In this article we would like to introduce you to Team Leader Cláudia Pereira and her career as a Real Estate Consultant.
1. How did your journey with Engel & Völkers start?
It started very naturally, without being expecting or looking for it. I received an invitation from a friend who was already working at Engel & Völkers Comporta and challenged me to go for an interview with Vitor Paiva and get to know this area that was completely unknown to me until then.
2. What motivated you to look for a change?
Accepting this challenge didn't take long, although some fear and doubts were present. I didn't know the area and had no experience in sales. However, my motivation always spoke louder. I had a great desire to start a long and lasting professional career where I could evolve and which was not just another project to add to my CV.
3. What do you value most when working with Engel & Völkers?
The international presence of the brand and its recognition undoubtedly gives me motivation and confidence that I can provide a good service to those who come to us, whether they wish to sell their property or buy. And on the other hand, it gives me the security of working with a company with a very strong and well-established structure, whose success has been growing.
On the other hand, I can't fail to appreciate the people who make up the Engel & Völkers Comporta team. No two agencies are alike and a good working environment makes all the difference. All consultants have unique stories and experiences and this is valued. Here we work as a team and encourage the growth of each one. We recognise the effort that each person puts into their work and I can say that I'm surrounded by people with very high values, excellent professionals with a lot of talent.
4. What is your analysis of the sales market in the area you will be working?
This is a very attractive market, with a demand that has been growing year on year and with an enormous growth potential. Every month we receive people who come to the area for the first time and who fall in love with the beach and the nature of this very special area. Our main clients are families looking for a peaceful destination, far from the stress of day-to-day life, where they can be in contact with a beach and country environment and create memories with family and friends.
5. What advice would you give to people who are looking for a professional change but are afraid?
No doubt take stock of what you have worked so far and what you have achieved thanks to that work. If the scales are not balanced it's because they are not on the right track and they should definitely take a risk. All people should enjoy what they do and if they don't have that feeling it will be very difficult for them to feel fulfilled and they will always be demotivated.
I can say that my experience has been very rewarding, because I started in 2018 without any experience, my background is Psychology, area in which I graduated and worked for several years. And today I have the pleasure of leading a team and being able to pass on everything I have learned in recent years and also being able to pass on my passion for this profession that is still very unknown.
6. Qual é a sua proposta de valor para este novo desafio?
Privilegiar a relação com o cliente. Isto é, saber ouvir e compreender os desejos, as expectativas e necessidades de cada pessoa. E por outro lado, compreender muito bem a zona em que trabalho e conhecer cada propriedade de modo a criar o máximo de oportunidades de “matching”. Cada cliente é diferente e não existem duas propriedades iguais e por isso este é um trabalho muito exigente e muito desafiante. Neste ramo e nesta área em que temos o privilégio de estar, trabalhamos na maioria com segunda habitação, casas de férias. E a compra de uma casa de férias é muito emotiva. O cliente precisa sentir que está a fazer a escolha certa, precisa sentir-se bem no ambiente daquela casa e é isso que tento sempre passar aos meus clientes. O mais importante nem sempre é o número de quartos ou dimensão da cozinha. Tudo pode ser alterado numa casa. É a envolvência da casa que vai afetar a decisão do cliente.
7. What are the secrets to being successful as a real estate consultant?
First of all, never lose focus. It is a very demanding profession and to be successful and achieve results you need a lot of dedication and constant learning. And as I said before, to enjoy what we do because this is reflected in our results and in the professional we are. As in all professions, there are challenges, and to be successful we cannot get "stuck" in difficulties. It is important to be positive and to realise that there is always a solution.
8. What are you most passionate about being a real estate consultant?
There are several things that make this a passionate profession. Every day we come into contact with different people from all over the world, and some of these people go from being clients to being friends. Very good relationships are created. There is no monotony, no day is the same and every day challenges us, every day we learn something different. We learn to appreciate autonomy and independence, being able to manage our time and our schedule keeps us motivated and allows us to evolve professionally.
9. Comporta is in fashion. Do you think it is an interesting place to develop a career as a real estate consultant? Why is it so?
Without a doubt it is the best place and the best time to start a career as a real estate consultant. Comporta is a fantastic and different area, where the most beautiful beaches and extensive fields with pine and cork oak trees combine. Whoever arrives feels the energy of Comporta, feels the peace and tranquillity allied to a natural and protected environment that conquers all those who visit us.
We are witnessing great investment in the real estate sector by major developers, both Portuguese and foreign, which gives me complete confidence that we have many good years of real estate activity ahead of us.