Home Life Point Realty Managing Director on the satisfaction and art of successful property transactions
Whether or not looking for a new home, a peaceful haven outside the big city or a smart real estate investment, Ivanka Angelkova is the professional who will help you turn your vision into a successful transaction.
The Founder of Home Life Point Realty is filled with passion, competence and determination, and the result of her tireless efforts are satisfied and loyal clients. It makes perfect sense that her agency was chosen as the franchise partner for Bulgaria by the international company Home Life Real Estate Canada.
Why did you choose to make real estate brokerage your vocation? What does this profession give you as a person and a professional?
My personal experience in the real estate market awakened my curiosity and challenged me to develop myself in this field. Above all, this profession features a dynamic and diverse work environment that requires both analytical and communication skills, as well as active work with people.
As in any business based on direct sales, the desire to succeed is not enough. You need to develop complex qualities and skills, combined with in-depth knowledge of the field. In short, you need to be an expert that customers can trust completely.
In addition, successful transactions bring satisfaction and a sense of achievement, which is essential for personal motivation and professional growth.
It all brings me satisfaction and confidence that I am helping my clients find the best solution for their needs. At the same time I have the opportunity to work with different colleagues and partners, which opens up new opportunities and perspectives.
What is the most important thing investors and buyers should know about the Bulgarian property market today? What are the main trends and which are the most popular properties on the market?
The real estate market in Bulgaria is determined by several key trends and facts that investors and buyers should keep in mind. Inflation, the labour market and the economy all have a strong influence on the direction the market takes. They are the factors that determine the dynamics of real estate supply and demand.
In this respect, the future accession of Bulgaria to the euro area and the adoption of the euro as the official currency will lead to property appreciation. Demand for residential property still exceeds supply, while incomes are rising and mortgage interest rates remain low. This leads to rising prices. Last year they rose by about 10%-15% in Sofia and major cities.
Interest in buying a second home, and even more properties as an investment, remains significant, giving builders confidence to plan for new projects to be built over the next two years.
The real estate market remains stable, but I would advise buyers to consider buying properties that meet their real needs for living space first and foremost, and to finance them primarily with their own funds to minimize the risks associated with mortgage loans.
The development of the neighbourhoods at the foot of Vitosha Mountain around the Sofia ring road continues. In the last two years, whole areas have been built there, mainly with residential properties. This year in the same area will begin the development of a number of gated complexes with single-family houses.
Is there such a thing as a fireproof recipe for a successful property transaction?
I would like to answer in the affirmative, but each transaction is individual and depends on the terms set - from the participants to many other factors that can affect all the processes a property transaction goes through. So there is probably no such thing as a foolproof recipe. But let me compare it to a cookbook. Any individual transaction will be successful if we follow the recipe and have all the right ingredients!
How do you choose the professionals who join the Home Life team?
There is a persistent myth that real estate agents make easy money effortlessly, that they have a lot of free time - and so people decide to try... This is very far from reality! If you don't put your full attention and time into it, you won't become a successful real estate agent. This, of course, applies to all businesses. But for me the most important thing is the motivation of the person, their desire to achieve their goals, their patience and willingness to learn and develop, to be part of the team! Of course, qualities such as communication skills, property knowledge and fluency in English are also important.
Is there a specific female quality that you think helps you be an effective real estate agent?
My confidence and feminine intuition help me make an exceptional first impression on a client. However, these alone are not enough. I am a very patient person, I know how to listen to the people in front of me with genuine interest and respect.
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