SmartSell Real Estate Services, the fresh new face on the property scene in Gauteng, is celebrating their first birthday this month. Since their launch on 5 May 2008, SmartSell has achieved excellent results and is making a significant impact despite the current market slump.

They have sold more than 480 properties, which is an average of more than 40 properties per month, and held just short of 10 000 viewing sessions in their first 12 months. SmartSell has offices located throughout Gauteng, and are continuing to focus their efforts on this province for the time being.

CEO, Freda Kooij, is extremely pleased with their success. “Although SmartSell hasn’t quite reached the targets we envisaged before we opened, we are still exceptionally proud of our results considering that we launched just as the property market took a significant turn for the worse.”

Kooij believes that SmartSell’s success can be attributed to their service offering, saying “In the current economic climate, people who want to sell their homes often need to do so in a hurry, and they need an Estate Agent who can deliver. SmartSell can provide that.” SmartSell charges a structured fee based on the selling price of the property instead of a commission percentage. In return, they provide every seller with a full agency and online service.

Initially founded by the Private Property group, but now privately owned, SmartSell makes use of the Privateproperty.co.za website to advertise their properties, a medium which Kooij feels gives them the edge in the market. “Our properties get exposed to a massive database of buyers through our advertising on Privateproperty.co.za, which is our biggest advantage in the current market.”

What’s in store for the future? SmartSell are busy behind the scenes changing their systems, which is something that Kooij states is keeping them busy at the moment. “We will soon have a new website, and are also in the process of moving all of our data across to a new content management system. Once the teething problems have been worked out, we are confident that our consultants will have access to one of the best systems on offer in the country.”

With Estate Agents closing their doors all around them, SmartSell will continue to thrive.  “We commit to a high level of service, and we provide it. Our results in just one year are a testament to that.”

For more information on SmartSell, visit www.smartsell.co.za