christo slabbert: a man with passion for god, people and property
To share his story with our readers, is an honor for me and I am looking forward to the interviews lined up with his team members starting in our November edition of Business Talk. From serving our country to serving clients with property needs, Christo Slabbert is a name you want to know.
He left the South African Defence Force holding the rank of Major having served his country for 13 years, and says he always loved working with people combined with a passion for property. In 2006 he moved from Pretoria to Port Elizabeth and fell in love with the city. He always believed that big things were coming to this city and its people. He was right. Having started with RE/MAX Independent in 2006, he won the “Rookie of the Year Award” in 2007, followed by the RE/MAX Sales Associate of the Year “ in 2012 for most houses sold in Southern Africa.
He decided to form a team of sales persons under his direction in order to provide an even better service within the industry and this has paid off because they won the RE/MAX National Sales Team Award in 2013 again for the most houses sold in Southern Africa and continued to improve on this achievement by winning the RE/MAX Southern Africa Sales Team Award in 2019 for most houses sold and for most registered commission.
In 2013 Christo said: “All our clients are special and because of this we know that each one has a different need to regards to what property they want to invest in. There is no doubt that choosing a home is a big decision both financially and emotionally, so a lot of thought has to be put in it. This is where our agents play a major role. They know the areas you are interested in, know the community profile, the number of houses sold, and have spent years negotiating between sellers and buyers.”
Fasttrack to 2023, Christo is still applying the same principles and passion when working with clients and guiding his team. Team Christo Slabbert went on to win numerous awards over the years, including the Double Diamond Award, Sales Team Awards and continues to be a winning property team in 2023.
What tips would Christo give to someone starting a career in real estate.
“My advice to new agents is that you don’t have to be the best or know everything. Just BE THERE and be available to serve buyers and sellers. That includes answering your phone and calling clients back – Always,” says Christo.
For those who are struggling to become successful in the industry, Christo advises them to “go back to basics, have patience and persevere; this is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. Do the stuff no one else does. It will pay off in the end.” “If there is one mistake I can help other agents avoid, it is not only to focus on the big deals and neglect the small deals. Work with any and all people, no matter the size of the transaction.
My final words of advice is to keep thinking outside the box and look for opportunities around you. Also be humbly aware of the fact that everything is by the Grace of God.”
What plans does Christo have for his future and team?
“Our plans for the future are to continue to improve on our service and to be the light on the hill for the world around us.”
What is Boardroom Logic? “Boardroom Logic is one meeting on a Friday 9:30am not to be missed. Its one of the most inspirational, uplifting and Gospel based group meetings you can ever attend. It's a prayer group where all people in the property industry (and beyond) meet to pray together and worship Jesus.
Here we testify what the Lord has done, what He is currently doing in our lives and what He will still bring to pass according to His Word and promises. I have personally met some great giants of faith and continue to meet some extraordinary men and women of God. I would like to invite you to join in their next meeting.”
By Stella Ashworth for Team Talk.
We would like to thank Christo Slabbert, Elize Slabbert and Team Christo Slabbert for their contribution. May God continue to lift you higher and higher in all that you do to the Glory of His name.
Resources: RE/MAX Southern Africa, RE/MAX Independent Properties, PE Express.
