Jaco Rademeyer is not exactly what you would expect when you think of a real estate agent.

Jaco Rademeyer is living proof that “thinking out the box”, which he believes was a major contributor to his winning the award, is what differentiates him from the next agent.

But at the age of only 28 years, in a highly competitive industry, he was crowned the top achiever in real estate for 2010 at the annual Nedbank Property Professional Awards held on Saturday 4th September at Arabella Western Cape Hotel & Spa.

Rademeyer outperformed the 15 other finalists in terms of the judging criteria which, aside from sales figures, included their contribution to the real estate industry, service ethics, professionalism, community involvement, marketing and innovation, and commitment to education and leadership.

Jaco is living proof that “thinking out the box”, which he believes was a major contributor to his winning the award, is what differentiates him from the next agent.

He studied law and became an attorney, but early on he had a grand plan. In his first year at university he wrote the Estate Agents Affairs Board (EAAB) exams and later studied property law in Belgium.

Initially he said he had thought of a career in property more in terms of the development side. However, he decided to pursue a career as an estate agent and approached some of the big agency groups in Port Elizabeth. He was told that they didn’t take “inexperienced” agents, but instead of being deterred he formed his own real estate agency, Jaco Rademeyer Estates (JRE).

That was 5 years ago and Jaco now has 12 people working for JRE excluding the 10 disadvantaged people he is training. Jaco believes in training and development – “bringing new blood into the industry” - and giving people opportunities that may not otherwise have been available to them.

“Entry-level for estate agents used to be very low, but now the NQF qualifications have upped the game and agents starting out need to be able to cover their expenses.

“With the trend that agents are struggling to get mandates and the market being tight, a salary plus incentive is a good way to encourage new agents to enter the industry,” says Jaco.

“First-time entrants need a structure,” said Nomonde Mapetla, CEO of the Estate Agency Affairs Board. She said Jaco having won the top achiever’s award shows that “you can do it as an individual, first-timer and young person.”

“Mentors are essential and Jaco is doing this, helping people to prosper,” said Rudi Botha, CEO of the BetterGroup and Convenor of the Property Association.

Jaco identified the need to start the Jaco Rademeyer Training Academy and goes into high schools in PE to educate young people on the opportunities available in the industry.

If you are thinking a career as an estate agent might be just up your alley, Jaco advises “you need a passion and a love for property.”

“Also you need to be professional and have an obligation to be fair to staff, the public and clients. An agent needs to be qualified and knowledgeable and be able to give sound advice.”

“It’s about people…people want to deal with people,” said Jaco.

Asked what made him decide to choose this path, Jaco said “I am young, energetic and innovative.” “I do not do things the ‘old school way’ but look at new ways to ‘think out the box’ – to differentiate myself and stand out”.

His advice to other property professionals is to “stay up-to-date with property trends, but stay true to yourself”. “Focus only on things that ultimately have an influence on your business.”

He said perseverance is one of the most important characteristics of a successful agent. “In these trying times you should never be disheartened if things take longer than they should.”

Jaco also has a radio show once a week on BayFM 107.9, a local community station based in PE. “I have ninety to a hundred thousand listeners weekly and feature properties as well as give advice to the public, for example on the voetstoots clause, and also get expert’s in to answer listener questions.”

His legal background stands him in good stead in being able to offer good advice to sellers, buyers and those who phone in to the radio show with questions.

Jaco is ambitious and very confident in the future. His passion for property, the real estate industry and what he does is tangible. But at the same time he is humble and has a down-to-earth charm so typical of many Eastern Capers – he cares about people and it shows.

He said it’s all part of a 5-year plan with the aim to franchise his business not only in the Eastern Cape but all over South Africa.

His “new approach” will make Jaco an interesting person to keep an eye on in the future – and young people who may be thinking of a career in real estate can be inspired by his success in an industry that has been through some challenging times of late. - Julia Hinton

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