Compiled by: Binesh Babu Panicker
Images: Supplied
You completed 40 years in real estate. How does it feel?
When I think about it, it is surreal that it all started on 1 October 1984, a time when mobiles were not in use, no Internet was available, no technology, no AI but I have to say that although it was simpler times, we had similar frustrations and of course, genuine elation when things went right too. How I feel is a great question because much of me is still the same as that fresh soon to turn 20-year-old so actually, I don’t feel much different in the business now as I did then. Dubai real estate is very different to real estate in London, even if the job technically is the same, I feel proud that I have weathered the storms of 2 1/2 recessions in the UK alone and also experienced world events that of course affected the market at that time. For London, there are two that I recall were really challenging at the time. The first was the death of Diana, Princess of Wales. This had a profound effect on the real estate market and indeed the British public throughout. The second was the tragedy of September 11, 2001 on the New York twin Towers. This made the real estate market grind to a halt for a lengthy period of time. For Dubai, it was the financial crash of late 2008. This was a difficult period because the real estate sector was only six years old and selling anything post 2009 onwards for a few years was very challenging. The second event for Dubai and I guess the rest of the world, was the pandemic. This was clearly a very stressful time and one that none of us really knew how to handle or what the future would look like, needless to say the events after showed the world how resilient the UAE was in its handling of the situation and that was the start of an amazing real estate recovery and one that we are still enjoying today.
Early inspiration to join this sector
To be honest, I fell into the real estate sector quite by accident. I was approached by recruitment company at the time who asked if I was any good at sales. I was working part time in a green grocer store for a few hours after college and at weekends selling fruit and vegetables, so naturally I thought I could go for a sales job. I remember beating 19 other candidates for the position of junior negotiator in a local real estate firm, many of my friends also applied for the position but didn’t succeed.
Biggest setback so far as a real estate professional
For me, the biggest setback professionally is always when the market takes a turn for the worse, so initially the financial crash of 2008 was a difficult period followed by the long real estate downturn during late 2014 leading up to 2020 and of course the pandemic.
Biggest achievement so far
My biggest achievement is always helping a company build itself up and to see how individuals within it develop and grow as a result. I use my industry experience to help and support the brokers to achieve excellence and to become top agents themselves.
What keeps you motivated?
To be honest, I’m never satisfied. I feel that there is still so much to give and to experience, so when you feel you have achieved it all, that’s when you put your suit away in the wardrobe, never to wear it again.
Current role, company and the vision for the future
My current role is head of brokerage at Novvi Properties . I’m responsible for four different departments, residential sales and leasing, commercial sales, off plan sales and property management. The company is only 18 months old and is growing steadily in order to offer targeted real estate solutions to our increasing number of clients. The vision of the company is simple. It is to offer a one stop real estate experience based on professionalism, excellence and trust.
Your advice to newcomers in the real estate industry
When it comes to offering my advice to any newcomers into the real estate sector here in Dubai, my words are very simple. Do not have your expectations set too high as it can take several months before your first deal is closed. Real estate is a tough industry, no more so than here in Dubai, where the competition is very high. It’s true that there are individuals who have become millionaires as a result of working within the sector, but for every success story there are hundreds of others that paint a different picture, one of stress, loneliness, lack of money, homesickness, etc. Having said this, if you are committed to hard work, are dedicated to the role, are always on time, are professional, and do as you say, our industry is an amazing sector to work in and could potentially change your life in a positive way.
Your podcasts
I also now appear twice a week on a podcast called the Dubai Property Podcast. The podcast is recognized as the most listened to podcast catering for the Dubai real estate market. It’s very consistent and we have recorded well over 300 episodes and counting.
