The Best of the Best in Real Estate

Last night saw the real estate industry's 'best of the best' recognised in style at a glittering awards ceremony at the Sydney Hilton.

Welcoming more than 600 guests to the Real Estate Institute of NSW's 9th Annual Awards for Excellence, Institute President, Mrs Cristine Castle, said the industry's night of nights was a celebration of professionalism.

"It would be easy for some people to be pessimistic about property. It has been a tough year with rising interest rates, volatile petrol prices, the disastrous drought, and a sluggish State economy," Mrs Castle said.

"But true professionals understand what it is to work harder and smarter, with passion and integrity. And they know that it is knowledge, determination and dedication that makes them successful over the long run.

Mrs Castle said the annual Awards for Excellence recognised the star performers, both teams and individuals, that continue to drive the multi-billion dollar property industry.

"These Awards for Excellence are for being the best of the best and every finalist and winner here tonight is just that: the best of the best," Mrs Castle said.

"You set the benchmark. You inspire the rest of us. And you should be recognised by your colleagues, your competitors, your clients and the community for your passion, your skills and your commitment."

Mrs Castle said the future of the property industry in NSW was bright for commercial, industrial, retail and residential and reaffirmed real estate's place as an engine room of the State's economy driving employment and growth.

"Borrowing for the purchase of all real property in NSW over the past 12 months was $318 billion. And there are 615,000 rental properties in the State, generating around $160 million a week or $8.3 billion a year in rent," the President said.

"Real estate agents facilitate the purchase, sale and management of that property."

However, Mrs Castle said that agents also play a much broader and important roles in their local communities.

"I love this industry because we help make people's aspirations and desires a reality. We help them with the shops and factories that they need to make a living. We help fulfil that Great Australian Dream of owning their own home. We help them find a place for their family. And we help them to build a better future."

A comprehensive list of the winners and finalists of the 2006 REINSW Awards for Excellence appears below.

Awards for Excellence

Award for Excellence – Residential Agency

Winner
Andrew Blake Real Estate

Finalists
Callagher Estate Agents
Mikhael + Mikhael Real Estate
Morton & Morton
Ray White Double Bay
Starr Partners Real Estate Narellan

Andrew Blake Real Estate was established to provide a reliable service based on five star values and communications, honesty and trust. Made up of a close knit team of professionals equipped with intimate market knowledge, Andrew Blake Real Estate has earned a reputation as a boutique agency with strong negotiation skills and an unwavering commitment to their clients.

Award for Excellence – Residential Sales

Winner
Kathryn Hall - Andrew Blake Real Estate

Finalists
Georgi Coward - Cunninghams Estate Agents
Mary Curran - Ray White Neutral Bay Mosman
James Dack - McGrath Estate Agents
Michael Finger - Ray White Double Bay

Kathryn Hall specialises in residential sales in the Northern Beaches and is the most outstanding residential salesperson of the year in NSW. Her passions are skiing, bushwalking and her family.

22 October 2006