Invested in PROPERTY

LOOKING FOR A ONE-STOP PROPERTY SHOP THAT’S TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED TO OFFER THEIR CLIENTS THE BEST SERVICE FOR HOLIDAY RENTALS, RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL SALES AND RENTALS, PLUS A WHOLE LOT MORE? THEN LOOK NO FURTHER THAN PROP247

Times are tough in real estate. The Covid-19 economic hang-over, poor productivity due to agents working in isolation from home and antiquated processes have seen many companies downsize or even shut their doors.

But Prop247, headed by group CEO, Brett van Laun, has clocked up record months in troubled times and even trebled his staff count by hiring when others were retrenching.

The company has a network of strategically placed branches extending from Ballito and uMhlanga to Morningside, and not only services exclusive residential estates, but also specialises in industrial, retail and commercial property. In addition, it manages a large residential portfolio and one of the largest holiday letting divisions in KZN.

Brett believes it is important for a real estate company to move with the times and to build a vibrant team where agents not only have in-depth knowledge of the property market, but set high standards when it comes to professionalism and customer service.

A passionate entrepreneur, he identifies key facets of his business that set his company apart – technology, understanding the dynamics of online marketing, and diversification just for starters.

“I’ve been there, done that and been personally invested in all facets of this business,” he explains, adding that he knows the industry from the perspective of both the investor and the broker. He understands the marketing and the numbers and trains his agents to achieve the best results for the client. With a strong marketing background, Brett started out with a web development company 23 years ago. “We really struggled and almost closed.

Others couldn’t see what I could but, eventually, it took off,” he recalls. As things improved, he began investing in property, buying and renovating and reselling homes and, ultimately, developing a holiday rental business.

We are a one-stop shop offering a solution to all needs

By January 2005, he had bought a property in Windermere Road and moved his IT and marketing business there and rented out the remainder of the property. As he continued to invest in, renovate and sell properties as well as dabble in sheriff’s auctions, he also began butting heads with poor service delivery and decided to create his own real estate business.

His strong IT-based approach to marketing has set the company apart, he believes. Understanding how algorithms work and what needs to be done to keep the properties he is marketing at the top of online listings has proved a major plus. This not only applies to property portals but also to marketing of properties via social media.

“Generally, we are a younger agency that has evolved with the industry. We believe in efficiency and good service but to do that you need technology. That’s why we are essentially a technology-based business providing a one-stop solution,” he explains.

He is not shy to use the very best and most sophisticated technology to market a property – drones, Matter Port cameras and videos with stabilisers to provide a high quality virtual walk-through – because, for both clients and agents, time is money, and technology creates efficiency.

“The bottom line is, we are a one-stop shop offering a solution to all needs. Often, our clients need more than one of our services. There’s a lot of cross pollination,” he says.

Regarding holiday rentals, efficiencies that protect both landlords and guests have been built into the business. Prop247 offers the flexibility of both letting and managing its portfolio of over 500 properties. With listings on the high traffic portals and a team dedicated to the highest services level, investors enjoy excellent returns on their investments. With stunning self-catering homes independently managed on the KZN North Coast, the team is well equipped to offer a memorable experience to our valuable clients.

A similar approach is taken to residential letting. Again, technology comes to the fore with a bespoke software package that automatically manages rental collection, utility and maintenance billing. Inspectors handle entry and exit inspections as well as spot checks for the duration of a lease, and seamless management of maintenance by a dedicated team ensures efficient and quick repairs. Prop247 is accredited in most of the major estates like The Pearls of uMhlanga, Mount Edgecombe Estate, Sibaya, Illala, Izinga, Simbithi and Zimbali, to name but a few.

The commercial division is well-established, offering expert knowledge, and has been experiencing a real growth spurt over the past few months, giving confidence even in a difficult market.

But, it is the sales side of the real estate business that is strongest right now, with low interest rates making ownership cheaper than renting, and owners who commute to Gauteng to work also driving this end of the market.

All in all, he believes that, despite the unique challenges of the time, there are opportunities aplenty for companies like Prop247 that are well positioned to identify them and evolve with the needs of their clients.

“I invest in people,” he says of the team of managers, support staff and experienced agents he has built up. Overall, Brett believes Prop247 is well equipped to look after its clients’ investments on every level.

FOR MORE INFO 031 942 7486; www.prop247.co.za