Media release - 22nd February, 2016

One of South Australia’s best real estate agents, Kate Smith, Principal of Raine & Horne Semaphore, was a big winner at Raine & Horne South Australia’s 2015 Annual Awards, held recently at the historic Adelaide Oval.

Kate Smith Already rated among the state’s best three sales agents by the Real Estate Institute of South Australia’s (REISA) in 2014 and in 2015, Ms Smith can now add the title of Raine & Horne SA’s best salesperson for 2015 to her bulging trophy cabinet. For the second year in a row, Nick Grosvenor from Raine & Horne Strathalbyn was the runner up in this category.

“Kate’s win proved popular with the 200 guests who attended the glittering event in the Adelaide Oval’s Cathedral Room,” said Michael McDonald, CEO of Raine & Horne SA.

“It’s been a big year for Kate and the team at Raine & Horne Semaphore, who were recognised by the REISA as South Australia’s best small agency in 2015.”

In addition to the prestigious best salesperson award, Ms Smith was recognised as Raine & Horne’s best agent in Adelaide in 2015, with Mr Grosvenor named as the network’s best rural agent.

In the hotly-contested Highest net dollars professional fee category, Raine & Horne Semaphore finished second behind Raine & Horne Salisbury, while Ms Smith was recognised for her long service to Raine & Horne.

The Adelaide Oval event also celebrated the longevity and commitment of other South Australian real estate agents and offices to the 132-year old Raine & Horne brand. In 2015, John De Michele from Raine & Horne Murraylands notched up 25 years of continuous service to the famous charcoal and gold brand, while Boyd Octoman from Raine & Horne Commercial SA celebrated 15 years of service.

Mr Octoman’s business partner, David Ente, commemorated 10 years with the commercial business. Raine & Horne Meningie and Raine & Horne Murraylands also reached major 25 year milestones.

After a long break, this year’s awards also saw Raine & Horne SA reinstate the Sales Rookie of the Year award, which went to Mike Phillips from Raine & Horne Morphett Vale.

Raine & Horne SA State Awards Mr Phillips joined Raine & Horne in January 2014 and he recorded an impressive 16 sales in his first year as a fully-fledged sales agent. Mr Phillips beat home Brendon Saunders from Raine & Horne Strathalbyn (14 sales) and Raine & Horne North East’s Richard Everson, who recorded 12 sales in 2015.

“Mike has proven to be a wholehearted agent who has thrown himself into letterbox dropping his local patch and building strong relationships with the Happy Valley and Aberfoyle Park communities,” said Mr McDonald.

“He’s building a sound reputation by immersing himself in a community relations program that includes working with and sponsoring local sports clubs such as Happy Valley Tennis Club and the Happy Valley Bowling Club.”

The rookie agent is also committed to maintaining a regular social media presence and he consistently updates his profiles on sites such as ‘RateMyAgent’ and ‘MyREIAgent’.

“At times during 2015, Mike even ranked number 1 in his patch on these sites, which is a fantastic result for a junior agent, and it’s a great sign for the longevity of the Raine & Horne brand in South Australia,” said Mr McDonald.

Another popular winner on the night was Linda Baldwin from Raine & Horne Strathalbyn, who grabbed the gong as the network’s best Office Support for 2015.

“Linda has scored many nominations in this category over the past few years, so it’s fitting that she has lifted the Office Support of the Year trophy in 2015,” said Mr McDonald.

“Always a breath of fresh air, Linda is consistently positive no matter what tasks are asked of her. This consistency extends to her dealing with customers or her colleagues at Raine & Horne Strathalbyn. She also provides support to the Raine & Horne Meadows team when required.”

Significantly, Linda, who is well-regarded for her detail-oriented approach and problem solving, has embraced the full range of Raine & Horne’s unique business operating system, rhCompass.

“Linda is extremely competent in the use of rhCompass and is always looking for ways that Raine & Horne Strathalbyn and Raine & Horne Meadows can benefit from its features,” said Mr McDonald.

“A true team player and a strategic thinker, Linda is great ambassador for our brand and is a worthy winner of this award.”

–ENDS–

For further media information contact:

Michael McDonald, CEO Raine & Horne South Australia on 0488 667 710

Andrew Harrington, National Communications Manager, Raine & Horne on 02 9258 5400

Kate Smith bats on at Adelaide Oval awards night