Media release - 23^rd February, 2015

Gun agent Kate Smith, Principal of Raine & Horne Semaphore, was the big winner at the Raine & Horne South Australia annual awards for 2014, held at the iconic Adelaide Town Hall on Saturday 21 February, 2015.

Ms Smith, who notably scored second place in the hotly contested best sales agent category at the Real Estate Institute of South Australia’s (REISA) annual awards last year, was named by Raine & Horne SA as its best salesperson for 2014. She just edged out Nick Grosvenor from Raine & Horne Strathalbyn.

Ms Smith was also named Raine & Horne’s best agent in Adelaide, while Mr Grosvenor won the gong as the firm’s best sales agent in regional South Australia.

“Kate’s award was well received by the 200 guests at the event, as it’s the second year on the trot she’s been named the group’s best sales agent, after scoring second in this category in 2011 and 2012,” said Michael McDonald, CEO Raine & Horne South Australia.

“Setting ambitious sales targets and exceeding them through exceptional customer service and a high level of business planning and execution is central to Kate’s achievements.

“Kate has also embraced the power of online marketing and has employed a professional online community manager who maintains Raine & Horne Semaphore’s social media platforms.”

Raine & Horne Salisbury, led by Andrew Harvey, placed first in terms of professional fees settled in 2014, just ahead of Raine & Horne North East.

“Raine & Horne Salisbury has dominated the top office category every year since 2008, so this award is testament to the hard work of Andrew and his team, their efficiency and commitment to customer care,” said Mr McDonald.

The Adelaide Town Hall event also celebrated the longevity and commitment of other South Australian offices to the 132 year old Raine & Horne brand.

In 2014, Trevor Rasheed and Raine & Horne Meninge notched up 25 years of continuous service to the famous black and gold brand, while Steve Prout and the team at Raine & Horne Port Lincoln celebrated 20 years of service last year. Julianne Sheffield and Raine & Horne Fullarton also linked with Raine & Horne in 1994 and were recognised for their illustrious service record.

The event also marked the retirements of Deb Tucker from Raine & Horne McLaren Vale, who started in 1993 with the Superbrand, and Adrian Davis, who has been associated with Raine & Horne Mannum since 1996.

“Deb and Adrian have been great servants of Raine & Horne, and have helped many thousands of South Australians achieve their real estate dreams over the past 20 odd years,” said Mr McDonald.

Looking ahead to 2015, Mr McDonald is confident that the bounce the South Australia real estate market enjoyed in 2014 will continue.

“The median house price in Adelaide is at $430,000, its highest point ever, while the median unit price is $335,000. We expect this momentum to continue in 2015, especially as investors in Sydney and Melbourne start to look elsewhere for more affordable real estate stock,” said Mr McDonald.

“At the same time, the market will need to absorb some challenges such as the pending closure of the Holden factory at Elizabeth and the job losses at Santos.

“That said, there appears to be some infrastructure funding coming our way, with $620 million promised for the Darlington interchange, and almost $900 million for the Torrens Road to Torrens River Project.

“Throw in the prospect of more interest rate cuts from the Reserve Bank, more investors and more infrastructure spending and growth of at least 5% is possible for the Adelaide property market in 2015.”

–ENDS–

For further media information contact:

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

Andrew Harrington, National Communications Manager on 02 9258 5400

Leading SA real estate agent grabs major industry award