Noel Mathews from Julfar Real Estate is the Outstanding Agent of the month for Ras Al Khaimah. He came to visit us and answered our questions on how to be the best agent in the industry. Scroll down to discover more!
How long have you been in the industry?
I’ve been in the industry for 3 years.
Which areas do you specialise in?
I specialize in Mina Al Arab and Julphar Towers Properties in Ras Al Khaimah.
Why did you decide to become a real estate agent?
It is one of the most challenging and exciting fields if you learn the knack of dealing with customers. It benefits you both professionally and monetarily way quicker than any other field of work can. So there is a promise to an early retirement. Now, who wouldn’t like that?!
How would you describe the current property market?
It is a Buyer’s Market. Property rates are quite reasonable. It is a good time to own your dream home.
Tell me about your big achievement? Last month’s big sale/s
I sold a property that took about 4 months of follow ups and multiple viewings. It was special because it made me realize that I shouldn’t give up. With regard to a big sale from last month, although the value of the unit was about AED 400,000 only, I managed to sell it in less than a month working against a client’s deadline of one month. For me, that’s an achievement!
How do you tailor your approach so you set yourself apart?
You need to understand your customer, step into his shoes, engage your customer in conversations so that he gets comfortable with you and begins to trust you. A little humor does help me quite often in breaking the ice. Keep the customer and his requirements as your focus and not the pressure of making the sale. The chances of the property getting sold or leased are way higher if the customer trusts you in the first place.
Property seekers are always after their ideal location, and all kept within a certain budget. How do you strike the balance to get them what they want?
This is again closely related to your approach in the first place. If you know what the customer wants, and you adapt the property viewing session to show them how it meets their requirements, they mostly will reconsider their budget and if there is room for negotiation on your end, you work your way to meet them halfway.
What has been your favorite listing ever? What made it special to you?
It is a four bedroom villa in Mina Al Arab. It was the first property I leased and my first step to understanding how customer experience plays a crucial role in a client choosing your property.
Any words of advice for someone looking to sell their property in Dubai?
If it’s your first time, approach multiple agents. Gauge them on how they understand your expectations over multiple conversations, and eventually approach the one you know you can trust to meet your expectations. The advantage about finding someone you can trust is also that he will give you an honest advice about the market in case you aren’t sure of your sale.
What’s your best-negotiating tip?
Look at the customer’s needs, work your way to convincing the customer as to how the property meets his expectation but be honest. It’s a slow process, don’t rush.
What’s your favourite thing to do on your days off?
Grabbing a cup of tea and hanging out with friends or playing basketball.
If you had 2 million dirhams to invest in real estate, where would you put your money?
It would be in Mina Al Arab. The property design is fantastic and a beach side property would be a dream come true for me.
If you didn’t work in real estate, what career would you pursue?
I would probably work as Cabin Crew, travel the world and explore different cultures.
What is the question you are most often asked by property seekers?
If they could get an additional month rent free or if the price could go any lower.
How big of a role does Property Finder play in your job? What specifically do you use Property Finder for?
Most of the deals closed were through Property Finder, includes both Lease and Sale. It is a great platform for real estate agents and customers to interact with an easy to use application.
If it wasn’t for Property Finder, I wouldn’t be getting this recognition. I am indeed grateful.
Do you have what it takes to be our next Outstanding Agent Winner? Go to propertyfinder.ae/league to apply.