How Lerato Mokgosi built a real empire business from her garage
Lerato Mokgosi
Lerato M Real Estate
A journey of grit, growth, and community impact
For some, hardship opens the door to purpose. For Lerato Mokgosi, founder of Lerato M Real Estate, being retrenched in 2011 pushed her to turn a side hustle into a thriving business.
Before launching her estate agency in Vosloorus, Gauteng, Mokgosi had been working part-time as an estate agent while juggling her full-time role at an investment bank. When she was retrenched, she knew it was time take a leap of faith. “I was ready. It meant I could spend more time with my kids and help them with homework,” she says.
She began working from her garage, but within nine months, demand forced her to find new premises. She rented a cottage in Vosloorus Ext 6 and hired a receptionist and two marketers to distribute flyers. Four years later, her expanding client base meant she had to upscale again.
Mokgosi bought a property a few doors down and developed what is now one of the most striking real estate offices in the Ekurhuleni township. The Vosloorus branch became the company’s headquarters, now with capacity for 20 call centre agents. It is supported by branches in Crystal Park, Windmill Park, Clayville and Birch Acres.
A business built on grit and faith
“Real estate isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme. It’s a rewarding journey for those willing to work, evolve and care,” she says. She is currently mentoring her successor, a young intern juggling work and study, because she believes in starting early and building strong values. “Nothing worthwhile comes quickly. It takes passion and dedication.”
Though she began a BCom degree, she never completed the final module. “I couldn’t afford to repeat it.” She had to choose between motherhood, work and her side hustle. Instead, she pursued industry qualifications, completing her NQF4 and NQF5 and passing her board exams to qualify as a principal. “It was worth it. I had already fallen in love with real estate.”
Her academic background and experience in finance helped her manage the business behind the scenes, building it through trial and error.
On a mission to uplift the township market
“I am a go-getter. I had just gone through a divorce, I was not receiving child support and I vowed never to beg anyone to help raise my children. So, I found a side hustle:selling houses as an intern.” That pride helped me,” she says. “My motto is You ‘ can outrun me, but you’ll never outwork me.’ I believe in myself and in God, who gives me strength.”
Mokgosi saw a gap in the township market for agents who could offer education, transparency and trust.
“I wanted people to understand the buying and selling process. I had heard too many stories of people losing homes or being misled. I wanted to be the kind of agent people returned to and referred others to.”
She began educating clients on options like debt restructuring or property letting during financial difficulty. “People didn’t realise they could talk to banks or sell their property before foreclosure. Word spread quickly.”
Growing a township powerhouse
In the early years, Mokgosi was the only agent. But as business boomed, she started taking in interns. Today, she leads a team of 30 property practitioners, five receptionists (who also handle digital marketing), a mortgage administrator, legal support, marketers and cleaners.
“We are constantly hiring and training. The cup is overflowing,” she says.
When asked what sets Lerato M apart, she says it’s about service. “We go the extra mile. We make our clients feel special. We remove the stress from buying or selling a home.”
Navigating challenges and standing her ground
Building a business in township areas has not been without challenges. “It hasn’t been smooth sailing,” she admits. “Being a female principal in a male-dominated field came with threats, harassment and unethical behaviour from some agents.”
To protect her team, she opted to only work on exclusive mandates. “It meant less conflict and more control.”
The Katlehong office had to close after COVID-19 and the unrest that followed, but Mokgosi remains committed to township development. “I love it. I’m street-smart and brave now.”
Making homeownership possible
Mokgosi is passionate about making property accessible, especially for first-time buyers. “We break things down, such as how to fix credit scores and how the process works. We don’t just say, ‘You don’t qualify.’ We help you get there.”
Lerato M even offers payment plans for legal costs, which shows a deep commitment to their target market.
Her approach to family-friendly service hasn’t changed. “From day one, it was about creating a relaxed and understanding environment. We are not just selling houses; we are building relationships.”
Township property trends and future plans
She sees growing demand in township property markets, particularly for rental stock. “The government cannot meet the housing need alone. As a result, investors are buying to let or converting properties into rental units. The market is booming.”
Her advice for young black women entering real estate? “Don’t let anything stop you. Be deliberate. Work hard. Use your natural care and compassion because it is your superpower.”
Looking ahead, Mokgosi plans to increase her township footprint rather than expand into new markets. “We are a township brand. That’s who we are. We will keep growing within our market, steadily and surely,” she adds.