Investors reveal best advisers

The awards, held in partnership with homesales.com.au, are a unique initiative, allowing new and seasoned investors to vote for their most trusted and respected property professionals.

The award-winning practitioners will now be able to leverage off their success to attract new business and strengthen existing relationships, Russell Stephenson, publisher of ifa, said.

"People looking to build wealth, whether through property or via other means, need experienced professionals and often look to other investors for advice on who to go to – and an Investors Choice Award is a ringing endorsement from investors who have already been there and done it," he said.

"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," Mr Stephenson 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 financial adviser category are:

NSW: Jarickson Insurance Brokers

Vic: Empower Wealth

Qld: Superannuation Property

WA: Wealthwise

A full list of winners across all categories, including accountants and SMSF advisers, can be found here:

http://www.investorschoiceawards.com.au/investors-choice-awards-winners/