Awards flow for western suburb agents at annual ball

WESTERN suburbs agents took home several awards from the reiwa.com Awards Ball on August 19.

Space Real Estate was named top office by value sold.

Director Justin Davies said it was a wonderful pinnacle to reach, especially as their smaller team generated the result of much larger firms.

“One thing that we are all proud of as a team is that despite the toughest market conditions we have ever seen, we have delivered more results to our clients than any other agency,” he said.

“When the market is good selling is easier, when it’s tough we have to reach potential buyers in ways our competitors aren’t.

“We have to put properties we are representing ahead of competing/similar properties; it’s what we feel we do best, reaching and connecting more effectively than others.”

Mr Davies said his team was dedicated to achieving the best possible results and experience for everyone who walked through their door.

“The most important issue for Space and how we gauge our success is ultimately reflected in how well we represent both buyers and our clients in the selling process,” he said.

“To do that and sell more than any other agency is fantastic but the goal must always be the integrity of service to those who entrust us with buying and selling.”

LJ Hooker Dalkeith-Claremont’s Vivien Yap Team was presented with top team by value sold, selling more property in dollar terms than any other team in WA. They beat their nearest competition by more than $100 million worth of home sales over the year.

The REIWA award comes on the back of Mrs Yap being named the LJ Hooker group’s top selling principal, in dollar terms, at the real estate group’s annual international conference on the Gold Coast earlier this month.

It was the first time in more than 20 years that a female business owner had won the award across LJ Hooker’s Australian and New Zealand franchise network.

Mrs Yap said she was overawed by the accolades.

“We’ve set high standards for ourselves, originally starting as a team of three and growing to more than 20 in less than 24 months,” she said.

“We’ve been encouraged by the results and feedback from our clients but never imagined our team would be setting benchmarks this early in our operation.”

Realmark Coastal was named top office by auction listings sold.

Director Sean Hughes said the whole team had worked very hard to achieve this result and was absolutely thrilled to be recognised for their efforts.

“People are starting to recognise the advantages of selling via auction and WA is finally beginning to catch up with the eastern states and, more importantly, the rest of the world in relation to selling via auction,” he said.

“The quick turnaround time for auctions is a massive benefit for sellers who want a quick and easy transaction, as well as the fact that they can set the terms for the auction, for example, settlement date and deposit amount.”

Mr Hughes said the team was already aiming to take out the award again next year.

Shellabears principal Chris Shellabear received the award for top unassisted salesperson by value sold. The industry veteran said he had won the award previously and felt privileged to do so again.

“I’ve been selling at a high level for a long time,” he said.

“I enjoy it; it is a tough business, changing all the time but always presenting new opportunities and challenges.

“At the moment, one of the issues facing our local market is less stock.

“If you get stock you are able to sell it; from the outside, it might look easy, but it still requires a lot of effort and ingenuity.”

Mr Shellabear enjoyed sharing the evening with his team.

“We are a family business. No matter if the win is by an individual, it is celebrated by the whole team,” he said.

Mr Shellabear said the awards also presented a good opportunity to catch up with industry members.

More than 700 real estate professionals celebrated at the winter wonderland-themed event.

REIWA chief executive Neville Pozzi said the awards highlighted the State’s top-performing agents and agencies.

“WA boasts some of the best and brightest real estate professionals in the country, and these awards are a testament to the hard work and dedication these agents give to their clients and community on a daily basis,” he said. “It’s no secret the WA property market has slowed in recent times, which has certainly presented some hurdles for the industry.

“I’m delighted to see so many REIWA agents continuing to excel in their profession despite challenging market conditions.”

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