Caron Upton, Harcourts Dunn

Caron, along with Tim Upton, founded Home & Away Properties in 2005 and have successfully operated their boutique real estate agency for the last 10 years focusing on the Kenridge, De Bron, Durbanville Hills and Durbanville areas in South Africa. They recently decided to join an international brand and the backing of Harcourts Select is exactly what suits their needs. 

Caron always says there is more to buying, selling or renting a property than a piece of paper. Finding a suitable real estate solution is a delicate balance between cost, comfort, and location. Compromising on any of these factors could have devastating consequences on your finances and ultimately your quality of life.

We had the opportunity to speak with Caron to learn a bit more about her.

Q & A with Caron

IW: What would you do during a typical day?  

CARON: Over my early morning coffee my priority is to check emails and WhatsApp messages and I respond right away to plan my diary along with buyers and sellers for viewings/inspections.  Arrange marketing / advertising for our weekly open homes (we do most of this on social media) negotiate offers, liaise with Compliance Maintenance Teams, and take time for a little cold calling although most of our business comes from repeat and referral business.   

IW: How did you get into this industry?  

CARON: I was offered a position as Personal Assistant to the Principal of Homenet in Durban.  I had been there for about 3 hours when she called me aside and offered me a sales/agent position to start immediately, Gosh, what did I know about Real Estate, well I jumped right in and have never looked back.  Had my own Real Estate Co “Home and Away Properties” for 10 years before I joined Harcourts.  I love my Brand and my Harcourts Family.

IW: What do you enjoy most about your job?

CARON:  Matchmaking a buyer to their dream home.  I work closely with my buyers, there have been many times where I have done an appraisal and asked the sellers if I could bring a family as soon as possible.  Have sold many homes without even listing.

IW: What is the most challenging part of your job?

CARON:  Learning to switch off, take time for myself and my family.  Success has no limits and it is important to me to keep the focus.  Will have to work on this for some me and family time.

IW: What advice would you give others that are looking to move into this industry?

CARON:  Prompt communication, always be learning, brand yourself, live the Harcourts values every single day, go out and have fun with buyers and sellers.  Believe and you will achieve.  There is no limit to success, always create the finest experience.