WHEN Real Estate Institute Victoria held their annual awards for excellence at Crown Palladium on October 24, Kate McDougall and the McGrath Mansfield team were there in their best black tie/cocktail attire.

Amongst esteemed company that included some of the best and brightest in Victorian Real Estate, they had much to celebrate.

Their work for 615 Glenroy Road Merrijig, a cinematic piece that sold the property as a chance to buy into the rugged and yet cultured life of a high country cattleman, took out the award for Best Residential Marketing with a budget under $10k.

Key to their success, Kate said, was creating a story and a journey the buyer can step into.

“It also helps to have a real point of difference when a lot of real estate photography/videography can look the same,” she said.

“It was a lovely surprise to win, it’s great to be recognised when you’re working so hard.”

Kate and the team were also nominated for Regional Agency of the Year but narrowly missed out.

As winners at the REIV awards, the McGrath Mansfield team will head to the Real Estate Institute Australia awards in the hope of winning against Australia’s very best.

“The market has slowed a little but lifestyle properties are still popular,” Kate said of the state of the Mansfield Shire housing market.

“People are still looking for lifestyle changes from the Yarra Valley and the Mornington Peninsula.

“We’re still getting good results for our clients.”