How did you end up in Marbella?
Well, that is a good question because I actually was raised in Torremolinos in the late 60s. I ended up in Marbella in the late 70s because my father had some friends that were staying at the Marbella Club Hotel and fell completely in love with this place. He was one of the first members of the hotel. Basically, he wanted to show off this new found oasis to his family. The reason why I stayed in Marbella when I could go somewhere else, is because Marbella is a unique place, completely different from any other place I have been to.
How did Marbella evolve and change through time?
Basically what happened to Marbella and why I think it is still great is that it has gone from being a typical tourist resort to a real important residential destination. There are literally people all year round. You are not alone in the Winter, there are always things happening around here. If you add all the facilities that have been built and made available to accommodate the full-time residents, I can guarantee that Marbella has managed to become an international hub all year round.
Why have you chosen the Real Estate sector?
I started working in the field in Torremolinos since my father was an active developer there, building mostly residential middle-higher class properties. So, I was also witnessing the tendency to create new ideas such as the building of Puerto Marina, in Benalmadena. I was always intrigued and fascinated with the qualities and specifications of the higher-end market. I was then invited by my father’s friend who convinced me to start my career working in a new Real Estate office in Guadalmina. Since then, I have been involved in several outstanding companies in the field and built up a strong career here in the Costa del Sol.
What has been the key to your success?
The Real Estate sector is a real emotional rollercoaster, but it is important to keep it always professional, to be extremely motivated and to be as honest as you can. You also need to be extremely respectful to your colleagues and be a good team player. I think one of the strongest weapons of being successful is to really learn how to listen and to be consistent in your work.
How would you describe the areas that you and your team cover?
It could not get better. I strongly believe my areas are and going to remain the strongest, most well-known and most sought-after of all the areas in Marbella. Going from Puente Romano, all the way to Sierra Blanca, covering prime locations such as Las Lomas de Marbella Club and Nagüeles, the Golden Mile is a unique destination that is unmatched anywhere else and has been used as an example to try and copy in other areas. Therefore, I am really pleased to be associated with such an area.
What is your forecast for the Real Estate Market in Marbella in 2020?
Because it is going to be more challenging than 2019, I strongly believe that the market is going to become more competitive. Therefore, I believe that companies like Engel & Völkers will be considered as first choice partners to those owners and buyers knowing where a value stands and how we work collectively as a company.