Private Property is criss-crossing the country to shine the spotlight on the best agents in South Africa. Today, we talk to award winning agent, Michelle Greeff of Wakefields, Mount Edgecombe.
Which area do you cover?
I sell property in the Mount Edgecombe area but my main area of expertise is Mount Edgecombe Country Club Estates I and II.
How long have you been an estate agent?
I have been an estate agent for 11 years.
How did you start out as an estate agent?
We moved to Mount Edgecombe Country Club from Kloof in 2004 when my elder son was at university and my younger son was in Grade 11. As I was moving to a new area and my children required less of my time, I decided to do the Estate Agency Affairs Board course and wrote the exam. When Wakefields Estate Agents became accredited to sell property on Mount Edgecombe Country Club Estate, they were looking for estate agents and I was extremely fortunate to be offered a position, given that I had no experience. However, the fact that I lived on the estate was in my favour as I could sell the lifestyle that I have bought into myself. In addition, I had good connections through my husband’s medical and golfing circles and through friendships and contacts made during our sons’ years at Highbury and Kearsney.
What would you do if you weren't an estate agent?
I play bridge so I would play more often. I would also take the opportunity to travel more.
What was your biggest property sale? Where and how much?
My biggest property sale was a beautiful home with a stunning outlook onto fairways, Pani Dam and forest on Estate II which I sold last year for R10,250,000.
Why are you successful as an estate agent?
I am successful as an estate agent because property is always top of my mind, even when I am away on holiday. I am always available, I am ethical and professional and I offer an excellent service, at every stage – before, during after the sale process. I am a good listener, I am patient and I do not pressurise my clients to make decisions that they are not ready to make. I do everything possible to ensure that my sellers and purchasers are happy at the end of the sale process.
I have Wakefields’ guidance, training and years of expertise behind me, all of which equip me with the knowledge and support which are integral to my success as an estate agent.
What’s great about the area you work in?
It is a pleasure to market homes on Mount Edgecombe Country Club Estates I and II. It is a secure, extremely well-run estate where the homes are kept immaculate and the gardens manicured. There are rules which are for the benefit of all who live there and which keep the standards of the estate very high.
What’s the best part of your job?
My greatest pleasure in the work context is seeing a purchaser happily settled in the house which he or she has bought through me.
How long have you used Private Property?
Wakefields has used Private Property for approximately three years, since agencies were allowed to advertise on the Private Property website. The Private Property website is very well known and is widely used as it ensures an excellent user experience. As the emphasis is on the quality of the listings, the properties advertised on the Private Property website generate many good, qualified leads which are all-important to us, as agents.
What tips do you have for using Private Property?
Make sure that you use good quality photos and give as much information as you can about the property. Make the property sound exciting and enticing enough for the prospective purchaser to call off the advertised property.
What do you think the market will do in 2015?
Owing to the lack of good stock, I believe that the demand for property on Mount Edgecombe Country Club Estate will continue to increase. From the sellers’ perspective, this is good news as the prices are improving and from the purchasers’ perspective, it is good news as they are buying an asset that will appreciate.