Get to know luxury realtor Michiel De Vogeleer
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Michiel De Vogeleer is the founder of 'De Vogeleer Property' - powered by eXp Realty. He has earned his position as one of the top realtor’s in Cape Town through his genuine care and attention, market expertise, utilising an adaptive marketing strategy.
Michiel leads a team responsible for representing buyers and sellers with distinguished architectural estates and new luxury developments.
Michiel achieved a fast exponential growth due to his creative business mind in the real estate industry. Michiel, a Belgian native, has always had a strong affinity for adventure sports and travel.
This passion eventually led him to settle in Cape Town, which is now his home. Michiel places a significant emphasis on customer service and innovative thinking in his pursuits. We had the opportunity to speak with him to gain insights into his real estate expertise.
GQ - Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in real estate?
The first time I came to SA was almost 15 years ago. Cape Town is the place to be for windsurfers who enjoy the waves. At the time, I was working practically every day for 10 months a year in tourism, which allowed me to escape European winter for 2 months.
The experience gave me understanding about property and accommodation. When I permanently moved to SA about 7 years ago, I launched a tourism start-up which soon after partnered with KiteBnB. We leased properties which we were allowed to rent out on short term booking platforms.
Quickly after I got into real estate where I experienced fast growth. But the fundamentals are the same, selling a the South African Lifestyle through property with eXp Realty.
GQ - There are many real estate firms on the market, what makes eXp Realty unique?
In less than 3 years, eXp Realty grew over a 1.000 agents in South Africa due to it’s disruptive business model and services we provide to sellers and developers. That is most likely the fastest growth in Real Estate.
Globally we have 88.0000 agents in the 24 countries combined. We are completely cloud based. Our office is a metaverse to connect the whole world faster. All agents are independent property practitioners under eXp Realty.
This means that the agents in general approach the industry with a more entrepreneurial and collaborative mindset. We can sell anywhere in South Africa and even beyond borders.
‘’Chat to me if you are an experienced real estate professional interested to join my team.’’
GQ - List 3 things that make your current listing Hip House on 186 Loop Street a luxury listing?
It’s the most famous Penthouse in Cape Town. Many exclusive events and functions have been held here. Large pool and outdoor bar on your private deck of 144 square meter. Uninterrupted postcard views over Devil’s Peak, Table Mountain and Lion’s Head.
GQ - What kind of clients could benefit from your services?
My team is very inclusive, so any type of client will find solutions to their specific property needs. Personally, I get most excited about all types of investors. I really like to connect people even beyond real estate.
5. What is one thing you would tell a young agent about having a successful and lasting career in the industry?
Control internal factors that come with entrepreneurship: self-motivation, falling in love with learning, take forever responsibility, try everything but narrow down when you get clarity on your long term vision and strengths.
Last but not least: collaborate as much as you can with like-minded people and create long lasting partnerships. My core values that helps me forward are still: Innovation, collaboration and transparency.
GQ - How do you think the luxury real estate industry will continue to evolve in South Africa?
We have seen a shift in demographics of luxury property purchasers in South Africa. Many South Africans have a pessimistic outlook on the future of the country. Many are semi-grating to the Western Cape and emigrating. Internationals at the other hand start to really value the affordability and the benefits it brings to their life-experience.
This trend will develop further. In daily conversations with many nationalities, few people in the world are happy with how their country is governed. In any case a diversification of global assets is always smart thing to do. They say the grass is greener on the other side but it’s actually only greener where you water it.
GQ - What role does social media play in the world of real estate?
Social Media is what you want it to be. A paid advertisement lead generator, a networking platform, your personal listing platform, virtual business card. It cannot be missed in your marketing mix as it will help you build and scale the community you’re creating.
Community is one of your most valuable assets you will possess in your business and life. Social Media is where everybody hangs out. It is a parallel virtual reality, that will soon change into a more immersive experience. I have been closing sales in my metaverse and through virtual 360 tours consistently.
GQ - Describe the eXp Realty experience in 3 words?
Network-king , Exponential (growth), Disruptive
GQ - What is next for Michiel?
Selling Hip House on 186 Loop Street penthouse and all other properties we have listed at De Vogeleer Property. Growing my national and international team of real estate entrepreneurs to maximize our global network in order to deliver the best marketing for all types of developers. In the bigger sphere of things: Inspire property practitioners to implement new generation marketing strategies and while doing so, learn from them as well.
website: devogeleer.property
email: michiel.devogeleer@expsouthafrica.co.za
phone: +27 83 653 0680