Jawitz Properties has embarked on a rookie initiative in the Randburg and Sandton branches by bringing on-board candidates who have excelled in sales but who have no previous real estate experience.
The company sees this as a valuable investment for future growth and because of the mentorship and interaction from top management, the high standard of professionalism will continue.
The education requirements for new entrants to the property industry have become more stringent over the past few years. A rookie must complete a 12-month internship with a registered estate agency and has to complete a logbook (a Portfolio of Evidence) prescribed by the Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB).
Craig McIntyre, Randburg branch manager is mentoring rookies Fran Beamish and Suzette Nel both of whom, after only three month’s in the company, have sold properties. Fran has been on the sales side of publishing for 33 years and Suzette ran a very successful interior decorating business. Both enjoy working with people, are self-motivated and driven by commission earnings as opposed to a regular salary – all essential attributes needed to succeed in real estate.
“It’s all about going back to basics,” says Craig. “They knuckled down from the start, did the area assessments, made their calls, generated the stock and went on show with their houses. It is most rewarding watching them grow and helping them become successful full-status consultants in their own right.”
Fran operates in Sharonlea and Olivedale and acknowledges that real estate is tough. “I wanted to work in an industry that had longevity. Admittedly the hours are dependent on clients’ availability, usually over weekends and after-hours, but I enjoy working with people and fulfilling a need. It was quite a challenge in the beginning as I knew very little about the industry, but the support from the company has been valuable. I quickly saw the advantage of self-discipline and learnt how to manage the basics; acquire a database, daily cold canvass calling and going from door-to- door to introduce myself to the community,” she says.
Suzette, who covers Randpark Ridge and Boskruin agrees: “The days of having one career for the rest of your life, are over. I wanted something that had no age restrictions to entry. Being an experienced entrepreneur and my own boss, I am used to managing my own time and making decisions. Retirement is out of the question. People in their sixties and seventies are still selling property and doing well. That’s why I chose real estate.
“I’m proud to be a part of Jawitz Properties and I identify with management’s ethical approach to business. I started with a clean slate and today I’m happy to say that I have sold houses, thanks to Craig and his mentoring,” she says.
With Craig’s vast experience in real estate, he looks for candidates who have a strong personality, a professional work ethic, but more importantly the ability to handle rejections. “Of course Fran and Suzette are going to bump their heads along the way, but in the meantime, their enthusiasm has brought an element of excitement, a breath of fresh air and support from the rest of the team,” he says.
