Elisabete Gonçalves’ experience at Engel & Völkers

A career shift with purpose

With a background in Industrial Design, Elisabete never imagined she would enter the real estate sector. However, her people skills and natural ability to connect led friends to suggest she explore it. The opportunity came unexpectedly when she applied to Engel & Völkers. Just two days later, she received a call from the management and accepted the challenge.

“I’m a woman who loves a challenge,” she says. Over a year later, she sees that decision as a turning point in both her professional and personal life.

What a real estate consultant really does

Listing a property is just the beginning. From that point on, the consultant takes full responsibility for managing the process—requiring precision, clear communication, and strategic planning.

The consultant’s role includes:

• Preparing the property: organizing documentation, defining price, market analysis, and visual presentation;

• Supporting the owner: managing expectations, ongoing reporting, and professional guidance;

• Assisting the buyer: understanding their needs, organizing viewings, and negotiating offers;

• Closing the deal: mediating between parties and supporting the process through to deed signing.

Each stage requires a specific skill set and a focus on both efficiency and empathy.

The key skills that make a difference

Throughout the interview, Elisabete highlighted three essential qualities for success in this profession:

Organization and method: Without discipline, it’s impossible to manage multiple listings, appointments, and negotiations. A well-structured schedule is key.

Empathy and active listening: Listening more and talking less is essential to understand the true motivations of clients—buyers and sellers alike.

Negotiation skills: Negotiating firmly yet respectfully is an art. For Elisabete, this has become one of her strongest assets, developed through constant practice and the support of the Engel & Völkers structure.

The importance of continuous training

One of the aspects Elisabete values most is Engel & Völkers' investment in training. Even after more than a year with the company, she still attends regular workshops and free training sessions.

“The company invests in us. It’s up to us to invest our time and commitment. Continuous learning is what allows us to grow and improve,” she explains.

This dedication to learning is crucial, especially for newcomers. Staying informed builds confidence and elevates the quality of service offered to clients.

Personal and professional evolution

Over time, Elisabete has seen a remarkable transformation in her work approach. She has become more detail-oriented, more patient in interactions, and more effective in managing processes. She has learned to observe more closely and understand what truly drives people in their buying or selling decisions.

“Even a property that has never been lived in has a story. It could be the result of an inheritance or someone’s first major investment. There’s always a reason worth understanding,” she says.

Working at Engel & Völkers: A supportive environment

Beyond training, Elisabete praises the support structure at Engel & Völkers. The company offers robust tools, marketing resources, coordination, and a leadership team that is always available to help. This support system allows consultants to focus on what truly matters: serving clients with excellence.

For those feeling uncertain or hesitant about starting, Elisabete’s message is clear: “Even if you think you can’t do it, at Engel & Völkers, you’ll find support at every level. The structure is there to help us grow confidently.”

Who is this career for?

The ideal profile for a real estate agent isn’t defined by academic background alone. What truly matters is:

• An entrepreneurial spirit;

• Strong daily organization;

• A passion for working with people;

• A commitment to continuous learning;

• Resilience to handle challenges and long processes.

The good news is these skills can all be developed over time with proper guidance—and at Engel & Völkers, that guidance is readily available.

Ready to get started? Join the team

If this profile resonates with you and you feel ready for a career change, Engel & Völkers Portugal may be the perfect partner to help you launch or elevate your journey in real estate.

Click here to learn more and apply to become a real estate agent

At Engel & Völkers, you’ll benefit from:

• Free initial and ongoing training;

• Personalised mentoring and support;

• Professional marketing and CRM tools;

• Legal and administrative support;

• A collaborative team focused on long-term success.

Being a real estate consultant means building bridges between people, assets, and dreams. It means listening to stories, reading between the lines, and acting with professionalism. Elisabete Gonçalves' journey proves that success doesn’t require a background in real estate—only the right attitude, consistent effort, and a supportive environment.

At Engel & Völkers, that environment is already in place. The opportunity is yours to take. Are you ready to take the next step?