Harcourts Blog

Being an estate agent is often described as one of the loneliest careers in the world. Much of your day is made up of you making magic happen on your own, and even though as property companies we try and create a welcoming and community-based environment, solo work is how the property business is. COVID also did no one favours in this regard and many agents felt even more isolated. At Harcourts, we understand this and that is why we are so intent on creating opportunities and products for our agents that equip them with a sense of support and confidence. 

It often seems as if every day there is a new app, a new technological feat, a new digital advancement being introduced into the global real estate market. It is often difficult to discern between the necessary and unnecessary. At Harcourts, we have invested hours upon hours developing strategies and we are very proud of our achievements and service offerings in the tech space and are happy to say that we lead the real estate market in certain aspects of the technological world.

Analysing property trends in South Africa based on recent barometers and research documents, there are varied reasons and opinions explaining why certain markets are under pressure and others are thriving.

Analysing property trends in South Africa based on recent barometers and research documents there are varied reasons and opinions explaining why certain markets are under pressure and others are thriving. For instance according to the FNB Affordable Housing Insight for the third quarter released in October affordable South African residential properties priced between R250,000 and R500,000 are experiencing a strong third quarter, with some properties sold at 5% above asking price. Whilst 95% of properties in the higher end of the market sell below-asking price, at approximately 10% discount.

As new technologies and improved systems are perpetually introduced into our modern business environments, innovations in client communication is undoubtedly at the forefront of this rapid evolution. The real estate industry has experienced a flurry of new concepts and advancements in the past year especially with regards to agents having to incorporate real time communication tools into their daily practices.

Sustainable solutions for homes are being developed at a rapid rate. Green homes are fast becoming the norm as opposed to the exception. We’ve seen the rise of water efficient homes dramatically rise in water scarce regions over the past few years. So, to a concerted effort is being made to ensure properties are energy efficient as well.

Todd Cassie, Harcourts International’s Head of Technology, has been featured by CIO magazine as a member of the CIO100 list. The list annually honours the most innovative technology leaders across all industries who are at the forefront of decision-making and strategic change.
Mr Cassie said that it was an honour to be included in the list and credited the recognition to the team members at Harcourts for their dedication to excellence and unrelenting focus on leading the way in the industry.

The global push by international technology brands to invest in the development and accessibility of emerging markets will be a key driver for future economic growth. We've seen how on a global scale development in these spheres can make positive contributions to alleviate unemployment and boost entrepreneurship.

Modern times are evolving so rapidly that businesses and individuals alike are having to continuously analyse their practices and strategies to ensure they stay ahead of the game. This is especially applicable to the real estate industry which has seen an array of local and international factors influence how everyday business is conducted.

Global real estate innovation has never evolved as rapidly as it has in recent years. With technologies and cutting edge training systems the main culprits of this revolution, real estate professionals are being forced to stay on top of their game at all times.