Question 1

“Seeff Zimbabwe” has a strong legacy in real estate. What inspired you to join this brand, and how has your journey with the company shaped your vision for the industry?

I joined what was then Gainsborough Estate Agents in February 2001 as an accounts clerk. It was an incredible opportunity to get my foot in the door of a respected brand with a strong market presence. I believed it would be a place where I could learn the business from the ground up.

My journey took a significant turn in 2004 when Gainsborough rebranded to Seeff Properties. As an accounts clerk, I was directly involved in the administrative and financial aspects, giving me a unique perspective on the entire process from listing to final sale. This experience shaped my vision for the industry, teaching me the importance of transparency, meticulous record keeping, and ethical practices. My time at Seeff has taught me that the foundation of a successful real estate company lies in its integrity and its people.

Question 2

Real estate can sometimes feel like a male dominated field. As a woman leading the way in Zimbabwe, what’s one stereotype you’ve challenged and how did you turn it into an advantage for your career?

One of the most persistent stereotypes I've faced is the assumption that a woman's approach might be less aggressive or decisive that to succeed, you must be a cutthroat dealmaker.

I challenged this not by adopting a "masculine" style, but by leaning into what some might see as a weakness: I focused on building relationships, prioritizing communication, and cultivating a collaborative approach. Instead of viewing negotiations as a win or lose battle, I saw them as opportunities for mutually beneficial solutions.

This became a significant advantage. Clients often feel more trusting when they sense genuine collaboration. My focus on understanding clients' true needs has led to enduring relationships and a loyal client base. I've proven that success isn't defined by a single personality type, but by the ability to connect with people and deliver results with integrity.

Question 3

Every real estate professional has that one unforgettable deal or client that changes everything. What was yours and how did it shape your approach at Seeff Zimbabwe?

That unforgettable moment was our first sale as the Seeff Zimbabwe licensee. It wasn't about the property value, but the profound significance of the transaction. It was a modest property, but for us, it was the culmination of months of hard work and a leap of faith.

When that deal went through, it was a powerful signal that we were a competitive brand and our vision was a genuine possibility. That sale cemented a core principle that guides us: every client and every deal is significant. From that day forward, our approach has been built around earning trust, personalized service, and a long term vision based on relationships, not just transactions.

Question 4

We all face “uh-oh” moments in business. Can you share a time when a deal or situation nearly went wrong and how you managed to turn it around?

One of the most difficult situations I ever faced involved a long term tenant who had grown so attached to his rented home he told his family he had bought it. When he passed away, the family refused to move out, convinced the property belonged to them.

We had a terrible time trying to get them to understand the situation. In the end, we had to hand the matter over to the authorities. The law took its course, and we were relieved when the situation was finally resolved. It was one of those rare moments that keeps an agent up at night, but we were glad a just outcome was reached.

Question 5

What’s the one thing Seeff Zimbabwe does under your leadership that keeps clients loyal and sets you apart from competitors?

The one thing that sets us apart is our relentless focus on rebuilding and maintaining trust. In a market where trust has been eroded by unregistered agents, we've made it our mission to create a transparent, secure experience. We achieve this by:

  • Pioneering verified listings: Every property is thoroughly vetted to verify authenticity and the seller's legitimacy.
  • Hosting Trust-Building Events: We engage with the diaspora in the UK and US through face to face events with developers and legal experts.
  • Promoting Professionalism: Our agents operate with a strict code of ethics, prioritizing long term relationships over quick transactions.

By acting as a trusted partner rather than just a facilitator, we give clients the confidence to invest in Zimbabwe knowing they are in safe hands.

Question 6

If you could sell a dream property to any celebrity or historical figure Zimbabwean or international who would it be? What kind of home would you offer them?

I would choose Strive Masiyiwa. He is a visionary, and selling to him would be about finding a home that aligns with his legacy of innovation.

The Property: A Sustainable Tech Estate in the Eastern Highlands I would offer an architecturally stunning, self sustaining estate in the serene Eastern Highlands.

  • Location: An expansive, private lot with panoramic views, offering a place for strategic planning.
  • Design: A modern, eco conscious masterpiece built with sustainable local materials, featuring solar power and waterharvesting infrastructure.
  • Key Features: A "Think Tank" office with high speed connectivity, a Grand Pavilion for hosting distinguished guests, and a legacy vineyard.

This transaction would embody the principle that the most valuable deals are built on trust and deep understanding, upholding the confidentiality and professionalism that are the hallmarks of my career.

Question 7

The real estate industry is evolving with technology like AI, virtual tours, and changing buyer preferences. What do you see as the biggest game changer in Zimbabwe’s market, and how is Seeff Zimbabwe adapting?

The biggest game changer is the increasing reliance on digital platforms, driven by a digitally savvy buyer demographic and the diaspora market requiring remote, trustworthy investment avenues.

How Seeff Zimbabwe Is Adapting

  • Virtual Tours and High-Quality Visuals: We use virtual tours to allow buyers, especially those abroad, to verify a property's existence and condition remotely.
  • Digital-First Operations: We have adopted tools like Google Workspace to streamline operations and reduce costs.
  • Building Trust with the Diaspora: We provide turnkey solutions and transparent dealings to address the trust deficit that previously discouraged international buyers.
  • Professionalism and Verification: In a market plagued by fake agents, our use of technology to provide detailed, verifiable listings builds confidence.

Question 8

If you could advise your younger self right before starting your real estate career what would you say? Is there a piece of advice you’re glad you ignored?

I'd say: "Don't get too comfortable with the numbers. Your real talent isn't in the ledgers; it's in the relationships. Take the leap and study real estate. The fulfilment you'll find in helping people is worth far more than any balanced account."

Advice I'm Glad I Ignored I'm glad I ignored the wisdom to "stick to what you know." As an accountant, the path was safe, but I never truly enjoyed it. Changing careers was a risk, but it led me to work I love. The skills I gained from accounting attention to detail and financial understanding ended up being a powerful advantage, giving me a unique foundation.

Question 9

Real estate impacts lives beyond transactions. Is there a story where your work at Seeff Zimbabwe made an unexpected difference in someone’s life?

One story illustrates how we go beyond a typical transaction. A young couple, determined to secure their first home, had been outbid on multiple properties by all cash offers. They were discouraged.

Our agent discovered unique information about the seller of a property they loved: they were emigrating and deeply sentimental about the home. They wanted a family who would cherish it. Recognizing this, our team helped the couple draft a personal letter detailing their dreams for the home envisioning future children playing in the backyard and hosting family gatherings.

The seller chose their offer, even though it wasn't the highest. We didn't just facilitate a transaction; we brokered a human connection. We proved that sometimes, the most significant impact is made not with a better offer, but with a more compelling story.

Question 10

When people reflect on your contributions to Zimbabwe’s real estate industry years from now, what legacy do you hope to leave?

I hope my legacy is remembered as a story of trust, transformation, and trailblazing leadership.

  • A Pioneer for Gender Representation: As the first woman on the Estate Agents Council of Zimbabwe, I hope to be remembered for opening doors and providing internships to underprivileged women.
  • The Architect of Diaspora Engagement: I want to be remembered for creating a secure pathway for people abroad to invest back home, playing a direct role in national development.
  • A Champion of Ethical Conduct: I hope to be seen as a relentless advocate for professional standards, demonstrating that business can be both successful and ethical.
  • An Advocate on Innovation: I hope my lasting contribution will be the introduction of the Entrepreneurship and Anti Money Laundering Module in the EAC board exams, ensuring new professionals are equipped to combat illicit activities.

Question 11

Many women hesitate to enter fields like real estate, fearing they lack experience or connections. What advice would you give to women whether in property or any industry who feel unsure of where to start?

Don’t wait for the perfect moment or a ready made network. Start with what you have: your passion and your principles.

If you are not passionate, you will be frustrated by the setbacks. You have to love the process of helping people, not just the outcome. Beyond passion, a strong sense of self is crucial. This industry can expose you to compromises, so your integrity will be your most valuable asset.

It's not a "walk in the park." Success is a result of focus, hard work, and resilience. My journey proves you don't need to start with all the answers. I began as a bookkeeper, but by being passionate and principled, I built a respected business.

Question 12

We’re seeing Seeff Zimbabwe diversify into property developments, with growing investor interest in cluster housing. Can you speak more about this trend and how the company is positioning itself to meet this demand?

Cluster housing is a direct response to land shortages and densification. However, it comes with challenges like strained infrastructure and privacy issues. Seeff Zimbabwe is positioning itself as a leader by proactively addressing these.

  • Proactive Infrastructure Solutions: Unlike developers who simply build, we focus on self sufficient infrastructure, including boreholes, water tanks, and backup solar or generator power.
  • Professional Management: To combat shared cost defaults, we establish robust homeowners' associations with professional management to ensure communal benefits are properly funded.
  • Client Education: We emphasize transparency, using virtual tours and floor plans to manage expectations regarding privacy and communal living.

Our strategy is not simply to sell properties, but to sell a managed lifestyle that mitigates the risks associated with this type of housing.