The Pearl Awards is Century 21 South Africa's most prestigious accolades programme for top-performing agents. It culminates in a glitzy awards ceremony, which took place at Montecasino this year. Following the event, one name is hot on everyone's lips: Yvette Thompson, Property Professional at Century 21 Hoedspruit (Wildlife Properties), who took home the coveted title of 'Agent of the Year'.
Achievement unlocked
It was a long year of racking up sole mandates, bringing in sales, and just being an all-round incredible property professional. But, Thompson did it and earned enough oyster points to fend off stiff competition from the company's best performers. She remains humble despite her incredible win.
"It is an absolute honour to be singled out from all the other amazing Century 21 South Africa property professionals, especially as the competition was tough this year," says Thompson. "I think as agents we all go through periods of self-doubt and this was a confirmation to me that I am enough."
As part of her award, Thompson will be jetting off on an all-expenses-paid trip to the One21 Experience, Century 21's global convention hosted in Las Vegas. She'll also have her award-winning title proudly displayed on her CV, stationery, and marketing materials - a testament to her accomplishment.
Journey to the jewel
Thompson says the road to the Pearl Awards victory has been a long one - 8 years to be exact since she joined Century 21 Hoedspruit (Wildlife Properties). "I used to work in marketing and advertising in the healthcare industry. My family moved to Hoedspruit to step out of our corporate careers and to live a quieter, more relaxed lifestyle. I was still doing some consulting work for my previous employer in Johannesburg when a friend approached me and asked if I wanted to work for Century 21 as an extra agent," she says.
Although Thompson could work on a half-day basis, she realised she'd need to put in a few extra hours each day. "I thought this could be a nice, slow introduction to the industry. Well, as everyone knows, there is no such thing as a half-day estate agent!" she laughs. "It is pretty much an all-or-nothing game. I knew nothing about real estate. But with the support of the office, our incredible principal (Rob Severin), my background in business, and the fantastic training Century 21 South Africa offered, I slowly found my feet in the industry."
Thompson loves her career in real estate but admits it wasn't smooth sailing at first. "I came from a corporate marketing background so I was used to a very organised and structured environment," she says. "Coming into real estate was a real challenge for me: the unpredictability of it all, you have very little control over your day, and one of the most difficult things for me was the preconceived ideas that people have about practitioners."
However, she quickly rose up to her position, showing the grit that has helped her get her hands on her trophy. "I believe that my business degree and previous work experience stood me in good stead in negotiating and closing deals. I had to learn to demonstrate to my clients what value I can add, and through doing so, secure correctly priced sole mandates, because that's what it's all about."
Pearls of wisdom
Thompson's hard work has taken her to the podium. However, she believes every practitioner at the company has the potential to win too. "Don't give up - just push through," she encourages. "So often this year a deal looked 'dead' or impossible to pull together. And then I made one more phone call, tried one more angle, and all of a sudden it all came together. If you build strong relationships with your sellers, you'll find they can become your greatest source of future business."
According to Thompson, the support of colleagues and family will also help on the path to success. "Without Rob Severin, this would not have been possible. His knowledge, drive, and leadership are what make our team great. Without the listings and teamwork from my colleagues, I wouldn't have had the stock and knowledge to sell across a wide range of properties.
"Then there are my amazing clients who trusted me with some of their biggest assets to sell. And not forgetting my family who has been my greatest support throughout this journey."
Thompson says even though she knew nothing when she entered the industry, Century 21 South Africa's training courses and assistance through the training academy (now Century 21 University) helped her get up to speed. "The strength of the brand internationally has certainly also added greatly to my sales success. Close to 40% of my clients this year were internationals and I have no doubt that the reach of Century 21 in the international markets has greatly contributed to my success," she adds.
Onwards and upwards
Her trophy is up on the shelf and the well wishes are still pouring in, but Thompson is already looking ahead. "I want to maintain the level of sales that got me here," she smiles. "There's still so much room to learn more and to constantly improve and evolve."
The determined practitioner also isn't ruling out another Pearl Awards triumph in the future. "The company has some amazing professionals. I know it will be tough to try and repeat this year's achievements, but I'll be putting my best foot forward!"