Wakefields Real Estate, Le Domaine and Cotswold Downs Estates
What are your top three secrets to success?
Consistency, honesty and professional levels of service to both buyers and sellers.
What is the one thing you wish someone had taught or told you when you first started out in property and why?
Pre-qualify buyers’ finances, and ascertain payment terms before beginning the property hunting process – don’t be afraid to ask, or step out of your comfort zone with any buyer or seller. Experience and knowledge of market conditions leads to confidence in an agent, an attribute which really appeals to buyers and sellers.
What is the most vital business tool that estate agents should have at their disposal in today’s market and why?
FNB Property Barometer which is both interesting and informative, and offers guidelines to current market trends, property market conditions, and more; and certainly Mortgage Origination services regarding buyer pre-approval for mortgage bonds, coupled with Oobarometer reports on buying trends and loan-to-value indicators.
Do you remember the first property you sold? Please tell us about it.
It was a two-bedroom share-block unit in Moyeni Park, Gillitts. I had two weeks real estate experience, so was still finding my way on so many issues…securing of finance, documentation required, order of proceedings or the time provision for registration and transfer, but I had a very helpful and knowledgeable manager by my side.
What advice would you give to new kids on the block about making a success in their career in property?
Always practice fair, honest and professional work ethics with your colleagues, buyers and sellers – rather walk away and lose the sale, than risk your reputation. Prioritise levels of urgency for buyers and never under-estimate their purchase needs insofar as value, position or requirements. Clients rely on estate agents to guide them through the property purchase process, and are often uncertain of what they really want until you show them their ‘ideal’ home, often different to their original specifications. Remain in constant contact with buyers and sellers re property updates, new releases to the market place, services relating to valuations, and when a sale is concluded, through all the conveyancing process as well. Make an effort to remain in contact with the buyer then and thereafter.
