Terry Ng’ang’a is a real estate investment expert, advisor and coach. She is also a realtor and director at Property Hall Investment Ltd which deals with buying and selling of land and other properties.
I used to think I needed the total amount to acquire an asset. This can be quite discouraging in real estate where capital is intensive. But I have since learned that when you start by making the first down payment, the rest follows. I have lost out on some very good land all because I thought I needed the total amount required to make the purchase.
With time I came to realize that I can make a payment plan with the seller and this gave me the energy and the determination to complete the transaction.
Being in real estate, customer satisfaction has been critical to my success and progress. Some of my proudest moments include seeing clients successfully develop property they acquire from my firm.
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The majority of my client base is made up of return customers and referrals. This gives me the assurance that I am on the right gear. Put your customer first and the returns will be inevitable.
Fear made me procrastinate on many things. Fear of whether I am good enough or whether I will make it. I always wanted to sell properties from when I cleared campus.
I never put all my energy into it, I could sell to people who were very close to me and also shy off when it came to marketing. I am certain I would have been able to offer great services and sell to lots of people even at that tender age.
All is not lost because I have gained immense expertise. I have been able to build my confidence and expertise one step at a time. I have learned so much from others and now I am bringing in my best version.
My best saving method so far has been purchasing what I really need. This gives me more money to put into savings. Accountants are very slow in spending and being one of them, I take my time planning. I have delayed gratification. You should be very conscious of your spending.
Live below your means and learn better money management. Start investing early as it creates the saving culture at that early stage. Never depend on a single income. Endeavor to make an investment that will create your second source of income. Check your gifts and talents and find out which ones you can monetize.
I live by the mantra ‘Feel the fear, but do it anyway!’ Fortune favours the brave. Believe in your capabilities and take a stepwise approach. You will always get there. Come out from your comfort zone.
You need to take chances, to take calculated risks and never fear failure as it is part of learning. Have great values of integrity and trustworthiness.
Also respect, treat and pay your employees well. It will give you peace of mind and they will work very well to help you achieve your goals.
Take 100 per cent responsibility for your life. Fear is on the other side of success. Have a written plan and take action. Keep reading and keep the right company. Saving is not an investment. Investing in real estate will give you passive income and help you reach your financial goals and secure your desired future.
It also helps you build generational wealth. Lastly, get to experience the 8th wonder of the world according to Albert Einstein – The compound effect of money. Money makes money. Start early and have delayed gratification. The best time to start is NOW.
A version of this profile feature on Terry Ng’ang’a of Property Hall Investment was also published in the Saturday Magazine. The Saturday Magazine is a publication of the Nation Media Group.
