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Women in property: The keys to success

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.

Annien Borg who heads up Pam Golding Properties in the Boland & Overberg regions and Bella Fulford REMAX Living real estate agent, Cape Town (26 – the highest earning agent under 30 in REMAX, 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?   

My journey into real estate began quite unexpectedly when I started working for my best friend’s mother at her agency. At the time, my only goal was to save enough money to travel the world. But after a year, we joined Pam Golding Properties in Paarl — and that’s when everything changed. I immediately fell in love with the company, its values, and the incredible people who made it so special.  Pam Golding herself became a true source of inspiration. Even today, I often find myself asking, “What would Pam have done in this situation?”

What’s kept me in real estate over the years is the constant variety — no two days are ever the same. The challenges kept me engaged and always on my toes.  On the tougher days, I’ve been lucky to be surrounded by strong, inspiring women who reminded me that with hard work, determination, a little bit of courage — and plenty of fun and laughter along the way — anything is possible.

What advice would you give to other women aspiring to build a successful career in the property sector?   

The property sector can be incredibly rewarding, but it also requires resilience, confidence, and a strong work ethic. Surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you, and never underestimate the power of mentorship and networking.

It’s not just about knowledge and skill, it’s also about building genuine relationships, being authentic, staying curious, and being consistent. Real estate is a people-driven business, and those who lead with integrity, empathy, and professionalism will always stand out. 

In your experience, what unique skills and perspectives do women bring to the property industry?  

In my experience, women communicate with empathy and instinctively understand the emotional side of buying or selling a home, which is often one of the biggest decisions in a person’s life. I’ve seen women thrive in this industry by being both strategic and nurturing, also by being adaptable and practical when finding ways to navigate complicated situations.

Another key perspective is collaboration. Women often see success as something to be shared. It reminds me of something Pam Golding said when reflecting of the success of the company, "Nothing worth having is ever made alone". 

How did you get started in the property industry, and what inspired you to pursue a career in this field?

I joined the industry at 22, shortly after finishing my psychology degree. A friend in real estate encouraged me to give it a try. We started at a smaller agency, but six months in, I was offered a spot on Philip Gullan’s team at RE/MAX Living – an opportunity that changed everything. I was drawn to how sales taps into human behaviour, most don’t realize just how emotional big decisions really are, and real estate offered the perfect blend of people, sales, and strategy.

What advice would you give to other women aspiring to build a successful career in the property sector?

Find a mentor. A good one will save you years of trial and error and help you grow faster. They’ll sharpen your focus and remind you of your potential when things get tough. Also, remember: you are your brand. Don’t be afraid to do things differently. And most importantly, your clients aren’t sitting at your desk, so get out there and meet people.

In your experience, what unique skills or perspectives do women bring to the property industry?

Brené Brown, a researcher and storyteller, is a woman I truly look up to. Her work reminds me that real growth happens when you're brave enough to step into the arena. Whether you win or fall flat, daring greatly is what matters most. If you’re brave enough to step into the industry, real estate provides so many great opportunities for women.

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