COVER STORY
Surviving storms and spotting opportunity
“ We learnt that relationships and agility matter when times get tough. Because we weren’ t locked into a rigid franchise model, we could adapt quickly and keep clients close,” he recalls.
Technology as a competitive edge
COVER STORY
“ I started Meridian Realty with a laptop, a cell phone and a determination to do things differently. From day one, I wanted to give clients a seamless experience and empower agents with better tools. That meant saying yes to new tech when others were sceptical.”
Surviving storms and spotting opportunity
Meridian Realty’ s first big test came just three years in. The 2008 global financial crisis triggered a property slump, credit tightened and many small agencies disappeared. Instead of retreating, Goosen doubled down on personal service and creative marketing.
“ We learnt that relationships and agility matter when times get tough. Because we weren’ t locked into a rigid franchise model, we could adapt quickly and keep clients close,” he recalls.
As markets recovered, Meridian Realty spotted a second-wave trend: the rise of online property search and buyer migration from Gauteng to the Western Cape’ s lifestyle towns.
By leaning into data and early digital advertising, the firm helped clients reposition for growth markets such as Stellenbosch, Somerset West, the Overberg and beyond.
Technology as a competitive edge
Perhaps Meridian Realty’ s boldest moves came in its approach to property technology. Years before“ PropTech” became an industry buzzword, the agency invested in systems that reduced friction and made deals faster and safer.
24 REI MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2025