Taking ownership of the world of real estate: Joel Harris

Meet Joel Harris - a man with a contagious sense of humour and a Jawitz #RealPartner with a long list of accolades to his name. He was named Jawitz National Sales Consultant of the year for 2018/19 and 2019/20, as well as being a Pinnacle status property consultant every year since 2017. A typical day in Joel's life involves matching buyers with their perfect properties, managing the Jawitz Bedfordview branch and giving training sessions to Jawitz Properties consultants nationally. His passion for people and the real estate industry, coupled with his business acumen and inside-out knowledge of South Africa's property market, has placed him firmly on the fast track. He took some time to chat to us about his secrets for #realsuccess and the drive that keeps him going.

Joel's secrets to real estate success

When asked what the secret to his success is, Joel explains that first step towards success is wanting it. "I achieved these milestones because of how badly I wanted them," he explained. "I worked like a Trojan and focused like mad, concentrating on sellers who had a real motivation to sell their property. Success does not happen for a reason - it starts with a purpose and comes as a result of unrelenting action."

Success is not something that can be achieved without the right support, and Joel credits the Jawitz team with being a fantastic support structure. "I have amazing support from our CEO, Herschel Jawitz and our chairman Eskel Jawitz, to my incredible support team - Laureen Shalpid and Annette Joffe, as well as from every member of staff from the drivers to the marketing, conveyancing and finance departments. Everyone plays a vital role in my success."

When it comes to time management, it's all about prioritisation in Joel's eyes. As a branch manager, property consultant and trainer, Joel has a lot going on in any given workday. For him, the answer to getting it all done lies in prioritisation. "I focus on the matters which need urgent attention and 'park' the stuff that can wait," he explains. "This has been something I've had to learn to master, because my nature is to want to do everything immediately."

Best advice for those looking to buy property

"The age-old rule still applies," says Joel. "Real estate is all about location, location, location." With that said, he also emphasises the importance of finding the right place in which to create your sacred space when you are buying a home that you will live in, rather than an investment property. "Sometimes your wants and needs don't match the budget, meaning that you can't necessarily buy in the best possible location." Joel also adds that you'll know when you've found the right property. "I'm a firm believer in spiritual energy," he explains. "You'll feel it in your heart when you've found 'the one'." The other factor which always plays a role in these decisions is affordability, and Joel advises against tying a financial noose around your neck. "Rome wasn't built in a day," he reminds us. "If renovations are required, you can buy the home now and fix it up later as finances allow."

Joel's role as Trainer Extraordinaire

Ask any Jawitz #RealPartner who has been in one of Joel's training sessions, and they will tell you that the experience is a great one. Joel's most memorable training moments include having agents share stories of their success that they have achieved thanks to the tools that they gained in previous training sessions. "It makes me one proud mentor - complete with goosebumps - because for me, making a difference in someone else's career is a huge achievement," he comments.

We asked Joel what advice he would give to a brand new Jawitz #RealPartner on their first day, and he emphasises the importance of understanding that what you put in is what you get out. "When I started, I sold two houses in my first week and thought this was going to be a breeze. Little did I know what lay ahead," he shares. "I didn't sell another house for six months after that! There is a wonderful lesson to be learnt about not being complacent, and I would advise every new agent to work like they've never worked before. This is an industry that rewards passion, commitment and good-old-fashioned hard work." Joel's other pearl of wisdom for new Jawitz #RealPartners is to attend all the offered training sessions and have regular brainstorming sessions with their managers. 

Looking to the future

Joel's plan for the rest of 2020, and for 2021, is to retain his position amongst the winners. "I don't see any radical changes going forward," he shared. "There will always be a seller, a buyer, a lessor and a lessee. Everybody needs a home and at the right price, every home will sell."

If you're looking to buy, sell, rent out or lease a property in Bedfordview, then Joel Harris is the man you need to speak to. Contact him today or browse the properties for sale and to rent in every corner of South Africa.