Natalie Leontaraki – CEO at Von Poll Luxury Real Estate
Natalie is an incredibly successful real estate expert, known worldwide. After spending twenty-five years in the industry, she traded in her professional attire for a more casual T-shirt and jeans. Her days start early in the morning and end late at night, with a constantly changing schedule that shifts nine or ten times a day. She spends her mornings taking phone calls from home or her car, where sellers “interview” her to sell their properties, while she interviews them to ensure a good fit. Her expertise lies in selling «luxury homes» to billionaires, a challenging job that requires careful and precise communication. Her commitment, knowledge, and straightforward approach are what differentiate her and set her apart. Her clients fully trust her and together with her motivated and committed team distinguished by trustworthiness and responsibility is ready to assist clientele in all luxury property brokerage services. Given her exceptional skills in team building and return on investment results, it’s not a surprise that VON POLL has entrusted her with the role of CEO for Greece.
Natalie, what do you think sets you apart from others in the field of Real Estate?
I think what sets me apart is my ability to think creatively and take risks. When I started in the estate business, I didn’t have a lot of experience, especially in a foreign country such as the United States, so I had to find unique ways to market myself. For example, I would attend all Greek charitable events and all ethnic groups that relate to Greece such as Italians and Spanish.
That’s really impressive. What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out in the real estate industry?
My advice would be to find a niche and dominate it. When I started out, I realized that there was a huge market from foreigners in the United States that where either afraid or didn’t know the process at all of purchasing a home in the US so I focused all of my energy on that market. I became an expert in that area. So, my advice would be to find something that you’re passionate about and become the best at it.
What do you think are some common mistakes that people make when they’re buying or selling real estate?
One common mistake that I see is that people get too emotional about the process. Buying or selling a home is a big decision, and it’s easy to get caught up in the emotions of it all. Another mistake that people make is that they don’t do their homework. You need to research the market and understand the value of the property.
That’s really helpful advice. Finally, what do you think the future of the real estate industry in Greece looks like?
I think the future of the industry is going to be more focused on technology and data. We’re already seeing a lot of innovation in the space, with companies using artificial intelligence and machine learning to predict market trends and help buyers and sellers make better decisions. Overall, I think it’s an exciting time to be in real estate. I also think real estate agents and brokers need to be willing to embrace technology and use it to their advantage. It’s no longer enough to just have a good eye for real estate.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your expertise in the real estate industry in Greece?
I am a real estate professional based in Athens, Greece, and I have been working in the industry for over 20 years both in the United States and Europe. My expertise lies in the luxury segment of the market, and I have worked with several high-end clients, both domestic and foreign.
Great. So, let’s talk about the luxury segment in real estate in Greece.
The luxury real estate market in Greece has been steadily growing in recent years, with an increasing number of high-end properties being developed and sold. There is a strong interest from foreign buyers, particularly from Northern Europe, and the UAE, who are attracted to the beautiful scenery, rich history, and culture of Greece. However, there are still many challenges and obstacles that need to be addressed to fully tap into the potential of this market.
What do you think Greece should do to address these challenges and obstacles?
First and foremost, the Greek government needs to create a more favorable environment for foreign investment, by streamlining the bureaucracy and reducing the red tape involved in the property acquisition process.
What is the current situation in the Real Estate industry in Greece?
The real estate market in Greece has been recovering since the financial crisis of 2008 and has shown signs of growth in recent years. According to data from the Bank of Greece, the value of residential properties in Greece increased by 5.6% in 2020, despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The luxury segment of the market has also been growing, with increasing demand for high-end properties in popular destinations such as Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini.
How would you compare Greece to the other Mediterranean countries?
Greece, Italy, Spain, and Portugal are all popular destinations for luxury real estate investment. Each country has its own unique characteristics and advantages for foreign buyers. In terms of natural beauty and climate, all four countries offer a warm Mediterranean climate and stunning landscapes. When it comes to real estate prices, Greece generally offers more affordable prices than Italy and Spain, in the luxury segment of the market.
Is it easier to purchase in Italy or Greece?
When it comes to the ease of doing business and bureaucracy, Greece has historically faced more challenges than Italy, Spain, and Portugal. However, the Greek government has been taking steps to streamline bureaucracy and make it easier for foreign investors to do business in the country.
