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A standard day for Jane Macken begins with a 7am phone call and ends around 11.30pm with text messaging final thoughts for the day to her colleagues, Emma Robertson and Joel Gould.It’s easy to do those kinds of hours when you’re doing what you love.And it makes sense that that amount of energy and passion stands out to those choosing the best residential salesperson in Australia.<img alt="NAFE-2024-00593" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/NAFE-2024-00593.width-800.jpg" width="800">On Thursday night, Jane took out Residential Salesperson of the Year at the Real Estate Institute of Australia’s 2024 National Awards for Excellence. Jane has lived in Garran for 36 years and sells across both the ACT and NSW, specialising in Woden, Weston Creek and the Molonglo Valley. She’s principal of LJ Hooker Woden/Weston.And now, she can describe herself as the best residential real estate agent in the country.“Yes, I can confirm the champagne was flowing on Thursday night,” Jane laughs.<img alt="NAFE-2024-00424" class="richtext-image full-width" height="1200" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/NAFE-2024-00424.width-800.jpg" width="800">Jane was judged against hundreds of other sales agents in the areas of leadership, sales activity, professional development, overcoming business challenges and service to clients. She sold 68 properties during the submission period, including <a href="https://zango.com.au/news/sydney-couple-buy-the-earth-house-near-tumut-as-a-weekender/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the famous Earth House near Tumut, NSW</a>.But it was the growth rate of her sales in a declining market, conversion rate of appraisals to listings, and her ability to sell homes others simply couldn’t that stood out to the judges.“I successfully sold nine properties – all of which were previously on the market with another agent – within a 12-month period,” Jane wrote in her award submission.<img alt="NAFE-2024-00625" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/NAFE-2024-00625.width-800.jpg" width="800">“We didn’t measure the success of these sales exclusively from the transaction itself, but from the gratitude of the sellers. These sales and their situations were all different, though the outcome was the same.“They were overjoyed to be supported, confident in my ability, and were able to put their trust in me after their previous experiences with other agents. This achievement highlights my commitment to exceptional customer service and ability to deliver results where other agencies fell short.”Jane lists fellow LJ Hooker principals Andrew Ligdopoulos and Matthew Herbert at the top of the list of people who inspire her. But it’s her husband David Macken who deserves “a tonne of credit” Jane says.<img alt="NAFE-2024-00594" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/NAFE-2024-00594.width-800.jpg" width="800">“He is my rock. He is the most incredible person I know in this world,” Jane says.“If I&#x27;m having a bad day, he looks me in the eye and says, you can do this. You&#x27;re amazing. You&#x27;re number one. You can do this.”And how does Jane plan to celebrate her big win?“I’m going to [national real estate conference] AREC,” she laughs.“I know it could be considered ‘work’ but I love what I do. I never wake up and feel like, oh Lord, I&#x27;ve got to go to work. The best thing in my life was starting my own business. “<img alt="2024-ACT-real-estate-winners-1200x775" class="richtext-image full-width" height="516" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/2024-ACT-real-estate-winners-1200x775.width-800.jpg" width="800">The ACT punched above its weight and took out nearly a third of the awards on offer at the National Awards for Excellence on Thursday night. It won seven out of 25 awards, the highest number for any state or territory.Colliers Canberra topped the trophy haul, bringing home three awards – Commercial Agency of the Year, Debbie Daly was named Commercial Property Manager of the Year, and Sarah Smyth took home the Achievement Award.The Commercial Salesperson of the Year award went to Michael Ceacis from Canberra Commercial.

Weston Creek powerhouse Jane Macken named the best residential real estate agent in Australia

Property

The volume of adjectives that come to mind when glancing at the Charred Timber House is overwhelming.But if there is one that suits, <a href="/agents/homebyholly/">home.byHolly</a> real estate agent <a href="/agents/holly-komorowski/">Holly Komorowski</a> says it would have to be ‘iconic’.“It’s one of those homes that are really well-recognised within its community for its beautiful and distinctive facade,” she said.“People also feel very invested in it as they have watched it evolve and grow.”Located on the steep block of <a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/24-raymond-street-ainslie-act-2602-46654/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">24 Raymond Street</a> in Ainslie, the home has been designed to follow the slope of the site.<img alt="24-Raymond-Street-AINSLIE_4.jpg" class="richtext-image full-width" height="530" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/24-Raymond-Street-AINSLIE_4.width-800.jpg" width="800">The owners engaged renowned architect Rob Henry (Rob Henry Architects) and esteemed builder Chris Walmsley (Walmsley Building Solutions) in a perfect partnership to realise their vision of a family home intrinsically connected with the surrounding landscape and community.Holly says the outcome is impeccable.“The owners wanted an opportunity to positively impact the way they lived and interacted with the different spaces, their environment, and community, as well as delivering a high spec, designer home.”It was featured in the 2019 DESIGN Canberra Festival ‘living rooms’ event and design blog Hunting for George, and its laneway mural is known to locals and visitors alike.<img alt="24-Raymond-Street-AINSLIE_7.jpg" class="richtext-image full-width" height="530" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/24-Raymond-Street-AINSLIE_7.width-800.jpg" width="800">The street-facing carport mural by Australian artist Claire Foxton features a child’s face and local fauna in a respectful and genuine nod to the site’s history.It also adds value to the aesthetic of the urban landscape.Holly says the mural completes the vision, and that it inspires a sense of pride and belonging in the local community.“People make an effort to walk past the mural, or they stop and talk about it,” she said.<img alt="24-Raymond-Street-AINSLIE_5.jpg" class="richtext-image full-width" height="530" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/24-Raymond-Street-AINSLIE_5.width-800.jpg" width="800">Obviously a striking build, the home’s signature elements are the Japanese-inspired Shou Sugi Ban cladding, installed by the current owners.“The stunning charred timber cladding is a statement, which creates a sense of mystique as to what lies behind,” Holly explained.While the recycled hardwood timber screen to the double carport pays homage to the former cottage – it’s made from the original roof battens – this house is all about modern comforts and celebrates the best advances in sustainable living.<img alt="24-Raymond-Street-AINSLIE_2.jpg" class="richtext-image full-width" height="530" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/24-Raymond-Street-AINSLIE_2.width-800.jpg" width="800">The solar passive design delivers northerly light into all living areas and bedrooms while allowing for cross-ventilation by carefully located southerly windows.It also delivers on the current owner’s intent to create a sustainable home, boasting an energy efficiency rating of 7.8.Holly explains that this has been achieved by using recycled timber and solar power, and water collection to offset energy consumption.Heat pump hydronic slab heating and the highly efficient Euro wood combustion heater combine to make the house an economical and comfortable home to escape the Canberra winter, and all the windows and doors are double-glazed.<img alt="24-Raymond-Street-AINSLIE_1.jpg" class="richtext-image full-width" height="530" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/24-Raymond-Street-AINSLIE_1.width-800.jpg" width="800">Oriented towards the north, it’s connected with the outdoors through open spaces and free-flowing gardens, and there’s a stunning contrast between dark and light.But first and foremost, it’s a family home, Holly says, and one in which all the practical requirements for living are fulfilled.The flexible floorplan also means it can suit both a young family or one with older children.Shared and private spaces are separated by small timber and concrete staircases.An impressive open-plan kitchen and living area is mirrored by an outdoor entertaining and dining area under a pergola.<img alt="24-Raymond-Street-AINSLIE_6.jpg" class="richtext-image full-width" height="530" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/24-Raymond-Street-AINSLIE_6.width-800.jpg" width="800">You’ll find top-of-the-range appliances in the large kitchen, such as a Bosch pyrolytic oven and Bosch combi-steam oven and induction cooktop, Schweigen rangehood and Miele dishwasher.The main bedroom is large, light-filled and has a practical amount of inbuilt storage and ensuite, while the accommodation wing boasts three bedrooms, all of which include built-in robes and a lovingly designed bathroom with Gareth Ashton (Abey) tapware.And, when it comes to family-living and an easy lifestyle, location is also important, and this home delivers there too. It’s within striking distance of the Ainslie shops (and its famous IGA cheese selection), schools and, for the thrill-seekers, the Majura Pines mountain bike trails.<img alt="24-Raymond-Street-AINSLIE_3.jpg" class="richtext-image full-width" height="530" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/24-Raymond-Street-AINSLIE_3.width-800.jpg" width="800">Due to the nature of the evolving public health situation, buyers are encouraged to check restrictions regularly. In line with the current ACT Government guidelines, buyer inspections can only be completed online.To learn more about the iconic Charred Timber House at <a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/24-raymond-street-ainslie-act-2602-46654/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">24 Raymond Street</a> in Ainslie, or organise a virtual inspection, contact real estate agent <a href="/agents/holly-komorowski/">Holly Komorowski</a> on 0434 973 987.Article was originally written and published by <a href="https://the-riotact.com/distinctive-iconic-and-breathtaking-ainslies-charred-timber-house-hits-the-market/493389" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The RiotAct.</a>*As the current COVID situation continues to develop, one certainty is that along with our local ACT and NSW agent communities, Zango is committed to continue connecting people with places safely. For the latest information, we encourage you to speak with the listed agent for the property, stay safe.

‘Distinctive, iconic and breathtaking’: Ainslie’s Charred Timber House hits the market

With Canberra’s changing skyline fuelled by strong population growth and a thriving economy, strata management companies have seen increased demand for their services in recent years.An unwavering focus on customer experience has pushed local strata management business <a href="https://vantagestrata.com.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vantage Strata</a> to new heights, with the company recently taking out the ACT Strata Community Business of the Year for the second year in a row.This places them in the running for the Strata Community Association’s Australasian awards to be held this June 23. At the same event last year, Vantage Strata made history by becoming the first ACT business to win <a href="https://zango.com.au/news/canberra-business-vantage-strata-takes-out-australasian-award/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Strata Community Management Medium Business of the Year</a>.<img alt="vantage_strata_md_chris_miller.png" class="richtext-image left" height="337" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/vantage_strata_md_chris_miller.width-500.png" width="500">Chris Miller, Managing Director for Vantage Strata, says their team is proud to again be recognised for their efforts.“Ultimately we’re driven by our vision to be the best service provider we can be, and satisfaction comes from a job well done. But it is nice to stop occasionally and mark our achievements through awards, and it’s humbling that the peak body for strata management has recognised us in this way.”Having grown 50% year on year for several years, Chris notes that the company’s success stems from a dedication to retaining the best strata managers which ensures the highest quality customer experience.“Our growth has come off the back of an exceptionally high retention rate for staff and clients, which is a real outlier in an industry with a typically high churn rate of strata managers.“It’s disrupting to clients when they build relationships with strata managers who leave for another company, so it’s pleasing that our team culture is one where our people commit to us for the long term.”The close knit Vantage Strata team recently took part in the Geocon Stair Chase Challenge for Menslink which involved sprinting up 27 flights of stairs in Geocon’s tallest Canberra building. The event raised $15,000 which will go towards helping young men in Canberra who are going through a tough time. <img alt="vantage_strata_team_2.png" class="richtext-image left" height="337" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/vantage_strata_team_2.width-500.png" width="500">“It was really hard, and I ran up with my younger brother Jake who also works for Vantage Strata. He beat the boss to the top by a minute! And while Vantage Strata didn’t come away with the team victory on the day, we had the fastest female runner (Brittany Durand, senior strata manager).”Of participating in a charity event for Menslink, Chris says “It’s important for us to give back to the community and support organisations that reflect our own values. <img alt="vantage_strata_team_1.png" class="richtext-image left" height="337" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/vantage_strata_team_1.width-500.png" width="500">“We think the comradery and peer support Menslink provides to men in our community is particularly important and reflects our own ethos of supporting each other through mentorship and shared experience.“In particular, we have a high concentration of men of various ages in our on-site building management division. One of the great joys of growing this business has been observing how they support each other through the daily challenges of work and in their personal lives. We see Menslink as a natural extension of that philosophy in the community.”

3 news articles with tag award

Weston Creek powerhouse Jane Macken named the best residential real estate agent in Australia

‘Distinctive, iconic and breathtaking’: Ainslie’s Charred Timber House hits the market

Vantage Strata reaching new heights in more ways than one