Meet our people 6



Real estate is our business, but people are our competitive advantage - and that is exactly why we are particularly proud and pleased to present to you the newest additions to the Galardo team: Kalina Dakova and Reneta Alexandrova.

Let's start with the most important. What are the three key qualities that a successful real estate broker should have?
Kalina: Definitely one of the most important qualities is communication - a successful broker must be able to communicate clearly and effectively with clients, colleagues and other stakeholders. This also includes the ability to listen, ask the right questions and provide accurate and useful information. Analytical skills – a successful broker must be able to analyze the market, understand economic trends. This includes the ability to assess risks and opportunities. Individual approach - a successful broker must have the ability to build and maintain trust with his clients. This includes providing tailored solutions and advice to meet clients' needs and objectives, and resolving their issues and queries quickly and efficiently.
Reneta: There are definitely more, but it's a challenge without these three: positivity, persistence and confidence.

What did you do before becoming a real estate broker? Did you learn anything from your previous job that you still apply today?
Kalina: I have worked with clients who wish to furnish their homes and turn them into a home. Client communication skills in interior design and real estate overlap in several key ways.
Understanding client needs and wants: In both sectors, it is important for the professional to understand the client's specific needs, preferences and goals. In interior design, this can include style preferences, functional requirements and budget. In real estate, the same applies to the type of property, location and financial constraints of the client.
Effective communication: the ability to communicate clearly and effectively is key to both sectors. This includes presenting ideas, explaining complex concepts and answering questions in a way that customers understand. It is also important to provide timely and accurate information.
Building trust and customer relationships: In both sectors, long-lasting customer relationships are essential. This requires proactivity, honesty and commitment to the client's interests. Professionals must demonstrate competence and reliability, which leads to building trust and customer satisfaction.
Managing expectations: In both interior design and real estate, it is important to manage client expectations. This includes clearly communicating opportunities and constraints, timelines and budgets, and providing realistic projections of the end result.
Solving problems and conflicts: the ability to deal with problems and conflicts that arise is important in both professions. This requires diplomacy, the ability to find compromises and provide effective solutions that satisfy all stakeholders.

What is your favorite moment of the work day?
Reneta: The meetings with clients, where we can discuss and build the most appropriate and successful strategies for them, so that they bring them maximum satisfaction from the completed transaction.

What are the three most important things you look for first in a property?
Kalina:
1. Location: this is the most important factor when choosing a property. Location determines access to important sites such as schools, hospitals, shops, public transport and workplaces. A good location also positively affects the value of the property and its liquidity on the market. The safety and development of the area are also important.
2. Condition and infrastructure of the property: the technical condition of the building and the quality of construction are essential. This includes the state of the main systems - electricity, water supply, heating and sewage. Also, the availability of modern amenities and infrastructure such as parking, elevators, green spaces and common areas play an important role.
3. Size and distribution of space: the size of the property and its internal distribution are critical for the comfort and functionality of the home or office. It is important that the property meets the needs and preferences of the future residents. This includes a sufficient number of rooms, good orientation of light, spacious and comfortable premises, as well as the presence of additional spaces such as balconies, basements or attics.
Reneta:
1. Location.
2. Spirit of the property - the emotion you feel when you first touch it.
3. Surroundings and Common Areas.

How would you explain what you do to a five-year-old?
Reneta:
I have a super cool job that looks like Roblox and The Sims.

What do you love in Sofia?
Kalina: Sofia is a city with a unique combination of history, culture and modern life. Sofia is home to numerous historical monuments and museums that tell about the rich past of the city and the country. The city is surrounded by beautiful nature, including Vitosha, which offers excellent conditions for hiking and skiing. The Boris Garden and the South Park are also favorite places for walks and relaxation. People in Sofia are known for their hospitality and friendliness, which creates a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere for visitors and residents.
Renetta: A charming, well-urbanized, European capital that offers opportunities for a diverse social life - cultural events, park environment, sports facilities, nightlife...

And what don't you like about Sofia?
Kalina: A problem that I personally face every day is the lack of parking spaces.
Reneta: The attitude towards people - and more specifically, even though we live in a European capital that is developing very quickly, we still have to learn how to receive and treat foreigners who decide to visit the city or make it their home . In my opinion, it will only be in our interest if we speed up the pace in this regard.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Kalina: I like to spend my free time with close people. I like to use my personal time to take care of my home and my Jack Russell Terrier, Ronnie. Last but not least, I like to exercise and take care of my health.

How do you imagine the perfect place to live for yourself?
Reneta: Penthouse with a 360-degree view in the heart of the city, but with the feeling of a house in a minimalist style - with a terraced garden, a barbecue corner and a fitness corner.