Looking for a career change? This Women’s Month, nine female owners of real estate franchises tell us what they love about the property industry and the opportunities it offers women.

As these nine business owners can attest, transitioning from various fields, whether it be secretarial work, finance, architectural design, other sales fields, or even bartending, can lead to a flourishing career in real estate. These women's diverse backgrounds have provided them with unique perspectives and skills that have fuelled their success in the property industry.

From Diverse Fields to Real Estate Success

Ria Taljaard, multi-franchise owner of Just Property Kalahari, Just Property Kuruman, and Just Property Kimberley, was initially a manager and an educator at a FET college. She says her early experience in motivating people and training proved instrumental in building a successful property franchise.

Nicky Hansen, a Just Property franchise owner of Durbanville, Kraaifontein, and Brackenfell, points to her background in architectural design and property development as a foundational asset in her real estate journey.

Sunette Roberts, owner of Just Property Keystone, and Wilna du Raan, owner of Just Property Jeffreys Bay, were both in the finance sector before they moved into the property space and attribute their business management skills to these previous roles.

For Dalene Conradie, franchisee of Just Property Hennenman, the transition was less conventional: one day at her bartending job, a real estate franchise owner told her she didn’t belong behind a bar counter and offered her a job as a receptionist – she grabbed the opportunity and has worked her way up to a successful career as a real estate entrepreneur.

Charmaine Badenhorst of Just Property Impact and Brakpan and Springs, found that her customer interaction experience after two decades in kitchen sales was invaluable when she moved into real estate. Meanwhile, Ana Roberts of Just Property Upper Highway capitalises on 25+ years in human resources and talent management to build a team of high-performing real estate professionals.

Opportunities in the Property Industry

These seasoned professionals believe the property industry offers exciting opportunities for career growth because it is a dynamic and diverse field with opportunities for self-development and entrepreneurial activities. "You can start your own company... manage properties, or even build and sell your own properties,” says Brigitte Jacobs, leader at Just Property Vaal Triangle. “People will always need housing, commercial spaces, and infrastructure which creates a consistent demand for professionals in the industry. And successful professionals in the industry can earn significant income through commissions, fees, and profits generated from property transactions,” Wilna adds. “Additionally, there is potential for wealth creation through property investment and ownership.”

Charmaine echoes this sentiment, saying real estate offers multiple avenues of income, and points out that one can work well past the usual retirement age.

“You work FOR yourself but not BY yourself,” says Nicky. “You have the flexibility that comes with self-employment, and you will have the satisfaction and reward of helping people manage their largest investments.”

As Just Property Middelburg’s Sarah-Ann Beetge says, “Every day is different, and there is always a new and exciting challenge that awaits you.”

Qualities of an Excellent Agent

Some key attributes contribute to the success of an agent in the field. Ana emphasises the need for clear communication, tenacity, and self-discipline, while Sunette seeks honesty, integrity, and independence in her agents. Dalene looks for positivity, approachability, honesty, and eagerness in her team, and she highlights the importance of knowledge about the purchasing process, real estate market, communication skills, and negotiation abilities.

Ria prefers a self-driven go-getter with a "nothing is impossible attitude". Nicky also emphasises the need for self-discipline, adding commitment to long-term thinking, innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and a high level of integrity. Charmaine looks for enthusiasm, loyalty, integrity, and willingness to learn in her agents, while Sarah-Ann highlights honesty, dedication, loyalty, and transparency.

“My top 10 criteria would be the following,” says Wilna: “Excellent communication skills; attentiveness and responsiveness; strong sales and negotiation skills; knowledge of the local real estate market; problem-solving ability; trustworthiness and integrity; persistence and resilience; attention to detail; technological proficiency; and strong organisational and time-management skills.”

These insights from women in property reveal a profound truth: while the property industry can be challenging, it is meaningful work that transforms lives and offers significant opportunities for growth, regardless of your previous experience. As Ana says, “This is an industry that allows different people to shine based on their strengths and the income potential is only limited by the individual's willingness to succeed.”

The world of real estate stands as a canvas for women from all walks of life to paint their success stories. As these women have shown, the industry's doors are open wide, welcoming those who dare to seize its boundless potential. This Women's Month, let their journeys inspire you to embark on your own empowering adventure in real estate! If you’re interested in joining the Just Property brand, apply for a franchise or to be an agent today.

For more information on Just Property please visit www.just.property  or call (087) 059 8888.

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