subject: Top South African Estate Agents Choosing New License Option [print this page] We are continuing to have a great response to the model, with new applications coming in daily and have issued a number of new licences in May, says Barry Davies, the groups director of franchising.
Via the Notebook model we have strengthened our presence tremendously in the Cape Winelands, including the latest to sign up, Elfriede Retief, a well known Paarl stalwart, Suna Dorfling who is a longstanding Chas team member and Reon van der Merwe, a seasoned principal specialising in sales in Boschenmeer and Val de Vie estates.
Another new Notebook licensee, he notes, is top agent Christiaan Steytler, who is well-known for his many years of outstanding sales in Constantia and has now opened his own office with his business partner, Shaun King, in McGregor and is already expanding into the nearby Robertson market.
The Notebook system is specifically designed to accommodate agents and principals who are strong in their local markets and wish to trade for their own account but under a national brand.
The model is predominantly aimed at smaller franchise and rural areas where traditional franchise and set-up costs are prohibitive relative to market size, Davies explains. The Notebook licence grants an operator the right to use the Chas Everitt International brand, its systems, websites, marketing material and training within a defined area at an affordable entry and operational cost.
Substantial savings are also made because Notebook licence holders do not necessarily operate from formal office premises or have to hire administrative staff as our state-of-the-art business systems allow them to manage their own transactions.
New licensees Steytler & King say: The Notebook model was the obvious choice for us. Its more affordable than a franchise but you still have all the benefits of a franchise and a very strong brand. Its perfect for top agents who want to be in control of their own business but dont want to run a full-on real estate office with the hassle of managing other agents activities and production.
And the Chas Everitt systems are fantastic. Its amazing how many tools the group offers to help agents get the deals done and manage the follow-up administration.
