Page 29 - CSERI Annual Review Report 2023/2024

DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
BREAKING BARRIERS IN REAL ESTATE:
SIMPHIWE MHLONGO’S JOURNEY TO EMPOWER HOMEOWNERSHIP FOR ALL
Simphiwe Mhlongo is the CEO and Founder of Simpre Properties, a company that aims to assist previously disadvantaged people to access the market and become homeowners. They ensure that each person gets a diverse and inclusive environment in the property industry, an environment in which every individual can participate and uncover their potential.
“We provide a variety of services within the scope of real estates in KwaZulu-Natal at large. In 2018, following my resignation from a company at which I had worked for eight years, specializing in customer service in the airline industry, I started working as a real estate agent and soon realized that most people encounter challenges when accessing the housing market.”
Simphiwe mentions that she has been able to manoeuvre through the puzzle of entrepreneurship since she joined the Incubator and she has witnessed her company grow from time to time. She says she had a challenge keeping her paperwork up-to-date, networking with other experts in the industry and also understanding her market.
“I have learnt to reflect on the way I conduct the business, interrogate the business model, being flexible to adjust, adapt and consult experts who are in the same industry as mine.”
“The Workshops have equipped me with the knowledge I needed to navigate the complexities of the business world and systems designed to help streamline the business. I also learned about the valuable insights of financial management, building a strong leadership and a positive work culture,
embracing continuous improvement and changes to the businesses.” She adds.
If you need assistance with Facilitating a Sale (guiding a seller through the selling process), FSBO document preparation (preparing necessary paperwork for “For Sale by Owner” sellers), Property Management, Exchanging property, Auctioning property, Preparing contracts and leases. Simpre Properties is your go-to. Simpre Properties currently has four highly dedicated employees.
“The key to running a successful business is having the right people on your team.
Firstly, you need people who understand your vision and want to help you achieve the goals of the organisation. Secondly, you need to have a plan. Thirdly, you need to understand that, without your clients, there is no business. You need to treat your clients like they are the last people on Earth. People have a choice to go elsewhere if they do not get what they are looking for. And lastly that you should never take continuous learning for granted in business.”
These are some of the inspiring and motivating words shared by Simphiwe to aspiring entrepreneurs.
Simpre Properties Contact Details:
Telephone: 031 7651 374
Instagram: Simpre properties Facebook: Simpre Properties
Address: Unit 134 Oxford Village Centre, 9 Old Main Road, Hillcrest, KZN
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