Denise Van Heerden

Re/Max One Hundred

Why did you decide to pursue a career in property?

I decided to pursue a career in property after much deliberation. I am a mature woman and was looking for a career as my children had grown up and become independent. I had worked in an estate agency for a short time before I had children and had subsequently purchased homes which we had renovated and sold on. I had always had an interest in houses and had often visited show houses to see what was on the market. I wanted to work and interact with people and be able to start the actual process of earning and learning simultaneously – the estate agency business offered me this – as well as being able to interact with colleagues and people involved in the sale and development of property.

What do you find to be the most enjoyable and the most challenging aspects of the jobs?

I find the most enjoyable part of the job is finding the right person for a home, working through the purchase process and making the sale – the very best feeling. The most challenging aspect would be the learning involved in getting to know all the important aspects of being an agent, from presenting a valuation to when the offer to purchase is signed and then all the steps that are needed to have the property transferred from the seller to the buyer.

What characteristics, in your opinion, make for a great estate agent/broker and why?

I feel that some important characteristics that an agent needs to have are the ability to be self-motivated, to be disciplined about planning your day and following up with your buyers and sellers so that they know that you are there for them. Also, being honest to all the people involved so that there is never a reason for them be disappointed with you in any way.

What are some of your career goals?

Some of my career goals are to be a familiar name and face to those in my area, so that I am associated with trust and efficiency in the sale of a home. I would like to get to the stage where I am benefitting from the referrals from people that I have worked with in the purchase and sale of their property. My main goal is to have financial success and emotional fulfilment in a job well done.

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