LJ Hooker Woden/Weston’s Jane Macken has claimed the Residential Salesperson of the Year title for the third consecutive year at the Real Estate Institute of the ACT (REIACT) Awards for Excellence.
“It’s the biggest thrill to win again.
“I was in shock actually, I didn’t even stand up at first. My husband did, and I was wondering why, but it was because they had called my name,” Ms Macken said.
She said the recognition reflected the focus she and her team put on client relationships.
“I feel really lucky, lucky that I’m in the industry I’m in and lucky to be recognised for the hard work myself and my team do.
“We really care about our clients.
“It’s not just about GCI; it’s about the progression for them from the beginning of the sale to the end.”
She said communication is an important part of what she does.
“We don’t change, we don’t drop the ball,it’s all about those relationships with sellers and buyers.”
Looking ahead, Ms Macken said her focus was on developing the next generation of agents.
“I’ve won at ACT level and at nationals, and that recognition has been amazing.
“But now I want to bring up new real estate agents in my business, help them understand it’s not just about the dollars.
“It’s about creating relationships and loving the work as much as I do.”
The prestigious event drew more than 400 professionals to the National Convention Centre, Canberra on August 23, celebrating excellence across the ACT property sector.
This year’s awards attracted 114 submissions across 34 categories, highlighting achievements in residential and commercial real estate, property management, sales, and strata services.
REIACT President Hannah Gill said innovation was critical in the current climate.
“As we continue to face downward pressure on fees, and rising expectations from clients, collaboration and innovation in this industry become not only desirable, but critical,” Ms Gill said.
REIACT CEO Maria Edwards added that the awards were about recognising the wider role the industry plays in the community.
“There is so much more to real estate than just selling houses. It is the people of our industry who shape communities, guide families into their first homes, provide safe rental housing and drive the investment that underpins the ACT economy,” Ms Edwards said.
Billed as REIACT’s biggest annual gathering, the event served as both a celebration and a benchmark for best practice in the territory’s real estate industry.
- Community Housing Sector Property Manager: Carol Manga – Community Housing Canberra
- Business Development Manager of the Year: Kimberly Castle – AM Property Agency
- Commercial Property Manager of the Year: Andrew Brient – Sentia Real Estate
- Marketer of the Year: Bianca Emery – home.byholly
- Residential Property Manager of the Year: Ben McDowell – Hayman Partners
- Novice Auctioneer of the Year: Campbell Jones – Blackshaw Manuka
- Marketing & Communications Award: Blackshaw Real Estate
- Leasing Consultant of the Year: Danielle Coady – Element Property Services
- Operational Leadership Award: Zoe Wheelhouse – Luton Properties
- Sustainability Leadership Award – Agency: Community Housing Canberra
- Strata Manager of the Year: Ysabella Gills – Grady Strata & Facilities
- Small Residential Agency of the Year: Capital Buyers Agency
- Conveyancer of the Year: Christina Berlis – MV Law
- Auctioneer Franchise of the Year: LJ Hooker
- Operational Support Person of the Year: Lauren Tye – Carter and Co Agents
- Rookie of the Year: Ian Burchell – Hyde Burchell Buyers Agents
- Service Provider of the Year: Aperture Media House
- Project Property Marketer of the Year: The Property Collective Projects
- Innovation Award: Hayman Partners
- Buyers’ Agent of the Year: Penny Hyde – Hyde Burchell Buyers Agents
- Community Service Award: Blackshaw Gungahlin
- Sustainability Leadership Award – Individual: Sasha Trpkovski – Archer Projects
- Achievement Award: Gabby Woods – LJ Hooker Woden | Weston
- Commercial Salesperson of the Year: Michael Ceacis – Canberra Commercial
- Solicitor of the Year: Georgia Fitzsimmons – Antos Legal
- Residential Salesperson of the Year: Jane Macken – LJ Hooker Woden | Weston
- Commercial Agency of the Year: Canberra Commercial
- Allhomes People’s Choice Auctioneer of the Year: Brianna Williams – LJ Hooker Gungahlin
- Residential Property Management Team of the Year: Little Bird Properties
- Residential Sales Team of the Year: Team Stanton – The Property Collective
- Strata Management Agency of the Year: LMM Solutions
- Medium Residential Agency of the Year: Blackshaw Queanbeyan and Jerrabomberra
- Auctioneer of the Year: Nic Salter-Harding – LJ Hooker Dickson
- Large Residential Agency of the Year: Blackshaw Manuka
