In this article we want to introduce you to the consultant Inês Alves and his career as a real estate consultant.
How did your journey at Engel & Völkers begin?
I've lived in Lisbon all my life and I realised during covid that I needed to change something in my life, to improve my quality of life, so I decided to leave the capital and move to the Alentejo. Having made that decision, I asked myself the question: what now? Talking to family and friends, the opportunity to begin a career in this area came up and I thought: why not? And so this journey at Engel & Völkers began, with a few challenges - after all, it was an area I was unfamiliar with.
What motivated you to look for a change?
I'm not afraid of change, I like new challenges and I thought that when I moved to a new city, why not also change my professional area and meet new people, start new projects and challenge myself. I have to confess that becoming a property consultant was never something I had in mind, but I thought it was the right time to start a new career path.
What do you value most about collaborating with Engel & Völkers?
What I value most about the brand are its values, with which I identify. The fact that it's an international brand opens doors to the foreign market, giving me a portfolio of international buyer clients.
As for my colleagues who work with me, we all have a great team spirit and are very united, all aligned with the same values and principles.
What is your analysis of the sales market in the area where you are working?
Although I'm from Lisbon, I already knew the area well, as I had family in the Melides area and I've had the opportunity to see all the developments in the area, which have increased the value of the area from Comporta to Melides and more recently there has also been an increase in the value of the city of Alcácer do Sal and the town of Grândola, which has made the area more dynamic and made the market more attractive to both investors and clients. It's important to note that this growth has gone hand in hand with the preservation of the area's beauty.
What advice would you give to people who are looking for a professional change but are afraid?
Life is made up of new challenges and new opportunities and we can't let fear stop us from growing, both personally and professionally. For me, change should be seen as something good and a process of growth. It's true that change can be complex, but if we look at it as something positive and change our mindset and uncomplicate all those fears, I think it makes everything less complex. It's challenging to get out of our comfort zone, to embrace new projects and get out of our comfort zone, so that in the end we can say that we've managed to overcome yet another challenge and overcome the obstacles that fear imposes on us. That said, the advice I would give is to go ahead without fear, but if you are afraid, go with fear and prove that you can do it!
What are the secrets to success as a property consultant?
In my opinion, I don't think there's any magic formula or secret, we just have to give our all in everything we do, never forget our values, who we are, where we come from and where we want to go. I think that if we maintain our essence, attitude, focus and commitment to our clients, everything flows.
I'm a believer that we can only achieve our goals and success if we have the right people around us and I'm lucky enough to have a team around me that helps me achieve my goals and my professional success is only possible with their support.
What aspect of your profession captivates you the most?
I come from a communications background and as such I really enjoy contact with people, listening to their stories, understanding what they are looking for and helping clients find their ideal property.
In the time I've been working in this area I've come to understand that being a property consultant is much more than showing properties, but rather being able to see that clients see me as someone specialised, who can help them understand what is really ideal for them and it's reassuring to see that clients value the work done, the delivery, the effort and dedication.
Comporta is in the trend. Do you think it's an interesting place to develop a career as a property consultant? Why?
Comporta has become world-famous in recent years with the exposure of international figures, all the beauty of the area, from the beaches, to the food, to the traditions of the Alentejo, and everything is easier and quicker with social media.
With all the media coverage of the area, it's undoubtedly an excellent place to develop a career in furniture and at the same time meet people from all over the world and learn about new cultures, which leads to growth, both professionally and personally.