Sun, Sand and Sold:

For Steven, real estate is the mix that keeps things interesting - people, property, and big financial decisions - and he doesn’t take that responsibility lightly.

“People move here to build a life, raise a family, slow down a little - and to be trusted with that kind of decision is something I’ve never taken lightly.”

Before real estate, Steven worked as a Chartered Accountant, which still shapes how he advises clients today - with structure, evidence, and a clear head.

“Numbers, structure, discipline - that world shaped how I think,” he explains. “I’m not someone who makes decisions on gut feel alone. I want to understand the data, the market, the financial picture behind every property.”

Steven’s unique approach to real estate has helped him achieve success for his clients and himself – with recognition as a finalist for the REB Regional Sales Agent of the Year, the Real Estate Rising Star Award, and a Suburb Top Agent.  

And the results and recognition sowed the seed of building an independent brand of his own, where he can control how he operates - not for control’s sake, but so the service could match the standard he expects.  

“I reached a point where I knew exactly the kind of service I wanted to deliver,” he says, “and I wanted the freedom to actually deliver it without compromise.”

Like most business owners, Steven says there were fears - building the client base, establishing the brand, and getting traction in a competitive market. But he also knew he’d put the groundwork in: strong relationships, a clear vision, and a deep understanding of the market, both as an agent and an investor. “The fears were real,” he says, “but so was the preparation - and patience is part of the process.”

Steven chose to partner with URBAN X because the model aligned with a boutique, high-touch approach - supporting quality over volume, while giving him the independence to run the business his way.

“URBAN X aligned with what I was building,” he says. “The fit felt right from the beginning - values, approach, and a real understanding of where the market is heading.”

He describes the experience so far as a strong foundation to launch from.

“Genuinely positive,” Steven says. “There’s a collaborative energy there that I appreciate - they’ve been supportive without being prescriptive. I have the independence I need to run du Preez & Co the way I want to, and the backing of a platform that understands what agents at this level are trying to achieve. It’s been a strong foundation to launch from.”

Looking ahead, Steven’s focus remains simple and clear: “Less noise. Real estate done properly.”

For other agents considering the move, Steven advises “Going independent isn’t for everyone, and there’s no shame in that,” he says. “But if you’ve got clarity on your ‘why’ and you’re prepared to back yourself, it’s incredibly rewarding. Don’t rush it, but don’t let fear talk you out of it either.”

Have you been thinking about building your own agency?

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Contact URBAN X to start the conversation.