Please introduce yourselves.
We are Seeff Strand and Gordon’s Bay, a proudly established real estate agency under the renowned Seeff brand, which has been a trusted name in real estate for over 60 years. Our journey in the industry spans more than two decades, with our office in Strand serving as a landmark on Beach Road.
Tell me about your company, your title, and role.
Seeff Strand and Gordon’s Bay is a leading real estate agency in the region, with Alten Vermaak serving as the Managing Director. Alten is responsible for shaping the company’s vision and driving its growth. Quintus Gerber, the Rental Manager, oversees the rental division. Together, they lead a dynamic team of property professionals dedicated to providing exceptional service to clients in Strand and Gordon’s Bay.
How long have you been in the industry?
Our leadership team is key to our success. Alten Vermaak, our Managing Director, with 17 years of industry experience, has been a driving force in shaping our vision and growth. Quintus Gerber, who has been with us for 13 years, was recently appointed as Rental Manager in 2024. Together, their combined expertise and leadership have been instrumental in guiding our team toward excellence and achieving outstanding results.
Where are you currently operating from, and which areas do you cover?
Our branch is located on Beach Road in Strand, making us a central and accessible presence in the region. We exclusively cover the areas of Strand and Gordon’s Bay, focusing on providing exceptional service to these coastal communities.
Give us an idea of the size of your estate agency.
Our dedicated team comprises three experienced rental agents and two skilled administrators. Together, we manage 315 rental properties, showcasing our commitment to providing exceptional service to landlords and tenants in the Strand and Gordon’s Bay areas.
What does this award mean to you and your team?
The PayProp Pinnacle Award is a tremendous honor and a testament to the dedication, innovation, and hard work of our team. It signifies recognition of our efforts to provide exceptional service while leveraging cutting-edge tools and platforms like PayProp to stay ahead in the competitive property management industry.
Growth is a key factor in winning this award. Can you share some of the strategies or practices you've put in place to drive such strong growth within your business?
· Strong Leadership: Appointing Quintus Gerber as Rental Manager, whose expertise and leadership have been pivotal in driving the success of our rental division and strengthening relationships with both landlords and tenants.
· Client-Centric Approach: Fostering trust and loyalty through transparent and efficient services.
· Empowering Our Team: Providing consistent training and creating a supportive work environment where agents can excel.
PayProp places a strong emphasis on ecosystem usage. How have you leveraged different features of the platform to optimize your operations?
PayProp has been instrumental in streamlining our financial processes. Its automation capabilities allow us to process payments efficiently, reduce errors, and improve accuracy. Additionally, the platform’s detailed reporting tools help us maintain transparency with our landlords and tenants, enhancing trust.
Achieving growth in this industry is never without its challenges. What were some of the biggest obstacles you faced, and how did you overcome them?
One of our biggest challenges has been managing late payments. We overcame this by implementing strong tracking systems and automated processes, such as PayProp’s late payment tracking and issuing of letters of demand. This has allowed us to maintain effective communication with tenants and ensure that landlords receive timely payments. Additionally, we continue to focus on building strong relationships with both landlords and tenants, which helps us maintain smooth operations even during difficult times.
How important is your team in achieving this success? How do you motivate and align your team with your goals?
Our team is the backbone of our success. By fostering a culture of recognition, ongoing training, and creating a sense of family, we ensure our team remains motivated and aligned with our goals. We place great emphasis on team building and celebrate our achievements collectively, working together towards shared success. Celebrating milestones, investing in our team's growth, and strengthening our bonds through shared experiences are key drivers of our collective achievements.
Now that you’ve won the Pinnacle Award, what’s next for your business?
We are focused on expanding our property portfolio, while maintaining our high service standards. Our aim is to continue setting industry benchmarks through innovation and client satisfaction.
How would you describe PayProp’s client support services?
Exceptional. Their team is always accessible, proactive, and ready to assist with any queries. Their support ensures we make the most of the platform.
What is your favorite PayProp feature or functionality?
Our favorite PayProp feature is the ability to efficiently track late payments and automatically issue letters of demand. This functionality ensures we maintain clear and professional communication with tenants while helping to streamline our debt recovery process and uphold strong relationships with landlords.
Would you recommend PayProp to other rental agents?
Absolutely. PayProp simplifies complex processes, allowing agents to focus on growing their portfolios and providing excellent service.
Future – what does success in property management look like to you?
Success means creating a seamless experience for landlords and tenants while growing our market share. Leveraging technology to enhance operations and maintaining strong client relationships is our ongoing priority.
Would you face the future of property management without PayProp?
No, PayProp is integral to our operations. It empowers us to manage our portfolio efficiently and positions us for future success.
- PayProp Interview with Seeff Strand and Gordon's Bay
