08 August 2024
In recent years, the real estate industry has witnessed a remarkable rise in the number of women establishing themselves as leaders in the field.
Jeanne-Maré Oosthuizen, Director and General
Manager of the Rawson Property Group, is one of those examples and is passionate about inspiring others to do the same. She goes on to emphasise the fact that most women are accustomed to fulfilling multifaceted roles, both in their personal and professional lives, something she feels serves women in achieving in this fast-paced, go-get-it industry.
“Women play so many roles and manage so many moving parts at any given time,” she says, “many of us are wives, mothers, sisters, daughters, home managers, whilst often being sole or partial contributors to the financial status of our households. As such, I would like to believe that we bring to the table an innate ability to multitask, organise and manage time effectively. This is where the nature of the real estate business gives us the flexibility to fit it all into a 24 hour day. The only limitation is our own motivation and dedication.”
According to Lizette Joubert, Franchisee of Rawson Properties Paarl and Chairperson of the Rawson Franchisee EXCO, an inherent nurturing nature is also helpful when it comes to managing teams of agents or supporting nervous clients. “Being a successful estate agent - and manager, for that matter - comes down to helping people make smart property decisions by providing up-to-date information, trustworthy advice, and empathetic guidance through what can be a challenging and emotional process.”
Emotional intelligence is also an asset in property, according to Dolly Naidoo, Sales Partner
at Rawson Properties Umhlanga. Naidoo began her journey in property with no experience whatsoever, but – through her own determination, tenacity, and hard work – quickly became one of the most highly awarded property practitioners in KZN.
“Women are uniquely poised to thrive in this people-centric business, because of our ability to be highly aware, empathetic, and understanding,” she says. “This really gives us the competitive edge needed to deeply understand our customers’ needs and create the perfect match between the buyer and seller of a property.”
The importance of mentorship and training in real estate
While natural talent and dedication play crucial roles in achieving success, mentorship and training are equally vital in shaping a fulfilling and prosperous career in real estate. Recognising this, the Rawson Property Group has made it a priority to support people in their professional journeys through comprehensive mentorship programs and training courses.
“Mentorship is essential in real estate,” says Oosthuizen. “It provides guidance, support, and valuable insights that can make a significant difference in one’s career. Our aim is to support each and every member of our team in their professional journey. We want our people to be engaged, motivated, and continuously growing, with skills that are always current, always valuable, and always in demand.”
The Rawson Property Group's commitment to nurturing talent is evident in their flexible – and free – training approach. Participants can use Rawson’s eLearning platform to complete a variety of programs at their own pace or participate in ongoing live webinar courses. This flexibility ensures that everyone, regardless of their schedule, can access the training they need to succeed.
According to Thobile Masanabo, franchisee of Rawson Properties Leondale, developing and
cultivating talent is an essential aspect of real estate.
"I became a principal property practitioner to make a positive impact on people's lives and to address the issue of unemployment aimed to develop and provide opportunities for young individuals to join the real estate industry. The comprehensive training and support received from Rawson has helped me achieve this goal. “I operate effectively within legal compliance and all my agents are well-trained, confident, and stand out in their respective areas in the community of Leondale.,” says Masanabo.
Training and mentorship are essential to real estate as new agents benefit greatly from the guidance and support of experienced professionals, who can provide valuable insights, advice, and practical skills to help them navigate the complexities of the market and build a successful career. These benefits include:
Skills Development: Together, mentorship and training help to develop essential professional skills such as negotiation, market analysis, client management, and marketing. These are all crucial for remaining competitive and achieving success in the dynamic real estate market.
Building Confidence: Regular mentorship and training boosts confidence by providing agents with the knowledge and expertise they need to handle various challenges. This confidence translates into better client interactions and more successful transactions.
Networking Opportunities: Participating in training programs and mentorship networks allows real estate professionals to connect with peers, industry leaders, and potential clients. These connections can lead to valuable partnerships and business opportunities.
Staying Current: The real estate industry is constantly evolving, with new regulations, market trends, and technologies emerging regularly. Continuous training ensures that agents stay informed and adaptable to these changes, providing better service to their clients.
Personal Growth: Beyond professional development, mentorship and training programs also contribute to personal growth. They foster a mindset of lifelong learning and self-improvement, which is beneficial in all areas of life.
Celebrating women in real estate
In celebration of Women’s Month, the Rawson Property Group will continue highlighting the contributions of strong women in the Rawson brand, with the aim of motivating others to rise through the ranks by utilising the support, training and mentorship on offer.
“We will continue our focus on offering an all-inclusive and truly diverse environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed,” says Oosthuizen. “We are committed to providing the resources and support needed to help women thrive in their real estate careers. Together, we can achieve great things and continue to drive positive change in the industry.”
