Eefje Voogd: 'Don't sit back, think ahead'

Today a woman in De Kruiwagen Van... who received several awards during her career, such as Real Estate Woman of the Year and New Construction Broker of the Year. Eefje Voogd is a broker and appraiser at Eefje Voogd Makelaardij. A household name in the real estate world, so to speak. In 2021, CBRE took over the brokerage. Eefje's career is rock solid, but who helped build this house? Who was her wheelbarrow?

Today a woman in 'De Kruiwagen Van...' who received several awards during her career, such as Real Estate Woman of the Year and New Construction Broker of the Year. Eefje Voogd, broker/appraiser of Eefje Voogd Makelaardij. A household name in the real estate world, so to speak, MASTERS. In 2021, CBRE took over the brokerage. Eefje's career is rock solid, but who helped build this house? Who was her wheelbarrow?Text: Mical Joseph
Image: Eefje Voogd

What was your very first job?

“When I was just in high school in Amsterdam, I was looking for a Saturday job and ended up at a glove, hat and haberdashery store on the Ceintuurbaan. For my job interview, I borrowed my mother's Peacock Pleated Skirt so I could look a little older and proper. I got hired! Our clientele often included older ladies. They came from Beethovenstraat (and surroundings) to buy their buttons. I had to have endless patience to help find the right buttons for a few guilder cents. Then a cardigan came out of the bag, was placed on the counter and we looked for matching buttons for the garment. It sometimes took a lot of deliberation for the customer. These indecisive ladies taught me how to be patient with a customer and the power of persuasion. During my part-time job I learned how to sell and be service-oriented.”

How did you end up in your current job?

“I ended up in the real estate industry through an internship before school. I was in high school and had to do an internship at a company for a week. It was difficult to find a place at the time, but my mother, a real estate agent at the time, had arranged for me to go to a real estate agency in Amsterdam South. I was allowed to tag along with a female real estate agent for a week and from that moment on I was really captivated by the profession. After my internship, I worked half days as a receptionist at this office. A blue Monday in the Accounting department, after which I continued my career in real estate.”

Who was your wheelbarrow? 

“My mother has been an important driving force throughout my career. As a child I already went to the house auction. We didn't have a babysitter at home and my mother sometimes had to go to the house auction on Monday evening, which was then still held in the Koepelkerk. After the auction I went to the Koepelcafé. I was there as a 'daughter of' and remember a special atmosphere of doing business, celebrating successes and of course conviviality. In addition, my mother arranged the aforementioned internship for me at the time. This is often the case with the children of real estate agents: when these young people are looking for an internship, they usually end up with a colleague somewhere.”

What did your mother give you?

“She has given me a lot. First of all: be independent. Make sure you learn a trade, have your own income and are not dependent on others. That you can make independent choices in life. My mother was mainly referring to private life. In the late 80s you had the Postbus 51 campaign: 'A smart girl is prepared for her future'. I remember being very surprised by that: 'Wow, doesn't everyone from home get that?' But my mother was steadfast and taught me: be service-oriented, work hard and be there for your customers day and night. Even though people can be unpleasant at times; often that is uncertainty. She also taught me to always remain honest, honest, correct and friendly. And furthermore: if you don't know something in business terms, don't sell nonsense, but just honestly say that you don't know something, that you will find out and come back to it later.”

What has been the biggest learning moment in your career? 

“I find this difficult, because I don't have the greatest learning moment and I also think it is dangerous to think that you have already had your greatest learning moment. You must always stay sharp. For me, every day has learning moments and I now have a backpack full. The profession is always subject to major changes, but that is the beauty of real estate. You never stop learning and that makes my work very interesting. Every day is a new challenge. It makes me enjoy going to work every time. I can explain that sometimes you have to say no, but that is not necessarily in my system, and that is why this is sometimes difficult. Over the years I have learned to do this more and more!”

What advice would you give to your 18 year old self?

“Hard work and passion can get you very far. Don't sit back, but think ahead. Anticipate. Be proactive and show initiative. When it comes to work: be creative, immerse yourself in social trends, read all the professional literature available and keep your ears and eyes open. On the street, nationally, but also internationally. In addition, listen carefully to your customers and make a difference if you want to move forward. So provide super service. Work thoroughly and be independent in your advice. And Last but not least: Selling no is also selling.”

Have you been a wheelbarrow for someone?

“I have helped certain people with their careers. I have always had interns in the office and I think it is important to give young people a place who show an interest in the profession. There are many students who have advanced in real estate. I am also a matchmaker, because I have introduced employers and employees to each other over the years.”