Introducing two of Jawitz Properties' strong women this Women's Month

To honour women's month, Jawitz Properties is proudly highlighting two exceptional women from their real team. Liza Gillett is the manager and principal of Jawitz Properties Centurion, and Celeste de Wet is a property practitioner extraordinaire who just won the company's inland and national Sales Rookie of the Year award for 2022/23. We asked them to share some information about themselves, their careers and the women they are inspired by. 

Introducing the dynamic duo

When asked about her interests, Gillett explains that she has always had a love for old architecture. "It's never boring in the property industry," she explains. "There's always something new and different." When Gillett escapes from the world of work, it's to renovate old furniture - lots of which is now part of the Jawitz Properties Centurion office.

De Wet has a varied professional background, having gotten started in the hospitality industry. In 2016, she bought a lodge on the Orange River. "I had the best time looking after clients, planning weddings, running a restaurant and managing a wonderful team," she shares. However, circumstances changed and de Wet returned to Gauteng, where she bought a coffee shop in 2019. As was the case for so many of us, the pandemic caused de Wet to change course and since working with people is her first love, real estate was a natural choice. "I really love working with people," she told us. "You learn so much more than you ever expect to when you just take the time to listen and engage."

How hard work pays off

For de Wet, one of the proudest moments of her career was when she received an offer to purchase on a property in her first week of starting as a candidate property practitioner. "That was such a thrill and I remember not being able to believe that it could be so easy," she remarks. "However, I came down to earth quickly when my next offer only came a few months later. Nothing comes easily, but then again, if it did, everyone would be selling real estate!"

She also mentions the moment she won the National Sales Rookie of the Year award, which she says was a complete surprise. "I didn't set out to achieve anything other than the goals I had set for myself," she adds.

When asked about her biggest moments, Gillett harks back to the moments when she visits new homeowners after they have settled in. "They are so excited to show you what they have done to make the home their own. The joyous looks I see on their faces are priceless."

"Also, I love watching new agents grow and strive to do better. Some of my proudest moments have been when my agents have won the National Rookie of the Year award."

Top tips for women considering buying their first properties

We asked Gillett and de Wet to share their top tips for women considering buying their first properties. According to Gillett, one of the most important things is to not worry about what others say or think. "When you walk in that front door, you need to feel that this is YOUR HOME," she explains. "Naturally, you need to look at the security and maintenance of the property as well."

De Wet echoes this sentiment, reinforcing that safety and security must be your top priorities. "Investigate the neighbourhood and roads into and out of the area," she advises. "It's also worth considering whether the property needs a lot of work. She also notes that, when possible, it's a great idea to keep your property - even if you go into a long-term relationship. "It is always good to have something of your own that no one can take from you," she adds.

Considering a career in real estate? Here's what you need to know

When asked what advice she would give a woman interested in launching a career in real estate, de Wet emphasises the importance of believing in yourself and knowing your worth. "You can't expect anyone else to believe in you if you don't believe in yourself." From a practical perspective, she advises new property practitioners to treat each client as if they are your only one. "One client's R700 000 is just as important to them as another client's R7 000 000."

To this, Gillett adds that you must have a passion for the industry. "It's hard work and long hours, but when you are successful at what you do, you won't mind those long hours because you'll know just how fulfilling it is."

Women to be admired

As a final point, we asked these talented ladies to tell us who the woman they admired most was. In response, Gillett introduced us to Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator, the queen of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt from 51-30BC. "She was a Macedonian Greek general, a companion of Alexander the Great, a politician, mathematician and a businesswoman," Gillett said. "Over and above that, she was fluent in nine languages."

In de Wet's mind, women in general are to be admired. "For our tenacity, our strength of mind and our capability to feel for others," she elaborates. "We know when things need to be done and we get on with it. We are strong, capable and tenacious, but we are also soft. We are home and the essence of life."

In concluding her thoughts, de Wet quotes writer Diane Mariechild, who said "A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform". We are proud to have many strong women on our team, and if you're reading this and wondering whether you should buy a property or launch a career in real estate, get in touch with us today.