On several occasions this year Tony Clarke, MD of Rawson Properties, has warned his group's franchisees against adopting a recessionary mindset.
"Supposing," he said, "that you never read a newspaper, watched TV or listened to talk about the economy – how would the actual facts of today's property market strike you?"
Clarke believes that in most cases agents would simply work hard and achieve successes, albeit at a lower than ideal rate.
"Out there in the market," he said, "almost everyone has confidence in property as a long-term investment. Furthermore it is still seen as a good career for those who are dedicated and prepared to follow our formula.
"If you want proof of this statement," said Clarke, take a look at the demand for Rawson franchises. This remains very strong indeed, even though we are still rejecting some 70% of all applications."
In the last quarter said Clarke, the franchise sales team had sold or resold franchises in Brackenfell (which is already becoming a star performer), George, Saldanha/Vredenburg, Bloemfontein South and Bloemfontein North, Kimberley, Germiston, Secunda, Tzaneen and Vanderbijlpark.
This, says Clarke, is an indication that the average South African is still very positive about residential property and sees it as a good career choice.
"It has to be borne in mind," he said, "that franchise sales are slower today than previously because under the new educational rulings a franchise principal has to have quite advanced qualifications and this means that most of our franchise buyers now are from the industry, not from other sectors, as before."
Those without property experience who would nevertheless still like to buy a franchise can do so, added Clarke, by appointing a qualified principal who will mentor them for a year. If they then pass certain examinations they will be eligible to own and run a franchise.
Clarke has predicted that double-digit growth figures in property values will be seen by the second quarter of 2010 provided that the interest rates are cut further in the near future. He would like, he says, to see a cut of 3% to 4% altogether.
"Even though it is so conservative, I cannot see the SA Reserve Bank holding out against the repeated calls for economic stimulation which are being made by every sector of the economy," he said.
For more information contact Tony Clarke on 021 658 7100 or send an email.
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