3 Ways Portuguese Real Estate Broke My Gentle Soul

When I ventured into the real estate realm, it wasn't by choice but rather to assist my fiancé in his career. Having spent years in customer support, aiding people with problem-solving and doubling as their unofficial therapist, it became apparent that he, in fact, needed my support and therapy.

His days were consumed by interacting with people, building contacts, and providing pro-bono assistance, yet the disarray in his organization posed a significant hindrance to the help he aimed to offer.

So, I've made the decision to leave my job and join him. Little did I know that this decision would thrust my gentle soul into the battlefield that is the Portuguese real estate.

Embarking on the journey of learning everything from scratch was an adventure in itself. Portugal lacks courses or literature on navigating the documents, processes, and bureaucracies involved in buying or selling a house. Government regulations do not make the process any easier, and many real estate agents find themselves thrust into the field without proper guidance.

Fortunately, I was fortunate to have an excellent mentor who, having been thrown into the wolves before, surpassed even lawyers in her knowledge.

Here are three aspects of real estate that tested my gentle soul:

1. Requesting Documentation: When buying a house, thoroughness is crucial. Yet, when asking questions or requesting necessary documentation, resistance often arises from the other party. It might be due to suspicion about the seriousness of your interest or the unavailability of required documentation. Invalid documents and defensive attitudes are not uncommon, reminding me of a past call center experience explaining physical damage to a customer.

   I needed to explain to a sir that dropping the phone and breaking it was physical damage. To then be questioned 5 times "How is a broken screen considered physical damage?". 

2. Unanswered Calls: While weekends are rightfully off-limits, the challenge arises when calling listings on platforms like Idealista. Frequently, calls go unanswered, and when they are picked up, the response can be curt and unwelcoming. It sometimes feels as if I am inconveniencing them, with a sense that there's nothing to gain or no one to help on their end.

3. Sales Tactics vs. Honesty: Sales should not equate to dishonesty, but I find it disconcerting when someone attempts to use sales or PNL tactics on me. Distinguishing between genuine information and attempts to omit or manipulate details can be challenging. While I value the art of using the right words and tone, discerning true vibes in this business is a persistent challenge.

In navigating these challenges, I strive to blend my introverted and accommodating nature into assets, making the best out of each situation.

In conclusion, I learn every day and we shall do continue knowing better and doing better. 

Real Estate didn't break me, it made me stronger. 

Maria,

Your Portuguese Ally