Sonya L Edwards

Agent Details

About Sonya L

Sonya Edwards is the Principal Broker and Executive Director of Realty Reimagined, based in Cleveland, Ohio. Sonya became a real estate salesperson in 1996 and has worked in various capacities throughout her years in the industry. She joined Empowering and Strengthening Ohio’s People (ESOP), a community organizing-focused nonprofit HUD-Approved Housing and Financial Counseling organization in 2012 after having worked through the 2008 real estate market crash and witnessing firsthand the disproportionately large and disastrous effects it had on vulnerable populations such as senior citizens. From 2012-2014 she worked as a Foreclosure Prevention Advocate whom with ESOP has helped over 65,000 homeowners prevent foreclosure. In 2013 she became the Director of Financial Counseling for ESOP. Sonya’s vision to open Ohio’s first full-service, non-profit real estate agency was fulfilled in the fall of 2014 under the leadership of Sonya’s broker and mentor of 20 years, Mary Ann Gearhart. In 2020, Sonya became the Principal Broker and Executive Director of ESOP Realty, which rebranded and began doing business as Branches Real Estate shortly thereafter. In August of 2023, Sonya reorganized her brokerage, renaming the brokerage to Realty Reimagined and realigned under the Cuyahoga Land Bank. Sonya holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Northwestern Ohio. Ms. Edwards was selected as one of Cleveland Crain’s 2021 Top Residential Real Estate Agents. Sonya is a Certified New Home Broker, a leading designation for real estate agents and brokers seeking to assist buyers with new construction. She holds a GREEN designation from the National Association of Realtors®. Sonya is an Accredited Buyer’s Representative, Senior Real Estate Specialist, and Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource Specialist. Sonya is passionate about learning and educating. She instructs homeownership workshops that span the lifecycle of homeownership from helping buyers purchase their first homes to assisting older adults transition out of their last homes. She has also developed a curriculum to help agents understand their mandate to report elder abuse. Sonya is active in the communities where she and her agents live, work, and play. She participates in various committees and collaborations including Tri-C Real Estate Advisory Team, National Fair Housing Alliance, Ohio Community Development Corporation Association, Ohio Land Bank Association, Vacant and Abandoned Property Action Council (VAPAC), Greater Cleveland Home Builder Association, National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC), Housing Counseling Network, and Cuyahoga County Scam Squad. Sonya’s strong background in real estate, financial counseling, and community organizing were paramount to the launch and continued success of Realty Reimagined. She is committed to professional and ethical standards. Sonya leads with a focus on equity, education and problem-solving. Sonya believes that collaboration is key to success and encourages cooperation with kindness amongst her agents, co-broke agents, customers, affiliates, partners, and the public

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