Award-winning practitioners will be able to leverage their success to attract new business and strengthen existing relationships, said Terry Braithwaite, associate publisher of SMSF Adviser.

“At a time when regulators and politicians are turning up the heat on investors, the property industry and the banks, an Investors Choice Award will empower SMSF advisers to stand out from the crowd and build their business on the back of referrals and recommendations,” Mr Braithwaite said.

An award win will also enable SMSF professionals to supercharge the results of their marketing efforts, he said.

“SMSF trustees looking to invest in property need experienced professionals and often look to other investors for advice – and an Investors Choice Award is a ringing endorsement from investors who have already been there and done it,” he said

Homesales.com.au general manager Rhett Dallwitz said reputation is vital for professionals in this space and endorsements from real-life investors who have experienced the ups and downs of property investment will carry significant weight.

“We live in a reputation-based economy now, so testimonials and results speak for themselves,” he said. “We’ve all had positive and negative experiences, regardless of the industry.

“Industry awards are good at rewarding excellence from peers, but it is far more important to be recognised by actual investors. The reputation of the investment and advice sector has been damaged over recent years, so to find out what investors think and who they trust is vital.”

The winners of the Investors Choice Awards in the SMSF adviser category are:

NSW, Vic, SA and WA: The SMSF Club

Qld: Otium Group

A full list of winners across all categories, including accountants and financial advisers, can be seen here.

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