Maxine Wardthen: A Familiar Name, A Renewed Purpose

It’s only January, and the year is already finding its rhythm. For Maxine Wardthen, fondly known as one of the original faces of Shelley Residential, the year marks a meaningful return. Having come full circle to the agency where her real estate career first took shape, this chapter is defined by growth, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose.

From Blueprints to Buyers
Some careers are carefully planned. Others unfold through instinct, curiosity, and a willingness to say yes when the right opportunity presents itself. Maxine’s journey into real estate belongs firmly in the latter category. Originally trained and qualified as a civil engineer, she developed a strong foundation in problem-solving, structure, and practical execution. Skills that benefit her clients today.

Before entering real estate, Max worked on transportation engineering projects and later moved into property development with Projecon. There, she was involved in on-site project management and administrative work, gaining first-hand insight into how developments come together from the ground up. The job came with long days behind a desk and a growing sense of restlessness.“I wanted something different every single day,” she recalls. “I was tired of the office and looking for something more dynamic and more human.”

That shift came when Josh Buitendach recognised her potential. He saw the personality, drive, and elusive X-factor she had yet to fully recognise herself. In October 2019, Max officially joined Shelley Residential and made an immediate impact. Within her first two weeks, she achieved R7 million in sales, a milestone she remains proud of. To date, she has successfully sold 54 homes with the agency.

Building the Foundation
Max began her sales career in Westville before finding her stride in Cowies Hill, where everything began to align. The area suited her energy, her pace, and the way she connects with people. As a younger generation of buyers gravitated towards Cowies Hill for its lifestyle, security, and sense of community, they also found themselves drawn to Max. Her momentum grew, and the area quickly became her natural territory.

Then came 2020. While the pandemic introduced uncertainty across many industries, it became one of Shelley Residential’s most active periods. With interest rates at historic lows, younger buyers entered the market with urgency. With no show houses permitted, viewings were private, timelines were tight, and trust became the foundation of every sale. “That challenge shaped my career more than anything else,” Max reflects.

Breaking New Ground
In 2022, Max took on a new challenge when Shelley Residential expanded into the Upper Highway with the opening of a new branch. While the brand was well established in Westville and Pinetown, this was new territory. It was a small team with a big mandate to build brand presence while simultaneously delivering results.

As a resident of the Upper Highway at the time, Max felt well-positioned to add value. It was a natural progression, especially as buyers drawn to Westville and Cowies Hill often extend their search further up the hill. Although the branch later merged with Head Office, the experience broadened her expertise and reinforced her belief in continuous growth and stepping beyond comfort zones.

Where Structure Meets Strength
When asked which clients she most enjoys working with, Max is refreshingly honest.“My heart has always belonged to buyers,” she says. “Especially first-time buyers. Walking that journey with them, seeing excitement turn into certainty, never stops feeling special.”

One buyer, Meryl Vandayar, shared: “We valued the personalised service we received from Shelley. Communication was easy, and Maxine was distinctive in matching us to the property we wanted. We wouldn’t think of anyone else for our real estate needs.”

Managing expectations is an essential part of the process, and Max approaches it with honesty, empathy, and market insight. “Every wish list has a reason behind it,” she explains. “Once you understand that, you can guide buyers towards homes that tick most of their boxes. Some comfortably within budget, others stretching it just enough to spark possibility.”

While buyers are her passion, Max has been equally successful representing sellers. “We’re not selling shelf items,” she says. “We’re working with people’s lives, finances, and futures. Strategy matters, but so does meeting clients where they are.”

Why Shelley Residential?
“Shelley Residential will always feel like home,” Max says. Leaving was difficult, but returning felt inevitable. What she missed wasn’t just the work, but the enjoyment of it. Few agencies, she believes, balance hard work with genuine passion as naturally as this team.

For Max, Shelley Residential’s distinction lies in the details. Every listing is handled with intention, setting a standard that elevates not only the property but the entire experience. “There’s a personal touch in everything,” she explains. “This agency doesn’t simply present stock. They tell stories. The same care given to a signature home is given to one that needs vision and patience. It’s never about stock alone, it’s about people.” That commitment to relationships over transactions is what gives the brand its depth.

The agency’s strong commitment to community also resonates deeply with her belief that long-term value is shaped by place and connection. Now back at Shelley Residential, Max is focused on growing alongside a brand whose values of quality, consistency, and intention feel both purposeful and familiar.

Why Working With Maxine Matters
In a market that can feel fast-moving and complex, working with someone who brings clarity, care, and conviction makes all the difference. Maxine Wardthen’s return to Shelley Residential is both a homecoming and a reassurance. With her blend of technical insight and genuine human connection, she does more than facilitate property transactions. She guides people through some of life’s most meaningful decisions with confidence, perspective, and calm.