Entrepreneurs anticipating an upturn in the property market have opened up new estate agencies in the past six months, but most have opted to join a well-established franchise group rather than go it alone.
So says Jan Davel, business development director of the national RealNet group, who notes: “Despite the tough economic conditions and lower property sales volumes in 2009, we were swamped with enquiries for franchise opportunities, and we’ve signed 15 new offices just in the last five months.
“Buyers included experienced agents who wanted to convert from being employee estate agents to being business owners, and all believe that this is a good time to get into the market because there are much better times ahead for residential property.
“However, they also appreciate the fact that there is currently very little room for error in this market, and that they need the brand recognition, proven systems, business support and marketing expertise of a successful franchise group in order to succeed.”
He says that, having begun franchising its concept and brand in 2001, RealNet has grown steadily to become one of the leading players in the SA real estate sector.
On the other hand, says Davel, a dedicated franchise team provides franchisees with constant back-up and technical, financial, training, marketing and infrastructure support, “and we have also developed and designed systems that enable our franchisees to diversify income streams and increase profitability, and our agents to work smarter and become more productive”.
The most recently opened RealNet franchises include those in Mossel Bay, Klerksdorp, Rustenburg and Pringle Bay and the plan is to establish a further 30 points of presence in the current financial year as the group densifies its national footprint.
For more information about RealNet franchising contact Adel Viljoen on 012 460 4605 or Click here to visit the website.
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