GOOD, BETTER, BOSCH!

THE name Brendon Bosch and the Dormehl Phalane Property Group are very much synonymous… Pinetown-based Bosch being the longtime top achiever in the fast-growing property group helmed by Owen Dormehl and Daniel (Tau) Phalane.

Top achiever, top agent, most sole mandates listed and sold, the Ooba property award...these are accolades Bosch collected this year alone, at the 11th annual Dormehl Phalane Property Group Awards ceremony, held recently at a breakfast and festive outdoor lunch at Old Halliwell in Curry’s Post in the Midlands.

“I am most proud of the ‘top achiever’ award as that seems to be the biggest achievement of all – for having sold more units than anyone else, recognising the most work and effort put in,” says a proud Bosch, who is no stranger to this award.

He has won the Dormehl Phalane Property Group’s ‘top achiever’ award six times and has been named as the property group’s top agent (for most commission earned) three times.

Little wonder he was beaming, and buckling under the weight of a mountain of prizes and framed certificates, when he left the awards ceremony at Old Halliwell in March.

What many at the event wanted to know, was what was in the largest of the gifts Bosch had at his feet during his photo session at the awards ceremony?

“It was a printer,” he says with a laugh. “I think my boss must have put a word in there as I work up stairs and I’m forever sitting at the boardroom desk down the stairs. I am often printing, scanning and running up and down the stairs. Drives me mad. So having my own printer scanner will really help!"

Having won awards constantly over the years, Bosch ponders for a moment when asked what he considers his best year to date.

“I think it was 2015, when I earned the highest commission – over R1,1million. I think I got the same amount of awards as this year but I was also named the top referral agent.” 

He estimates he made 79 sales in 2015, his most to date, compared to about 45 last year.

The most awards he has won, Bosch explains, were Ooba awards: “Six or seven, which were presented to me for having given Ooba the most bonds in a year, with Dormehl.”

Among other prizes the amiable young man has collected for his excellent achievements over the years have been a R10 000 boat cruise with Ooba, a R10 000 gift voucher towards a bicycle when he was big into cycling, and some R2000 worth of cycling gear.

“I think that was 2014 and 2015. I won R18 000 worth of gift vouchers in all,” he recalls.

What does he consider to be the secret to his success in the property market, especially in tough times?

“I make myself available almost always. Also, I don’t miss a call and if I do I return that call. I never miss an appointment... ever,” he is quick to reply.

“Also, having only worked for two companies and not moved around, I have established myself, made good relationships with many people, have always kept others covered for referrals when they are due, and have just really ‘gone for it’. I have made a name for myself  through hard work. All the way.”

Bosch has been with the Dormehl Phalane Property Group since Owen Dormehl launched the company under his moniker in 2009. Bosch joined the team a few months after the group opened. 

“Prior to that I was in between agencies – when the Acutts branch I worked at for about five years closed down, I went to Remax for two months, and then on to Dormehl. Times where hard in 2009. “

Prior to real estate, Bosch did “everything and anything”, including fixing cars and fitting pipes. 

“I never thought I would be a pencil pusher, but selling is in my blood. I’ve always had a big mouth ,” he says with  chuckle.

He opted to join Dormehl, he says, because he felt the group was “going somewhere”.

He adds: “There was more of a personal touch and I didn’t feel like I was just a number.”

Born in Durban and having lived in Pinetown all his my life, Bosch left school with a Grade 10 qualification, attained his NQF4 in real estate and does his yearly courses to keep his status. 

He points to his mother for getting his foot into the property door.

“My mom was an estate agent for most of my school life and I was forced to put up showboards on a Sunday, and put flyers in post boxes. Never, for once, did I think I would ever sell property.
 
“Then, in 2003, I was out of work and my mom offered me a job as her PA. That was the year of the property boom and that’s where it all started for me. I had a good teacher to start with.”

What does he rate as qualities/skills that are musts for real estate agents?

“Be as honest as you can,” he says. “And don’t run other agents down just to get a listing, even if they deserve it – be the better person.  Also, don’t lie!”

Away from the property business, how does Bosch relax and unwind?

“I don’t know how to relax as I’m always worried about my phone. I have the fear of missing out… always have,” he says.

He does, however, concede that he loves riding endurance dirt bikes, doing so at least once a week: “It’s a great sport. I have done a few races and I am now looking at doing the Roof of Africa this year”.

Any regrets in life?

“I regret not growing up fast enough and not focusing on my job more in my younger days. Using my knowledge of the property market to my advantage. I should have saved more and bought more property, seen the bigger picture,” says Bosch.

“If I only knew then what I know now, I would be a millionaire today. At least in assets. I am only now doing these things.”

“I am most proud of where I am today, with a clear head and being more focused on my job. I am actually so busy I don’t have time for any other nonsense in my life.”