“There are many ways to deliver a Real Estate Product” – Interview with Jim’s Real Estate Regional Franchisor – Trish Mewett

Recently, Eden Exchange spoke with Trish Mewett, Regional Franchisor for Jim’s Real Estate. In this interview, Trish provided some unique insights on the business, the benefits of the franchise and its unique position in the Australian real estate sector.

Eden Exchange
Hi Trish, it must be a very exciting time at the Jim’s Group with the introduction of Jim’s Real Estate. Could you tell us about how this idea was conceived and your contribution to its conception?

Trish Mewett
The Jim’s Group has been extending its divisions over many years including more recently the move into other areas such as finance and conveyancing. With that said I am surprised we have not seen the move in to real estate earlier. While the real estate industry is rapidly changing, one thing that will never change is the need for great customer service, especially in a real estate transaction where at times emotions can run high. I have had the pleasure of getting to know the Jim’s Group over the last year and expect it a great synergy, especially given the support the other services can give to real estate.

“Now is definitely the right time to give more opportunity and choice to clients in the marketplace.”

Eden Exchange
What is your role with Jim’s Real Estate? Can you tell us a bit about your background and career? What does an average work day look like for you?

Trish Mewett
I am the Divisional Franchisor and I manage and oversee the day to day running of the business. I am also the Licensee to the corporate license. I made the move to real estate back in 2011 after finding a love of property through investment and renovation. I have had the pleasure of working for the last six years in an alternative model in the Real Estate industry with Hello Real Estate, a model where the owner plays are more prominent role in the transaction. The knowledge I gained through this is a value add to the Jim’s Group and it combines well with  passion Jim has for customer service in a real estate transaction through both sales and property management.

Eden Exchange
Obviously, Jim’s has been a thriving franchise enterprise from mowing and cleaning to accounting and bookkeeping. Was real estate an expected venture for the team? Why is now the time for this opportunity?

Trish Mewett
Jim’s group offers a great system that when followed could well be executed in most businesses and professions. The industry has been in a transition period for several years and the market is now understanding that there are many ways to deliver a real estate product. Now is definitely the right time to give more opportunity and choice to clients in the marketplace.

“The welfare of our franchises and the support and success of their business is a huge goal for us”

Eden Exchange
What kind of goals do you have set for this new development?

Trish Mewett
We essentially have two main goals in the development stage. Firstly, we pride ourselves on the delivery of exceptional customer service while having the owner’s outcomes at the front of the transaction. Execution of this is imperative. Secondly, the welfare of our franchises and the support and success of their business is a huge goal for us. Our intention is to stay local in Victoria through the formative stages and move onto another state only when we feel we have met our goals of providing our clients with a seamless process.

Eden Exchange
What differentiates Jim’s Real Estate from other players in the real estate industry? What makes it an attractive proposition for real estate agents in the market?

Trish Mewett
Traditionally in real estate the main goal in a sales transaction is to achieve the best price for a property. Jim’s Real Estate will not only have that aim, it will also focus on the customer experience from start to finish. This will add value to the whole transaction and result in putting the property in the best position not only in the sales transaction but also for our property management clients.

Eden Exchange
What type of support does Jim’s Real Estate provide once a new franchisee commences?

Trish Mewett
The great thing about the Jim’s system is that “you are in business for yourself but not by yourself”. Not only is there Jim’s training and division specific training, we also provide access to Tom Panos’ Real Estate Gym for a year. This subscription helps give daily and ongoing support to those in Real Estate to try and assist the drive and motivation required for working within the industry and obtaining leads. We also have six weekly meetings to learn and share and a franchisee receives pro active calls from their Regional Franchisor.

Eden Exchange
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced to get Jim’s Real Estate off the ground to now? What challenges do you anticipate?

Trish Mewett
Real Estate is an industry that requires consideration and knowledge of legislative requirements and an understanding of several aspects in both sales and property management transactions. It has been an undertaking to ensure we have all licenses and the relevant structure surrounding that in place while trying to create a one platform one process methodology. I anticipate this will be an ongoing task as we believe in the importance of using technology to assist not only our franchisees but our clients to achieve the best outcome. Simultaneously, we need to stay abreast of legislative changes and ensure all team members are informed. You can never be across every challenge faced by an agent in Real Estate, however our goal is to share information and challenges amongst the team to continue knowledge increase and learnings.

“We are looking for franchisees that have a knowledge and understanding of the industry but also understand the importance of customer service in a real estate transaction.”

Eden Exchange
What are your immediate goals for Jim’s Real Estate and what are strategic priorities over the next year?

Trish Mewett
Our immediate goal is to ensure our franchisees have the training and support they require to deliver a consistent service and product to the market place. Our reputation will be built on how we deliver as a team and how we continue to grow learn and support each other at every level of the business. For the next year we are concentrating on the Victorian market and bedding down the systems and processes that will support our service delivery. Every market and state has its differences. This is why we will concentrate on one market at a time.

Eden Exchange
What kind of person will make a successful Franchisee for Jim’s Real Estate?

Trish Mewett
We are looking for franchisees that have a knowledge and understanding of the industry but also understand the importance of customer service in a real estate transaction. They need to be intrinsically focused and motivated and love what they do. Some of the other qualities that I see in our franchisees are drive, goal orientated, empathetic, resilience and confidence.

Eden Exchange
Thanks for your time Trish.

The Jim’s Group now has over 50 divisions the majority of whom remain dedicated to service provision of the homeowner. Jim’s Real Estate provides you with specific training and support which gives you a significant point of difference in the market.

This is an opportunity that allows you to keep 100% of your commissions, and a brand name that rings true to a large percentage of the Australian Homeowners.

For those with the right skill set, this is a ground floor opportunity not to be missed. Get in touch below for a confidential discussion

For more info head to this link