- FUNKE KEHINDE, Pres. REMs Realtors Explains
On Saturday, 25th August 2018, the maiden edition of an Annual Real Estate Conference tagged: “Real Estate Millionaires Reloaded (REMs) was held at 33-37 Shogbamu Street, by New Garage, Gbagada, Lagos.
The programme was put together by an energetic real estate queen, Funke Kehinde. She said that, Real Estate Millionaires has been fully incorporated, which means it’s now a fully registered company. One of the main objectives of the event was to teach Nigerians how to make money through real estate.
The company, REMs, unveiled some of its directors. They are; Kemi Agbelusi, Benita Mberekpe, Mrs Olabisi Ogunwale, Mr. Simon Adozi and Mrs Funke Kehinde, President of the organisation. While Barrister Obasuyi Adebayo, Barrister Ada Dike were also unveiled as company’s legal advisers.
The conference was moderated by an amiable comedian. Forever.
The Guest Speaker at the event, Mr Ubong King, cited many instances and examples of how people could become millionaire through dedication and hardwork. He revealed the secrets to help people become millionaires. According to him, “Realtors should not be afraid of insult, as insult is part of a good entrepreneur”. He also said he started his business in his bedroom and he had a target of 100 million, which he wrote everywhere in his house. He also revealed how he made his first big break through mobile phone; when somebody asked him if he could do Maritime Security. And that was how he had his breakthrough.
Paul Foh, a real estate sales coach, also urged and encouraged attendees in the programme to strive to become millionaires in the real estate business.
Mrs. Kehinde spoke with City People’s Senior Reporter, ISAAC ABIMBADE, about the new idea of a company.
She said the meaning of the acronym REMs is Real Estate Millionaires, adding that they are the people changing the game in the real estate industry.
The conventional way of doing real estate is that, you buy, you get a client and you sell. But we are taking it beyond that. You will find out that, there’s nobody or organisation taking care of realtors, welfare, their well-being, it’s just about you selling for me, take your commission and you go. We want to change that! A real estate person is not different from a lawyer. He/she is not different from any other person, who is well paid and well taken care off with pension, that has health maintenance facility and all other proper benefits. That’s why we came in. It’s not just selling. We want to take care of our people, to make sure they have pension to fall back on when they stop working. So, it’s a game changer for us. We are bringing it hot and in a beautiful way, where every realtor would be happy and proud to be a realtor.
How do you want to achieve all these? “The same way you would put part of your salary aside for pension, the same way, but in a better structured way.
We do give incentives, meaning that, if we set a target and you meet that target, we would give you an incentive package for you and your family to go abroad free!. That means you have worked for it and you have earned it. It’s just about making life better and get better packaging for our people.
Ma, you have been handsomely rewarded for your efforts in the sector last year/this year. How have you been able to achieve this feat? First and foremost, I will say nobody can do anything without God. God has been my strength. He has been my rock.
Secondly, you have to show up everyday. You have to be consistent. Whatever sector you are, for you to become a success you have to show up everyday. Do what you do everyday. Show integrity. Let your word be your bond.
What is the key ingredient one must have to sell in this competitive industry (Real Estate)? First and foremost, integrity. Don’t tell your client the land is dry when you know it’s not. Don’t tell him it’s 2 minutes drive from Lekki-Epe expressway, when you know that it’s a far distance inside. Let your client know what they are coming to see before leaving their houses. Tell them the truth about the land. Then, you can now talk of relationship. All my clients have become members of family. I treat clients like members of my family. I know their birthdays, their wives’ birthdays These are things you use to worm your way into the hearts of your clients. And, of course, they would give referrals. That’s the secret!
How did your love for real estate start?
My love for real estate started from the major problem I had. There was a time I had accommodation problem. So, I experienced how it was not to have a house of your own. From then, I recognised a problem, a gap and I said I’m going to fill the gap. I wanted to also help majority of people solve that type of problem and that’s how I started.
Was real estate your first job?
Of course not. I read Business Administration in school and I was initially doing buying and selling. I was buying and selling all sort of clothes; children and women’s wears. But when the accommodation problem started, I realised what people go through and that’s how I decided to say I would fill the gap in the sector.
How did you become the favourite consultant of top real estate companies?
I will say it’s the grace of God, hardwork, consistence and relationship.
How can you describe or differentiate your company, and this new body you just launched? REMs is a body and we market for all the companies. So, we need to talk to them as one body. If you are talking to developers and MDs, you would achieve more as a body, you would get more than one person.
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