MAIN IMAGE: Nozuko Zitoti, candidate property practitioner at Harcourts Mercantile, East London
Editor
Eight years ago, Nozuko Zitoti walked into the Harcourts Mercantile franchise owned by Ronnie and Ann Coetzee in East London and told them she wanted to be an agent. Armed with broken English, a cellphone, and a drive to provide a better life for her children, Zuki, as she’s affectionately known, set about changing her life.
“With Ronnie and Ann’s guidance, Zitoti took to the industry like a duck to water and started selling property in Mdantsane, the second largest township in South Africa after Soweto, and in nearby Amalinda, at first selling starter homes (in the R400 000 price bracket), selling fourteen properties in her first year”, shares Robyn Evans, business development manager Harcourts Kwa-Zulul-Natal and East London.
Since then, the awards for the most properties sold nationally have been rolling in annually, with Zitoti selling 46 properties in 2022, and 2023 looks to be an even better year.
To date, she has sold 265 properties to the value of just over R149 million.
Nozuko took a few minutes to share her journey and insights with us.
How did you become involved in real estate?
I met up with Ann Coetzee, Principal of Harcourts Mercantile. I asked her what happens at her business, and she informed me that they sell houses. I asked if I could apply and come work there and she agreed. I’d previously worked as a car sales rep for Ronnie’s Motors in East London, so I came in with some sales experience.
Can you tell us a bit about the property market you specialise in?
I currently sell mainly in Amalinda with clients in the medium to high-income bracket as well as in Mdantsane which caters to the medium to-low side income bracket.
You’ve become a very successful agent, what do you think makes you so good at your job?
I work consistently every day. I check the daily listings on H! (our Harcourts system) as well as online, both morning and evening, and respond to clients’ inquiries as soon as possible.
Zitoti has developed a reputation for great client service, and today much of her business comes from client referrals.
What opportunities do you think being an estate agent offers women?
It gives flexibility to women who have children at home allowing us to work full time as well as take care of our family at home.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about becoming an estate agent?
It’s hard work, but if you are dedicated the rewards are great.
Are you finding that more women are buying properties in your area? If so, what are they looking for?
Yes they are, they’re predominantly looking for family homes with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a garage, and a yard.
