Seeff Randburg had a superb showing at the recent Seeff Northern Region Awards for 2008. The branch swept the floor when it came to rental achievements - not only was Ajith Motilal rental winner for the third year in a row, but Randburg rental agents also took second and third place.

Seeff Randburg also had the Partnership Agents of the Year in terms of units sold – Liz Houston and Ann Roberts with 30 units - as well as the Solitaire Agent Runner-up Agent of the Year in terms of rand value, Rowena Ridden, who was also top agent for the branch, with 23 units sold.

"Even in a tough market, and last year was the most difficult in 20 years, these good agents still make it happen" says Tony Ketcher, Managing Director of Seeff Properties Randburg. A common thread running through the success of these agents was that they were all operating in the more affordable areas, adds Ketcher. I would suggest that what has happened with the credit crunch is that certain buyers has downscaled their expectations. While maybe a goal two years ago was to buy in what were regarded as more affluent suburbs, these buyers are now looking in the more affordable suburbs like the ones our most successful agents in 2008 operated in, i.e. Weltevreden Park – with 30 units sold in 7 months, Montgomery Park and Franklin Roosevelt Park, and Fairland, Blackheath and Northcliff.

"What one will find from an investment viewpoint is that, if those who live in these suburbs care for their properties, than over time resale will be both lucrative and easy. As family income improves, they seek better, larger homes more tailored to their needs, and having enjoyed the amenities offered in our Randburg suburbs we find that they relocate close to home. If one looks back on price growth, history has proven that these areas can be good investments – e.g. Weltevreden Park has experienced growth at 17.82% per year over the past 5 years and 12.77% per year over the past 3 years. Montgomery Park has had a similar experience - i.e. 16.71% per year over the past 5 years and 10.18% per year over the past 3 years."

The award-winning agents comment on their success. Ajith Motilal puts it down to being fully aware of your product, having absolute commitment and being professional and assertive. He says there is a great need for rental accommodation, with many people coming into or relocating to the city to work, and that average rentals range from R3500 to R7500. He says: "At the lower levels we often find a number of people sharing that rental; to meet a R3500 commitment the NCA requires earnings of R10,500 per month – but their demands are not as stringent as when buying. People who are now unable to buy are choosing to rent." Motilal lets out between 10 and 20 new units a month or 150 – 200 units a year.

Liz Houston and Ann Roberts work in Weltevreden central where the average price is around R1 million. They put their success down to networking and the fact that they have a superb data base of potential clients, as well as focus, hard work and getting on with the job. Rowena Ridden has been selling in her area within the Ring Road and close to the CBD, Randburg and Sandton since 1994, and in the current market her prices are affordable in the range of R1m to R1.5m.

"Certain of my clients have invested in upgrading their properties and I have achieved prices in excess of R2m for these. I sell to people who need to be near Randburg or Sandton or Johannesburg. CBD. People need houses in good times and in bad and have to relocate for whatever reason - and prices are really good at the moment!"

For more information contact Tony Ketcher on 011 476 3536or send an email.

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