In conjunction with FNB, the Property Association has launched the 2011 Property Professional Awards. Highly-regarded by industry leaders, the awards set the benchmark in every aspect of the property industry and the movers, shakers, young lions and top agents will put on their finery to showcase South Africa’s best talents at a glittering ceremony in Johannesburg.
This is the first year that FNB will be sponsoring this prestigious event. Jan Kleynhans, CEO of FNB Home Loans, says that the bank jumped at the opportunity to sponsor the event. “We have been working very closely with those involved in the real estate industry over the past few years, thanks in part to our Quick Sell Plan. Through this we have learnt that the industry has some unique people, who are turning people’s dreams into reality on a daily basis. Agents often receive little recognition for all their hard work. The awards are a way of recognising the “Oscar” winners in the property industry and also serve to showcase the skills these dedicated individuals have demonstrated.’’
The Property Association has been recognising those who excel beyond normal expectations, thus raising the bar in this dynamic field over the past 12 years. Rudi Botha, the convenor of the Association says that the last 24 months have proved challenging for agents all over the country. “This has, however, provided an opportunity to separate the great from the good. Experience is now key and this is when real character begins to shine through. Top performers amongst the various real estate brands in South Africa have not given up. They continue to work hard at their sales and while it may take a little longer, at the end of the day they are able to close their deals.”
The awards are open to any agent who is registered with the Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB) and past winners have come from all walks of real estate life. Last year’s winner, Jaco Rademeyer, from Jaco Rademeyer Estates, says that winning the award opened a number of doors for him and his business.
“The award raised my national profile,” he said. “My agency is based in Port Elizabeth and winning this prestigious event and being named Property Professional of the Year literally put my name in bright lights countrywide. Apart from the obvious pride I felt when I won, the award, the honour boosted my self-confidence tremendously and renewed my enthusiasm for this incredible industry.”
Judging is conducted by the trustees of the Property Association, which is the only body that recognises real estate professionals across all brands nationally. Entrants complete the same entry form and submit a motivation for their entry. Apart from sales figures which must exceed R10m (R7.5m for rural applicants), agents will be judged on various other aspects of the industry that include, ethics, service levels, community involvement as well as their commitment to education and BEE initiatives and awareness. Entrants will also be judged on their presentation skills.
The awards will be taking place on 10 September at the Montecasino in Johannesburg.