As we celebrate Women's Month, Century 21 South Africa is thrilled to share some extraordinary news from our recent Provincial Awards. In a remarkable achievement, all of our top rental agent awards were bestowed upon exceptional women! This success is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and expertise. Let's take a moment to recognise and applaud some of these remarkable individuals who are shaping the future of the property industry.
Natalie De Winnaar (North West)
My career as a rental agent has spanned seven years, with a dedicated focus on student accommodations. I have a proven track record of assisting students in finding their ideal homes and ensuring a seamless transition into their new environments. My qualifications include a PDE4 and NQF5 certification, reflecting a comprehensive understanding of the rental industry and a steadfast commitment to delivering exceptional service.
What helped me earn the title is my attention to clear and responsive communication skills, which have allowed me to build strong relationships with clients, tenants, and property owners. I also prioritise exceptional customer service; addressing concerns promptly and meeting client needs have been instrumental in achieving this recognition.
My advice for aspiring female practitioners is to put your unique perspectives and talents to good use. Believe in your abilities, work diligently, and support one another to achieve success. Embrace the challenges and opportunities with confidence, knowing that your efforts will pave the way for a brighter future in this field.
Monique Lawrenson (Gauteng)
My career as a rental agent started at Century 21 Bryanston. I provided admin support, including real estate agent support and customer service. After realising I enjoy the selling and rental side of this challenging and exciting profession, I decided to take the next step. I completed my NQF4 and have been working in the field as a property practitioner for six years now.
What helped me earn the title is daily consistency in my income-generating activities. It's hard work and the drive to succeed is crucial. I make contact daily with owners in my allocation. I show up at the same time every day for work and work a full day at least from 8.30 am to 5 pm or beyond at the office, where there are no distractions. I love helping people and I think this is key to being a good agent.
My advice for aspiring female practitioners is to nurture your drive, have the correct mindset, and put in hard work. Embrace your unique talents and qualities and you can succeed in real estate.
Marichelle Walgenbach (Limpopo)
My career as a rental agent has been one of growth and resilience. I started as an admin assistant right after school in 2020. In 2022, I joined Century 21 Polokwane, where I embraced the challenges of being a receptionist, admin assistant, and rental agent. My passion for the industry and dedication to excellence led to my promotion to Rental Manager, a role where I now lead with confidence and compassion.
What helped me earn the title is pouring my heart into helping people find their perfect homes. My days are filled with energy and enthusiasm, fueled by a genuine love for matching tenants and landlords. With a bubbly work ethic and a friendly touch, I've made it my mission to make everyone feel at home.
My advice for aspiring female practitioners is not to let age define your skills. As a nearly 23-year-old woman in the industry, I've learnt it's all about having a passion for real estate. You should embrace your enthusiasm and let it guide you. Don't be afraid to dive in, even if you're young. Your dedication and love for helping people find their dream homes can make all the difference. Stay curious, always be willing to learn, and believe in your unique abilities.
Lindy Pape (Eastern Cape)
My career as a rental agent covers five years of working in residential rentals across urban suburbs. I joined Century 21 East London in July 2023 and to date have achieved several awards, namely, National Rental Agent for April 2024, Top Provincial Agent for Eastern Cape 2024 as well as a Pearl Award in 2024. I am committed to delivering exceptional service tailored to each client's unique needs, from lease negotiations, tenant relations, to property marketing strategies.
What helped me earn the title is my expertise and knowledge of the local rental market, including property rental values. I find effective communication important; strong interpersonal skills help to build rapport with clients (both landlords and tenants), understand their needs, and negotiate effectively. Clients also appreciate having responses to inquiries promptly attended to, having their concerns addressed with empathy, and experiencing a smooth rental process.
My advice for aspiring female practitioners is to commit to learning. Knowledge is empowering and builds confidence. You should always believe in yourself, your abilities, and your strengths. Confidence in yourself will inspire trust and respect from clients and colleagues alike.
Join a dynamic team of inspiring women
Century 21 South Africa is proud to have such talented and driven practitioners on the team. As a company, we believe in empowering women to reach their full potential and offer a supportive environment where opportunity and ambition can lead to a fulfilling career. If you're passionate about real estate, you can find your place at one of our SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER.™ branches across the country.