The Notebook concept was introduced a number of years ago as an alternative to the full franchise model for specialist agents and independent principal agents who wish to concentrate their efforts on sales and focus on key areas, but also wish to have the backing of a strong national group.
"The model accommodates the entrepreneurial spirit that is so strong in real estate," says Chas Everitt International head of franchising Barry Davies.
"It enables individual agents who are top performers to take the next step and establish and run their own businesses, without incurring the costs of a full new franchise operation; and more importantly, without losing access to any of the marketing and business management services offered by the group.
"We already have a number of Notebook licences operating very successfully in the Cape Winelands, southern Cape and Gauteng, and now looking forward to the establishment of several in and around Stellenbosch," Davies says.
Elmarie van Huyssteen, current owner of the Chas Everitt International franchise in Stellenbosch, will lead the way by taking up the first new Notebook licence, and says that the current activities of her office will continue uninterrupted, with all clients having access to the same level of expertise and service as before.
Meanwhile, a second Notebook licence has been awarded to a team of agents lead by Ansie Welman, and the group is looking for further experienced applicants to become licensees and cover the area comprehensively.
"These will all be independent operations, but will work with one another across the greater Stellenbosch area. Each will of course also have the advantage of working under the Chas Everitt International brand. They will also have access to our extensive business support systems, training courses and national and international marketing channels to ensure that their clients' properties get the widest possible exposure to potential buyers locally and around the world."
Chas Everitt International MD, Berry Everitt comments that, "Business-as-usual is not a comfortable place for us, and we are constantly looking for ways to add value for our agents and principals as well as our clients. This is why we have developed the best business systems in the industry, a world-class web based environment and an administrative hub that supports the Notebook model in such a way that new operators can be seamlessly assimilated and continue to provide their clients with the professional level of service for which our brand is renowned."
