CHANGING LIVES WITH PROPERTY MOGUL TT MBHA

We chat to property mogul and Mzansi Cribs host TT Mbha about the property business, his TV show and how to add value to your property without breaking the bank.

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Popularly known as TT, his show is a favourite among Mzansi Magic viewers. Easygoing, friendly and approachable, TT was born and bred in Pimville, Soweto. The 42-year-old was raised to be humble and respectful, irrespective of anyone’s social status. ‘I was raised like a typical kasi boy who had to play soccer,’ he laughs, ‘but I soon discovered my love of public speaking, tennis and water polo because I’ve always been a different child with different interests.’

It was not by chance that he found himself in the type of business that allowed him to interact with people and help them find the homes of their dreams. His real estate career started when he interned as an estate agent in 2014. He worked under the wing of a qualified estate agent for a year, then wrote his board exam the following year to qualify as a professional practitioner. In 2016 he qualified as a master practitioner in real estate.

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IGNITING THE DREAM
Since then, he has gone on to forge a hugely successful real estate career, having founded Black Real Estate and Mzansi Cribs, both of which focus on real estate marketing and sales. When asked why he chose a career in property, TT recalls his fascination with houses from an early age. ‘I would find myself walking around Pimville all day in the scorching sun, admiring beautiful homes, especially corner homes. This is where my love for real estate was ignited,’ he says. He is passionate about sales and marketing. ‘They cannot be separated,’ he grins. ‘A good marketing plan creates a solid foundation for a good sales plan. I enjoy putting together the marketing plan first and using that to finally close the sale on the back of a solid marketing plan.’

Real estate is said to be a cut-throat industry. So what’s the most valuable lesson he’s learnt over the years? ‘You’re only as good as your last transaction,’ he says. ‘So being comfortable is never an option in business because the competition will always be on your tail to get your customers onto their books.’ That said, one of the perks of being an estate agent is the fat commission. TT clearly remembers his first commission of 90,000⁰⁰ – and how he didn’t get to splurge a single cent of it! ‘I made a clause blunder on the offer that cost me my entire commission,’ he says ruefully. ‘Unfortunately, I paid my “school fees” from my very first deal and I will never make such a mistake again because the lesson came at a high price.’

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UMUNTU NGUMUNTU NGABANTU
TT says one of the biggest misconceptions about the property business is that only white people are successful in the real estate business. ‘I got into the industry to put an end to that misconception by proving that against all odds, qualified black property practitioners like myself can compete head-on, at the highest level, with white estate agents.’ 

His TV show, Mzansi Cribs, invites viewers to nominate special people in their lives who are deserving of a room makeover. The first season was well received, making it to number 11 on the list of the Top 20 most-watched shows in the country. ‘The show is a success because its premised on the idea of changing lives while restoring dignity, one room at a time,’ he smiles. ‘It is a show that every South African can immediately relate to and connect with, because it unapologetically promotes the spirit of ‘Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu’, which is much needed during these trying Covid-19 times.’

He adds that one of the best parts about working on the show is the emotional reaction from each family when they get to reveal their beautiful new space. ‘It is the most heartwarming and fulfilling part of the show for me because it validates why God chose me to create and host this show.’

Related article: Spruce up your home with Jet

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TT’S TOP TIPS ON RENOVATING

• First, take the time to do careful research and consult various experts who offer free renovation advisory services.
• Avoid using suppliers who are not qualified for the job, as you immediately lose any guarantee on workmanship and you will have no legal recourse if the job isn’t done properly.
• The biggest misconception people have is that contractors never finish a project on time. That only happens when you don’t use qualified builders and there’s no signed agreement to keep the builder legally accountable.
• A paint-over can do wonders to any space without breaking the bank.

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