SA real estate agent Matt Smith crowned best in nation

A South Australian real estate legend has been crowned the nation’s best residential salesperson, and another two South Aussies inducted into the Hall of Fame – one in a historic first – at the nation’s most prestigious property awards.

Klemich Real Estate’s Matt Smith was last night named residential salesperson of the year at the Real Estate Institute of Australia’s National Awards for Excellence – an annual event recognising the highest-performing individuals and agencies across the country.

Held this year at Adelaide Oval in South Australia, the event saw seven awards go to South Australian individuals or agencies, and the only two Hall of Fame inductions for the evening go to locals – Harris Real Estate for winning large residential agency of the year for three consecutive years (2022-24), and Nikki Katz for business broker of the year for the same years.

Ms Katz has, in fact, won the award five times now.

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“This Hall of Fame award means so much to me,” Ms Katz says.

“It is a symbol of more than just success – it marks a shift in who leads, who innovates, and who defines the future of business broking in Australia.”

REIA President, Leanne Pilkington said Ms Katz’s induction into the REIA hall of fame was a landmark moment for the industry.

“Nikki’s success demonstrates the power of challenging convention, and she now stands as an inspiration for the next generation of leaders – especially women – across the real estate and business sectors,” she said.

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Ms Pilkington said the calibre of competition was the strongest she had seen it.

“These awards celebrate the very best in our profession – those setting the benchmark nationally,” Ms Pilkington said.

“It’s a testament to the strength and diversity of the real estate industry across Australia.”

Real Estate Institute of South Australia chief executive Andrea Heading said the awards were a clear indication the industry is heading in the right direction.

“They acknowledge and celebrate everything that is good about the real estate profession,” she said.

“Everyone here last night – all the finalists and winners – are worthy ambassadors for the entire profession.”

New Zealand proved to be the country to beat when it comes to auction talent, with the winners of both categories of the Australasian Auctioneering Championships – which was held over the past two days – both coming from the Land of the Long White Cloud.

Mark McGoldrick was crowned the overall winner, with Tama Emery taking out the Novice Championships.

Chief judge Matt Smith said the calibre of the field was outstanding, with the New Zealanders showing they were the clear leaders when it comes to the art of auctioneering.

“They set the standard and are so very good at what they do and they are just phenomenal in their numbering.

“Beating them – that will be the challenge ahead but we’ll certainly be there trying our best.”

REIA NATIONAL AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE WINNERS:

Achievement Award

Sam Harris, Centurion Real Estate, WA

Business Broker of the Year

Chris Swifte, Australian Pharmacy Sales, VIC

Business Development Manager of the Year

Kylie Davie, Downton Property, TAS

Buyers Agent of the Year

Tonya Davidson, Davidson Property Advocates, VIC

Commercial Agency of the Year

Martin Morris and Jones, MMJ Real Estate, NSW

Commercial Property Manager of the Year

Vaughan Copping, Perth Property Management, WA

Commercial Salesperson of the Year

Michael Ceacis, Canberra Commercial, ACT

Community Service Award

LJ Hooker Adelaide – Metro, SA

Innovation Award

Network Pacific, VIC

Large Residential Agency of the Year

Ouwens Casserly Real Estate, SA

Marketer of the Year

Fiona Yang, Plus Agency, NSW

Marketing and Communications Award

Toop + Toop, SA

Medium Residential Agency of the Year

Blackshaw Queanbeyan & Jerrabomberra, ACT

Operational Leadership Award

Stephen Briffa, Network Pacific, VIC

Operational Support Award

Sarah King, Capital Buyers Agency, ACT

Operational Support Award

Merina Caputo, Ouwens Casserly Rentals SA

REIA President’s Award

Hayden Groves, Ray White Dethridge Groves, WA

Residential Property Management Team of the Year

Blackburne Property Management, WA

Residential Property Manager of the Year

Lillian Dobson, Elders Top End Group, NT

Residential Sales Team of the Year

Realestate 88, WA

Residential Salesperson of the Year

Matt Smith, Klemich Real Estate, SA

Small Residential Agency of the Year

Taarnby, SA

Sustainability Leadership Award – Agency

Taarnby, SA

Sustainability Leadership Award – Individual

Sasha Trpkovski, Archer Canberra, ACT

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

Large Residential Agency of the Year

Harris Real Estate, SA

Business Broker of the Year

Nikki Katz, SA

– Results courtesy of REIA.

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