Private Property is criss-crossing the country to shine the spotlight on the best agents in the country.
These agents are highly successful in their areas, passionate about the industry and have used Private Property to help grow their business.
Today we talk to Michael Pashley, the winner of Harcourts Top Agent award.
Which area do you cover?
Somerset West, Strand and Gordons Bay
How long have you been an estate agent?
For 10 Years
How did you start out as an estate agent?
I arrived in South Africa in 2005 from the UK. I had always been in Sales but loved property and had always liked the idea of one day being a Realtor. When I met Steve Caradoc Davies from Harcourts (Homenet at the time) he immediately offered me a role as a Real Estate Agent. I could see that he was passionate about the business and was an ethical person so readily accepted.
What would you do if you weren't an estate agent?
Sales is all I have done since I left school and it suits me perfectly. I really enjoy my job. If I hadn't gotten involved in sales I would have loved to have been involved in sport, maybe a football coach. Unfortunately I don’t think my skills would have provided the relevant income though!
What was your biggest property sale? Where and how much?
My Biggest sales was for R9 690 000. It was a guest house in Gordons Bay overlooking the ocean and mountains. It was an incredible property. I have had a lot of sales in the Luxury Home market as this is what I specialise in with Harcourts. I use their ‘Luxury Property Selection’ part of the brand to make the sellers property stand out amongst the crowd.
Why are you successful as an estate agent?
When I arrived in South Africa and started in the service industry as a Realtor I promised myself I would endeavour to be the most professional agent there could be. I would ensure I was always in time for appointments, Phone clients back when I promised to and give my sellers the truthful facts regarding feedback and market value. I also guarantee my service in writing. Approximately 90% of my business is now based on referrals because of being known as professional. I know my facts and figures and study them on a regular basis. With Harcourts providing me the tools, backing and advanced technology that was instigated in Australasia I believe that I can give my clients the results and service they deserve.
What’s great about the area you work in?
Buyers love Somerset West. Harcourts Platinum (Somerset West) has come 1st in Harcourts nationally for the last 2 years even though we compete against offices with a much bigger market. This shows how many buyers are flooding into the area. I understand as I also fell in love with Somerset West when I arrived 10 years ago. The scenery with the sea and mountains is incredible. We have the Winelands just a few minutes drive away as well as the sandy swimming beaches of Strand and Gordons Bay. In addition we are in a more rural setting than a big town yet retaining a lot of the necessary amenities. With Cape Town Airport just a 20 minute drive away and Cape Town CBD just a 30 minute drive away I really believe we found a gem in Somerset West.
What’s the best part of your job?
I have been in sales all my life but never in a role where I can say that I have been able to make a positive difference in peoples lives. In Real Estate I see every day that we can actually make a difference. When we find the client the perfect home and conclude a deal smoothly for them we often become friends for life. When Sellers receive an acceptable offer and realise that they can move on with their lives the effect is also the same. There are not many jobs where you can have such job satisfaction.
How long have you used Private Property?
Ever since I first joined. I firmly believe that Private Property is the best property portal available in SA currently. They do not allow the property to be listed numerous times and is the most up to date and relevant portal I have found.
What tips do you have for using Private Property?
Download the app to the smartphone. The property alert system is fantastic for being kept up to date on new releases that become available. For agents, the weekly reports are a great way of keeping track of the web hits and ensuring the marketing is working.
What do you think the market will do in 2015?
We expect it to keep increasing as it is currently. We anticipate that the banks are still keen for business. It certainly appears in some price ranges that it is a seller's market and we have seen a big increase in house prices due to that. We are seeing record sales in our office every month so we look forward to a great 2015!