As we celebrate Women's Month, we embark on a journey to explore and honour the dynamic and diverse roles that women are playing in shaping the landscape of real estate.
We asked them a few questions:
Simone Da Camara, Abrahams & Gross Conveyancing and Property Law attorney, Dolly Naidoo I Sales Partner, Rawson Properties Umhlanga and Boitumelo Adams | Sales Partner Rawson Properties Pretoria East, share their journey into the real estate sector, what inspired them to pursue a career in the field, and what it takes to achieve success.
How did you embark on your journey in property law and in law in general, and what motivated you to pursue a profession in this specialised legal field?
As a child of two immigrant parents who were unable to afford or further their own education, I was inspired and motivated to embark on pursuing opportunities to further my learning in a profession that would include an ever-learning environment. A profession of law is filled with challenging scenarios which requires critical thinking, an analytical mindset and great power in reasoning and strategising to obtain the best solutions. I had always been drawn to property law throughout my studies – it is filled with various principles and rules which have been developed for a number of years, and no property transaction is ever the same – which results in a truly rewarding and exciting profession.
What guidance would you offer to fellow female professionals aiming to establish a thriving career within property law and law in general?
Do not underestimate the value in being efficient and going the extra mile, while staying true to your own integrity. Property law and the law in general is often complex and requires attention to the finer details – having a critical eye and paying attention to the finer details will set you a part.
In addition to the above, and while maintaining efficiency in your work, do not forget the power in the human element. Clients in the property field place immense trust in you; for Sellers – never forget that you are dealing with one of their biggest assets, which can be very stressful, and for Purchasers, do not forget that purchasing property may be one of the biggest financial commitments that they will make, which is often scary. Go the extra mile to explain processes and reassure clients that they are in the best hands possible, as clients will not always remember all the work that went into the transaction, but more importantly, how you made them feel.
From a property law standpoint, what measures or transformations do you believe should be implemented to create a more diverse and inclusive environment in this industry?
The year 2023 marks approximately one hundred years that women were allowed to join the legal profession. For years, the legal profession has been dominated by males, and while immense transformation has occurred in terms of the number of females in the legal workplace, little transformation has occurred in the culture of the progression and growth of women leaders in the workplace. This may be due to a number of factors, however, many women feel a pressure to choose between, or prioritise, their growth in their career, against their personal goals and family life. For example, maternity leave may set back growth in terms of unpaid maternity leave, or lack of hours billed as a result thereof. This results in a system which is often slanted in favour of males, who are often not posed with a decision between excelling in their career and having a family. Transformation is needed to address the different challenges that women may face in the growth of their career, through supportive measures, in order to strengthen the opportunities and visibility of women in law across all leadership positions.
Based on your insights, what distinctive skill sets or viewpoints do women contribute to the realm of property law and law in general?
Based on my insights, I have witnessed women to possess excellent work ethic, efficiency, critical thinking and the ability to manage the expectations and concerns of both Sellers and Purchasers. Through emotional intelligence, women are able to create and maintain genuine and trusting relationships with clients throughout a property transaction, resulting in excellent turnaround times and positive feedback.
How did you get started in the property industry, and what inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
I started my career in the property industry in 2015 after attending a talent attraction seminar held by Rawson Properties in KwaZulu-Natal. I immediately fell in love with the profession and, shortly after I expressed my interest, I got a call from the friendly Rawson team to invite me for an interview. For me, the most compelling proposition to join the property industry was the ability to make real and lasting impacts in the lives of others. A property is much more than just a shelter to most people – it is a place of comfort, relaxation and familial connection. This is why I go over and above each day to turn the process of connecting people with their dream homes into a seamless experience for all our customers.
In your experience, what unique skills or perspectives do women bring to the property industry?
The property industry is extremely diverse and multi-contextual – it is one of the few industries where no two days are the same, no two properties are the same and most importantly, no two customers are the same. Women are uniquely poised to thrive in this people-centric business because of our ability to be highly aware, empathetic and understanding. This really gives us the competitive edge needed to deeply understand our customers’ needs and create the perfect match between the buyer and seller of a property.
What advice would you give to other women aspiring to build a successful career in the property sector?
I would advise women of all backgrounds and inclinations to simply “Take that chance!” I especially understand the uncertain and daunting feeling associated with entering an industry such as ours – it is a vast and difficult industry to master – but it all starts off with a single vote of confidence and the sole individual required to cast that vote, is you. I began my journey with absolutely no experience, and I quickly became one of the most award-winning property practitioners in the province, this is through nothing but hard work, determination and the tenacity to keep going when all the cards seem to be stacked against you.
What initiatives or changes would you like to see implemented in the property industry to create a more diverse and inclusive environment?
I believe that the property industry is a fantastic environment for individuals from all backgrounds to prosper in. At present, there are significant efforts from real estate agencies all over the country to ensure that diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental practices within the industry. If there were one change that I would like to see, it would be a greater representation of the youth in our industry. I do believe that there is more that we can do to encourage young individuals to join the space and utilize it as a means of uplifting themselves and the communities around them.
How did you get started in the property industry, and what inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
I approached the property agent who was selling my property at the time to put in a word for me to his franchise owner. A few days later, I received a call from him, setting up a meeting between me and his franchise owner for an interview. I passed my interview and was appointed on the day. Learning new things, and having access to money inspired me to pursue a career in property. I believe that learning and challenging myself to new things helps me expand my mind and adds to my ability to approach situations in a brand-new way. Money allows me to see possibilities where it appears there were none. And with the kind of verve I possess, I knew I could achieve my goals by pursuing a career in the property sector - and there is good money to be made in this industry.
What advice would you give to other women aspiring to build a successful career in the property sector?
Women aspiring to build a successful career in the property industry should go for it, there is enough opportunity for everyone. They should love what they do, and have a persistent spirit, enthusiasm, and the hunger for success. In this industry, it works out best when one is willing to find ways to solve problems. Problem-solving gives you a sense of inner strength and resilience. Most importantly, it's crucial to continuously equip oneself with knowledge, skills and the confidence to deliver successful sales strategies.
What initiatives or changes would you like to see implemented in the property industry to create a more diverse and inclusive environment?
There should be a focus on education. I believe that just as career guidance is done in schools and varsity, careers in the property sector should be introduced at an early stage to create awareness and broaden interest in our society through our children/youth. There should also be cultural awareness and the creation of a more equitable environment.
In your experience, what unique skills or perspectives do women bring to the property industry?
Women possess special characteristics to achieve success in this cutthroat, male-dominated and competitive industry. We have the vision, we are resilient, strong, fast thinkers and very knowledgeable. We are honest and ethical in our business dealings. Women are trailblazers and understand the dynamics of a household to continue making a huge impact in the property sector. I stand to be corrected, but I believe that most women want beautifully designed and built homes for their households. Therefore, when women do business with clients, especially first-time buyers, that vision comes forth in assisting prospective clients to achieve value for their money. A happy buyer, seller, tenant and property owner in the property industry means success.
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