Leapfrog Melkbosstrand
What are your top three secrets to success?
- Honesty, integrity and creating trust.
- Treating clients the way we would like to be serviced if we were buying or selling a property ourselves.
- Having a passion for the industry.
What is the one thing you wish someone had taught you or told you when you first started out in property and why?
That this industry can take over your life as it is not a 9am till 5pm job. Your family should be prepared for the fact that when you come home in the evening, the phone could ring again and off you have to go to take an offer. For both of our families this was a strange way of working when we started our property careers, but by now, after 10 years, they understand the industry and are fully supporting us.
What is the most vital business tool that estate agents should have at their disposal in today’s market and why?
A smartphone, a tablet and a strong website. For both buyers, sellers and agents having the Internet at your disposal is becoming a vital tool in the property industry. When signing up a mandate, by using your tablet you can capture pictures, load all details of the property on your system and before you walk out of the front door the property has gone viral. A knowledge of Facebook, Pinterest and LinkedIn is super important as especially young professionals are starting to use these systems more and more to gather information.
Do you remember the first property you sold? Please tell us about it.
Petra: Yes, I was in the industry for two weeks, did my first show house, a client walked in and said, “I want to make an offer!” I thought my colleagues were pulling a stunt on me, but this turned out to be a genuine client. I phoned my principal as I became so nervous and she completed the offer… and we sold the property.
Patricia: Yes, I sold my first property before becoming an agent! I informed my neighbour of the price I paid for my duplex on Atlantic Beach Estate. He insisted that if I got him the same, he would pay me R50 000 in fees. Well, I managed to sell his property to a good friend of mine the very next day… for more than my neighbour expected. This was the icebreaker for me to join the industry and I have never looked back.
What advice would you give to new kids on the block about making a success in their career in property?
Attend training sessions that are being given either by the company you work for or the transferring attorneys. It is important to stay informed and current about the industry and gather your certificates for your Portfolio of Evidence. Get to know your area and rather concentrate on a specific area than try to sell all over the place – become the area specialist. Know your stock, create trust, have integrity!
