Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa August/September 2019 | Page 57

C
EO of Greeff Christie’s International Real Estate, Mike
Greeff says, “We have been fortunate to employ some of
the industry’s most respected female agents and rising
stars. We believe firmly in investing time and energy into all of
our agents and providing them with the support, guidance and
advice needed. However, in most cases, we are the ones who are
continuously learning from them, be it through their innovative
ways of doing business or their tried and tested methods that
earn them their sales success. Overall, we are excited for the fu-
ture and look forward to what they have to offer.”
Alex Bolton, Greeff Christie’s International Real Estate agent,
in Vredehoek and Oranjezicht, explains the main challenges
she faces working as a female in the property industry. “As a
female in a very male-dominated industry, I would say that the
main challenge female agents face is gaining trust from clients.
It immediately feels like you need to prove yourself straight
away and show that this is your profession and full-time job. You
need to ‘disprove’ their
misconception that
you are doing this as
a ‘hobby’. That is why,
as an agent, you need
to be professional and
give 100% of your
attention from the get-
go, so that male clients
don’t ever second
guess you as their
agent.”
Bolton adds that
women are as capable
as men in the property
Alex Bolton, Greeff Christie’s Interna-
sector.
tional Real Estate Agent
“As women, we
do have to work that
much harder to prove ourselves, and as unfortunate as it is in
the 21st century, we still face many clients who, despite our very
successful track record in the area, still only want to deal with a
male agent. This denies us the opportunity to show them the
service we can provide. Women are able to bring a very different
and often, a more dynamic approach, to real estate and that is
evident in the rising number of successful women brokers in the
industry,” she said.
Another stellar broker and fellow Vredehoek and Oranjezicht
agent, Christine Charlton, describes some of the highlights of
her career thus far, “I have really loved the journey that I have
been on. I joined the company four years ago, when we officially
reopened on Kloof Street. I joined as the Operations Manager
and assisted with everything, from choosing light fittings to
registering the agency’s license. When I look back at how I
have transformed, it
really excites me and
makes me feel like I’m
meant to be here,” said
Charlton
Charlton explains
that helping a family
find their home is a
rewarding experience.
“Over the last two
years,
the
sales
universe has really
been on my side
and we have played
Christine Charlton, Greeff Christie’s
an integral part in
assisting
families
International Real Estate Agent
and investors to find their perfect asset. Pulling a transaction
together is such a heart-warming experience, as it brings so
much joy, knowing that we have changed two families lives
for the better, simultaneously. A must - mention for 2019, was
achieving a record sales price of R 10.5 million, for our client’s
penthouse in Vredehoek.”
Greeff Noordhoek area specialist and veteran agent, Dale
Gremels provides key points of advice aspiring female agents:
Join a good agency that will provide you with
good backup support, training and administration
support from day one.
Learn how to manage your time effectively.
Have a solid support system at home.
Understand that this is a lot of hard work that is
time - consuming.
Have a good cash reserve when you start, as it may
be some time before you see significant, consistent
cash flow.
Learn how to budget, as there will be good times
and some lean times, depending on the market.
Look after your clients and build relationships with
them.
Network and actively be part of your community.
Look after your physical health and know when to
take a break.
For current property trends in their areas, Bolton, Charlton
and Gremels offered the following insights:
Bolton and Charlton
say, “These areas have
seen some interesting
trends in the past few
months,
specifically
with the decline of
investor
purchasers
and increase in families
or first-time buyers
purchasing to live in.
This has created a really
great suburban feel
to the areas, and has
pushed trends for more Dale Gremels, Greeff Christie’s Inter-
city parks and family national Real Estate Agent
friendly areas, as well as
neighbourhood watch groups. Homeowners are now taking
more pride in their areas, which is fantastic, as it ultimately drives
prices up in the area. On an industry front, there are more and
more younger professionals coming into the industry, which is
also exciting to see.”
“Individuals are looking to avoid debt, by eliminating the
need for a bond. Many are also trying to live more simply, by
adopting an ‘off- the-grid’ lifestyle, in terms of electricity and
water. Furthermore, people are also wanting to have dual
living, so that they can help to support their parents or children,”
Gremels says.
The success stories of female agents are fast becoming the
norm, rather than the exception. With their knowledge, skills
and dedicated attitude, they are a great example to all up-and-
coming agents that the sky is the limit.
SOURCES Greeff Christie’s International Real Estate
SA Real Estate Investor Magazine AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019
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