Property investors choose favourite adviser

The awards, held in partnership with homesales.com.au, allow both new and seasoned investors to vote for their most trusted property and wealth professionals.

In less than four weeks, more than 500 property businesses have already secured nominations from investors.

Every category has received votes – with investors from every state having their say.

Russell Stephenson, publisher of ifa, said the awards demonstrated that happy customers are always willing to share their experiences, and encouraged advisers to use this as an opportunity to reach out to their clients and get some feedback and engagement.

"It's fantastic to see wealth professionals across the different states being recognised for the fantastic work they do in changing the lives and securing the future of their clients," he said.

"Satisfied customers are always willing to share their experiences and endorse the businesses and independent operators who have helped them build wealth and plan for tomorrow.

"The financial advice sector is increasingly being scrutinised by politicians and commentators – but the response from advisers' clients to the Investors Choice Awards proves that sound operators in this space will always get endorsements from clients and do well."

Marketing collateral for advisers to send to their database seeking nominations and votes is available here.

Homesales.com.au general manager Rhett Dallwitz said endorsements by real-life investors will carry significant weight – making an Investors Choice Award a valuable marketing tool.

"In today's reputation economy, the recommendations of investors are vital. Industry awards are good at rewarding excellence from peers, but it is far more important to be recognised by actual investors," he said.

"The reputation of the investment and advice sector has been damaged over recent years and so to find out what investors actually think and who they trust is vital."

Awards will be made across all categories on a state-by-state basis, highlighting the localised nature of property investment and the individual services provided in different markets across Australia.

The voting process will run until 31 July and is open to investors who have used a professional to support the purchase of a property (whether an investment property or owner-occupied).

It is possible to vote across multiple categories as well as for multiple companies.

As well as supporting their preferred property professional or organisation, participants have the opportunity to go into a draw to win an Apple Watch or Samsung Gear S.

For more information about the Investors Choice Awards, please click here.