The Managing Director of Home Life Point on the satisfaction and art of successful property deals
Ivanka Angelkova, founder of HomeLife real estate agency
Whether you seek a new home, a quiet abode outside the big city or savvy investment in real estate, Ivanka Angelkova is the professional who is going to help you realise your vision into a concrete real estate deal. The founder of Home Life Point is passionate, competent and driven, the results of her unwavering efforts are satisfied and loyal clients. It is only logical that her agency was chosen for the franchise partner for Bulgaria of a respected foreign realtor, Home Life Real Estate Canada.
Why did you choose to turn real estate brokerage into your vocation? What does this profession give you as a person and a professional?
My personal experience on the property market inspired my curiosity and provoked me to challenge myself and take up a career in this field. First, this profession stands out with its dynamic and diverse work environment that requires both analytical and communication skills, and active work with people. As in every face-to-face sales business, the sheer desire for success is not enough. You also have to develop complex qualities and skills, combined with knowledge on the matter. In short – you have to be an expert that clients feel they can trust completely. Besides, successful deals bring satisfaction and the feeling of achievement, which is important for your personal motivation and professional growth.
All of these bring me satisfaction and confidence that I help my clients to find the best solution for their needs. At the same time, I have the opportunity to interact with different colleagues and partners, which brings me new opportunities and perspectives.
What is the most important thing that investors and buyers should know about the Bulgarian property market today? What are the main trends and the most popular properties on the market?
The property market in Bulgaria is defined by several key trends and facts that investors and buyers should keep in mind.
Inflation, the labour market and the economy all strongly affect the direction in which the market develops. They are the factors that define the dynamic of the supply and demand of real estate. In this respect, Bulgaria's future ascension to the Eurozone and the acceptance of the euro as the official currency will push property prices up.
Demand for residential properties still outweighs the supply, while the incomes are increasing and the mortgage rates remain low. This drives the increase of the prices. Last year, they rose at an average of 10%-15% in Sofia and the big cities.
The interest in buying a second home, or even more properties as investment remains significant, giving developers the safety to plan construction of new projects that will be realised in the next two years.
The property market remains stable, but I would advise buyers to consider first and foremost the acquisition of properties that satisfy their real needs of living space and to fund them mostly with their own money to minimise the mortgage-related risks.
The development of the neighbourhoods at the foot of the Vitosha mountain around Sofia's ring road continues. In the past two years, literally entire boroughs were built there, mostly of residential properties. This year, in the same area, will start the development of a number of gated communities with single-family houses.
Is there such a thing as a fireproof recipe for a successful property deal?
I would like to answer positively, but every deal is individual and depends on the set conditions – from the players to many other factors that might affect all the processes a property deal goes through. So, there is probably no such thing as a fireproof recipe. But let me compare it to a cookbook. Every deal will be successful if we follow the recipe and have all the right ingredients!
According to the popular myth, real estate brokers make easy money without any effort, and they have plenty of free time – so people decide to give it a go... This is very far from reality! If you do not invest your full attention and do not devote your entire time to this – you will not become a successful real estate broker. This, of course, is valid for all businesses. But for me the most important thing is the person's motivation, their desire to achieve their goals, their patience and readiness to learn and grow, to be a part of the team! Of course, qualities such as communication skills, knowledge of property, and fluent English are also important.
Is there some specifically female trait that, in your opinion, helps you to be an effective real estate broker?
My confidence and female intuition help me to make an outstanding first impression on the client. However, these alone are not enough. I am a very patient person, I can listen to the people in front of me, with genuine interest and respect.
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