MACYOUNG PROPERTIES
Trevor Young, owner of MacYoung Properties in Mossel Bay, said there is no difference between their staff and their business. “We are in it together and have all been affected in similar ways. In the real estate industry we do not fall under UIF, so property practitioners could not claim. It’s been extremely challenging. We have assisted our property practitioners as far as we can. Personally, I assist them with a few successful property sales they are working on.”
Young said the closure of the Deeds Office made matters worse. “There were many transactions that could have been registered. Even if the Deeds Office was on a skeleton staff, it would have made a difference, but we must deal with the status quo.” Young and his team had been allowed to work with property clients face to face, or mask to mask, since 1 June. “My staff came in on 1 June. We did all the necessary sanitising and I also gave them training and documentation they had to sign in terms of the regulations, so they could start business as soon as possible.” Young has retained all his property practitioners. “I think we all understand the situation we are in.”
Constant communication
He is in constant communication with his team members and tries to keep them motivated.”The lockdown is severe and uncomfortable, but it’s short-lived, hopefully.” He said his personnel realised there were limited job opportunities out there. “They have already come so far in real estate and in momentum. They are encouraged to work their property listings knowing they should continue with them instead of starting over somewhere else.” He has actually appointed three extra staff. “I have positive news,” he enthused. “I’m starting four new businesses after lockdown. I have the advantage of having been through the 2008/9 recession. I have an understanding of what we can expect of the economy and the housing market. Sixty days at home on the computer and Google was fruitful.”
Young has bought the RealNet property franchise for Mossel Bay and merged his company with the franchise.
“Independent property practices will find it a challenge in future with regard to regulations and statutory limitations, with the new laws and acts that have come into being,” he said. Young plans to convert MacYoung Properties to RealNetMacYoung Mossel Bay.
Debt counselling
“My wife and I did a debt counselling course during lockdown. Now we can help save people from being blacklisted, economic hardship and sequestration. I will be rolling out a franchise called MacYoung Commercial - a national brokerage firm with headquarters in Mossel Bay. I’ve been planning it for two years. The fourth business I am starting is a call centre, which will also create jobs. We don’t have one on the Garden Route.”