Approaching the end of 2015 is definitely a reality by now, with days flying by faster than you can tick them off.
“We at Engel & Völkers Southern Africa are taking this time to reflect back on all the great achievements and successes we have had both locally and internationally” shared Craig Hutchison, CEO of Engel & Völkers Southern Africa. “We are very proud to announce a 25% year on year registered sales growth, and we are confident that with our family growing every month, this percentage will continue to increase in 2016” Craig added. Earlier this year, with the minor increase in interest rates announced by the Reserve Bank, there was no noticeable decline in the housing demand, which proves that real estate remains your best, secure investment.
“The main reason for our success this year, is our hard-working and motivated individuals which we have in our group, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one in our family for making this year such a success. Their dedication and passion is clearly reflected in our performance when our sales results are reported daily” Craig continued.
Second on their list of records, was the exceptional footprint growth experienced, which adds to their record breaking year of 2015, with a total of 6 licences sold in Bellville (WC), Blouberg (WC), Hydepark (GP), Melrose (GP), Houghton (GP) and Parkhurst (GP).
Engel & Völkers saw many changes taking place throughout this year, one of which was the introduction of a new, hands-on training syllabus which is conducted by their in-house training academy. Their head of training, Lara Machado recently returned from her trip to Germany, where she underwent her master trainer course at the Engel & Völkers Group headquarters in Hamburg. Another record was set with 32 successful training sessions concluded this year.
They also saw the addition of their new and improved database system being launched, ensuring that clients benefit from optimal opportunities with numerous automated features to promote sales, as well as the new client service division run by Jodene Boshoff. This new division is available to assist clients at all times - ensuring exceptional customer service is maintained, which is something E&V lives by. “We invite clients to put us to the test with regards to all their property requirements, and believe in an open door policy whereby clients should feel comfortable to contact us should they be unsatisfied with the service they received at any point in time. This system has proven itself this year and we are sure that this will reach even greater heights in the year to come” Craig confirmed. Furthermore great achievement and growth for the head office team included Wendy Williams being moved in to the position of National Sales Director and Elzanne Venter being appointed to the board of directors as Marketing Director of Engel & Völkers Southern Africa.
Due to their reputation of exceptional customer service and quality listings, the Engel & Völkers brand caught the eye of top television productions such as “Guiding you home” from the Home Channel on DSTV, shooting from one of their most successful shops in Bryanston, Johannesburg. They also partook in the film “Mooirivier”and to add cream they featured a beautiful Ballito listing on the extravagant lifestyle show “Top Billing”, where presenters enjoyed the picturesque views and architecture. “We at Engel & Völkers are very privileged that we were approached with these opportunities to showcase that we are a lifestyle brand” says Craig.
“Our international brand values are Competence, Passion, Exclusivity, and these are the criterion by which we all proudly conduct our daily activities at Engel & Völkers” Craig concluded.
Internationally there are more than 605 shops which offer clients a professionally tailored range of services, and access to worldwide marketing possibilities – a truly international real estate company.
