It has been said that a family business is much like those in the mafia where, from a young age, everyone in the family gets the opportunity to learn the tricks of the trade. This is indeed true for Basie Botha, owner and principal of Basie Botha Estate Agents. Having received his first commission cheque while still at school, Basie and his wife Erica - who has worked by his side to make the business a success - understand that keeping the balance in a family enterprise is of the utmost importance. 

Africa InTouch News spoke to Erica to find out more about the business, but also about the people who are the driving force behind it, and who have made the name, Basie Botha Estate Agents, renowned in the Lowveld and surrounds.

“It takes a special kind of aptitude to work in such close proximity each day as well as spend most of your free time in each other's company,” she said. 
The couple's daughter, Antjé, who is currently studying for her B Com, has also been part of the family business from an early age and has been receiving a monthly pay since her primary school days. "When she turned 18 and while still at school, she bought her first property. All the signs indicate that she will eventually take over the business once Mom and Dad decide to scale down in order to travel to our hearts' content," said Erica.

Basie, Erica and Antjé Botha in a cheerful mood.

As a young man, and after having sold property with his parents for many years, Basie made the decision to break away and start his own business.
"During the early years Basie was a real money making machine, but as life changes, so does one's beliefs and needs - causing you to become more human in a sense."

Having been by her spouse’s side for more than 20 years, she said that where their purpose and drive in life used to be money, to be the best there is and to conquer the world, getting older has changed this mindset drastically.
“Today our drive is all about the soul and our inner being, to connect with nature, with our fellow man, our clients and our Creator.  We strive to spend quality time together and to always work towards becoming better people today than we were yesterday.”

The real-estate industry is a highly competitive field, but this winning team faces challenges head-on. Although they primarily cater for the residential market, they are not afraid to let something go when they realise it is not their cup of tea.
"Our aim is to go the extra mile for a client - to build a bond with someone when you realise the minute you meet them, that you are willing to walk the proverbial extra mile for them.''

The staff at Basie Botha Estate Agents are leaders in their field. Training is high on the Botha’s priority list. They won’t allow their employees or themselves to stagnate. Whether it is the latest in technology or information regarding legislation or marketing, ongoing training is an absolute necessity.

Prospective clients can rest assured when they deal with these estate agents that they are indeed the real deal. Their agents are fully registered with the Estate Agency Affairs Board, as well as with the Institute of Realtors of South Africa (IEASA) and with Real Estate Business Owners of South Africa (REBOSA).

"Integrity, honesty, enthusiasm and determination are part of the package, and if this do not form part of your daily existence, Basie Botha Estate Agents is definitely not the right choice for you," said Erica.

As far as competition is concerned Erica laughed, "We do our own thing  - the competition has to keep up with us and not the other way around!"

Their success as a couple lies in the fact that each has built on their own strengths instead of competing against the other as so often happens in many family businesses - Basie on the real estate side and Erica with her flair for marketing and office administration.
"We work from home. Any estate agent's office hours are such that it calls for an entire office at home. Seeing that our work is our passion, and our customers and their properties always come first, we have no problem inviting them into our own home. We're just Erica and Basie, in too big a house," she said jokingly.

Even when living your passion one still needs to slow down every now and then.  When the Botha’s feels worn-out they engage in their second love, travel. Erica said they don’t hesitate for a moment to hook the caravan for a road trip.
"Our work requires us to be focused seven days a week, so we had to learn to force ourselves to make time and also to exercise self-discipline to the extent that, when we tell each other it is time for a break, we actually go ahead and take that time out.”

When asked if they would do it all over again, if they had the knowledge then that they have now, she answered instantly, "Without a doubt. It's like being an adrenalin junky – you just can’t get enough!"

There is none of the pessimism one so often encounters when asking for advice on entrepreneurship, Erica offers only encouraging words:
“If it is your passion, go for it. Make it your own - live it, experience it and feel every moment!"

Contact Basie Botha Estate Agents

Additional Information:
Basie Botha is the owner and principal of Basie Botha Estate Agents. After being an estate agent for 10 years, Basie took the big step to start his own business. He wisely decided to use his own name for the business as he was synonymous with residential properties in Nelspruit / Mbombela, capital of Mpumalanga – place of the rising sun.
Basie Botha Estate Agents offers personalized service to both the buyer and seller.
It is important for the seller to sell his property successfully at the highest price in the shortest possible time. Since buying a property is one of the most important business transactions anyone can make in his life, it is important for the buyer to buy a home that fits his requirements, tast and budget, at the best price in the market.
Whether you are a buyer or a seller your association with Basie Botha Estate Agents lasts much longer than the business transaction. We guarantee that you will come back for more.
Read more HERE.

Written by: Anchen Coetzee for Ama'Zone Media Solutions t/a Africa InTouch
Sub Editor: Lynette Brink