Linda Baker, who is the director of Barry Plant Norwood in South Australia, is one of two finalists who have been nominated for Association Professional of the Year. The other nominee is Louise Carrigg, the director of both Barry Plant Heathmont and Barry Plant Ringwood in Victoria, who is one of ten finalists vying for Principal of the Year (Metropolitan).

The inaugural REB Women in Real Estate Awards is Australia’s first national awards program to recognise the contribution of women in real estate.

Louise’s Principal of the Year nomination recognises the principal from metropolitan Australia that has built the most successful real estate office or group of interconnected offices. They look for outstanding sales results, a solid rent roll and a winning culture that will attract talent. Louise’s offices have these attributes in spades.

“When I first came into the industry, the female director of the small Barry Plant Heathmont office gave me a chance to prove that a mother of two young kids could work as a sales agent part-time,” said Louise. “Then, when I wanted to buy the business from her three years later, the Barry Plant Head Office fully supported me and had confidence that I could do it. I think that it takes courage to take on a real estate business or any business for that matter, but with that courage comes great opportunity.”