A LEGEND IN ITS OWN TIME

How come in a highly competitive environment is it possible for one brand to keep going, keep evolving itself and embrace change? - The Property Reporter had a chat with the directors of Huizemark

Very few South African real estate companies enjoy the opportunity to blow out 60 candles on their birthday cake, and yet remain one of the forerunners in innovation and employing technology to simplify matters for agents and business owners alike.

The ongoing focus is on the implementation of better systems and taking the franchisees towards a tech-orientated, paperless organisation. "We went virtual already in 2010 when we created the first virtual estate agency, Huizemark Independent Estate Agents," says Andre Hamman, C.E.O. "After that, the first virtual franchise followed, and the requirement to have fixed office premises were removed from the franchise agreement. Head office is completely paperless, and the executives and staff have been collaborating virtually since 2016. It was, to a large extent, business-as-usual for most of our Huizemark agents during the 2020 Lockdown period, because they are familiar with the use of digital strategies to get the job done." Why no paper, you may ask? "Because paper is distractive to agents," he explains. "They need to focus on the task at hand, which is making sales and supporting their clients and not on endless paperwork." Hamman is a firm believer that the industry can operate via the Internet and cloud-based technology, thanks to mobile tech like tablets, laptops, and smartphones. "The main idea though since inception, was that we're enabling franchisees and agents to work from anywhere, which cuts down time wasted in traffic, time spent on admin, and most importantly, decreases overheads."

Huizemark Franchising Group has seen massive growth lately under the leadership of its two owners who have been friends and business partners for 36 years, worked their way up in real estate, and purchased the company from Hamman's father who started it in 1962.

"We've never wanted the head office to sit in an ivory tower and dictate policies and procedures without fully understanding the market and its needs," says Bryan Biehler, who still runs his own agency. "We don't want to be divorced from the coalface, we want to keep our finger on the pulse of the real estate market, and we want to understand what franchisees go through."

Adds Biehler, "We have always been incredibly proud of how passionate our franchisees are. They have a huge allegiance to the brand and live and breathe orange."

Due to the flexibility and various business models offered, franchisees are experiencing immense success. Opportunities are available to experienced, qualified agents to run their independent businesses, but be affiliated to a strong brand with proven systems and administrative back-up without paying desk fees.

"Our franchisees feel comfortable that we're providing them with the best training and latest information with regards to industry legislation, and that they can rely on us to credibly provide them with strong mentorship and coaching in these vital areas. In 2013, we developed an e-learning platform for Interns to complete the compulsory EAAB Logbook; that was an industry first", says Hamman.

"The online Intern Logbook System creates a pipeline of new agents and simultaneously upskills previously disadvantaged individuals and provides employment and growth opportunities. It's a win-win solution." We have developed tools that ensure franchisees and agents always have access to training and the ability to upskill. We keep them the best in the market, and in return, they remain loyal to our brand" says Biehler.

Huizemark embraces transformation in the property profession as most offices countrywide employ people across all race groups. Currently, nearly 60% of the Huizemark team of agents and business owners are non-white, which is probably the highest percentage across all brands.

Huizemark is proud of its nearly 60-year legacy of ethical service that stems from an unwavering demand for integrity, professionalism, outstanding client service, and it boasts a successful track record of credibility, honesty, fairness, trustworthiness, and ethical dealings.

The Huizemark brand has stood the test of time, enjoys a rich history, and embraces change and innovation as it remains a forerunner in the South African real estate market.