DORMEHL Phalane Property Group (DPG) is now reaping the benefits of connection with a dynamic woman who is a master practitioner in real estate, a popular facilitator, a successful business owner and a widely celebrated mentor.
She is bubbly Freda Kooij of George in the Western Cape, owner and CEO of FK Consulting, which started working closely with DPG this month.
Freda. who has a Bachelor in Consumer Science and a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology and Sociology), will be supporting DPG with a full suite of compliance, training and professional development services – ranging from real estate regulatory compliance to practical, agent-focused mentorship.
Going into more detail, Freda adds that when it comes to compliance support, her team will be ensuring that all DPG offices and property practitioners remain aligned with PPRA requirements, documentation standards, audits and operational protocols. The team will ensure that all required training is done, by guiding each agent with a “personalised roadmap”.
The partnership with DPG developed organically over the past few months, says Freda, pointing out that FK Consulting facilitated workshops on compliance in all the regions in the second half of this year; and was then approached to offer all branches the service in a structured way.
“All DPG business owners will be integrated into the FK Consulting Business Network, gaining access to regular communication from the PPRA on compliance requirements; legal and regulatory updates; Continued Professional Development (CPD) assistance; industry insights and market updates; and expert opinions on relevant property and compliance matters,” explains Freda.
Additionally, there will be monthly online training sessions, and PDE4 and PDE5 exam-preparation sessions.
“Each monthly session will include a live online meeting (recorded for future access) and access to training materials (recordings and detailed notes). There will also be distribution of a monthly newsletter. This integrated support will ensure all agents remain well informed, compliant and prepared for ongoing industry developments.”
FK Consulting works with a network of specialised team members, contracted if needed, adds Freda, whose company was established in 2014.
“We serve clients nationwide, only working with real estate businesses. Our primary base has always been in George, but we work both in person and remotely. This allows us to service clients across South Africa.”
Asked about her early career, Freda says that after her university days, she was drawn to business, regulation and human development: “Real estate offered the perfect blend. It’s entrepreneurial, fast-moving, and requires both leadership and compliance insight, which naturally steered me into training and consulting”.
In her early career, she worked in corporate jobs, then qualified as an estate agent and had the opportunity to become part of Private Property as a franchisee, and served as National Operations Manager for many years.
“After Private Property realigned I had the opportunity to run Smartsell Real Estate which gave me invaluable, first-hand experience of the challenges principals and agents face daily,” she says.
Freda is proud of the fact that this year she was a finalist for the George Business Chamber’s Champion of Business Excellence award, which recognises outstanding contribution and unwavering pursuit of excellence.
She can also take pride in the fact that she has co-authored three publications, all collaborative projects focused on strengthening professionalism in the real estate industry.
All written to fill gaps in training materials available at the time, and all still used as reference resources, they include "Code of Conduct Booklet" (focused on real-estate code of conduct and practical best practice); "FICA at Your Fingertips" (which explains the requirements for estate agencies, from an agent’s perspective); and "The Rookie Guide to Real Estate" (a handbook designed to help real estate industry newcomers to navigate practical training, and which also gives content to the required workplace training that must be done in the regulated training).
Further discussing her relationship with DPG, she says: “I am most excited about helping a respected national brand unlock even more of its potential. Dormehl Phalane has a proud history and a strong culture; pairing that with structured development, consistent compliance and strengthened leadership can deliver remarkable, long-term growth. I look forward to contributing to that journey.
“The property sector is evolving quickly, and partnerships like this help agencies stay compliant, competitive and confident. It’s a privilege to be part of Dormehl Phalane’s next chapter.”
Home for Freda is in Little Brak River on the Garden Route: “Quiet and next to the beautiful ocean… and that suits my lifestyle perfectly”.
Away from business, she unwinds by running, and enjoys travelling locally and abroad. She adds that “quiet time with family and friends is non-negotiable, and keeps me grounded”.
Expanding on her penchant for running, Freda says: “I enjoy developing skills that challenge me physically. I started running as a non-runner in my late forties, and have completed Comrades and many other ultra-marathons”.
