Staff Reporter
First National Real Estate hosted its General Excellence and Marketing (GEM) awards last week to recognise the achievements of its NSW and ACT member agents.
Held at Sydney’s Crowne Plaza at Coogee Beach, the gala evening celebrated the best of the state’s real estate performances over the past year which, according to state chairman Mark Millington, has not been without significant challenges for the profession.
“Last year continued to be a slow market for property on the back of the previous two years, which were fraught with economic turmoil and natural disasters, but our members showed their mettle, meeting conditions head on with fortitude and optimism,” Mr Millington said.
“They continued to put their clients first and now, with the market slowly starting to turn, they are beginning to see the results of their hard work and effort.
“These awards are recognition of that hard work, and tireless spirit to ensure they do their best at all times.”
On the night the Top 10 offices in the state were named, along with the top sales agents.
First National Real Estate Byron Bay was awarded Office of the Year, while Deborah O’Brien, of First National Real Estate Homeway in Castle Hill, took out the Top Salesperson award.
Karen Joseph of First National Real Estate Manly Vale was named Property Manager of the Year.
Mr Millington said the First National Awards are an important event as they present an opportunity for members to come together and share their thoughts and views on the industry and events that affect them, such as the recent disasters across Australia.
“During trying times like the recent floods, cyclones and bushfires, our members band together and help each other and their clients where they can, but it is often only through these types of social networking events that they are able to come face-to-face with each other,” Mr Millington said.