New Licence Model Clicks With Top Agents

The new Notebook licensing concept recently launched by the Chas Everitt International property group is catching on like wildfire among top-performing agents and independent estate agency principals. “We have issued more than a dozen Notebook licences in the past few months,” says Barry Davies, the group’s director of franchising, “in areas as diverse as Rustenburg, Bloemfontein, Walkerville near Johannesburg and Montagu in the Southern Cape, as well as Witbank and Brits. “We also have several Notebook operators in the Cape Winelands, including the latest to sign up, Reon van der Merwe, a seasoned principal whose very successful agency specialises in sales in the luxury Boschenmeer and Val de Vie estates near Paarl.” Another new Notebook licensee, he notes, is top agent Christiaan Steytler, who is well-known for his many years of outstanding sales in Constantia and has now decided to open his own office in McGregor. The Notebook system is specifically designed to accommodate agents and principals who are strong in their local markets and wish to trade for their own account but under a national brand. “The model is predominantly aimed at smaller franchise and rural areas where traditional franchise and set-up costs are prohibitive relative to market size,” Davies explains. “The Notebook licence grants an operator the right to use the Chas Everitt International brand, its systems, websites, marketing material and training within a defined area at an affordable entry and operational cost. “Substantial savings are also made because Notebook licence holders do not necessarily operate from formal office premises or have to hire administrative staff as our state-of-the-art business systems allow them to manage their own transactions.” New licensee Steytler says: “The Notebook model was the obvious choice for me. It’s more affordable than a franchise but you still have all the benefits of a franchise and a very strong brand. It’s perfect for top agents who want to be in control of their own business but don’t want to run a full-on real estate office with the hassle of managing other agents’ activities and production. “And the Chas Everitt systems are fantastic. It’s amazing how many ‘tools’ the group offers to help agents get the deals done and manage the follow-up adminstration.” Davies says the Notebook model has also elicited a lot of interest from agents in townships who previously had few options in terms of business ownership “and who see this as a great way to gain access to a top brand”. The Services Seta has also evaluated the system and endorsed it as a method of new business creation.