A cofee with Helena Pérez.... Sales head in Sant Cugat
Finques Feliu (hereinafter FF):
We must be cautious: as a society we are taking off from Covid-19 nigtmere. What have you learned from this life experience from a personal and professional point of view?
Helena Perez (hereinafter HP):
Noeadays, as you indicate in your question, we must treat the subject with great caution, since it seems that both the delta variant and this new omicron could delay the longed-for return to normality. Humanity has to adapt to the changes that are presented and the COVID-19 has meant a before and after in the way of understanding life and society again. This type of situation shows us once again how vulnerable we are.
From a professional point of view, I believe that our company arrived to the occasion practically from the beginning of the pandemic and even in total confinement we were in remote contact with all our clients. The company already had the tools at that time to be able to have all its staff teleworking and in that sense we are always reviewing strategies to accelerate the digital transformation in all our departments.
On a personal level, except obviously for the great sadness of the news of so many deaths that there were and continue to be and for all the people who were affected in one area or another of their lives; the truth is that at home we took it very well and I remember it as a time to be in close contact with the most direct family and return to do simple things together, which enriched us a lot and that again we are on the way to relative normality I would even say that I miss.
FF 2. Helena has been the driving force behind our Sant Cugat delegation for many years now. Tell us: what is your secret?
HP:
As in almost all jobs I do not think there is any secret.
In Finques Feliu we want to help our clients and we listen to their needs and concerns to be able to develop from beginning to end the work that they entrust us, both in the real estate part of sale and rental of properties, as well as in our other departments of administration of communities and patrimonial that are managed from the office of Sant Cugat del Vallès.
FF 3. What are the phases involved in carrying out a successful sale from 0?
HP:
The estimation of the selling price of the property is the starting point of any sale. This first phase is the key piece for the good development of the whole sale process.
Once the marketing agreement with the property has been formalized, it will be necessary to verify and "check in" all the documentation required to carry out the transaction in accordance with current legislation.
The next phase is the staging of the property that involves all the marketing of the property in question; as an excellent photographic report and professional video, advertisements on portals and social networks, portfolio of clients of the company and other marketing campaigns to locate the best buyer for our home.
The last phase includes all the more documentary part for the closing of the sale as documents of offers, reservations, penitential deposit or private documents, obtaining credit for the buyer, management of capital gains for the seller and finally public deed before a notary.
Throughout this process, which at first glance may seem simple, Finques Feliu offers a personalized and honest service that guarantees the sale, accompanying our clients at all times.
FF 4. What characteristics make a real estate product especially attractive to demand?
HP:
Always, but especially after the pandemic, homes with large terraces or gardens are now the most demanded housing typologies. We see that there is a change in priorities. Before, people practically arrived home late in the afternoon and the issue of natural light was not given so much importance, however now with the teleworking modality that covers many sectors and active population; the fact that the house has spaces with natural light and ventilation is considered a key point.
FF 5. What tips are the most demanded by clients?
HP:
It depends on whether our client is an owner, buyer, tenant or landlord, the queries are one or the other. Among the owners-sellers, for example, we are usually consulted on how to prepare their homes for a possible sale, how to present it to the public, if it is necessary to remove any furniture, personal belongings or if it needs a facelift with a paint overhaul.
FF 6. How do you see the real estate market in Sant Cugat at the moment? What are the future trends?
HP:
In general, the indicators point to a recovery in economic activity, which in the real estate sector translates into an increase in purchase, sale and rental transactions.
The owners have opted for price containment after the pandemic and this adjustment has made the buyers' market, which was otherwise on standby, to start looking for homes that meet their current expectations of housing typology.
In Sant Cugat we have noticed an increase in new clients from Barcelona who are looking for spacious green areas, homes with communal areas and swimming pools in our town, without renouncing the proximity to Barcelona. The prospects for the year 2022; always with caution due to external events, are encouraging because the demand remains active and dynamic.
It has been a real pleasure to interview you. I'm sure our readers have taken something positive from the interview. It is always worthwhile to let them know which people will be at your service, so that Finques Feliu continues to meet their expectations.