Top Berea estate agency joins Aida

A long-established agency operating on Durban's Berea has joined the Aida National Franchises property group and just re-launched under its new banner.

Principal Renu Sewpersad said she was confident her office would further entrench its already-strong market position as part of the Aida group, as there were many synergies that would benefit both the agency and its clients.

"Apart from sharing our vision, Aida is bringing formidable business partners and a stable, reliable brand name to the table."

Aida CEO Young Carr said the Berea agency, established in 2003, had proved its mettle in the local market and would further enhance his group's countrywide representation, bringing the total number of Aida offices in KZN to seven.

Sewpersad says the Berea residential market is currently underpinned by a healthy interest among younger buyers with good credit records.

"Berea currently attracts young buyers between the ages of 25 and 35. Buyers

in this age group are moving out from Durban Central but are not quite ready

to embrace a fully-fledged suburban lifestyle. Situated between the city

centre and suburbia, Berea is the ideal transition destination since many

new residents who prefer a quieter neighbourhood still work in the city.

"The suburb also offers good schools - an important consideration for buyers

with young families - and ample shopping facilities. And the nearest beach

is a mere 3km away."

Affordability also contributes heavily to Berea's popularity among young

buyers, Sewpersad adds. "Units priced between R500 000 and R1m are in

greatest demand and sell relatively fast but buyers' resistance kicks in at

prices above this level.

"However, sellers are now more amenable to negotiation and are willing to

drop asking prices by up to 10% to accommodate buyers who qualify for

smaller bonds."

Issued by Aida National Franchises

Aida head office: 012 682 9600

Contact: Mr.Young W. Carr

Aida Berea: 031 309 4007

Contact: Renu Sewpersad (Principal)

South Africans pack for Hermanus instead of Perth

Hermanus in the Western Cape is replacing Australia in the affections of many South Africans who want a slower and more secure lifestyle.

With the exchange rate currently at about R8 to an Australian dollar it is not only cheaper to move to Hermanus instead of “Down Under”, says Ludwig Schulenburg of the local Aida franchise, but Hermanus also meets all the criteria of the most popular Australian destinations.

"The town is relatively crime free, offers a wonderful lifestyle on the coast, a pleasant climate, and business opportunities aplenty," he says. "And, of course, buyers who opt for Hermanus instead of Perth still have their local support network of family and friends."

Hermanus, traditionally a holiday and retirement destination, now regularly draws economically active buyers from large metropoles in Gauteng, Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Cape, he says, and the new 'settlers' have swelled the number of permanent residents to 55 000.

"Buyers are typically in their forties and relocate to Hermanus to escape the rat race, but the booming local economy allows them to set up own businesses, earn a living at their own pace and have time to spend with their families.

"The local state school, with a 100% matric pass rate for the past 17 years, is an added attraction and a Curro private school, which opened its doors earlier this year, now offers parents the choice of giving their children a private school education."

Holiday homes are, however, still in demand and buyers are taking advantage of market-related prices, Schulenburg says. Sellers, who up until very recently held out for their asking prices, are now much more inclined to negotiate with prospective buyers in order to clinch a deal.

Prices of two-bedroom apartments currently start at around R600 000, townhouses are selling at prices from R800 000, while prices of family homes start at the R1m mark, he says.

Issued by Aida National Franchises

Aida head office: 012 682 9600

Contact: Young Carr

Aida Hermanus: 082 444 0592

Contact: Ludwig Schulenburg

Sleepy Muldersdrift wakes up

Muldersdrift, traditionally a quiet agricultural area characterised by smallholders keeping a few horses, sheep and chickens, has become the new housing hotspot on the West Rand.

"It's the new hip place to be", says Sienie van der Merwe of the local Aida office. "Muldersdrift is now the focus of new residential development on the urban edge and buyers are spoilt for choice between sectional title units and units in housing estates.

"It is conveniently located within easy reach of Lanseria airport and many professionals who have to travel often prefer to fly from  - and live near - Lanseria rather than battle through traffic from the West Rand to reach Oliver Tambo International," she says.

"It is also near the main routes leading to Pretoria and Midrand, where many residents work. And once the upgrade of the R28 crossing to Muldersdrift is completed, access to and from the main routes will be much improved."

New office blocks are also drawing businesses to the area and Van der Merwe expects that this will stimulate the local residential market as employees come to realise the benefits of living close to their work places in an area that also offers a sought-after lifestyle.

"Another draw card is the nearby Ruimsig Golf Course - especially among retirees and businessmen. And the Silver Star Casino on the R28 is a popular entertainment hub on the West Rand. It has become a favourite venue for a night's entertainment at the many excellent restaurants or at one of the regular shows," she adds.

Prices of townhouses in the area start at around R700 000 for a two-bedroom unit, while units in security estates such as Featherbrook start at around R2m.

The demand for development land has seen prices escalate, she says. Undeveloped agricultural holdings of 1ha that can be rezoned for development now reach prices of about R2m.

Developed holdings are selling at prices ranging from R1,5m to R7m, depending on location. "But," says Van der Merwe, "at these price levels buyers are making lifestyle choices - the days of buying a holding in Muldersdrift with an eye to growing a few crops or running a few sheep are numbered."

Issued by Aida National Franchises

Aida head office: 012 682 9600

Contact: Young Carr

Aida Randfontein: 082 854 7196

Contact: Sienie van der Merwe

Aida flag now flying in Fishhoek

Aida National Franchises has acquired a new office in Fish Hoek with the conversion of an existing estate agency to the tried and trusted South African brand.

Co-owner Maggi-Mae Vidas says the office, established in 2008, has built up a sound market presence and she looks forward to introducing Aida's expertise and solid reputation to the existing client base. Aida Cape Lifestyle Homes will serve the whole Cape Peninsula market.

Maggi-Mae says investors are still buying holiday properties in the area although sales are slower as investment buyers take their time to source good value. "Our core market remains local buyers who are attracted by the comfortable lifestyle offered in Fish Hoek and surrounds.

"The area is still very popular among retirees who prefer a comfortable seaside lifestyle within reach of a host of amenities. And then, of course, the more temperate climate here clinches the deal for many retirees as well as family buyers. Superb views are an added bonus for many."

The area has a wide variety of properties on offer, including entry-level flats at prices from R500 000, comfortable family homes starting at about R1m and luxury homes with price tags of up to R10m.

Maggi-Mae adds that the peninsula offers price advantages to buyers. "Properties here offer better value than similar areas closer to Cape Town's city centre while office workers can comfortably commute to workplaces by train.

"Another factor favouring Fish Hoek is that the area is very family-friendly. Good schools, a hospital, several banks offering forex, and a host of excellent restaurants are some of the conveniences that residents enjoy.

"And then there is the family-sized beach with lawns for comfortable weekend outings, while the local sailing club launching off the beach adds a touch of glamour. A resident Great White Shark has become something of a local mascot and attraction - but lifeguards make sure that swimmers remain safe when the predator puts in an appearance," she says.

Issued by Aida National Franchises

Aida head office: 012 682 9600

Contact: Young Carr

Aida Cape Lifestyle Homes: 021 782 9263 

Contact: Maggi-Mae Vidas

First homes sold in new retirement village in Onrus near Hermanus

With its combination of seaside tranquillity and modern convenience, Onrus is a perfect retirement location, and soon now it will also have a purpose-built retirement village where residents can fulfil their dreams of a “cottage by the sea”.

So says Deon Esterhuyse of marketing agency Aida Onrus, who notes that groundworks for the development, named Twee Fonteine, have already been completed and that the community centre at the heart of the village is due for completion by the end of next year.

“Meanwhile, although building has just started on the first free-standing home in the village, which will serve as a showhouse, six of the homes have already been sold, and enquiries are being received daily.”

There will ultimately be 75 full title homes in the development, as well as 42 sectional title units, he explains. “The full title units, ranging in size from 128sqm to 183sqm, will all have two bathrooms and two or three bedrooms plus a single or double garage, as well as a spacious veranda. There will also be the option of an added braai room at a cost of below R4 000/sqm.

“Sited on stands ranging in size from 252sqm to 498sqm, these homes are being sold on a plot-and-plan basis at prices from R1,325m to R1,8m, and buyers will have 12 months from the date they purchase the stand to start building.”

The sectional title units, ranging in size from 28sqm right up to 83sqm, will be incorporated in the central building housing the community centre, which will also contain a kitchen, dining room, ladies’ bar and lounge, assisted living and frail-care facilities. Prices for these units currently range from R560 000 to R1,66m. All prices include VAT.

Esterhuyse says this is an ideal investment opportunity for those who would like to rent their units out prior to their own retirement in future.

He notes that the whole development will enjoy a high level of security, with a single guarded access point and a perimeter wall topped with electric fencing.

“Each home will also be equipped with a panic button connecting it to the nursing station in the community centre, and Elcare, which operates in many retirement villages around the country, will provide professional medical care.”

Finance is available for qualified purchasers.

*For more information about Twee Fonteine, contact Aida Onrus on 028-316-3393 or aidaon@mweb.co.za, or Deon Esterhuyse on 083 284 0027.

Top local agency to fly Aida flag

The Prospur Real Estate group, one of the best known and most successful in the Cape Flats and surrounding suburbs, has decided to take its operation to the next level and join Aida National Franchises.

a

Established 15 years ago by agency principal Riyard Abrahams, Prospur will from now on be known as Aida Prospur, and expects to benefit enormously from the business systems and varied marketing platforms of the national group.

“Aida is undoubtedly SA’s favourite and most trusted real estate brand,” says Abrahams, “and having grown into a major player in our region, we believe the time is now right to further expand the dynamics of our organisation and tap into this national recognition.

“We have the local expertise and the qualifications, but it is most important to us that we will now be able to offer our clients more and better services and expose their properties to a much wider audience of potential buyers.”

Aida CEO Young Carr says Prospur is a most welcome addition to the national group. “This is a quality local business with an excellent reputation and significant market share. It has dynamic management and properly-qualified and very professional agents who we will be proud to acknowledge as Aida representatives.”

With an agent complement of 30, Aida Prospur has offices in Mitchells Plain and Wetton, and also serves clients in Athlone, Grassy Park, Lansdowne and Ottery on the Cape Flats, as well as homebuyers and sellers in southern suburbs such as Plumstead, Retreat, Rondebosch and Steenberg.

“At the moment we are mostly handling properties in the affordable and middle-income sectors,” says Abrahams, “with sales generally taking place in the R300 000 to R1,2m range.

“However, we’re sure that under the Aida banner, we will now be able not only to increase our sales but gain more traction in the R2m to R5m market.”

Issued by Aida National Franchises

Aida head office: 012 682 9600

Contact: Young Carr(CEO)

Aida Prospur: 021 761 0707

Contact: Riyard Abrahams

Assisted sales fuel Midrand market

Julie Davison-White, principal of the Aida Midrand office, reports that banks have been granting bonds of up to 100% to buyers with good credit records when they buy property in these areas, as well as some other parts of Midrand.

“This is not the norm, as most buyers still have to have deposits of at least five or 10%, but many buyers in Clayville and Tembisa have been purchasing via the assisted sales programmes offered by the banks to financially distressed homeowners. Through these programmes, buyers are often able to access 100% bonds as well as a 50% reduction in transfer costs, enabling them to get a foothold in the market much more easily.”

Aida is one of 10 companies countrywide that is assisting distressed sellers for all four major banks, she explains, “and Aida Midrand is proud to have assisted many distressed owners to sell their properties at reasonable prices instead of having them repossessed and having their credit records badly tarnished”.

Such properties, she says, have generally sold very quickly, at prices ranging from R350 000 to R550 000 for freestanding homes in Tembisa and from R550 000 to R700 000 for freehold homes in Clayville.

Meanwhile, says Davison-White, there is also strong demand for lower-priced properties in popular areas such as Vorna Valley, where unit prices average R550 000; Halfway Gardens, where townhouses are priced at between R650 000 and R900 000 and Noordwyk, where houses priced at below R1m “are selling like hotcakes”.

As for freehold homes in higher price brackets, Halfway Gardens is currently one of the most popular areas for buyers targeting suburban homes priced between R1,1m and R2,2m, and clusters costing between R1,4m and R2,5m, and sales are increasing, she says.

“What has declined is the demand for vacant land in Midrand, but developed agricultural smallholdings are still sought-after at prices starting from R1,2m.”

Meanwhile the rental market is very lively and stock has been boosted by softer selling prices. “It has been difficult for owners who bought their properties in the past five years to sell at a profit or even at a price equal to their outstanding bond and many have offered these properties for rental instead.”

Two-bedroom units renting for around R4000 to R4500 a month are in strong demand, Davison-White says, and three-bedroom homes readily draw tenants at rentals of between R5500 and R6500 a month.

“Smaller one-bedroom units at R2500 a month are also sought-after but there is little stock available in this category. Rental properties near the Gautrain station and bus routes are particularly popular now among Tuks students who can commute easily and quickly to the Hatfield university campus, and among professionals who prefer this method of commuting to their Pretoria or Johannesburg offices.”

Tips: 10 Ways to Prepare for a Showing Appointment

An agent left a message on your voice mail. She will be at your home, buyers in tow, in less than forty five minutes. Sound the alarms, all homeowners to battle stations, you are about to encounter a showing appointment!

Oddly enough, buyer showings seem to occur more often than not at the worst possible times. So what do you do when you need to prepare for a showing without a lot of time? Let’s take a look at 10 ways to prepare for a showing:

Mini mop ups

Sweep the kitchen, bathroom, and entry way. If needed, use a cleaning towel or sponge to clean any spots or debris.
Dust the furniture

A quick wipe down of the furniture, TV screens, and computer monitors can help make each room shine.
Clean off counters

All counters should be clean and clear. Remove clutter as well – small appliances, knick knacks, and odds and ends should be stored.
Beds made

All the beds in the home should be made. If your bed spreads are faded, dated, torn, or ripped consider updating them with new covers.
Garbage cans empty

All garbage cans need to be empty. Also wash them out once a week and give them a quick spay of disinfectant to cut down odors.
Carpets vacuumed

Give the carpets a quick once over to fluff them up. Focus your efforts on the entry and living room.
Lights on

A dark home is gloomy. Turn on all the lights in the home, and open drapes and blinds to brighten the home. Also be sure your windows are clean.
Load the dishwasher

Clear the dishes off the counters by loading the dishwasher but don’t start the cycle if it will be running during the showing.
Load the washer and dryer

Clothes should be picked up and either placed in a hamper or loaded into the washer or dryer. Again don’t start the cycle if it will be running during the showing.
Pick up every room

Work backward from the entry point of the home to the furthest bedroom picking up everything up off the floors and counter surfaces.

Thanks to trulia.com for this Article.

Mortgage Rates Drop; Approach New Lows!

As Congress and President Obama hammered out a debt deal over the past week, mortgage rates plunged — hitting new lows in some instances.






The 30-year fixed rate, usually the most popular choice for home buyers, fell to 4.45% from 4.57% last week — its lowest point since last November, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Meanwhile, the rate on the less popular 15-year fixed plunged to a new record low of 3.52%, down from 3.67% a week earlier.

Read the full article here.

Via: cnn.com

It’s never too early to start building a healthy credit record.

That’s the advice of Young Carr, CEO of the Aida property group, who notes: “Most homebuyers need home loans, but what many don’t appreciate is that the process of obtaining this credit actually needs to begin years in advance of the decision to buy property.
“The first thing banks will do on receiving a home loan application is to check on the prospective borrower’s credit history, which means that good management of monthly bills, including any clothing or furniture accounts and credit card payments, is critical even for young people who have no immediate plans to buy a home.”
It is also important for future buyers to open a savings or cheque account in their own name, to keep it balanced and not to overrun credit limits. “And a history of full payment on time for a major purchase, say a car, will be a great recommendation for any mortgage applicant,” he says.
“Getting an early start on building a good credit record in this way also means that if there are any minor misjudgements early in a working career, they will most probably be outweighed by a longer period of good credit management when the time does come to buy a home.”
Carr says it is particularly important for those who are working on their credit records to pay attention to the “due dates” on their bills. “For credit reporting purposes, overdue accounts are usually anything unpaid for longer than 30 days. So if the due date is the 1st of the month, say, the debtor must make sure that his payment will actually reach the creditor on or before the 1st – and inside the 30-day window. The advent of electronic banking has of course made this much easier to manage.”
It is also important for potential borrowers to pay attention to the implications of the National Credit Act, which provides that lenders must ensure, before they grant any new credit, that borrowers will not be committing too much of their income to debt repayment.
“They do this by compiling a complete debt profile including all other repayments the consumer has to make as well as regular monthly expenditure on such items as transport, food and school fees before they can approve a home loan.
“However, it must be said that this is not the only good reason to keep the total of your monthly debt repayment obligations as low as possible. The other is that doing so will also give you plenty of leeway to cope with any future interest rate increases without financial hardship, whether you are a homeowner by then or not.”

Property - AÏDA - Real Estate - Gauteng - Midrand - Midlands Estate - #333004695 : 3 bedroom 3 bathroom

The CEO's CHOICE for September 2011

Have a look at this property in Midlands Estate in Centurion. At this price for a property of this caliber you would be left in the dark having not seem this property.

With this size of erf, this property is perfect as a Family home. Well located and safe with loads of space to enjoy a non-cramped life.

Contact us today.

AÏDA - Real Estate - Gauteng - Midrand - Midlands Estate - AIDA WEB REF# 333004695 :VERY Modern and Stylish House is Estate with a BIG Erf. 3 bedroom 3 bathroom

Jemima Badenhorst

0832581484

japieb@mweb.co.za

Property - AÏDA - Real Estate - Gauteng - Centurion - Lyttelton - #990381637 : 1.5 bedroom 1 bathroom

Property - AÏDA - Real Estate - Gauteng - Centurion - Lyttelton - #990381637 : 1.5 bedroom 1 bathroomjavascript:void(0)

A good credit record is worth cultivating

26 August 2011




It’s never too early to start building a healthy credit record.

That’s the advice of Young Carr, CEO of the Aida property group, who notes: “Most homebuyers need home loans, but what many don’t appreciate is that the process of obtaining this credit actually needs to begin years in advance of the decision to buy property.

“The first thing banks will do on receiving a home loan application is to check on the prospective borrower’s credit history, which means that good management of monthly bills, including any clothing or furniture accounts and credit card payments, is critical even for young people who have no immediate plans to buy a home.”

It is also important for future buyers to open a savings or cheque account in their own name, to keep it balanced and not to overrun credit limits. “And a history of full payment on time for a major purchase, say a car, will be a great recommendation for any mortgage applicant,” he says.

“Getting an early start on building a good credit record in this way also means that if there are any minor misjudgements early in a working career, they will most probably be outweighed by a longer period of good credit management when the time does come to buy a home.”

Carr says it is particularly important for those who are working on their credit records to pay attention to the “due dates” on their bills. “For credit reporting purposes, overdue accounts are usually anything unpaid for longer than 30 days. So if the due date is the 1st of the month, say, the debtor must make sure that his payment will actually reach the creditor on or before the 1st – and inside the 30-day window. The advent of electronic banking has of course made this much easier to manage.”

It is also important for potential borrowers to pay attention to the implications of the National Credit Act, which provides that lenders must ensure, before they grant any new credit, that borrowers will not be committing too much of their income to debt repayment.

“They do this by compiling a complete debt profile including all other repayments the consumer has to make as well as regular monthly expenditure on such items as transport, food and school fees before they can approve a home loan.
“However, it must be said that this is not the only good reason to keep the total of your monthly debt repayment obligations as low as possible. The other is that doing so will also give you plenty of leeway to cope with any future interest rate increases without financial hardship, whether you are a homeowner by then or not.”

Issued by Aida National Franchises
Aida head office: 012 682 9600
Contact: Young Carr

Lowveld farmland in demand

23 August 2011

Food shortages are becoming a worldwide concern, with current prices at the highest level in three years – and the situation is no different in South Africa.

“Food security and a very real need for improved output are vital to ensure social stability,” says Marelize Schuld, principal of the Aida Lowveld office. “With the world population fast approaching 7bn people and estimated to top 9bn by 2050, global food production will have to increase substantially to put food on every table.

“Demand for agricultural land world-wide is consequently rising sharply as investors see value in the commodity against the background of extreme volatility on stock markets. And farms in the Lowveld, as one of South Africa’s pre-eminent food-producing areas, represent solid value in spite of – or perhaps because of - the current economic climate.

“Agricultural land, and developed farms in particular, offer an excellent return on investment and the Lowveld is experiencing a growing demand for the commodity among farmers and corporate buyers from all corners of the country. Banana, macadamia nut and avo farms are particularly popular.”

At the same time, she notes, incentives have been launched to motivate established farmers and agri-businesses in the area to continue operations, and assistance to buy land or consolidate debts is available.

“Various commercial banks support the sector and offer financial expertise and tailored services. These include special mortgage products for first-time buyers, while short-term loans to finance harvesting and other operations such as processing, transport and storage of products can be arranged.”

Schuld adds that it is heartening that the Land Bank has just earmarked R1bn over the next two years to assist emerging farmers. “Land claims in the Lowveld are still being settled and farmers are taking it in their stride. But it is vital that new farmers who are settled on productive land maintain the highest possible production levels.”

In view of the importance of secure food production, Aida Lowveld has committed its services to the sector. “Our office fields experienced specialist agents who invest their energies and knowledge in this important sector and go all out to smooth transactions and transfers for buyers and sellers alike.”

Meanwhile, the Lowveld has lost none of its appeal among investors and city slickers who yearn for wider horizons. Eco and wildlife estates have consequently made a welcome appearance in Barberton, Hazyview and Nelspruit. Many of these developments adhere to green building principles and offer secure living.

Schuld says, however, that although interest in these units is high, strict lending criteria are dampening sales because interested buyers struggle to get the required large deposits together.

Issued by Aida National Franchises
Aida head office: 012 682 9600
Contact: Young Carr
Aida Lowveld: 013 750 2069
Contact: Marelize Schuld

Aida opens new coastal offices

10 August 2011

Still on the expansion trail it has been following for the past 18 months, national real estate group Aida has just opened three more offices in KwaZulu-Natal – two on the South Coast and one in Ballito on the North Coast.

This brings the total of Aida outlets in the province to six, and there are more in the pipeline, says CEO Young Carr. “The KZN property market is beginning to recover from the recession, with prices starting to rise now in response to increased demand.

“Indeed, the latest Absa Housing Review reveals that the average home price in the province during the second quarter of this year was 5% up on the first quarter, and that year-on-year price growth is back in positive territory.”

However, he says, prices are generally still well below boom levels, and the increased activity in the market is in recognition of the fact that there are many really excellent buying opportunities now for both local homeowners looking to upgrade and out-of-province holiday home buyers and investors.

“We believe the timing is thus opportune to establish new outlets that can further showcase these opportunities to a national audience and benefit KZN home sellers.”

Carr says home sellers along the KZN coast should also take heart from the latest FNB Property Barometer, which reveals that holiday home purchasing has more than doubled in the past year.

“Holiday property buying expressed as a percentage of total residential buying has risen from an estimated 1% in mid-2010 to an estimated 3% by the end of the second quarter this year – which we think is excellent news considering that at the peak of the market in 2007, holiday home buying accounted for just 5% of all purchases.”

What is more, he notes, closer analysis of the Absa figures reveals that KZN coastal regions, while coming off a low base, experienced some of the best year-on-year performances in the second quarter of this year, “and we expected these to be sustained by growing buyer interest, especially on the North Coast.”

Issued by Aida National Franchises
Aida head office: 012 682 9600
Contact: Young Carr

Property - AÏDA - Real Estate - Free State - Bloemfontein - Willows - #2694427 : 2 bedroom 1 bathroom

Property - AÏDA - Real Estate - Free State - Bloemfontein - Willows - #2694427 : 2 bedroom 1 bathroom

Property - AÏDA - Real Estate - Western Cape - Agulhas - Agulhas - #2600720 : 2 bedroom 1 bathroom

Property - AÏDA - Real Estate - Western Cape - Agulhas - Agulhas - #2600720 : 2 bedroom 1 bathroom

Property - AÏDA - Real Estate - Gauteng - Centurion - Amberfield - #91344155198 : 2 bedroom 2 bathroom

Property - AÏDA - Real Estate - Gauteng - Centurion - Amberfield - #91344155198 : 2 bedroom 2 bathroom

New Agent claims Top National Award

09 July 2011

Roodeport agent Charl Els (centre) has just been named by national property group Aida as its Top Agent of 2011 – after less than a year in the real estate business.
He earned this accolade by winning a string of other prizes at a recent awards ceremony held to honour Aida’s top achievers of the past 12 months, including the Top Rookie Agent award and the awards for the top agent in the units sold category and the top rookie agent in both the units sold and commission earned categories.
Earlier, he had been named as both the top rookie agent and top agent overall in the Gauteng region – and his office, Aida Roodepoort North Executive as the Top Rookie Office in the country.
His awards were presented by Jigsaw chairman Neville McIntyre (right) and Aida CEO Young Carr who said the past year had been a challenging one in real estate but also one in which many agents had become infused with a new energy and enthusiasm which was reflected in their sales achievements and in the growth of their businesses and careers.
* Aida National Franchises has a network of more than 85 offices around the country and is one of the companies in the Jigsaw Holdings group, which also has interests in several other top real estate brands and Ditasa, the Development Institute and Training Academy of South Africa.

Issued by Aida National Franchises
Aida head office: 012 682 9600
Contact: Young Carr

Training the key to good deals, says Aida CEO Mr. Young Carr

Training the key to good deals, says Aida CEO Mr. Young Carr
09 June 2011

The real difference between top performing agents that continually achieve the best results for their clients and those who just muddle along is training, training and more training.

So says Aida CEO Young Carr, who notes that 98% of the agents and principals in SA’s favourite real estate group have already obtained the new NQF level 4 and 5 qualifications that will be compulsory after the end of this year and that the remainder are well on their way to qualifying before the deadline.

“This is an achievement in itself, considering that about 60% of the agents currently in the industry have not even begun the coursework and portfolio preparation required to qualify, but even more importantly it shows in the outstanding results our agents are able to achieve for our clients, despite the difficulties of the current market.”

Interviewed at the group’s recent national awards function, Carr said: “We believe education and training is the finest form of empowerment for estate agents, as envisaged in the new Property Charter, and we are committed to providing the opportunity and the means for many more people to build real careers in real estate.

“At the same time, we know that increasingly high levels of client service are the key to success in the real estate industry. With or without the Consumer Protection Act, homebuyers and sellers have a right to expect knowledgeable, ethical and utterly professional service from estate agents and our aim is to ensure that every Aida agent is trained to deliver that at all times and in all circumstances.”

As a member of the Jigsaw group, he notes, Aida is fortunate to have links with Ditasa - the Development Institute and Training Academy of Southern Africa - which Services Seta CEO Dr Ivor Blumenthal recently described as “the most successful, most effective and most sustainable group training organisation in SA, and definitely the one that other training providers in the services sector should emulate”.

Ditasa has 17 campuses around the country and immediate access to this fully-fledged education and training resource is one of the reasons Aida agents have been so quick to obtain their new qualifications. “It also means they can easily continue their training and increase their knowledge whenever they like – and we have now made this process of continuous education even more accessible by making courses available to our agents via the Internet.”

Issued by Aida National Franchises
Aida head office: 012 682 9600
Contact: Young Carr


Listen to article