A year ago, things looked very different for Nancy Yang. As a sales agent with less than three years’ sales experience, she had a career defining moment, winning Rising Star of the Year at the 2024 REA Excellence Awards.
“The win was a seismic moment for me,” she recalls.
“I remember sitting with my team, happy just to be there, with zero expectations and then my name was called. Winning brought with it a whole new belief in myself and ignited a fire in me.”
One year on, Nancy’s career has gone from strength to strength. She began 2025 with a promotion to Director at Buxton Port Phillip, ticking off one of her biggest career goals and becoming one of the first female directors at the office.
The $5,000 professional development grant that accompanies the Rising Star award gave Nancy the opportunity to invest in her growth through training and industry events.
“These events helped me grow both personally and professionally,” she says.
Since then, she has completed a three-month auctioneering course to become fully accredited, represented clients in high-end property sales, and been invited to speak on podcasts and in interviews; opportunities she never imagined a year ago.
The Rising Star recognition has also boosted Nancy’s credibility in a competitive market.
“Being recognised by realestate.com.au has given me an edge when sellers are considering their representation,” she says.
It also strengthened her team’s motivation: “The win wasn’t just my win; it was our win. It’s fuelled their ambition, especially newer agents, and inspired everyone to aim higher.”
The REA Excellence Awards are back for 2025, celebrating the individuals, teams, and businesses powering every stage of the property journey.
Categories include Rising Star of the Year, Most Influential Woman in Property and Residential Agency of the Year.
Winners receive exclusive value across REA’s platforms to amplify their achievements in market, plus personalised marketing collateral, industry media coverage and grants, helping set agents up for success, win new listings, and grow their business.
For those considering entering the awards, Nancy has a simple tip: “Be genuine. Highlight achievements that matter most to you personally.
Your journey, your values, and the impact you’ve made is what stands out.”
Submissions close at midnight Friday, 14 November 2025. Explore the full award line up and entry details at theareas.com.au.
