Caroline’s been in the real estate industry for 31 years, and has consistently walked away with the title of Top Broker over many years. She’s been the top Wakefields Real Estate broker in Pinetown for 31 years - no small feat - and three times Top Broker overall in the Group. In 1996, she qualified as a Wakefields’ Diamond Achiever, the highest status achievable, and an accolade only awarded to a select group of property consultants who, among other criteria, persistently achieve excellent results.
Caroline’s been a Highway resident for 35 years, and worked in Pinetown for most of them. She knows the area intimately, but still, constantly familiarises herself with everything happening in the region and the local market place. Describing the secrets of her success isn’t easy for her, because she’s so passionate about the world of property and “being her own boss”, she has to think twice about the specific ingredients: “I think a few things are key to consistent success as a property consultant. I’ve always been a highly organised person, and I think that that, coupled with attention to detail, is crucial. I believe strongly in regular interaction with clients, as well as being consistent with follow-ups. It’s all about people, so interacting consistently and regularly with your clients from Day one until long after registration of the home, builds lasting relationships.”
Caroline remembers when she started out in the industry, and was feeling her way: “I’m fortunate in that I’m a strongly self-motivated person, so I immediately felt comfortable working independently. I made 100 percent sure I learned quickly, whenever and wherever I could.” She sold her first property in her first month, so clearly, she was in the right milieu. She’s found that being able to speak, read and write both French – her mother tongue - and German, has also been handy. The more skills brought to a people-focussed service industry, the better.
Caroline laughs when asked if she has a life outside real estate: “I really love what I do, and to a large extent, as a property consultant with Wakefields, I’m independent with my own working hours...so the line between work and play is often blurred for me. But having said that, I love gardening and sewing, so yes, I do make time for myself, whether it’s Pilates or cycling, or spending time with my daughters and two gorgeous granddaughters.”
With 31 years and Diamond Status under her belt, what’s next? She doesn’t hesitate: “I look forward to tomorrow, which brings new clients, new properties, new challenges for me. I thrive on it!”