Victoria's real estate elite have been celebrated at the 24th REIV Awards for Excellence.

All up, 32 agencies and individuals were awarded at the most prestigious event on the Victorian real estate calendar in front of over 1,000 attendees.

REIV President Robyn Waters said the calibre of entries improves year-on-year.

Related reading: Robyn Waters third female President of the REIV in 82 years

“We all know that real estate is a competitive business and the award submissions are a testament to the individuals and agencies who demonstrate innovation, determination and passion in securing the best results for their clients,” she told WILLIAMS MEDIA.

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Pictured: Sam Rigopoulos of Jellis Craig Northcote Sales who won Residential Salesperson of the Year (Executives). Image by REIV.

“The transaction of property is integral to Victoria’s economy. As the peak association for 2,300 real estate agencies and 5,000 individual members, the REIV relishes this annual opportunity to acknowledge the high standards that our members aspire to and reach in our communities.

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“The REIV works closely with our members to implement best practice and raise the bar of professionalism in an industry which is complex, fast-paced and ever-changing.

“The REIV has a strong focus on excellence and we believe that these high standards, which make the difference in our real estate industry, should be acknowledged and celebrated,” Ms Waters said.

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Pictured: Courtney Thursfield, winner of the President's Award. Image by REIV.

This year the REIV introduced a new award - PropertyData Sales Agency of the Year Award.

Ray White Group’s Brett Diston won Commercial Salesperson of the Year 2018 for the fifth time.

Mr Diston said it was an honour to take home the prestigious award for the fifth time in the last six years.

“I’m proud to be named REIV’s Commercial Sales Person of the Year for the fifth time, but I can’t take all of the credit. I’m humbled to have such a great Ray White Commercial team around me,” he said.

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“We look at each transaction in an individual sense and customise a marketing and strategy plan before we even put an asset on the market. It’s critical to understand the needs of the seller and it’s our job to identify the right buyer so the sale or lease can go through as smoothly and quickly as possible.

“At the end of the day, the reason I love this job so much is because I get to speak to an array of people on a daily basis and the true recognition for me, is making the dreams of buyers and sellers come true," he told WILLIAMS MEDIA.

Ms Waters congratulated Mr Diston for winning the award.

“Brett took out the Commercial Salesperson of the Year Award which is a remarkable achievement in this competitive environment. Brett should be extremely proud of winning this coveted category and I trust his colleagues at Ray White have given him many pats on the back!”

The winners are:
• Commercial Agency of the Year: CBRE
• Residential Salesperson of the Year (Executives): Sam Rigopoulos, Jellis Craig Northcote Sales
• Buyer’s Agent of the Year: Janet Spencer, Buyer Solutions
• Community Service Award: Compton Green Pty Ltd
• Outstanding Young Agent of the Year: Luke Spence, N Beller & Company Pty Ltd
• Communications Award: O’Brien Real Estate Pty Ltd
• Innovation Award: Market Share Property

View the full list of winners on the Real Estate Institute of Victoria website.

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