2016 REIQ Awards for Excellence finalists announced
Three outstanding RE/MAX members were named when the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) announced its 2016 Awards for Excellence finalists, representing the best in the Queensland real estate profession for the year.
Juana Bernardo, a residential sales specialist in Brisbane’s western suburbs, is one of ten finalists for Residential Salesperson of the Year.
Through her 11 years in real estate Juana has regularly received performance recognition, both within RE/MAX and in the broader real estate industry.
She joined RE/MAX in 2013, quickly making her mark as one of the leading agents in the Bardon office of RE/MAX Profile Real Estate; and takes particular pride in being a specialist in her market.
“The western corridor has been my home for the past 16 years. I love the area so it is easy to achieve my goal of being the ‘expert’ and keeping abreast of market trends in this area.”
Juana is widely recognised for the long-term relationships she develops with her clients, which are based on trust, knowledge and support. It’s not surprising that the majority of her listings occur through referrals and repeat business.
“I see myself as a project manager, managing the sale from beginning to after it settles. I look after my clients’ requirements on a case-by-case basis, and that can involve organizing tradespeople, stylists, rental furniture, pre-sale building and pest inspections, and I may even help with the gardening,” Juana said.
Before her calling to real estate, Juana was Head of English in a private girls’ high school in Hong Kong for eight years, managing a team of 25 teachers. She also ran her own education business in Brisbane for five years, representing Australian universities and marketing their short-term programs overseas.
“I feel my knowledge of other languages, such as Cantonese, and experience in dealing with people from different cultural backgrounds has helped enormously in my real estate career,” she said.
Toowoomba’s Katie Knight and Gladstone’s Cyndi Ward are both finalists for 2016 REIQ Property Manager of the Year.
Cyndi currently reigns as RE/MAX Australia’s Property Manager of the Year.
Katie has been finalist for REIQ Property Manager of the Year in nine consecutive years; won the REIQ title in 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2014; and was the Real Estate Institute of Australia’s Property Manager of the Year for 2012.
Cyndi is in her 24th year in real estate and has been co-business owner at RE/MAX Gold for a decade. She also has the chairing role in RE/MAX Australia’s Asset and Investment Managers (AIM) Committee.
One of her greatest wishes is to stop the revolving door of property managers in the industry.
“I need real estate business owners to understand that asset management is not something that should come second to the sales side of the business,” Cyndi said.
“I believe property management must be your passion in order to win awards. Along with my passion I have the benefit of the RE/MAX business model that aids our property management success.
“My goal has always been to have the best rental business in town not necessarily the biggest. Referrals drive our growth. Success is bred of quality over quantity,” Cyndi said.
With almost 17 years in real estate, Katie is no newcomer to professional accolades, both within RE/MAX and in the broader real estate industry.
Katie owns RE/MAX Success, an office that enjoys top market share in Toowoomba, and she is passionate about property management.
“Property management should not come second to the sales because it is a vital part of the overall operation and contributor to its success. Property managers should be proud professionals, with strong career paths.
Both Cyndi and Katie accept an enormous responsibility to supervise, train and motivate their staff, creating an environment where happy, knowledgeable and supported professionals can provide excellent service to landlords and tenants. They believe their personal accolades are the outcome of their teams.
“Holding on to a position of success, whether that is being recognised as successful by your peers in the industry or through the profit your business turns over each year, is something you have to constantly work at. I am nothing without my property management and sales teams,” said Katie.
REIQ award criteria included achievements, service to customers, service and support to those within the real estate industry, career goals and personal milestones.
This year’s Awards attracted a record number of entrants
The REIQ judging panel has interviewed Juana, Cyndi and Katie, along with other finalists, and they await winner announcements at the Institute’s Gala Awards Night on Saturday 6 February 2016 at Brisbane City Hall.