Sona Zakaryan from District Real Estate won the Outstanding Agent Award for Abu Dhabi on February 2019. She shares with us her best negotiating tips and tells us more about the current market.
How long have you been in the industry?
I’ve been in the industry for four years.
Which areas do you specialise in?
I cover Al Reem Island, Al Raha Beach, Yas Island and Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi.
Why did you decide to become a real estate agent?
There are many reasons. First of all, it’s been a great pleasure meeting different kind of people, you learn a lot from them. It’s wonderful how you can communicate and set up your goals. I admire driving, you move from location to location, you see a lot of beautiful places and it fascinates me! It gives a lot of positive energy and good feeling!
How would you describe the current property market?
Well it’s quiet challenging currently but there’s a lot of new projects coming up which is more exciting with very convenient payment plans that people can afford. We are almost reaching the Dubai real estate market. The prices are quite higher than in Dubai but still people feel that it’s more like for a “life setting place”. Also the new projects coming up are competitive between the developers and it’s definitely coming better in the quality!
Tell me about your big achievement? Last month’s big sale(s)
We sold a five bedroom villa in Saadiyat Island, it’s on the beach front, beautiful outstanding. The selling price was AED 16.5 Million. I am looking to sell more over there!
How do you tailor your approach so you set yourself apart?
I would definitely do my best to meet the client and have a face to face discussion with them. Because sometimes when you do it only on the phone, you definitely ask the proper questions but you don’t have this feeling of connection, the “breaking the ice”. But once you meet with your client, you have a coffee with them and discuss the opportunities and you find out what might be interesting for them. You need to discover if they’re looking to buy for investment or for their own use. I always try my best to find what it suitable for my client. Also communication and the socialising with the people do help a lot!
Any words of advice for someone looking to sell their property in Abu Dhabi?
Just call me 🙂
There will be a lot of advices depending on what he’s looking to do. We always do our best for the client to find him the best option.
What’s your best-negotiating tip?
Communication and transparency. I am super honest and I always go straight to the point.
What’s your favourite thing to do on your days off?
I love reading, especially detective stories! Sometimes I go to the beach just to relax my mind. I spend most of my evenings on socialising! Sometimes you meet people who might be looking to buy a property! You never know!
If you didn’t work in real estate, what career would you pursue?
A criminal lawyer! I like analysing, all the logic things actually.
Actually, working in the real estate industry gives you a feeling of freedom that I am not ready to give up!
What is the question you are most often asked by property seekers?
Where is the best area to invest my money? And where is the highest ROI that they can get?
How big of a role does Property Finder play in your job? What specifically do you use Property Finder for?
My favourite product is Lead Tracker! It’s very easy and fast to communicate with my client. Basically, I use Property Finder to check the stock availability and the price comparison. Property Finder is the best, it helps a lot! Even for myself I use Property Finder.
Do you have what it takes to be our next Outstanding Agent Winner? Go to propertyfinder.ae/league to apply.
