New focus as real estate body celebrates 100 years

REAL estate industry urged to remain transparent, adopt fresh ideas and enthusiasm.

By Erle Levey

3 min read

March 10, 2018 - 8:34AM

NIGHT OF STARS: The 2018 REIQ Awards night at the Royal International Convention Centre in Brisbane on Saturday night. Picture: Erle Levey

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A SENSE of renewed energy swept through the 2018 Real Estate Institute of Queensland Summit and Awards for Excellence in Brisbane.

Young agents and new businesses, fresh ideas and enthusiasm.

Guest speaker Brad Inman, a leading US real estate commentator, encouraged greater transparency in the property industry - just as we expect in governments.

High-profile Melbourne real estate trainer Josh Phegan reminded those attending the summit of the importance of face-to-face contact in a world where there is continual development and dependence on technology.

Meanwhile demographer Bernard Salt pointed out the changing face of Australia, and how the property industry should respond to it.

Century 21 on Duporth's Jamie Smith with Chloe Seckington. Picture: Erle Levey

The 2018 Awards for Excellence saw new faces muscle their way onto the stage alongside the experienced. Among them were Sunshine Coast agents Jamie Smith, named Rookie Salesperson of the Year, and Kate Pascoe, Commercial Property Manager of the Year.

They were among 14 Coast agents and agencies named as finalists in the awards, held at Brisbane's Royal International Conference Centre and which celebrated 100 years of service to consumers by the REIQ.

Jamie Smith first visited Mooloolaba in 2009 as a young university student from the UK.

He was visiting his father who had moved to the beachside suburb some 20 years ago.

Now he is selling the Sunshine Coast.

"I really couldn't believe how incredibly beautiful it was here,'' he said. "I distinctly remember the moment walking along Brisbane Rd that I wanted to call this place home.''

In 2013 that dream became a reality for Jamie Smith, arriving at Brisbane Airport with nothing but a surfboard bag, a couple of pairs of boardies and a do-or-die mentality.

There was an air of familiarity about that scenario. In the 1990s that was Damien Said's story. And he went on to establish his own business Century 21 on Duporth in conjunction with his partner Kerry Roberts, be named REIQ salesperson of the year in 2009 and 2011, and be a finalist again this year.

"I've worked in multiple service based industries over the past 13 years and working with people has always been my driving force since day one,'' Mr Smith said.

"Working in the real estate industry has been no different. I firmly believe that we are in the

business of human relationships with our clients at the epicentre of our industry.

"None of what I've achieved in the real estate industry would have been possible without the guidance and mentorship of Damien Said and his decision to take on a rookie wildcard.

"I'm right in the centre of the Sunshine Coast's greatest infrastructure booms, with the demands for property at an all-time high and the sky really is the limit for me.''

Kate Pascoe started her property career straight out of school in 2001 as a receptionist for a small Melbourne commercial agency.

Within 16 years she has reached a major milestone in leading CBRE's Sunshine Coast Asset Services business line and in February 2017 was made an associate director.

CBRE managing director Rem Rafter said this gave her oversight to a combined property portfolio of 28 mixed-use buildings.

"Since Kate's return, just over 12 months ago, our wider team has moved ahead in leaps and bounds, with much of it being a credit to her ability to drive operational excellence and enhance collaboration across our business lines,'' Mr Rafter said.

"In the past year alone, Kate has worked hard to develop her own property management skills and leadership capabilities, and as a result we have seen her confidence grow exponentially.

"She is an asset to the business, and her award win is a testament to her consistent demonstration of professionalism, enthusiasm and incredible leadership, as well as a commitment to delivering outstanding client service.''

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