I have owned and managed two very successful estate agencies in the past – in Johannesburg. What I would like to see happening here in Stellenbosch, is more flexibility in terms of demanding sole agency, for instance. Some of the agencies refuse to market a property aggressively unless they have a sole mandate. I feel that takes care of the agent more than of the seller. I think it is in the seller’s interest to have his property introduced to as many potential buyers as he can.
A seller should not be held ransom to a sole mandate. Agencies who list properties should assume the risk of advertising, without prejudice to the seller.All business is risky. You just need to do the very best you can and deliver a better product by seriously taking your clients interest to heart.