Linah Marijeni: A Journey of Dedication and Achievement in Real Estate

Introduction

Linah Marijeni is a dedicated professional, a wife, and a proud mother of three boys. She serves as a realtor and is one of the directors of Tyson Properties Richards Bay, where she and her team specialise in the selling and leasing of both residential and commercial properties.

Early Career and Beginnings in Real Estate

Linah’s career in real estate began in 2010. Reflecting on her start, she recalls, “My real estate journey started with another agency. After receiving a call from the principal asking me to join his team, my quickest response was, ‘I would like to ask my husband first and I’ll get back to you’.” This moment marked the beginning of her enduring commitment to the industry.

Joining Tyson Properties

The decision to join Tyson Properties in 2017 was a significant turning point for Linah. She was drawn to the company’s strong reputation and values, but the choice was not made lightly. “We evaluated different franchises and even spoke to other agencies,” Linah remembers. “But Tyson Properties kept coming to mind. The fact that it is a trusted brand, and I was able to relate myself to that, made it an easy choice,” she explains. Transitioning into Tyson Properties was a pivotal shift from her previous agency and came with its own set of challenges, but Linah embraced the opportunity with courage and faith. “Coming from a different work environment, it felt like a career shift and hence challenging as well. Nevertheless, fate was stubborn. With the support of my family, my real estate journey has been successful.”

Personal Motivation and Support

Linah’s goals were clear and ambitious from the start. “My biggest dream back then was to be the most trusted and successful agent in South Africa.” Throughout her journey, her family has been her greatest inspiration and driving force. She also acknowledges Chris Tyson, the group chief executive officer, as a major mentor and supporter.

Working alongside her husband, Regis, for eight years has added another dimension to her professional life. Linah admits that balancing personal and professional responsibilities has been challenging, but through experience, they have managed to find harmony. “Of course, it has been difficult balancing our personal life and work, but we do balance each other, and we are successful.”

Leadership Philosophy and Work Ethic

Linah believes strongly in leading by example and upholding professional values. “Luckily, I’m not a lazy person,” she laughs. “I lead by example. When I’m with my employees, I roll up my sleeves and show them how things should be done.” For Linah, empathy, passion, and attention to detail are essential qualities for realtors, especially since real estate is fundamentally about people. She highlights the importance of integrity and confidentiality, particularly when handling sensitive matters like divorce. “My biggest strength is that I’m trustworthy. When I’m handling personal information, I manage it with confidentiality, especially in sensitive matters like divorce. I make sure I deal with both parties well.”

Industry Challenges and Achievements

The real estate industry has faced significant challenges in recent years. Linah notes, “Our market has been volatile due to rising interest rates and inflation, leaving people with low disposable incomes. The economy has remained depressed with no meaningful growth. However, the current drop in interest rates has had a positive impact on the market.”

Despite these headwinds, Linah and her team have made a significant impact, expanding the Tyson Properties brand across the Zululand region. “We successfully introduced the Tyson Properties brand in Zululand and developed it into one of the leading real estate brands,” she shares. Their efforts have garnered recognition, with their company winning the Tyson Properties Top Office in KwaZulu-Natal Award three times. Linah herself has received the prestigious Chairman’s Award and has been a Double Diamond Achiever for the past five years. She has also enjoyed company reward trips to the Maldives and Sicily.

Vision for the Future

Linah encourages those entering the real estate field to embrace its challenges and rewards. “Real estate is worth every penny and it’s rewarding,” she advises. “Focus, hard work, resilience, persistence, and passion are the key ingredients for success.”

She also recognises the increasing importance of regulatory compliance. With the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA) and the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FIC Act) in full force, Linah is committed to upholding legal and ethical standards. “Tyson Properties has implemented the systems, controls, and training to ensure we uphold every legal and ethical standard.”

Looking ahead, Linah is passionate about development and youth empowerment. “I want to recruit and develop youth, as they are the future of real estate. My future goals are to become a successful developer for residential properties, especially for low- and medium-income earners.” She envisions building quality residential estates in Richards Bay, emphasising the importance of proximity to schools, parks, shops, and other amenities.

Commitment to Excellence and Personal Balance

Balancing work and personal life remains a priority for Linah. She has established efficient organisational systems and practises effective delegation, which allows her to ensure downtime. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, baking, and gardening.

Conclusion

Linah Marijeni’s story is one of determination, faith, and passion. She has not only built a successful career but has also inspired those around her through her integrity, balance, and unwavering commitment to excellence.