Business

Conray Labuschagne Stays Strong Despite Multiple Life-Threatening Accidents

Published

5 years ago

May 7, 2020

Popular South African real estate czar, Conray Labuschagne, narrates his near-death experiences and how he survived the tribulations

Conray Labuschagne has done well to write his name in the history books when it comes to real estate investment. While the multimillionaire has gone on to live his dream of financial stability as he enjoys life with his family in Australia, Conray has had his trying times, some of which threatened his survival.

The mandatory national service for South Africans is often filled with fun experiences, with people meeting other nationals and sharing their diverse life experiences. However, Conray was not particularly ready for what the compulsory national service had in stock for him. Working as a detective during the service, Conray took 3 gunshot wounds having been shot in the line of duty over the years. This remains one of the entrepreneur’s relatively hidden secret to date.

Conray was coincidentally the survivor of 4 armed robbery situations that ordinarily would have led to his death. In 2019, the detective became a survivor of a lethal accident as a burn victim, with more than 65% of his entire body burned. Consequently, he was made to undergo skin grafting procedures from the lethal burns of third-degree wounds. His recuperation was not the easiest either, as he was resuscitated multiple times, his heart had stopped.

It was a near-death experience for Conray, as it took over 5 minutes for the ambulance to arrive. “If he had taken 3-10 seconds longer to put out the flames on his skin, he would not be alive today,” said the team of surgeons. The surgeons decided to amputate Conray’s left arm and leg to save his life. However, the determined Conray refused to sign the consent form.

The miraculous turnaround and Conray’s recovery remain a shocker to his close friends and loved ones, as he has completely recovered from the accident and has full function of both arms and legs. Thanking the Burns Department and surgeons at Royal Brisbane and Woman’s hospital in Queensland, as well as the Higher Power that watched over him, Conray attributes his survival to his strong mindset, determination, and extreme stubbornness to never give up.

Conray lives on a large property in Australia. Growing his own vegetables and fruits, Conray and his family are involved in nature preservation, especially the rainforest around his property. Conray has multiple horses and rescue animals on his property and enjoys mowing the lawn in his free time.

Business

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke: A New Approach to Fine Real Estate

Published

4 days ago

December 16, 2024

Matthew Wiles

Photo credit: Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke.

Byline: Andi Stark

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke, a real estate platform operating across Hawaii, is rewriting how properties are bought and sold in the region. Unlike larger firms reliant on public listings and mass marketing, Private Listings’ strategy prioritizes personalization, privacy, and meticulous curation of ultra-high-end, off-market properties, including oceanfront estates, gated community residences, and architectural masterpieces.

Harold Clarke, founder of Private Listings, describes their method as one that rejects “cookie-cutter solutions in favor of understanding the nuances of both buyers and sellers.” This approach has resonated with ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) seeking refined and discreet real estate transactions.

The Hawaiian real estate market remains a hub for global investors, with the median price for a single-family home in the state reaching $900,000 in 2024, according to the Hawaii Association of Realtors. Within this competitive landscape, Private Listings is building up to be a trusted name for properties that extend beyond luxury into generational investments.

Challenging the Industry Norms

Private Listings deliberately avoids the conventions of large-scale real estate firms. By focusing on fewer, higher-value properties, the company ensures that each transaction is treated with the same level of care and confidentiality.

Public listing platforms, while effective for broader markets, often expose sellers to unnecessary attention or unqualified inquiries. For Clarke, this model is misaligned with the needs of UHNWIs. “Privacy isn’t a luxury for our clients—it’s a necessity,” Clarke explains.

This philosophy has led Private Listings to handle some of Hawaii’s most significant real estate transactions, including off-market properties valued at over $40 million. Its success is not measured by the volume of listings but by the depth of trust built with clients, many of whom return for subsequent transactions.

Adapting to Changing Client Demands

While Private Listings maintains a foundation of traditional practices, the firm also recognizes the evolving needs of its clientele. The global real estate market is increasingly influenced by concerns over digital security, with a 15% rise in data breaches targeting high-net-worth individuals in the past three years, according to cybersecurity firm NortonLifeLock.

To address these risks, Private Listings employs rigorous screening for potential buyers and uses secure platforms for communication and transactions. The firm’s “by invitation only” model ensures that clients remain protected from the pitfalls of public exposure. Clarke notes, “Our goal is not just to sell homes but to create an environment where clients feel safe and confident during every step of the process.”

The Human Element in Real Estate Transactions

Despite advancements in technology, Private Listings firmly believes that real estate transactions cannot be reduced to algorithms or automation. Unlike firms that depend heavily on online data aggregation, Private Listings emphasizes human connection and insight.

The company’s sales strategy integrates personalized client interactions, in-depth market analysis, and years of experience navigating Hawaii’s unique real estate ecosystem. Clarke’s background in managing family assets and his global perspective is significant in shaping this essence.

Future Directions for Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke

As Hawaii continues to attract global attention, Private Listings aims to expand its influence within the state while maintaining its core principles. The company is currently developing a new platform to streamline services for UHNWIs, blending their demand for discretion with seamless access to Hawaii’s finest off-market properties.

Additionally, Private Listings is strengthening its ties with local communities, recognizing that sustainable growth benefits both the company and the islands’ ecosystems.

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke has set itself apart in Hawaii’s real estate scene by moving away from the typical mass-market approach. Through a mix of traditional values and modern sensibilities, the firm continues to define what it means to transact ultra-high-value properties with integrity and care.