by Kate de Wet , Head of Marketing at Galetti Corporate Real Estate

As a marketing professional who’s been submerged in the world of commercial real estate for the last 3 years and has seen countless trends come and go, I’ve recently stumbled upon an intriguing pattern in the real estate world. It’s not about owning the most properties but the dealmaking behind their transactions. This discovery led me down a path of exploration into the lives of those who’ve quietly amassed fortunes not by purchasing real estate, but by brokering it.

Globally we have seen huge interest in watching the likes of Selling Sunsets, Million Dollar listing etc. Where brokers like Ryan Serhant and Fredrik Eklund have shot to stardom building significant following and transactional volume at the same time. In South Africa, we have seen the same trend where brokers and agents alike are creating their profiles and concluding multi-million rand transactions around the country.

These stories are more common than one might think. They represent a growing trend among young professionals who are redefining success in the real estate industry. They’re not your typical property moguls with vast portfolios. Instead, they’re savvy, educated individuals who’ve learned that the real power in real estate lies in brokering deals, understanding legal complexities, and navigating client needs.

The real estate reality series is largely based on residential transactors who work with HNW across the globe to facilitate transactions. I discovered in South Africa that significant deals are concluded in the commercial space. Both in the selling and leasing of commercial offices, warehouses and retails centres. I caught up with Wes Cowana Director at Galetti who specialises in Auction, Advisory, and leasing of commercial real estate. Without sharing too much with me Wesley was able to confirm that commercial transactions range from the low millions to billions concluded in a single transaction.

“The right people can walk in in their late twenties and thirties and start working with significant clients very quickly. It takes a keen mind and the ability to create solutions for clients quickly and efficiently. Being quick with numbers is also a valuable skill when it comes to working with the country’s biggest business. It is just that, working with corporates at an executive level and providing them with the best solution as fast as possible.” – Wes Cowan

What’s remarkable about this career is its accessibility. It’s not limited to those with substantial starting capital. It’s open to anyone willing to learn the ropes and work hard. This revelation is reshaping how we view success in real estate and opening doors for a new generation of brokers who are quietly building their fortunes, one deal at a time.

Working in the marketing space, I’ve covered success within various industries, but the real estate brokerage scene stands out. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most effective path to success isn’t the most conventional one. It’s a world where ambition, intellect, and skill can trump capital – a refreshing perspective.

In an era where the barriers to entry in real estate seemed insurmountable. This phenomenon isn’t just a series of isolated incidents but a growing trend, a testament to the evolving landscape of wealth creation.

As I delve deeper into this trend, I find it’s about more than just making money. It’s about a shift in mindset, about understanding that in today’s world, your value lies not just in what you own, but in the knowledge and skills you possess. It’s a lesson for the young, ambitious, and entrepreneurial-minded: in the real estate game, the role of a broker might be your unexpected ticket to success.