A new Fine & Country International Realty franchise recently opened its doors in Sunningdale, in a position ideally situated to benefit buyers and sellers.
Tony and Melanie will operate mainly in Linksfield but their reach will include many smaller areas such as Orange Grove, Norwood, Waverly, Highlands North, Oaklands and Bramley.
According to co-owners Tony and Melanie David, their consideration to buy into this brand included the professionalism of the brand and their sound relationship with Linda Erasmus and Mark Mitchley who have been successful in the industry for many years.
They say they wanted to align themselves with a brand that was creative in its marketing and had a good reputation.
Tony and Melanie will operate mainly in Linksfield but their reach will include many smaller areas such as Orange Grove, Norwood, Waverly, Highlands North, Oaklands and Bramley.
The franchise, which will provide sales and rentals services, will be managed by the owners who will also act as agents.
Melanie says they are hoping to appoint three to five agents over the next year and to grow that to eight agents in two to three years’ time.
Their plan to grow their market share and short-term goals includes tapping into existing databases and networks.
Tony says Fine & Country International Realty is a forerunner when it comes to technology and the training and backup they have received has proved invaluable. He says they will also utilise the trends set by their prestige property award winning UK head office to support their sellers.
“The top end of our market is Waverley/Linksfield, with property valued at R3 million to R6 million. Here, we will utilise the Fine & Country international and national network and referral system to obtain exposure outside our area. This will be a key component of our marketing efforts.”
He says it is important for their clients to know that Melanie runs a legal practice, Melanie David Incorporated, and that she is a qualified attorney, conveyancer and notary with 20 years’ experience in property transactions. He says she will provide training, advice and guidance to agents to ensure that the legal aspects of the transaction are dealt with upfront to ensure efficient and professional service to clients.
Linda Erasmus, CEO of Fine & Country International sub-Saharan Africa, says the real estate industry faces many changes apart from those that technology imposes on us. She says the laws in South Africa are constantly changing and the real estate agent of today is better equipped with a comprehensive knowledge of contract law, company and private law. After all, property sales include a substantial amount of legal understanding and knowledge, she says.
“Sales, however, do not stop at legal knowledge – understanding a client’s needs and finding them exactly what they want is another part of the estate agent’s promise. With Tony’s sales experience and Melanie’s legal background, clients would benefit from a combined offering aimed at total client satisfaction.”
