Last month, I shared some exciting news with all of you, having been honoured with the Double Gold Medallion award for outstanding sales performance as a real estate agent with Keller Williams for 2023! Additionally, I was recognized as the top-selling solo agent in St. John's for our company in 2023, further highlighting the dedication and expertise I bring to every transaction.

In the past, I have been critical of real estate awards. My main criticism has always been regarding the significance, or lack thereof, of the moniker “award winning Realtor”, as the standard to achieve an award is not the same across companies, and the companies setting those achievement standards have a vested interest in seeing a large portion of their agents achieve the status - more award winning agents, the more prestigious your company is in the public eye, right?

But, in reflecting on this post, I have softened my cynicism quite a bit, and believe that real estate awards do have a role to play in the real estate industry. However, I will not back down on my opinion that we do not need lengthy, Oscar-esque acceptance speech style social media posts to celebrate receipt of accolades.

So why should you, as a client or potential client, care about real estate awards won by an agent? The short answer is it should be used as a partial means for evaluating an agent you would like, or continue, to work with. Partial is key: I suggest you take it with a grain of salt, recognizing that a lot of awards are given out to celebrate achievement at a variety of levels, take into consideration the agent’s time in the business, and other factors about their areas serviced and competition level in those regions. If you better understand the significance that the award represents for the individual agent, it will become a more valuable tool for evaluating if an agent is the right fit for you. 

Let's dive into why these awards are important tools for informing your opinion of an agent.

Recognition of Excellence

First and foremost, awards like the Double Gold Medallion are a mark of excellence in the real estate industry. They signify a high level of performance, which indicates that I have consistently gone above and beyond, exceeding expectations and delivering exceptional results. As a client, knowing that your agent has been recognized for their excellence can give you confidence and peace of mind.

In the hierarchy of KW awards, there are 4 tiers of Gold Medallion, then Platinum and Double Platinum. There were two solo agents who achieved a higher status than I did, but they were operating in rural areas of the province. Outside of that there were three teams that finished above my performance. That is out of 90+ agents, so you can readily see that I am at the top of my game amongst my Keller Williams peers. 

An agent who wins a Bronze level status, while not performing as well as I am on the sales/gross commission income scale, may still be a good fit for a client. For example, a young agent, who is in their first year of their business might be viewed as having exceptional skills to achieve any award status in such a competitive business and such a short time frame. Young award winning agents are the up and coming talent pool and may represent exceptional qualities that far exceed the abilities of an older, more experienced agent - this has been very true over the past decade with respect to young agents and their use of technology in the field vis a vis industry veterans who were not able to adopt technologies as well. 

Trust and Reputation

Awards and accolades contribute significantly to building trust and establishing a strong reputation. When you work with an award-winning agent, you know that you're partnering with someone who has a proven track record of success. This can be especially reassuring for new clients who may be entering the real estate market for the first time or looking for an agent they can rely on.

Industry Knowledge and Expertise

Earning awards like the Double Gold Medallion requires high level performance that hinges on a deep understanding of the real estate market, excellent negotiation skills, and a commitment to staying updated on industry trends. By choosing a top level award-winning agent, you benefit from their expertise and insights, ensuring that you make informed decisions throughout the buying or selling process.

Continued Commitment to Excellence

Receiving these awards is not the end goal but rather a motivation to continue striving for excellence. As a client, you can expect the same high level of dedication, professionalism, and personalized service that has earned me these accolades. Your satisfaction and success remain my top priorities.

In conclusion, winning awards like the Double Gold Medallion and being recognized as the top-selling agent in St. John's is not just about receiving a trophy; it's about the values, expertise, and commitment that underpin every interaction and transaction. Whether you've been a client in the past or are considering working with me in the future, I am dedicated to delivering exceptional results and helping you achieve your real estate goals.

Thank you for your continued support, and here's to many more successes together!