Top Ten Agents is an annual award given to the leading real estate agents in each state and territory. The winners are drawn from more than 670,000 reviews nationally on the leading real estate agent reviews and ratings website RateMyAgent. Here are a couple of the ACT winners…

RateMyAgent is used by agents who sell 80 per cent of property across Australia and reflects the vendor selling experience reviews for one-in-three properties sold nationwide. Reviews can be left by anyone who has sold a property in Australia in the past 12 months.

“Our winners embody what exceptional client service should look like in the real estate industry,” says RateMyAgent CEO Michael Davey.

“Nominees and winners of the RateMyAgent Awards are selected based on verified, performance-based reviews, helping them stand out from their peers and become steadfast in a challenging market.

Successful Steven’s got the skill of truly listening

With more than 15 years of experience in sales, and nine years at the helm of Edge Real Estate, licensed agent, property manager, auctioneer, and Top Ten Agent, Steven Thomas’ reputation for excellence is well-earned.

For Steven the fundamental difference to his approach is his ability to truly listen to his clients.

“I worked for eight or nine years as a counsellor,” he says.

“So that obviously included a lot of counselling and negotiation and things of that nature, but it comes from a different place, it’s not standard sales training.

“You don’t do that sort of work unless you genuinely care about people.”

He says this background also allows him to have a greater capacity to understand seller’s needs, and the whole life cycle of change that is involved around the selling of the home.

“It’s about a lot more than the sale of the house itself,” says Steven.

“It’s about all the associated issues, and because of my own training, my formal training in counselling and systems counselling, I look at things as a whole system and all the impacts, and the process of change that is involved for an individual in that.

“People will often say to me I don’t seem like a real estate agent due to the way I communicate with them.”

Steven’s extensive qualifications include a Diploma in Property, a Certificate IV in Property, and licences as an auctioneer and agent in both the ACT and NSW, which Steven says complements his remarkable practical experience and history as a counsellor.

A long-term resident of Canberra, Steven says he is deeply rooted in the community, with his children attending local schools.

He is also the founder of the Canberra Kindness Facebook page, which he says has got more than 6000 members.

Steven says he also frequently engages with charity work, including with the Red Cross and St Vincent’s de Paul.

“Once a counsellor, always a counsellor. That sense of contribution to the community is very real for me,” he says.

Steven’s journey in real estate is marked by his exceptional negotiation and communication skills, with such abilities being honed during his time as a counsellor, where active listening and empathetic communication were paramount.

He says these skills have proven invaluable in his real estate career, enabling him to understand and meet the personal needs of his clients effectively, ensuring that sellers feel heard and valued.

This human centric approach means his clients are always fully informed, and can therefore make better quality decisions, says Steven.

“If you look on Rate My agent, you’ll see I’ve got over 200 [reviews],” says Steven.

“I don’t know whether there’s any other agents [with] over 200 reviews that are still carrying a five-star rating.

“To have five stars and over 200 reviews is very rare and I think that speaks to my social sciences background.”

Steven says he made the switch to real estate because counselling has a high intensity level, and is not something one can do forever.

“What I love about real estate is it’s about people, and it’s about change and I’m an expert in those things.”

One of Steven’s standout achievements is his ability to sell properties that have languished on the market with larger agencies.

He says his hands-on, tailored approach often succeeds where others falter, showcasing his innovative strategies and dedication to each client.

This track record of turning challenging sales into success stories has earned him a reputation as a go-to agent for difficult listings, he says.

A consistent high performer, Steven holds several suburb records and has closed numerous sales exceeding $2 million.

His achievements reflect not only his skill and hard work but also his ability to deliver exceptional results consistently.

Steven says clients seeking a real estate agent who combines local knowledge, professional expertise, and a personal touch will find him an ideal choice, as he is not just a real estate agent; he is a dedicated community member, and a skilled negotiator.

Steven’s comprehensive qualifications, local roots, and impressive track record make him a standout figure in the Canberra real estate market, and whether buying or selling, Steven says his expertise, commitment, and personalised approach ensures a smooth and successful real estate experience.

Steven Thomas, call 0419 888026, email steve@edge.com.au or visit edge.com.au/thomas

What you see is what you get, Christine loves that

Christine Shaw is not a standard real estate agent, something she says she is immensely proud of, especially now that she has been announced as a Top Ten Agent.

“The two repeated compliments I receive is that I am different, and I don’t sound like any other agent,” she says.

“Some might say I am a square peg in a round hole. I love those compliments, and if you’ve met me at an open house and thought this, your first impression is right – that’s me!

“What you see is what you get – no prepared scripts or pressure tactics. I will tell you to not sell if I think it is the right decision, and give you renovation ideas instead.”

Christine says normally, the agents who feature on the Top Ten list have a high volume of sales, but their high ratings are formed from seeking testimonials from specific clients.

“I got into the Top Ten this year with 30 list stats, that’s never happened before, because 100 per cent of my owners give me five stars,” she says.

“Every one of my clients gets an email asking for a testimonial, not just the ones I know are going to like me at the end of the process.”

Her distinctive approach to real estate does not stop there however, with Christine being dedicated to a social-impact model that gives back to the Canberra community.

Christine says her business ethos is “real estate with a purpose” and that she is particularly committed to improving the availability of affordable housing and helping those facing homelessness.

In 2012, Christine established the Investors Can Help Project, which in collaboration with the Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services, was able to help “Canberra’s newest community members find housing”.

Then, in 2017, Christine became a member of the ACT government’s Consultative Group on Affordable Housing and Homelessness, which she says allowed her to merge her background in social policy with her real estate career.

“The opportunity to be on the deputy chief minister’s Consultative Group for Affordable Housing and Homelessness, and part of the Housing Summit in October 2017, allows me to be involved in housing policy,” she says.

“I am one of the highest female fundraisers for the Vinnies CEO Sleepout over the last three years, and walk the talk that those fortunate to be in the “haves” should give back .

“I not only fundraise, but I have partnered with Hands Across Canberra and give at least 10 per cent of what I earn to help homelessness initiatives.

“I’m the only agent who has a named fund with Hands Across Canberra.

“Selling your home or investment property is an important journey, and by having me as your agent, you are having a positive social impact on the broader community.”

Christine says she always goes the extra mile for her clients.

“I am honest and frank in my communication with you – no tricks, no games, no predatory behaviour – and it shows in the results,” she says.

“I get brilliant results and have excellent negotiation skills, resulting in a repeat and referral business of over 70 per cent.”

Christine says selling a home is not just a one-dimensional step in any person’s life, and she’s proud to be a “unique” agent who thinks and understands the broader issues, while still delivering fantastic results with her clients.

Christine Shaw, call 0405 135 009, email cshaw@blackshaw.com.au