Nan Scheepers: Revealing a 40-Year Odyssey in Real Estate and Her 18-Year Legacy as a Resilient Century 21 Agent

We recently sat down with Nan, the Very First Agent Registered to Century 21 South Africa, 18 years ago, to learn from her remarkable journey that spans four decades in the real estate industry. As we unravel her inspiring narrative, we uncover not only a 40-year odyssey in real estate but also a remarkable 18-year legacy as a steadfast and resilient Century 21 agent. 

Nan you have been in Real Estate for Approx. 40 years and 18 years with Century 21. A lot has changed in our Industry. What would you say has not ever changed in how real estate Business is done, from your perspective? 

I became involved in real estate while living in Greytown Natal. My late husband, who was manager, together with one of the directors of the Greytown Building Society, registered an estate agency. It was known as Nan’s Estate Agency. The first Fidelity Fund Certificate was issued in 1981. Being the local music teacher at that time, I was really taken aback at the very thought of selling houses. However, selling was easy then. Willing buyer, willing seller the telephone and personal contact plus handing over documents personally to the attorneys concerned was a simple task. 

We moved to Pietermaritzburg in 1985. I was persuaded to join an agency there, rather than continue my own. It proved to be advantageous. The EAAB notified all concerned that they were implementing a compulsory Estate Agency Board Exam. Training was in Durban and that involved intensive study, travelling and finally the passed exam in 1986. Working was a pleasure. Here showhouses happened and I created my own stamp as Nan. While in Maritzburg the fax machine was introduced in 1991 and in 1992 the move to East London. This was not my territory and I decided to stay home. Again, thanks to my husband, Aida found me and I was persuaded to join them. Farming areas, the fax machine and then cell phones were introduced. No real training happed at that time, now and again a motivational speaker visited. Independent Property Consultants and Brenda Evans were the next agencies I worked for. THEN CENTURY 21 HAPPENED… 

Mario Raffa and Margie Dillin bought the franchise. I joined them the day the doors opened and it was celebrated at a gala evening on the 1st Dec 2005. Then changes in marketing strategies began and are ongoing. 

What are some of your career highlights or memorable transactions? 

To me every sale is a highlight. Having been in this profession for so many years, it is not an easy money-making career as some may think. 

A highlight for me was being selected as one of the first Pearl Award winners in our office. The presentation for award winners was at Victoria Falls, a memorable evening including office awards and several fun filled days. 

What Advise would you give a New Property Professional in Real Estate? 

Having been in this profession for so many years, it is not an easy money-making career as some may think. Real estate is a “people” profession and relationship building is key. Treat your clients with respect, dignity, and the understanding they deserve. You are dealing with their most prized possession. Realize there is no such thing as failure, rise up when disappointments come your way because everything happens for a reason. Take care of problems that may arise and deal with them reasonably. Your approach should portray a feeling of confidence in your ability to deliver. Life is a journey, there are high roads and low, the rough patches and the smooth. Ignore negativity. Remember these: PUNCTUALITY, POSITIVITY, PATEINCE AND PERSERVERANCE. Winners are committed, sincere and willing to render the best they can in order to succeed. 

19 September 2023