As we celebrate Women's Month, we embark on a journey to explore and honour the dynamic and diverse roles that women are playing in shaping the landscape of real estate.
We asked them a few questions:
Manisha Bhikha I Sales Partner, Rawson Properties Northcliff, and Abby Goodford, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX One Hundred, share their journey into the real estate sector, what inspired them to pursue a career in the field, and what it takes to achieve success.
How did you get started in the property industry, and what inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
After working in the manufacturing industry for 15 years, I decided I wanted a lifestyle that would allow me to be more flexible and available for my kids, and family, but I also didn’t want to give up on the challenges that I enjoyed in my professional life.
The property industry seemed like the perfect fit as it offered the potential for a flexible lifestyle while still providing daily opportunities for growth and challenges. I saw this as a chance to combine my passion of having a meaningful career and my desire for a sustainable work-life balance. I’ve been in the industry for five years now and I feel like I have more control over my schedule and I am able to prioritise family commitments better. This kind of flexibility is crucial to me, as I believe that being present for my kids during their formative years is invaluable.
It’s an exciting industry because it presents me with new challenges and opportunities to learn everyday, whether it's seeking out the right investment opportunities for my clients, negotiating deals, or managing properties. I'm constantly engaged and motivated to grow both professionally and personally, and I know that at the end of the day, I am helping someone find their dream home.
Overall, the decision to enter the property industry has been incredibly rewarding.
What advice would you give to other women aspiring to build a successful career in the property sector?
As in any career, professionalism and integrity go a long way. Maintain ethical conduct, treat clients, colleagues, and partners with respect, and deliver on your promises. You are the business and people put their trust in you, so you have the responsibility to uphold that. It’s also important that you use every opportunity to upskill: the more versatile you are, the greater your advantage, so learn good communication and negotiation skills, know-how financial systems and policies work, know how to market yourself and above all, make sure you know the clients’ needs.
The property market is not consistent and neither is the salary, so it can be difficult to keep up with the uncertainty, but if you enjoy your work, and you have the right support structure, you can surf that wave with ease. Just remember to take care of yourself too: maintain a balance between work and personal life. Take time for yourself, prioritise self-care, and set boundaries to prevent burnout.
Remember, building a successful career/business in the property sector takes time and effort. Be patient, persevere through challenges, and never stop pushing yourself to grow and succeed.
What initiatives or changes would you like to see implemented in the property industry to create a more diverse and inclusive environment?
Safety is very important to me. We’re often meeting strangers in their homes or welcoming strangers into someone else’s home during viewings, and our safety is not always guaranteed, especially as women. I think this is something that needs to be looked at deeply in South Africa: what can we do to protect real estate agents? Whether it’s through policies and frameworks or something more tangible like a tracking app - we need some sense of security. Our income is based on commissions from a sale, and we are not entitled to the benefits of a "normal" corporate worker, such as UIF, pension and medical benefits. A suggestion from my end is to have commission splits reviewed and put some further regulations in place for protecting the commission and to have structures in place for UIF.
In your experience, what unique skills or perspectives do women bring to the property industry?
The process of buying or selling a property can be an emotional experience for many individuals. Women often bring a sense of compassion and empathy to the property industry. Women have a natural ability to understand and support others during these times. They are often skilled at listening to client’s needs and concerns, and can provide a nurturing and understanding approach to problem-solving. This emotional intelligence allows them to build strong relationships with clients, building trust and loyalty. Additionally, women tend to have a keen eye for detail, which is crucial in the property industry where small issues can have a significant impact on a transaction. Their attention to detail can contribute to more successful outcomes for their clients. They play a vital role in creating a positive and successful experience for all involved. More women are entering the industry, and I find it very encouraging, and empowering.
How did you get started in the property industry, and what inspired you to pursue a career in this field
“I have always had an interest in property and started by flipping properties I had bought at auctions. I then consulted for a broker on a business turnaround strategy and rejoined the real estate industry by buying a RE/MAX franchise. What has positioned me well for the task at hand is my MBA qualification, my experience as a tax practitioner, as well as my over 40 years of experience in the service industry – 7 which was as the CEO of the Institute of Human Resources. My ability to ‘fix’ business issues coupled with a passion for people and getting it right the first time has helped me reach success in this industry. It is one of the few industries where you can make your own way with unlimited income potential and opportunity for a good work-life balance. I am excited to make a difference in the lives of my agents, and have a passion to help more women of colour grasp the opportunity and succeed,” says Goodford.
What advice would you give to other women aspiring to build a successful career in the property sector?
“My advice to other women is to be professional at all times, especially with dress code. Work hard and become knowledgeable by reading, completing training courses, building a relationship with a mentor, and asking when you don’t know something. Don’t play the victim and don’t expect a helping hand. Rather, respect those that have gone before you. Actions speak louder than words, so do rather than talk,” says Goodford.
What initiatives or changes would you like to see implemented in the property industry to create a more diverse and inclusive environment?
“Start doing it for yourself instead of waiting for somebody else to do it for you. We still have men in the top positions of the some of the major real estate companies even though the industry has more women than men it. It will always be difficult to break into the old boys’ club as a woman and, as a person of colour, some doors remain closed. Legislation and initiatives don’t work. Women need to truly support, share and uplift each other so we can create and change the current landscape,” says Goodford.
In your experience, what unique skills or perspectives do women bring to the property industry?
“The very skills that many formal corporates don’t like displayed are the same skills women have in abundance and that are perfectly suited to the industry. Examples include empathy, and true people skills. Women generally don’t see everything as black or white, which allows them to be more sensitive to people’s situations. Other skills that women tend to possess in abundance include multi-tasking, endurance, tenacity, teamwork, listening skills and a problem-solving mindset,” says Goodford.
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