KR Peters Investment Relationship Manager Crystal Barneveld has been named the National Property Management Institute's Property Manager of the Year.

Ms Barneveld received the good news in the middle of a Monday morning sales meeting when NPMI representatives David Woolfall and Shane Stone walked into KR Peter's Officer to congratulate Ms Barneveld on her prestigious win.

"Everyone in the office knew, I was the only one who didn't," she said, laughing.

"When I saw David and Shane I immediately knew why they were there. I said 'Holy shit'.

"They were there in person because they wanted to congratulate me on the things I was doing in the industry, not just in my role at KR Peters, but the connections I am making with other networks in the industry."

Since joining KR Peters three years ago, Ms Barneveld has become an integral part of the close-knit team.

After a success stint in the company's property management division, she now assists and maintains relationships with clients supporting them through all aspects of their investment journey.

She is also responsible for bringing in new business and reviewing processes and procedures and implementing new ideas to "help us service our clients".

In addition, she helps the KR Peters property management division by looking after a small portfolio of 125 properties mostly in the south east suburbs of Melbourne.

It's a big role for the busy mum of one, but she says it is the happiest she has been after 9 years in the real estate industry.

"I started in sales but it didn't last very long. I was very young at 19 and not many people took me seriously to list their property," she explained.

After a stint cold calling, Ms Barneveld found her calling in property management.

Warm and personable, she enjoys interacting with people, getting to know clients and "building friendships" within and outside the business.

"I enjoy problem solving. I don't get scared when someone comes to me with big concern. It is my job to give them peace of mind and show them that someone cares and someone will look out for them the best they can. Especially those clients who have had a bad experience in the past (at other agencies) they need someone they can trust, a person to restore their faith."

KR Peters Director Ian Harris described Ms Barneveld as "self-motivated and dedicated, always looking to further her knowledge".

"If the training session or seminar is right for her professional and personal development, she will fly interstate for it. She loves the innovative side of the industry and implementing change to better us at KR Peters Real Estate," said Mr Harris.

"A big team player, Crystal is a vital member of the KR Peters Real Estate family and strives to provide the best service to our clients.

 "An industry leader, she has developed fantastic relationships Melbourne wide and is well liked by her peers. The awards and recognition she receives highlights her full commitment to the real estate industry.

 "We are very proud of her and her continued hard work!"

Since having her first child, Ms Barneveld said her approach to her job has changed for the better.

"Since returning to work I have a different perspective. I don't worry so much about getting it right all the time and being a straight professional. I started being myself and relaxing a little bit, getting to know people and realising they are just like me, they have families and problems. I started approaching my job less like it was work and focussed on the fact that I really enjoy what I do. "

KR Peters clients surely agree that one of Ms Barneveld's strengths is her authenticity, a strength that also impressed the NPMI judges.

"The award proves a point in that when you be yourself, when you are authentic and genuinely care about people who you are working with the results come from that," Ms Barneveld said.

"The team at KR Peters been a massive help. Working for KR Peters has given me so much flexibility and support to be myself which has allowed me to thrive.

"I wouldn't be able to what I do without the team. It is an individual award but not an individual process."

As for the future, Ms Barneveld said she looks forward to continuing her role supporting clients and offering an alternative to the stereotypical real estate agent.

"I look forward to continuing to give people a positive experience when dealing with real estate agents. It is nice to be able to show there are real people in the industry who care."