In the world of real estate, some careers are born out of coincidence, and others are woven into the very fabric of a person’s life. For Ruhuan Brown, founder and CEO of Maverick Realty, the property industry is not just a profession; it’s part of his DNA.
A career built on legacy
Ruhuan’s journey into real estate started at the tender age of seven. “I always tell people this, and then they laugh,” he says, “but it’s true.” Under the mentorship of his mother, a celebrated and award-winning Pam Golding agent, Ruhuan found his footing early. The lessons she taught him still echo through his approach today: honest service, client-first thinking, and resilience.
Ruhuan’s journey into real estate started at the tender age of seven. “I always tell people this, and then they laugh,” he says, “but it’s true.” Under the mentorship of his mother, a celebrated and award-winning Pam Golding agent, Ruhuan found his footing early. The lessons she taught him still echo through his approach today: honest service, client-first thinking, and resilience.
Since her passing in 2019, Ruhuan has not only honoured her legacy but pushed forward with a renewed sense of purpose, elevating his career and creating a space for others to thrive through Maverick Realty.
First sales and community roots
Ruhuan’s first sale came through a family friend looking to relocate to Namibia. The buyer? A newly qualified neurosurgeon who wanted to invest early in her financial future. “It happened so quickly,” he recalls. “It was clear from the start that this was what I was meant to do.”
He has since made Melville his home base, a neighbourhood rich in character, architectural charm, and tight-knit community. From Parktown North to Craighall Park, Ruhuan’s portfolio spans diverse areas, each with its own quirks and appeal. “I love the blend of old and new,” he says. “From pressed ceilings and stained glass to modern finishes, it’s a feast for anyone with an eye for design.”
Reading the market
As the market shifts, so too does Ruhuan’s strategy. He notes a positive turn in sales momentum but acknowledges that buyers remain highly price-sensitive. “Location is key, and today’s buyers, especially what I call the ‘new age buyers’, want open-plan, light-filled homes with space to work remotely and generate passive income through cottages.”
Security, unsurprisingly, is also top of mind. Ruhuan is frank: “We live in South Africa, vigilance is part of life. But it’s how we respond and secure our spaces that makes the difference.”
To stay ahead, he prepares quarterly market reports for his focus areas and keeps his finger firmly on the local pulse.
Empowering first-time buyers
With first-time buyers, Ruhuan’s goal is to demystify the process. “Knowledge is power,” he says. “There’s so much they don’t teach you at school or university, and I try to fill in those gaps and build trust.”
Tech-forward, human-centred
Maverick Realty is built for modern business. Ruhuan runs a virtual office with a centralised CRM, backend listing tools, and a brand-consistent marketing suite. “Agents can work from anywhere. But we also keep it simple, too many tools can slow you down.”
His ideal automation? Appointment setting. “It’s a juggling act aligning diaries; if we could automate that, life would be easier!”
Career milestones and meaningful moments
Winning Best Newcomer of the Year was a defining achievement, but Ruhuan’s proudest moments are the deeply personal ones. He recalls a Melville home sold during a time of emotional upheaval: his mother had recently passed, and he and his wife were expecting their first child. The buyer, too, was navigating loss.
“There was a real emotional connection,” he says. “We understood each other. We still stay in touch today, seller, buyer, and me. That’s what it’s about.”
Advice for new agents
His message to aspiring agents is simple but powerful: “Never give up. Be persistent. Don’t let anyone tell you you’re not enough.” Real estate is not for the faint-hearted, he warns. It’s full-time, high-energy, and deeply demanding. “But if you build momentum, the rewards are worth it.”
Building Maverick Realty
In the year ahead, Ruhuan plans to grow his agency by hiring and mentoring new agents, especially those working towards their NQF4 qualifications. “I want to help shape the next wave of real estate professionals. Sharing what I’ve learned and building something lasting.”
Client service, always
Ruhuan maintains constant communication with clients, creating WhatsApp groups for each listing so that landlords, sellers, and tenants stay informed in real-time. “We tell sellers what they need to hear and not just what they want to hear.”
His go-to home staging tip? “Clean, neutral, and inviting. Pops of colour with pillows and throws, but let the space breathe.”
Life outside the office
When he’s not closing deals, Ruhuan recommends newcomers explore the local outdoors; park runs, hikes, and canoeing are all favourites. And on tough days? “My family keeps me going. They’re my why.”
As for his coffee order? “Butterscotch latte from Seattle Coffee. It keeps the wheels turning.”
