We asked them a few questions:
Noelene Snyder I Franchisee, Rawson Properties Kuils River, Tsholofelo Matsitse | Sales & Rental Partner, Rawson Properties Edenglen, Michelle Dickens, CEO of PayProp SA, and Joanna Thomas, Constantia Area Specialist for Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, 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 get started in the property industry, and what inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
Snyder: I love interacting with people and when I decided to quit my 9 to 5 job in 1995, I saw an advertisement that read: “Write your own cheque” and those few words inspired me to go for the interview. During the interview, I realised that this is a profession in which I would love to build my career and immediately knew that this was what I wanted to do. It has been the best decision I’ve made. It gives me great joy to see the expression on the face of satisfied buyers and sellers when a transaction is concluded.
Matsitse: I've always had an interest in Real Estate. I would literally binge on real estate, home improvement and property development shows day and night on DSTV for inspiration. So it made perfect sense to pursue my passion and generate an income while doing so.
Black and yellow are the only colours that make sense. The Rawson brand has never let me down in my personal capacity, therefore It was a brand that I wanted to associate myself with professionally. So I went onto the Rawson Properties Website, clicked on the "Become and Agent" tab, completed my details, and submitted. I received a call shortly after for an interview. The interview was successful and I started job shadowing a week later to establish if this was indeed something I wanted to pursue. To cut the story short, exactly 2 years later I haven't looked back since.
What advice would you give to other women aspiring to build a successful career in the property sector?
Snyder: Women have become a great force in the real estate industry and because it is Women’s month, I want to encourage those thinking of building a career for themselves to claim their space in Real Estate. There are so many possibilities for e.g. rental, sales, commercial, etc… take advantage of the opportunities that are awaiting you. For centuries it has been perceived that women are only good enough to be home executives but not anymore, this is a career that gives you the flexibility to be with your family while building your career.
Matsitse: Most of us women are working moms and wives of which are all roles that require maximum attention. In order to be successful in this career and other roles we occupy as women we need DISCIPLINE, BALANCE, AND SUPPORT.
DISCIPLINE because your earning potential is in your hands. It is up to you to set your goals, establish strategies to accomplish your goals and implement them. As much as we have accountability partners in our managers, principals and colleagues, ultimately your success is determined by yourself.
You have to have a healthy BALANCE between the personal and professional.
"When you have balance in your life, work becomes an entirely different experience. There is a passion that moves you to a whole new level of fulfillment and gratitude, and that's when you can do your best... for yourself and for others" - Cara Delevingne
A strong SUPPORT structure.
As much as we wish we could be superwomen, we can't do it all. We need a team that will understand when and how to carry you. What initiatives or changes would you like to see implemented in the property industry to create a more diverse and inclusive environment?
In your experience, what unique skills or perspectives do women bring to the property industry? Empathy, soft skills which allow for effective interaction and situational awareness.
What initiatives or changes would you like to see implemented in the property industry to create a more diverse and inclusive environment?
Snyder: I would like to see more women of colour take on the challenge of owning their own real estate business. Transformation is key and we need to evolve and change the face of real estate by making it more inclusive and I believe that women are that change.
In your experience, what unique skills or perspectives do women bring to the property industry?
Snyder: Because women are mothers and wives. housewives etc, they have the right attributes to deal with clients therefore some often become the best in the industry. It is however imperative to gain the necessary skills when you enter the profession. For me, it was worthwhile to join an established company where I not only gained knowledge but also acquired the necessary skills and qualifications required. Ensure that you follow the right steps (legislation) to become the professional you want to be.
How did you get started in the property industry, and what inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
Dickens: I am inspired by change. Change for creating sustainability. Change for good. My passion for real estate was cemented when I was working as a rental agent and my pensioner, recently widowed landlord was in a financial hole due to her non-paying tenant. I resolved that as a community of estate agents we must protect each other and our landlords from delinquent tenants. As it turns out the majority of tenants are good people, with good intentions to pay their rent. I have had the privilege of founding and leading TPN credit bureau for 22 years; and more recently I am now privileged to lead PayProp South Africa as their CEO.
Thomas: I emigrated from the UK to South Africa with my husband in 2002 and left behind a job in the broadcasting sports news industry which was also a sales/account manager role.
I wanted a change and was looking for a role that was flexible, but which also rewarded hard work. As I was used to dealing with high-net-worth clients, sales pipelines and had many years of experience in building long term client relationships, this role and industry was a good fit to build on these skills.
What advice would you give to other women aspiring to build a successful career in the property sector?
Dickens: You can do it. Be bold. Be courageous. Ask for help. Most importantly have a plan. Know your market, research it and follow through. Small steps over time can you take far. Take one step forward every day. Learn something new and apply it.
Thomas: Although very rewarding, the job can be very challenging at times, with last-minute cancellations of personal appointments and social gatherings not uncommon.
However, at the same time, its flexibility allows you mould the job to suit your lifestyle and commitment level. What you put in is what you get out but to be successful you have to be prepared to commit to irregular and long hours and weather plenty of disappointments along the way.
Success is achieved by investing time in building relationships without quick rewards but pays off long term.
What initiatives or changes would you like to see implemented in the property industry to create a more diverse and inclusive environment?
Dickens: The very core of an inclusive and diverse marketplace stems from the integrity and consideration we give to one another as human beings. We do not walk out of our homes and morph from being sons and daughters, parents and friends into an entirely persona in the work environment. We all have a duty every day to make good choices to uplift the youth and women. It is an active choice. A daily choice.
Thomas: I believe the industry is inclusive and without barriers anyone from any walk of life can be an agent and can select an area where they feel comfortable. It is a very flexible industry.
In your experience, what unique skills or perspectives do women bring to the property industry?
Dickens: Real estate is an emotional transaction; home is where the heart is. Of course, the transaction has a foundation of financial intelligence – “Know your Customer” to ensure a financially sound and affordable commitment. I love that women can harness the emotional excitement of a deal as well the financial and legal regulatory requirements.
Thomas: Understanding, flexibility, drive and energy coupled with empathy. On many occasions I have spent time consoling a seller and listening to their personal but difficult life situations. Patience and a good listening ear are required as it is all part of the process.
The job often involves acting as a marriage counsellor, social worker, financial/accountant, lawyer and so many more.
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
