MAIN IMAGE: Sarah Fourie – PayProp SA’s head of client services
PayProp
What drives a residential rental agency’s success? At the 2024 PayProp Roadshow, held at various venues nationwide in October, SA’s rental payments leader unveiled five key characteristics of successful rental agencies.
Sarah Fourie, PayProp SA‘s head of client services, said, “While there’s no single blueprint for success, we’ve found that leading agencies consistently share the following five traits”:
- Successful agencies are tech-savvy
Increasing numbers of agencies are investing in technology to streamline their business processes, but choosing the correct technology platforms and utilising them to their full extent is just as important. “Look for a technology partner that offers everything your agency needs to grow and succeed ‘under one roof’.”
- Successful agencies see change as an opportunity
“Market dynamics are constantly shifting in our industry, but with change comes opportunity,” said Fourie. “The agencies that embrace new challenges with enthusiasm, rather than seeing them as setbacks, are the ones poised to thrive in the future.” The best agents roll with the punches to demonstrate their expertise and promote their management services to clients in need of help. New regulations and technologies also present opportunities to develop new revenue streams, boosting your income even if rental growth slows down.
- Successful agencies are obsessed with service and the customer experience
“Offering good service alone is no longer enough,” says Fourie. “The real opportunity lies in making client engagement a true differentiator for your business. It’s about fostering relationships, not just completing transactions. Building trust, showing empathy, and taking steps to prevent issues and boost performance are what set successful agencies apart.”
- Successful agencies are both data-driven and action-oriented
Data is the rock-solid foundation of smarter decisions. By using intelligent transactional platforms, agencies can arm themselves with trusted insights from their own operations and the broader market, thereby anticipating trends and challenges before they arise.
- Successful agencies invest in their people
Leading organisations foster a culture of continuous learning, particularly in a market where regulations and market conditions are constantly in flux. These agencies also ensure their staff are equipped with the best technology, empowering them to deliver exceptional service to clients.
