Lawrence and Lea-anne Homan have been running Just Property Margate for ten years. The dynamic duo is passionate about KZN and how the property industry can help South Africans grow generational wealth. Find out why they are so great at what they do and why we’re so lucky to have them in Margate.
“I am absolutely passionate about property and pride myself on the customer experience that we offer to all our clients at Just Property Margate,” says Lawrence. His franchise specialises in residential and commercial letting, holiday accommodation, property management, residential and commercial property sales and Body Corporate management. “Because of our distinctive brand, our innovative systems, and our products designed to simplify the lives of our clients, our service offering applies to all consumers.”
His wife, Lea-anne, plays an integral role, leading the holiday rentals arm of their business. “There are so many beautiful places to visit in KZN,” she says. “The weather is amazing and the fact that you have the ocean, scenic rivers and magnificent mountains is a bonus. Our quaint restaurants are a must to visit!” She also highlights the friendly people and community initiatives where most get involved. “The people believe that local is ‘lekker’ and local businesses are supported first.”
Lea-anne says Lawrence is the “superpower” of the business. “He brings the office to life. He makes you want to work through genuine, caring motivation.”
For his part, Lawrence says Lea-anne’s strengths are her stability, level-headedness, and attention to detail on the financial side. “Lea-anne is loyal and committed. She does her own thing and gives a different perspective to the business.” Lea-anne is currently teaching herself to play the piano, and music has a big role in her life. She listens to high-energy music (or motivational speeches) when she runs and, once at work, she says that with music in her ears she can power through all the processing she has to do.
The power of positivity
Paul Stevens, CEO of Just Property, says the Homans make the perfect duo, complementing one another with different skills that bring positivity to the business. “Some people get caught in the noise, where this power couple focuses on the right things. What stands out is Lawrence’s optimism. He ends every conversation on a positive note – it’s just how his mind works. This mindset is what has propelled their Margate agency to the next level. ”
Lawrence says his positivity and natural drive come from his past. “I did not grow up very privileged, and I am motivated to produce and be the best. I consciously ensure I always go to work in a good mood. If you take bad vibes to the office, everyone will feel it. I am very conscious of my mindset.”
He says his staff are also his customers and makes a point to connect with them. “It gives me insights into their state of mind, and if I haven’t seen someone for a while, I phone them to connect. I motivate my staff by having an open door policy, listening and being available to them at all times.”
Property tips from Lawrence
1. Buyers: Always do your homework. Make sure you can afford the property. When doing your sums, make allowances for the curve balls life can throw, like interest rates going up, repairs to your property, having to redo pools due to wear and tear. You might not find the perfect home immediately, so think out of the box and ask your agent for ideas.
2. Sellers: Approach a good property professional to market your property. Do your research on the agent and the agency so that you can trust them completely. Listen to their advice regarding pricing and staging your home. We do this for a living and we are good at what we do!
3. Tenants: Choose your rental carefully: walk through the property and ask the important questions, such as whether security is an issue. Make sure you understand the lease and all costs that are associated with it. Ask your agent about electricity charges, especially in sectional-title units where basic electricity could be higher than normal. Make sure you can afford to pay all costs associated with the lease. Communication is the key!
4. Young property professionals: Show up every day and never give up. It can be a tough business environment that changes daily. If you are disciplined and consistent in what you do in your everyday life, you will succeed.
Looking ahead
Lawerence has just signed another 10-year franchise agreement with Just Property, marking the beginning of Just Property Margate’s next decade in partnership with the brand.
Lawrence embodies the Just Property brand values of optimism, integrity, excellence, equality, innovation, collaboration, personal development, loyalty and gratitude, as well as the brand mission – building wealth through property. In 2016 and 2018, he received the company’s highest accolade, the Champions Award, which factors in excellence in turnover, market share, growth, Living Our Values and engagement.
Paul Stevens notes that Lawrence not only helps his community build wealth through property but has embraced the opportunity himself. Lawrence explains: “I have long had a vision that has driven me, and that was to buy the building we operate from. It is an opportunity that I have been waiting for. I had to be disciplined to save every cent to reach this goal.”
Lawrence also owns the Just Property franchises in Berea, and Pinetown and Westville.
You have recently changed your trading name from Just Property Margate to Just Property Living. Please explain what this name means to you.
The word “living” has quite a few unique meanings to me. Ever since joining the real estate sector and the Just Property family, I have made my whole life about eating, drinking, breathing and living real estate. The day-to-day tasks of owning and managing a real estate firm have become second nature due to me actually making it the core reason for living.
Another reason is that currently, I am living a legacy. By what I am doing today, I will leave a legacy for my children when I retire. So I am living for their future, and because you create wealth through property, what better way to create wealth than owning a real estate franchise?
And thirdly, people spend their lives living in properties – we want to ensure that we match the correct clientele with their dream house, for them to live their lives and their dreams in a property we helped them choose.
For more information on Just Property, please visit www.just.property or call (087) 583 3333.
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