Mona Sørensen’s career path may sound somewhat winding when viewed from the outside. However, when she talks about her journey to becoming a qualified estate agent, it is clear from her voice that the destination makes perfect sense.
Today, she is a co-owner of Danbolig Vejle, where she primarily works in buyer advisory services. This means that she advises house buyers rather than sellers, which is probably what most people first think of when they hear the term “Real estate agent”. In recent years, however, more and more estate agents have begun offering buyer advisory services because, as estate agents, they are experts in property transactions.
Specialises in Advising Buyers
“You receive a legal review of your purchase,” explains Mona.
“In addition, as a real estate agent, I also understand the other aspects of a property transaction, from knowledge of market prices to negotiating the purchase price.”
Previously, only solicitors offered legal reviews. However, a change in estate agents’ insurance arrangements now allows them to provide this service as well.
“As estate agents, we know exactly what to look for in a transaction because we have extensive experience in this specific area. That benefits our clients. We work in an office where everything revolves around properties and property transactions. We know what the market looks like, and we know where a new access road or wind farm is being planned.”
Originally Trained as a Hairdresser
“I was actually originally trained as a hairdresser, but it was probably a path I chose because it felt easy, even though I am much more academically inclined than creatively minded. That’s why I later took some additional subjects, as I was considering becoming either a legal secretary or a medical secretary.”
“But my downstairs neighbour worked in an estate agency office, and that is how I got a position in the industry.”
Before joining Danbolig Vejle, Mona worked for another estate agency for four and a half years in post-sale administration. This includes everything that happens after a transaction has been completed, from following up on the purchase agreement, title deed and settlement statement to releasing the purchase funds.
“It was very much learning by doing, combined with relevant courses,” says Mona.
Wanted Formal Recognition of Her Knowledge
“When I started here at Danbolig Vejle, Gert Stokkendal and I felt it made sense for me to complete the estate agency qualification and gain formal recognition for what I could already do. Today, I am a co-owner of the business.”
Mona completed the estate agency programme quickly:
“I needed all six subjects, and during two of the semesters I studied two subjects at the same time because I simply wanted to finish.”
It was somewhat by chance that she ended up studying at the IBA:
“But I’m glad I did, because the IBA is a great place with highly skilled lecturers. I like the fact that they use industry professionals who know what they are talking about as teachers. We had, among others, a seasoned solicitor who was exceptionally good, as well as people who still work as estate agents. That gives you something different compared with someone who left the profession ten years ago.”
Mona says this is particularly important because estate agency is a profession that is highly solution-oriented.
Sends Students to the IBA
Today, Danbolig Vejle has three partners: Gert Stokkendal, who has owned Danbolig Vejle for 28 years, Jakob Køhler, and Mona Sørensen, who has bought into the business. In total, there are twelve employees.
“When we bring in new employees, especially trainees, it is on the condition that they complete the qualification programme. For us, it makes most sense for them to study at the IBA because it is the closest option, so we send quite a number of students there, just as we also receive some from there. In that way, the circle is complete,” says Mona.
Nor does she feel that she has finished her own education:
“At the moment, the main focus is on continuing to develop the business—we certainly do not want to rest on our laurels. But personally, my next subjects could well be within leadership and management.”
