Billed as real estate's 'night of nights', this year's REIA's National Awards for Excellence will be held at Crown Casino in Melbourne on March 10.

Winners in 16 categories will be announced on the night.

In the category of Residential Salesperson of the Year, nominees from around the country share a passion for selling homes.

The nominees in the Residential Salesperson of the Year category are as follows.

* Jonathan Charles, Independent Property Group Woden, ACT

Jonathan believes he has a market advantage in Canberra, for his unique ability to cross-sell homes using his extensive database and without public marketing. Jonathan uses a buyer manager and tradesperson to prepare each home for sale and maximise value. He has worked in sales for over 15 years, and is trained in the art of negotiation.

* Tim Thredgold, Toop & Toop Real Estate, SA

"The nomination is a terrific accolade to my team," said Thredgold. "We're all passionate about what we do, and really committed to providing a great selling and buying experience. Real estate provides amazing variety - 'no day is ever the same'. We see how happy people can be when they secure their dream home, and likewise when an owner sells and gets a great price. It's incredible to be involved in that. We strive to set standards and are constantly looking for ways to improve, and therefore give our clients an edge."

* Jeremy Wilkinson, Harcourts Launceston, TAS

Jeremy Wilkinson made the switch from corporate sales and managing business acquisitions to real estate in 2004. Since then, he has been the top salesperson for Harcourts Tasmania for six years, and ranks regularly among the top 20 Harcourts salespeople in the country. He mixes sound advice with quality information and honest opinion. He prides himself on his professionalism, and loves to see the look on buyers' and sellers' faces when he concludes a successful deal.

* Jeremy Rosens, Gary Peer & Associates, VIC

"Recognition of a 'job well done' from clients is the most important form of reward in real estate," said Rosens. "But having said that, recognition from the industry is also highly satisfying.

"To be in the running for REIA Salesperson of the Year is testament not only to the work that I do as a principal, but also the excellent work of my team at Gary Peer St Kilda. It’s recognition at the highest level. I’m thrilled just to be in the running! I’m a people person through and through. It sounds like a cliché, but I love waking up and being motivated by the fact that I know my day will largely involve talking with people – whether it’s clients or colleagues – and helping them achieve their real estate goals.

"After building up 20 years of experience in this industry, I love being able to put that to positive use every day. It takes a team to sell a property, not just an individual, and I believe my team is the best in the business!"

* Tonia McNeilly, TM Residential, WA - McNeilly is also nominated in the Small Residential Agency of the Year category

"It’s nice to be recognised by the industry and it provides motivation for all the people that work with me to constantly strive to do your absolute best," said McNeilly. "I have fun with my clients! It’s important to represent them so they get the best result, but at the end of the day I really do laugh a lot with my clients – life is short!

"I run my own agency. It’s small, and only four years old. We are determined to be a leading boutique agency."

* Benjamin Mulae, First National Gladesville, NSW

Ben has 20 years' experience encompassing the entire property life cycle. He is highly focused and an expert negotiator, and uses the latest technology, marketing techniques and social media to create maximum purchaser engagement for every property. He thrives on knowing he has helped his clients achieve the highest possible selling price in any market. Ben is consistently ranked in the top 2% of First National's real estate agents across NSW.