We had the good fortune of connecting with Fatima Albuquerque and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Fatima, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I think real estate is a business of people, first and foremost. Therefore, the success of a business of this kind depends on the professional’s ability to differentiate from others. In developing my brand I always focus on my unique traits so I can establish deeper connections with my audience, my prospects, past and present clients. I think my authenticity opened the doors to building solid business relationships. By letting go the fear of being completely myself I’ve attracted by real tribe. In addition, I always keep the consumer and clients as the focal point of my brand, and not myself . I am the person to serve and my clients the ones to be served. My approach to sales of real estate is based on ongoing knowledge so I can serve people with the highest standards of the real estate industry. I also keep in mind that having a deep knowledge of the products available is a key factor to attracting new clients and closing deals. I often post videos on social media on a variety of topics, including real estate practices, experiences, market updates and also on new developments. I’m sure the consistency of my activities contributes a great deal to my results. Finally, I always handle all clients with the same importance, no matter if it’s a first time home buyer with a small budget, or a multi million listing. I deliver the same level of real estate service to all my clients as their satisfaction is what makes my business a success.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Prior to becoming a real estate agent I have worked in the construction and legal industries which helped me in my real estate practice from the very beginning. I didn’t really transition from a 9 to 5 job to being self-employed as some real estate agents. I was already a business owner when I became a realtor. The need for self-discipline and motivation was something that I had already incorporated into my life. The specific activities and tasks related to the real estate practice were added over time relatively easy. The most challenging part was the element of lead generation as I had no prior experience in sales specifically. However, I was able to add that to my daily activities and today this is part of who I am. I always seek opportunities to talk, meet and network with new people and I see these as the next business opportunity. I keep my mind open to the fact that an informal conversation can bring me a new client or referral. Real estate definitely opened my eyes and my mind to other aspects of the business world which I wasn’t aware of. I think what sets me apart from others is that I am true to myself and never try to be someone else. I also think of myself as someone who sees outside of the box and finds solutions to situations beyond the regular framework.
Along the way I have learned many lessons as real estate is a very competitive and dynamic business. However, the most important lesson is that no matter who you are, what you do or how you do it, not everyone likes you or wants to work with you. I always strive to do the best in my practice to meet the highest standards of the industry, but I am in peace with rejection sometimes since it’s part of life no matter how successful you are.
In this business, I’m mostly excited about the endless possibilities as I consider real estate the most tangible and lucrative investment of all time.
I seek the recognition of my brand as a reference of competence and confidence. I want the consumer and my clients to trust me so they can embark in the real estate investing with confidence.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a real estate agent, a big part of my job involves driving around and showing properties to my clients. I also study the development of new communities in and around where I live in Vancouver, Canada. Even though I sell real estate, I have a special relationship with nature and for me the surroundings of a home are as important as the home itself. I think the work of a realtor goes above and beyond selling homes. I like to be recognized as a someone who sells lifestyle. British Columbia is internationally known for the beautiful landscape, lakes, mountains, nature, roads, ocean plus a modern Vancouver downtown core. I would definitely take my friend around downtown Vancouver (visiting the Vancouver Art Gallery), Kitsilano Beach and Stanley Park for the outstanding views of the ocean and North Shore mountains. From there a trip along sea-to-sky heading to Squamish and then Whistler with a quick stop at Horseshoe Bay lookout to watch the ferries heading to the beautiful Sunshine Coast as well Vancouver Island. And to finalize a week of soaking on nature and incredible views, I’d drive my friend to the Fraser Valley to visit some of the great wineries, farms, breweries and lakes around the community of Chilliwack.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First of all I dedicate my shoutout to my husband and my daughter for their ongoing love and support even when my work involves working late, being away from home on weekends or missing vacation time sometimes. To my family at large for believing in my ability to succeed in whatever I choose to do as a career. To my coach for his contributions, ongoing support, exchange of knowledge and practices in the real estate industry. A special shoutout to my managing broker from my office Keller Wiliams Realty VanCentral in Vancouver for her competence, excellence, ongoing mentorship and guidance in all transactions. Her experience and professional advice have been pivotal to my practice and success in the past few years. Finally, a shoutout to all my clients for working with me and for referring my services to their families and friends.

Instagram: @fatimaarealtor

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/fatima-albuquerque

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FatimaARealtorKW/

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