Letter from the editor

I WAS recently sitting in my car with an estate agent after a viewing, talking about interest rates and why it’s a good time to buy property, when he exclaimed: “I love my job.”

“That came from nowhere,” I said, to which he replied: “I just feel so privileged to help people and ease the nerves on probably their biggest transaction in their lives.”

I could absolutely feel Jonathan B’s passion and it struck me that’s what makes an extraordinary estate agent stand out from an ordinary one.

In my search for a property I’ve dealt with both. I think of Linda K who went over and above to help me find the perfect spot, and helped me put in offers and who eased my disappointment when one slipped between my fingers.

And Dale J, who also went out of his way and most recently Wayne S who joyfully showed me a place more than three times. There are so many wonderful estate agents I have dealt with but I don’t have the space here to mention each one of you to whom I feel so grateful.

Of course there were ones who were rude, who sent ugly WhatsApps and who never responded to queries. I get it, they too have to deal with some awful potential clients.

It made me realise that as a buyer I was lucky when I found an agent who would take me under their wing and help me in making such a big decision.

There is also thanks to agency heads who are willing – on our pages every week – to give all of us important news, trends and insights and make the property maze easier for all to navigate.

Here is a very big shout out and immense thanks to the industry for making the journey to buying, renting and selling a home easier for all in this exciting but scary process.

It takes all types to make up an industry, and I feel lucky to have met the extraordinary more often than not.

Warm regards

Vivian Warby

vivian.warby@inl.co.za