RM-Africa, which was founded in 2006, is a well-established property sales and marketing group that sells approximately 120 homes per annum, most of which are in or around Harare.
Richard Matengambiri, RM-Africas Managing Director, said that it might surprise South Africans to learn that the Harare property market is very active and performing satisfactorily. The very limited building of the last two decades, he said, has resulted in strong demand for existing stock. The residential market is achieving ongoing sales, especially in the US$25,000 to US$150,000 bracket - with other sales both above and below these prices.
'Right now,' said Matengambiri, 'we are employing seven agents, but within the next year we expect to take on a further three'
Rawson Properties, he added, is not the only South African property company now represented in Zimbabwe - most of South Africas big name national firms and at least one international property firm, Knight Frank, are already there and generally doing well.
The RM-Africa directors came to Rawson Properties because they had read 'Fast Forward Your Retirement Through Property', a book by Jason Lee, who is now in charge of Rawsons commercial franchising division operation.
The RM-Africa directors found Lees details via Linked-In, made contact and then took a plane to Cape Town with an open-ended return date.
'We were,' said Matengambiri, 'determined not to return home without a franchise'
Once in Cape Town, they dealt initially with Lee, who helped them to stitch together a deal.
Simon Bere, marketing strategist for RM-Africa, said that they wanted the franchise because its '˜brand power would appeal to Zimbabweans and be of great benefit to them, ensuring them of a higher profile, increased customer confidence and more referrals. They were also, he said, attracted by the Rawson administrative systems, many of them computerised, which he felt would simplify and make efficient all aspects of their work, including valuations for which RM-Africa already '˜has a very good reputation.
Lee said that he had been impressed by the knowledge and experience of the two visiting directors.
'Mr Matengambiri has been in property most of his working life,' said Lee. 'He has a degree in town planning and a diploma in property valuation and marketing. He is fully qualified in terms of the Zimbabwe estate agency rulings for agents and principals.
'Mr Bere, for his part, is also a qualified agency principal and has been a marketing and business consultant for close on 20 years, with international training and experience.
Clarke said that if things go to plan Rawson Properties will use this breakthrough into Zimbabwe to establish a network of franchises in other African countries, especially those now showing strong growth potential. Rawsons, said Lee, is also looking to establish a commercial franchise division there, 'once the residential franchise has gained come traction'.
Clarke revealed recently that the number of franchises established by the group has now risen to above 150. The goal is to have 300 up and running by the end of 2015.
For further information contact Tony Clarke on 021 658 7100 or email tony@rawsonproperties.com.
