How did you get started in the property industry, and what inspired you to pursue a career in this field? .
Boshoff: "Being goal orientated, self-motivated and wanting to control my diary so I could plan around my children and create a work-life balance were major contributing factors to entering the property. Once I entered the property world I realised that I did not need do what everyone else was doing, I could do it my way which made me focus and deliver much more than clients’ expectations, enabling me to build up a relationship network. "
Hodgson: With 13 years of experience in the rental market, says: “Whilst studying at UNISA I joined my family’s business (at that time) and started my property career on the administrative side of rentals. I then progressed into controlling business accounts / compliance and managing the rentals for the business. I then joined a bigger team at Local Real Estate where my focus is now solely managing the rental portfolio. Even though this career choice was not one that I envisaged, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in property. The rental division can be very stressful at times as we are not only managing and protecting assets on behalf of our landlords; we are also ensuring out tenants are looked after throughout their tenancy. It is a fine balance maintaining both, but I like the challenge. “
What advice would you give to other women aspiring to build a successful career in the property sector?
Boshoff: “Don't hold back on making your voice heard and don't be afraid to show who are. if you are yourself and honest people respond.
I am a mother with busy kids, and I tried to keep my family life separate in beginning in order to be more professional. However, I soon realised that people buy from people, they want feel connected and they have to trust you. We all have some problems and struggles in life, so being realistic, empathetic, transparent and giving client’s space to talk builds relationships which are very necessary in this business.”
Hodgson: “Renting or selling / buying a home can become a very emotional interaction/ transaction, so listen to what it is that the clients really want. Use your knowledge to pick up on the things that they can’t properly verbalise and reflect that to them to ensure that you understand their requirements. “
“Do your homework / research and develop resilience, having a thick skin in this industry is key! :) There is a lot of administration (time and effort) that goes into concluding a successful deal and you need to pay attention to detail to ensure that there are no negative repercussions. Have good systems which can help automate as much of the administrative work as possible!”
"Understand the requirements of both the landlord and the tenant (rentals), seller and buyer (sales) – as they are both your clients. You will often be required to mediate between the two ,so mediation skills are important.”
“Problems will occur, some of which are easily solvable, others will require more tenacity and resilience. Don’t take anything personally, no matter how irate your client may become. Remember they have an emotional connection to their property / home. Show empathy, be professional and work towards a solution that is agreeable to all parties. “
What initiatives or changes would you like to see implemented in the property industry to create a more diverse and inclusive environment?
Boshoff: “I believe there are two important aspects that have to shift in real estate industry. Even though there are many women in the real estate industry, there are not a-lot of female principles and sale directors so women need to stand up and become more visible as leadership in the industry.
Secondly the consumer still has an archaic view of what property practitioners actually do. We have to take compulsory exams, we have to get ongoing training and we have to get yearly points to continue to practise and yet we are often not respected or even treated with respect. We are responsible for billions of rand that are traded and we working with people’s biggest asset. The Time of the cowboy era is over and we need consumers to be aware of that.”
Hodgson: “I think women are well represented in the property sector, but I would like to see more women owning and running real estate companies.”
In your experience, what unique skills or perspectives do women bring to the property industry?
Boshoff: “Buying or selling a house can be very emotional experience. In my experience most people buy a house on how the house makes them feel. I believe that women are very empathetic, which is to our advantage, so if you can help your client connect to property on a emotional level, then they will remember this and work with you”.
Hodgson: “The first thing that jumps to my mind is EQ, the ability to stay calm in moments of conflict and defuse situations by empathising and effectively communicating with clients.”
How did you get started in the property industry, and what inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
Nkuna: I started with the property industry in 2015. I was a fixed-temp employee in one of the SOE’s and finances were hard in our household. I was then introduced to a real estate internship, and I found passion and found that the property work is flexible. I then took the opportunity and started being part of the industry. I later recruited my husband to join the property industry in 2016. He has been with the industry full-time since then, whereas I was doing it part-time. In 2020 when COVID hit, we sat and thought about a sustainable business, and property was at the top of the list once again and we did not hesitate to buy a Rawson Properties Franchise to operate in the North of Pretoria from 2020 until present. The market is still shaky but there is always a guarantee that a sale will come through. It has been an exciting journey since then and all the support that comes from Rawson Property Group has been a blessing.
Lovell: My mother, after being in the property industry for numerous years had opened a Rawson Franchise. She was successful in the industry in attaining many achievements as well as growing herself personally. This inspired me to pursue a career in the Real Estate Industry and what better brand to join than the Rawson Brand! After leaving university, I joined the Rawson brand. My career started in the rental sphere but thrived in the sales sphere of Real Estate. At this time, the Board Exam was still a requirement which I passed. Thereafter, the criteria had changed and I strived to achieve principal status. Which I currently hold for numerous years. The Real Estate Industry is ever growing and the edification in the industry is rewarding. One is always growing and learning in the industry which excites and pushes me.
What advice would you give to other women aspiring to build a successful career in the property sector?
Nkuna: I would like to advise other women that they should always think about the future. Because property is a future proof business. It is a market that keeps on growing each day and it is exciting to see and find the support that is given to women currently in the property industry. This industry provides security to our families, society, and the country at large, and its one of the best industries to invest in.
Lovell: You can do it! Anything that you put your mind to, you can achieve.
This is an ever-changing industry. Constantly keep abreast with the industry changes, legislation and upskilling of yourself. Never forget the fundamentals in the industry. There are highs and lows in the market and when the market is not booming go back to basics that helped you get on the mountaintop. Your reputation precedes you! Offer that outstanding service – especially to the difficult clients. Be known by your integrity and most of all… be honest with your clients and everyone that you deal with. You are assisting people with one of their biggest assets. Irrespective of the price or condition of the property, treat it as if you are selling their million-dollar possession. People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
BE PASSIONATE!
What initiatives or changes would you like to see implemented in the property industry to create a more diverse and inclusive environment?
Nkuna: I would like to see the industry being supportive of local schools and social development, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. Because the property industry is one of the trusted markets, it will bring more stability and trust to the local society. We should see more property companies supporting local sports and recreation as well, including soccer, netball, cricket, cycling, and rugby etc.
Lovell: This is one industry that us as women, hold positions of authority. Our PPRA Board has many positions of women in high ranking and of diversity. Within our yellow brand, we have numerous women in positions of authority from Directors at Head Office to Franchisees. These women achieved these positions through hard work and making an indelible stamp in the industry. Women have a dominant and predominant role in the Real Estate Industry.
I personally feel that women have an equal stake in the industry. We have made our mark and continue to flourish in this industry.
In your experience, what unique skills or perspectives do women bring to the property industry?
Nkuna: Women bring homeliness to clients, buyers, and sellers. With the patience that women possess, they persevere to make the business work at all times. They make sure things in the office and surrounding are always taken care of on time. In the few years I have been in the industry, I have seen women bringing new elements of boldness and femininity to the property market. I can say the property Industry is balanced out and it is really wonderful to see more women joining this profession.
Lovell: Women by nature are nurturers. Thus, we have the ability to have compassion with clients when purchasing and selling a property. We bring a touch of empathy and sometimes sympathy to the situation. We may be tough as nails yet soft as butter. This is a characteristic that woman hold proud and assists us in the market place. When selling a property, we know that 90% of the time the wife and children have the final say. We have the flare to relate to the women and their requirements when purchasing a property as well as show compassion to the children. Women touch the humane side of selling and purchasing property. We do not sell houses but rather homes and ensure that families / individuals are placed in a home to suit their needs. We are strong and intuitive beings and this propels us in our successful careers.
Want all the latest property news and curated hot property listings sent directly to your inbox? Register for Property24’s Hot Properties, Lifestyle and Weekly Property Trends newsletters or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.
Print
