen more than 300 sales, the moment was a career highlight.
“Every so often, a moment comes along that reminds you just how special this role can be,” she said.
The proposal became part of the property journey when Mr McPhillips shared his plan with the agency.
From there, the team helped turned the sold sign into the centrepiece of the surprise.
“He got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. She said yes, of course,” she said.
Ms Colledge said the experience highlighted the human side of real estate.
“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.”
She said no two days in real estate are ever the same.
“It’s true. Behind every property is a story, a family, a fresh start or a long-awaited next chapter.”
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