Agent Bianca Wrankmore has always been an outstanding achiever. But her award-winning work started in an arena quite different to that of real estate.
In fact, Bianca's first accolades came from her love for Equestrian Sport which led her to achieve her South African colours in Showjumping as a Junior rider.
She also knows a little something about getting her hands dirty, having worked at two of the best stud farms in South Africa backing and breaking in horses.
But she's always had a natural flair for real estate which runs in her family - starting out as a canvassing aid for her mom and then moving into viewings.
Bianca recently moved to the Atlantic Seaboard area from her Hout Bay and Llandudno specialities and looks forward to the challenge, adding that the fast-paced nature of rentals is what she loves most about the role.
"The reason I love rentals is that there is always something happening, always a new situation to tackle. Hout Bay is very laid back whereas the Atlantic Seaboard is extremely vibey and there is always something going on which I love. My favourite areas that I am drawn to are Bantry Bay, Fresnaye, and Clifton as they have the most glorious views and sunsets and are mostly wind free. Perhaps I am biassed as I live in Fresnaye."
As for the specific kind of skills a rental agent needs, Bianca comments that it's a mix of tact, negotiation, grit, knowledge, and communication (and that's just for starters).
The market is heating up with a high demand for rentals and shows no signs of stopping. Bianca adds that she has seen the prices of properties escalate by 10% to 15% due to this and when listing a property at the right price agents seem to be getting 5 or 6 applications within a day of listing one property. Safe to say, as a landlord, you're in for a good time.
"There is a shortage of stock and with the interest rate increases, there is going to be an even greater demand as more people will want to rent again. If you are thinking of leasing, go for it now."
Why then, should a landlord pick Seeff over going at it alone or using another agency? Bianca is quick to answer.
"We are constantly trained and kept up to date with all the latest legislation. Our leases protect the interest of the landlord and we provide both managed and unmanaged options for landlords that want us to just procure the tenant or want us to do it all for them. We also run very thorough credit checks and ensure the property is inspected in detail prior to tenants moving in or out!"
Bianca adds that what she loves most about working with Seeff is our dedicated admin support for managed properties, not to mention the maintenance manager who attends to all maintenance concerns.
When Bianca isn't attending to landlords or lessers, she keeps busy - often fueled by coffee which she spelt in all caps for this interview. She's also active and balances out a passion for baking and Netflix with running, spinning, hiking, and of course, horses (although boxers get a nod too).
"To me living on the Atlantic Seaboard is better than anywhere in the world. That is why I think clients should rent here. We have excellent schools and people from all over the world make it a wonderful, eclectic place to live, with nature and the ocean on your doorstep."
Get in touch with Bianca directly: bianca.wrankmore@seeff.com | 081 876 0956