First National Coast & Country has won major industry recognition - the Award for Excellence for a Residential Sales Team - at the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales (REINSW) Awards.

“For a medium sized agency from a regional area to win something like this is astounding,” says Terry Digger, who co-owns the agency with Jason Stalgis, and was there on the night to accept the award.

“It is phenomenal, as we were competing against all the big Sydney agents and others from across the state.

“For an agency down here to win it says a lot about what we’ve been able to build.

“I think they could see our professionalism and high standard of marketing, which flowed through to the pretty amazing results we achieved.”

As REINSW President Peter Matthews said after the presentation, "With so many deserving nominees, choosing the top professional and agency for each category, was extremely tough.

"Those who received a winner’s trophy should be incredibly proud of their achievement.”

Entrants in this award were judged on their submissions outlining their team activity, significant achievements and innovation, and approach to culture, business challenges and risk management, and professional development.

Mr Digger believes that the award will further increase profile of our region, which has already been riding a wave of popularity.

“The South Coast is being called the new Byron Bay,” he says.

“It is certainly continuing to attract a lot of interest from sea changers and tree changers.”

First National has been serving Gerringong for over thirty years. The business underwent a major expansion five years ago, opening an office in Kiama and becoming First National Coast & Country. Since then it has also opened an office in Shoalhaven Heads, and now has a team of 10 sales people.