Local real estate agent and managing director of First National Kingston, Helen Lehane, was named Residential Salesperson of the Year at the Real Estate Institute of Tasmania (REIT) 2018 Annual Awards for Excellence, held in Launceston on Saturday, October 27.

The annual awards recognise the state’s best in real estate, celebrating their achievements and contributions to the Tasmanian real estate profession over the last 12 months.
Helen said she is very proud and honoured to be chosen.
“This award means so much more than any of the awards I’ve received previously because it is completely, independently judged,” she said.
Each member office of the REIT has the opportunity to nominate their best salesperson, those agents are then assessed against the seven criteria for excellence in their field.
The REIT awards are different to most other awards and are based on best practise ideals and contribution to the industry and its reputation, rather than solely on sales figures.
“It’s awesome to have my ethical, professional approach recognised as standing out enough to be judged the best in the state,” said Helen.
“I feel very strongly that not all real estate agents are the same, yet we all get tarnished by the same brush.
“I’ve spent my whole career proving I’m different and I can be trusted to always act in the best interests of the client, getting the best possible result for them every time.
“It’s great to now have an award that acknowledges all my hard work and shows I’m supported by the industry experts too, not just my colleagues and family.”
When Helen started in real estate 15 years ago she was told she’d never make it because she wasn’t tough enough, she cared too much and she spent too much time providing extra assistance for clients.
“I opened my own office in Kingston almost two years ago because I wanted to create a positive, supportive environment to work in where the client was treated to exceptional service,” said Helen.
“Some negative influences said I’d only last six months so it’s very satisfying to still be here and doing well.
“Even the severe flooding in May didn’t bring us down, so to go on to win this award in the same year the office was part of a natural disaster is just incredible.”
REIT CEO, Mark Berry said winners should be extremely proud of their success.
“The winners come from all over Tasmania and represent what it really means to be a member of the Real Estate Institute of Tasmania,” he said.
“By winning the top state award in their category, it shows they have gone above and beyond, not only in real estate but also as a member of their respective communities.”
Helen will go on to represent Tasmania in the national awards to be held in Perth next year.

Pictured: Helen Lehane (left) from First National Kingston has been awarded the 2018 Residential Salesperson of the Year Award at the Real Estate Institute of Tasmania (REIT) Annual Awards for Excellence on Saturday, October 27. (PS)