A formidable force in the Victorian real estate industry, Ms Waters was the first Australian woman to be appointed World President of the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI) in May 2014.

She served on the REIV Board as Senior Vice President in 2017-18 and Director from 2001 to 2006 as well as being a ministerial appointment to the Estate Agents Council from 2015 to 2018.

Ms Waters is a licensed estate agent who operates as a sole trader providing real estate services to a select portfolio of clients.

She is the FIABC’s Trustee to the International Ethical Standards Coalition and a fellow of the REIA and Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

“I am delighted to be appointed as the third female REIV President since 1936 at this crucial time for Victoria’s real estate industry,” Ms Waters said.

“I was born and raised in a real estate family in the northern suburbs of Melbourne and witnessed the industry’s evolution since the early 1980s.”

Ms Waters told WILLIAMS MEDIA she will bring consistency to the role due to her history in real estate and the networks and associations she has built.

“I have an understanding of what we don’t offer and what we should be offering.

“There is work to be done, we’ve got endless opportunities to provide communication, information and education to members.

“The real estate industry in Victoria is a marvelous business tool and we have to make sure our membership understands that, and become the best they can be.

“My understanding of this positions me to be a great leader.”

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Ms Waters said “Through my work with the International Real Estate Federation, I have learnt that the real estate industry is intrinsically linked to the livability and prosperity of our community and has a major role to play in shaping our future.”

She said the real estate industry provides shelter, whether it is a mansion in Toorak or a small cottage in a country town, and it’s the most important thing people have.

“For us to be able to provide affordable and sustainable properties to our communities is the most important thing we can influence.

“We have to do that in collaboration with local, federal and state government, to provide opportunities for people to understand they may not be able to live where they want, and they may have to live in a smaller environment than what they grew up in.

“We need housing close to transport, facilities, schools, medical services and entertainment,” Ms Waters continued.

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“The REIV is in a prime position. We have members, clients who are either sellers or purchasers, landlords, tenants, and service providers - all of whom we can influence into doing real estate differently.”

The institute has a strategic plan which was developed in February last year, which Ms Waters will continue to progress and work on.

“I also plan to develop member liaison by listening and communicating with members about what they want the institute to be doing.”

Ms Waters congratulated Senior Vice President Leah Calnan and Vice President Adam Docking and thanked Immediate Past President Richard Simpson for his contribution in the role during 2017-18.

“Richard has done a brilliant job leading the REIV through the largest review of property legislation in the State’s history and will continue to be a valued counsel to me on the Board.”

The make-up of the full REIV Board is available on the REIV website.

Related reading:

Fears Melbourne's housing shortage could spark affordability crisis

Victorian rental vacancy rates at record lows, not enough for a healthy market

Infrastructure will be the focus at REIV 2018 Economic Forecast Lunch