Every property seeker comes with their distinct preferences and requirements when dipping their toes in the market. A good realtor is able to work with these expectations and navigate their clients through the market. In this edition of the Industry Eye, Prince Ufuoma, Director of Secondary Sales and Leasing at Aqua Properties, formulates his considerable experience into an insightful array of unique tips on how to meet the varying expectations of clients in Dubai.
I am Prince Ufuoma, Director of Secondary Sales and Leasing at Aqua Properties. I kicked off my real estate career in 2020 during the pandemic, moving from a construction and manufacturing background. Starting off as a leasing agent, I was promoted to sales, subsequently becoming the Associate Director and moving into management.
Identifying my clients
The first thing I do when I connect with a potential client is to establish if they are investors or end-users. While end-users tend to look for the amenities and lifestyle benefits in the vicinity of their potential property, investors will naturally hone more towards ROI, developer’s brand image, and external factors that will appreciate the community. Once the client’s needs are clear, my work begins.
Educating clients
Bayut has some features that I use religiously to educate my clients about the market. The first is the ‘Trends’ section which sits within the ‘Market Intelligence’ tab on Bayut’s homepage and offers a snapshot of the most searched-for areas. Utilising this and other data, I can confidently advise clients on locations that might be of potential interest to them.
The second feature is Bayut’s ‘Dubai Transactions’. This insightful source showcases recent completed transactions across Dubai. The transactions that are shaping the market right now. Previous prices no longer matter, how much a property sells this month does.
In addition, TruEstimate™ reports from Bayut are great for accurate and in-depth property valuations. In the current market, if a seller’s property is overpriced, it won’t sell. And on the flip side, if a buyer is offering below market value, chances are the offer will not be accepted.
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Rapport building and communication
The quickest way of rapport-building comes from a combination of video messaging, voice notes and face-to-face meetings. If the client can picture or hear you in their mind, you are very much on the way to securing their loyalty. But do keep in mind that it’s also essential to deliver on what’s been promised.
Every two days, clients need to be updated with what is happening in their community, what is being sold and at what price, who is renovating, what people are buying and who is renting. I strive to maintain a two-way communication with my client throughout their property journey, ensuring they’re always in the loop.
One buyer I worked with wanted to renovate and move into a property in The Meadows, so I put her in touch with contractors so that she’d have a solid understanding of the costs and timeframes involved. She stayed in touch with me for many months and eventually purchased a stunning property, renovated it and moved in. Examples such as this, of putting the needs of the client first, have continued to bring me repeat business.
To the new agents, I’d say: play by the market, you can’t beat it…you can only join it. The best bit of advice for any agent is to keep the three R’s in mind – Resilience, Relentlessness and Resourcefulness.
About AQUA Properties.
AQUA Properties, founded in 2005, has established itself as a renowned, award-winning real estate company in Dubai through its innovative and forward-thinking approach. AQUA comprise an exceptionally strong team of 700+ professionals from over 50 nationalities, all RERA-certified and committed to excellence. As a full-service real estate company, AQUA offer a comprehensive array of services, including property marketing, brokerage, leasing, property management, development and project planning, contracting, homeowner’s association, and Global REIT – the world’s first blockchain-based REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust).
About Prince Ufuoma
Prince Ufuoma is the Director of Secondary Sales and Leasing at Aqua Properties. He primarily works with properties in The Springs, Meadows, Lakes and Emirates Hills, ensuring that his clients find their dream homes in Dubai.