Sonja Zoet

The Zoet Group – True Real Estate

How many years in the business: 13

Q: Give us a little bio of yourself, how and when and why you got into real estate?

I started in real estate in South Florida in the early 2000s. I transitioned from a career in higher education student recruitment and retention. The two fields seem vastly different but actually have significant commonalities. Both professions allow for big conversations - future aspirations, goals and dreams.

Q: What have been the biggest changes in the business that you’ve seen over the years:

Technology has evolved so much in the past 10 years in regard to real estate platforms, social media, CRM systems, use of AI etc. Real estate professionals need to stay on top of advancements in order to provide the most value to their clients, and proficient understanding of the marketplace. Additionally, consumers - home buyers and sellers - are more educated than ever.

Secondly the rise of the team structure within a brokerage has become more common than not in recent years.

Q: What do you think are the secrets to your success?

My education background and my focus on agent mentoring is the secret to my success. I It’s clear to me that mentoring provides opportunity for collaboration, which in turn provides massive added value to clients. Our team The Zoet Group - True Real Estate is based on these fundamentals.

Q: How have higher prices, rising interest and low stock changed the landscape and how you approach your job?

I always reiterate to buyers that no matter what the interest rate is, the main point is to stay within the comfortable range for monthly payment. When interest rates are higher then of course an accessible price range would be lower. With rising prices buyers are expanding their search geographically to include adjacent towns with lower average home prices.

Q: What are some of the key questions buyers and sellers should be asking real estate agents?

It’s important to understand that not all agents are equal regarding the guidance they can provide. I would recommend speaking with multiple agents to understand contrasting experience, industry knowledge, availability, work ethic, and creative ideas regarding approach.

Q: What things are buyers and sellers unprepared for or mistakes they make coming into the process?

I find that buyers underestimate the cost of ongoing expenses relating to home ownership. Some expenses are ongoing and some are unpredictable, so this needs to be kept in mind when making a decision. Sellers overestimate the value improvement projects will have on their home valuation. It’s a great idea to consult with your preferred agent to understand how significantly certain projects will ultimately impact home value. The ratio is most typically dollar to dollar.

Q: What would people be surprised to know about you?

People seem surprised that I grew up here but lived away for 25 years. During my time away I lived in different states (Florida and the Carolinas) and different countries (Japan and India). I love to travel in general and am always up for an adventure.