As a Ruby Elite Award Winner, Alex Jupp has been recognised by Engel & Völkers for exceptional performance and property sales.
Alex is an experienced and talented Advisor for Engel & Völkers Bahamas and has great insight into what is special about Engel & Völkers, the qualities it brings to buying and selling prime properties and his secret of success in getting results for clients.
What is Engel & Volkers and what service does it offer?
Engel & Völkers is an international lifestyle brand. It specializes in the brokerage of premium residential property, commercial real estate and yachts. We are focused on consultancy, sales and leasing.
What is the company history and brand about?
Engel & Völkers was founded in 1977 as Engel & Cie by Dirk C. Engel. A few years later, Dirk C. Engel and Christian Völkers decided to open a brokerage office in the Hamburg Elbe region in Germany. It was based in a villa in Elbchaussee and it is depicted on our logo. Christian Völkers took over the company after Dirk C. Engel’s death in 1986 and the group became Engel & Völkers in 1987.
What is unique about the brand?
Engel & Völkers is a respected international agency with a growing number of shops around the world. The brand’s recognition in Europe and fast growth in the Americas along with tailored services in every shop globally is unique in itself. I have personally encountered clients internationally that are familiar with and trust the brand. From our distinct marketing materials and tools such as our in-house Customer Relationship Management software and Shop TV that showcase high-end properties around the world and the commitment from headquarters to constantly strive for innovation. It drives us to be better and never settle.
What is different about our company compared to others? And what is special about your own real estate services, too?
The most interesting aspect about being part of our company is the collaborative culture where our affiliates are like family and welcome interaction. For instance, some of our transactions are direct referrals from fellow shops in other countries. I pride myself on communication and persistence. If there is a way to get results for my clients, I will explore every option. There is always a way and it’s just a matter of taking the time and energy in applying yourself to find that way.
How do both you and Engel & Völkers help clients achieve their real estate goals?
Selling a property takes a multifaceted approach. The company’s concierge style service means we are engaged right from the beginning. From understanding a seller’s needs when first meeting, in laying out the presentation on how we can service their needs in the second meeting, enactment, market analysis during the process of finding a qualified buyer, vetting any interest, handling negotiations, getting formal offers signed to be prepared for contract negotiations, all the way through the legal process into closing – we make sure the client is fully covered.
For a buyer, the approach is a bit different. After we hear their needs, we apply this to our suggestions in finding them the right property, along with guiding them in the understanding of what is available and how all the properties compare. Constant market analysis is important as a serious buyer will be fully engaged in what they are seeing and the information we provide. We pride ourselves on our accurate information. Of course, the process is the same in handling negotiations as with the seller, getting formal offers signed to be prepared for contract negotiations, all the way through the legal process into closing.
What are some important tips for buyers in today’s market?
- Understand your financial situation. If you need to go to a bank, then visit the bank first and finalise financing arrangements.
- Engage a reputable lawyer and understand the process and expenses for this part of the requirement. The legal process is a major part of getting to close and any misunderstanding regarding the legal process could cost you time and even money.
- The market is active and uncertainty can mean missing out on a good deal. This is where engaging the right advisor for the best information possible to move confidently into taking that big step. Know what you want and what it takes to secure it. We are there to guide you based on your needs and financial position and negotiate confidently on your behalf once you have taken care of your financial status and your legal team is on standby.
What recommendation would you give sellers in this market?
- Properly prepare your property for the market. Carry out repairs or cosmetic adjustments to improve your property’s appeal.
- Engage an advisor who can assess information on properties that have sold in the area or are available for sale. Understanding market activity is just as important as your property’s appearance. You don’t want to price too low or price out of the market. As the market continues to improve, there is a lot of data that can be used to determine what to expect. Your advisor will be able to provide a market analysis so that you don’t lose out on opportunities to sell while not selling yourself short.
- Prepare yourself for closing. Once you are set to offer your property for sale. Be sure to know your next step after closing and be prepared for it. You don’t want anything personal to delay the sale process.
What are your unique services? Why should someone use you as an advisor?
I believe that the unique services that I offer are being fully committed to every simple detail in every process and finding a way to get results for my clients along with always striving to improve myself. Understanding my client and their needs alongside understanding every situation and the best way to address any challenges in real-time puts you in an ideal position for a successful outcome. I don’t like to rest at any point until success is achieved. I always want to look back and say that I did my best to make my clients happy. With the ease of access and application of the brand’s tools, my relationship with fellow professionals in the business whether lawyers, bankers or others and breaking the process down to simplicity for my clients, I can aid them to make the best decisions as they are fully informed and supported.
Why should a seller list with you? What is special about what you would do?
A seller should list with me because my commitment to every step in the listing/sale process is strategic and tailored to their property. My outlook in marketing and advertising helps me focus on the most interesting selling points of the property rather than just providing general information about the property. Highlighting unique selling points in strategic ways is just as impactful as pricing.
Why should a buyer use you as an advisor? What is special about what you do?
For a buyer it takes a lot of time and effort to decide on a purchase, no matter the type of property. I am invested in the process as if I was the one making the purchase. I communicate with the buyer, take in their special interests and fully analyze the market to provide them with options and suggestions. From start to finish, I am you and with my knowledge of the industry, I seek to put us in the best position for a successful purchase.
Do you have a specific experience that highlights an example where your professionalism pulled through for a deal?
I had a recent experience in getting a property to contract where the buyers wanted to give up on a few occasions. I researched between different islands for them, discussing the difference in markets and prices. Our first offer didn’t go as planned. We looked at everything from vacant land, to build homes and even properties that needed work. All the while, I had to guide them on each type of property and costs associated with them, then compare each type of property to the market so they understood what was best for them financially based on their situation. This was a two-year process that resulted in them finding a home that they really liked and this home was an off-market property that was not even actively for sale. It took in-depth research and communication for them to be happy and satisfied to move forward with the purchase. They even stretched their budget because they liked the home so much. Without all of the communication and information, they might have given up out of frustration. But, I stayed engaged and told them that I was positive and hopeful that we would find their property, and we did!
Find out more about Alex at https://alexjupp.evrealestate.com/bio/AlexJupp and Engel & Völkers Bahamas at https://bahamas.evrealestate.com.
