Why did you decide to pursue a career in property?
I never really decided to pursue a career in property; it happened by chance. As a young man looking for work I got an opportunity to start working as a valuer-in-training. My mentor taught me that although property is fixed, the property market lives and moves and breathes. I suppose you could say that his passion for property rubbed off on me.
What do you find to be the most enjoyable and the most challenging aspects of the job?
For me the most enjoyable part of my job is the joy that I bring to sellers and buyers when the deal is done. The sellers are excited because the deal is done and they can start looking for something else, or they have the money in the bank. The buyers, on the other hand, are excited because their dreams are coming true and I have helped them to find the home that they have been searching for. The most challenging part of the job for me is having to deal with dishonest people sometimes – sellers, buyers and agents alike. But I suppose that one will have to deal with this kind of person in every industry.
What characteristics, in your opinion, make for a great estate agent/broker and why?
The characteristics of a great estate agent, in my opinion, are honesty, reliability and a love for people. If you give people a fair deal they will come back the next time. You show your clients that you are professional by being reliable. And you have to love people, because that love urges you to want to help them realise their dreams.
What are some of your career goals?
My main goal at the moment is to increase our exposure and establish Engel & Völkers as the go-to agency in Sunninghill. When people in Sunninghill think of buying or selling property, they must think Engel & Völkers. During the next year we aim to set up a satellite office in Sunninghill, which will increase our exposure and bring us closer to this goal. This is not going to be an easy task as we are new to the area, but watch this space.
