Life in the spotlight can become lonely, but keeping a sound mind with a positive and grateful attitude is what keeps Annette Kasselman motivated.
As a registered property professional (PPRE) at RealNet Properties, Annette spends a lot of her time with people and hunting down marketable houses within the Free State and sometimes countrywide, for her clients. She started her career in real estate at a later stage in her life and wishes she could have done it sooner.
Through the years she has helped some of her friends and family members from out of town to find properties in Bloemfontein by approaching local agents on their behalf.
She then met with the RealNet Principal while visiting mutual friends and he promptly convinced her to pursue a career in property – a move that her family whole heartedly supported. “I’ve always been in the ‘people’s business’. When we decided to move to Bloemfontein and I was house-hunting, I came across a few ‘loop-holes’ in the industry and I wanted to try and change that. This career also offered me the option of working flexible hours, giving me the time to spend with my husband and kids, next to the sports field or some leisure time, but I soon realized that if I wanted to be successful at this new found passion of mine, I need to do this job permanently”
She added it is a bit challenging for women in the industry as sometimes changing perceptions and overcoming gender bias is a gradual process that requires collective effort from individuals, organizations, and society as a whole but by working together she said that, there can be a more equitable and inclusive environment for women in all industries.
“As women, we feel that we just need to work so much harder, do so much more research, and put in the extra efforts to prove ourselves.”
Apart from receiving numerous accolades for her success in the industry, Annette says that being the best wife, mother, and grandmother to her family is what she is most proud of.
Design element: Annette is never without her cell phone, wallet, and her diary. “On the side, always some lip gloss and perfume just in case.”
Get in touch: Annette Kasselman, Non-Principal Property Practitioner
C: 082 900 6008
T: 051 430 4790
Text and photography: GYPSEENIA LION
