Queensland's best real estate practitioners have been named. Last night, Place Estate Agents, Explore Property and Urban Property Agents were recognized as the best residential agencies at the Real Estate Institute of Queensland's 2015 Awards for Excellence. The event, at Brisbane City Hall, was attended by more than 500 finalists and guests.

REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said the awards recognise those who have made an outstanding contribution to the Queensland real estate profession. “The REIQ Awards for Excellence are considered the pinnacle of achievement for real estate practitioners in Queensland,” she said. “They recognise the best and brightest real estate professionals from across the state."

Finalists are judged on professionalism and best practice, said Mercorella, gaining recognition not only for their exceptional achievements but also for their commitment to integrity in the profession. "We had a number of first-time winners last night with some having been finalists for many years before being named the State’s best. There were also winners receiving their second or third consecutive award which is testament to their commitment to the highest standards of business practice and customer satisfaction.”

The 2015 REIQ Awards for Excellence winners are:

· Large Residential Agency of the Year - Place Estate Agents

· Medium Residential Agency of the Year – Explore Property

· Small Residential Agency of the Year – Urban Property Agents

· Community Service of the Year – LJ Hooker Ormeau

· Commercial Agency of the Year – CBRE

· Commercial Salesperson of the Year – Peter Court (CBRE)

· Commercial Property Manager of the Year – Julie Magennis (CBRE)

· Residential Salesperson of the Year - Brett Andreassen (Doug Disher Real Estate)

· Residential Property Manager of the Year – Loretta Morgan (Jam Property)

· Buyers’ Agent of the Year - Karen Young (Property Zest)

· Business Broker of the Year – Ian Salter (Benchmark Business & Commercial Sales)

· Corporate Support Person of the Year - Amy Wolter (Place Estate Agents)

· Rookie of the Year – Susan Brant (Amber Werchon Property)

· Auctioneer of the Year - Mark MacCabe (LJ Hooker Paradise Point)

· Best Real Estate Report of the Year – Kieran Clair, (Australian Property Investor Magazine)