Navigating The South Coast Market
For 15 years, the South Coast has not only given Lawrence Homan a home but also intimate knowledge of its ever-evolving property landscape. Under his astute leadership, the South Coast Just Property Living agency has created a name synonymous with trust, expertise, and excellence. Read on to find out what it is that makes Lawrence and his team stand out.
What sets Lawrence apart is his personal touch in an industry often viewed as transactional. His initial attraction to the property sector stemmed from its fascinating duality – a means to create wealth and a realm where every day presents unique challenges.
“I was drawn to the industry because it offers South Africans a means to create wealth through property. To be able to help my community accomplish that long-term goal is incredibly rewarding,” he says. “It is also a very interesting field and there’s never a dull moment. Being in the property industry it is knowing that you need to have a long-term goal and view in terms of creating wealth.”
But at the heart of this fascination lies his love for the people of this place. Lawrence thrives on the human interactions his work brings him, the intrigue of getting to know the different personalities of his buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants, and the joy to be had in strategically navigating diverse economic trends.
“I am very customer eccentric and receiving client satisfaction is what keeps me going.,” he says. “I love working with people, the interaction, the dynamics of different personalities, the excitement dealing with diverse people, and the mental stimulation of anticipating economic trends - watching the numbers and knowing when to hit to maximise.”
The unpredictability of the landscape, the adrenalin, and the need to remain agile fuel his passion, but most importantly, it has the potential to help shape someone's dream.
Under Lawrence's mentorship, the South Coast team has adopted core values that set them apart: uncompromising integrity, an unwavering commitment to honesty, and a keen understanding of the current economy and the financial implications for sellers and purchasers. Lawrence takes pride in having a team that prioritises working with their clients to achieve the best deal over commissions.
A standout feature of their services lies in their customer-centric approach. In Lawrence's words, “Our team knows that the customer is always right and we will move mountains for them." Recognising the importance of adaptability in a dynamic market, the team is committed to continuous learning. Their agility in integrating new systems, adapting to the latest technological advancements, and keeping abreast of industry trends makes them an invaluable asset to their clientele.
Decoding the South Coast: A Glimpse into the Future
Given Lawrence's extensive experience and personal investment in the South Coast, his market predictions are eagerly sought after. His assessment is clear: for the foreseeable future, the market will continue to favour buyers.
Bolstered by a stabilising interest rate – which Lawrence predicts might witness a slight dip by 0.25 basis points next year around Q2 – the region is poised to see a surge in new homeowners. This trend, Lawrence believes, is indicative of the South Coast's growing allure and potential.
“There have been a lot of new homeowners that have emerged, and it will be exciting to see this continue in the years to come as this shows that there is immense growth coming,” he says. “Of the sales currently underway, many are due to investments in the South Coast which means the community and outsiders believe in our town”.
Lawrence's personal journey cements this positive outlook. “I have personally lived on the South Coast for approximately 15 years. I have been through the peaks and troughs of the economy here and was personally affected by the 2008 economic downturn. I have witnessed the rise and fall of many business cycles on the South Coast. Being a local for so long, I understand this town of mine back to front.”
His own investment and subsequent revamp of a commercial property in Uvongo stands as an emblem of his unwavering belief in the region's potential. “There are a lot of initiatives that are happening around the South Coast in order for it to be a number one holiday destination. I have revamped my commercial building to give a new look and feel to Uvongo upon entering. And I have noticed other local businesses embracing positivity and also investing in cosmetic upgrades to their buildings.
“The South Coast has lots of opportunities for businesses, investors, and other initiatives, as long as you can look past the negative and you can invest into a goal, a vision, and the future of the South Coast.”
Sage Advice for Sellers
Drawing from his depth of knowledge and experience, Lawrence offers the following advice to those looking to sell in the current “buyer’s market”.
- Property needs to be priced right - if you hit the market at the incorrect price, your property will sit. If it's priced right, it will sell.
- Keep your property well-maintained. Cosmetic paint does wonders but when choosing paint colours, ensure you stay away from the fads and go with neutral and timeless colours. Keep your garden neat and tidy: lawn cut and garden brushes cut back
- Appoint the right agent: an agent who cares about you and is passionate about selling your property, and not just the commission. Ensure you look up the reviews of the agent to establish that what they say is true (and backed with evidence). And ensure you will receive regular feedback and updates from your agent.
The South Coast property market, with all its ebbs and flows, has found a true maestro in Lawrence Homan. As he continues to shape its future, his insights, expertise, and unwavering commitment offer a beacon of hope and direction to many, and the promise of growth, prosperity, and continued excellence.
Needing property assistance along the South Coast? Contact Just Property Living today:
039 315 0783 | living@just.property
You can also find them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LivingJustProperty/