DRIVEN

AGENT
SPOTLIGHT
Leading consultant Joy Erroja is an Arabian Ranches and Mudon specialist, and is one of Driven
Properties’ most popular agents of 2016. We sat down with her to figure out what motivates her and how
she has established herself as a top agent.
1. What are your thoughts on the Dubai
property market so far in 2016? Any
trends that you’ve picked up on? Have you
noticed any changes in the villa market?
2016 so far, has been a great year to invest
in property in Dubai. The market has
stabilized due the improved, regulated
environment.
I’ve noticed a steady growth in the demand
for villas compared to the past few years,
which I believe is due to the growing
number of expats coming to Dubai with
their families.
2. As an agent, you do your own time
management. How do you schedule your
days to stay effective and productive?
What does your typical day look like?
Honestly, real estate agents don’t have a
“typical day”, and to most agents that is the
drawing factor of this career path. I like to
manage my own time and dislike routines,
so this is my ideal job.
When you’re creating your own schedule,
it’s important to keep yourself motivated
and productive. In the beginning of the
workday, I always complete the most
important and realistic task first—this is
the golden rule of time management. By
accomplishing it, I’ve already started my
day on a successful note and I’ll have the
motivation to continue on that streak.
3. What are the small things that you do
for your clients that make them more
likely to continue working with you?
Once I close a deal and ensure a smooth
transaction, I follow up with the client to
see if they require further assistance and
send them a card congratulating them on
their new home.
My previous experience as a property
manager taught me how to work towards a
client’s full satisfaction, anticipate potential
issues, and ensure the condition and quality
of a property.
4. You’ve successfully established yourself
as an Arabian Ranches specialist—how
did you set this base?
Being an area specialist is a combination of
factors: being up-to-date on current prices,
community events, and changes within
the community as well as maintaining
a personal reputation in the area. I am so
focused on the area I work in that I will
often decline mandates in other areas, and
instead referring them to other specialists.
For an area specialist, success is not
measured by sales, volume, or profit,
but rather by maintaining a reputation
as a knowledgeable source of market
information for buyers, sellers, and tenants.
As an Arabian Ranches specialist, you must
know the market price of different types
of property in the community, understand
your client’s needs (schools, medical
facilities, amenities), be updated on further
expansions or developments in the area. It’s
also pertinent to understand the lifestyle of
the residents and know the homeowners
association rules.
5. What are some of the drawing factors of
Arabian Ranches?
Arabian Ranches features a range of units,
from townhouses to luxury villas with
golf course and lake views. Villas typically
feature Spanish architecture with Arabic
and modern design influences. Each
sub-community has its own tennis court,
community pool, children’s play area,
barbecues, and parks. Arabian Ranches is
great for the families who want to escape
the busy city, and it is not that difficult
seeing that the community contains a
shopping center, medical clinic, golf club,
several restaurants, and an equestrian polo
club. Popular attractions such as Miracle
Garden and Global Village are just a short
drive away.
Each Arabian Ranches sub-community
has its own unique feel: Saheel has
large parks and winding walkways that
are perfect for dog walking, Alvorada
exudes a friendly and relaxed charm, Al
Mahra villas feature traditional Arabian
architectural design which creates a regal
atmosphere.
6. Do you have any advice for aspiring
real estate agents?
Since this is a lead generation business,
I’d say prospecting. If you don’t have
prospects, you don’t have a client. And
what is an agent without clients? List to
live is a common mantra in this business.
There are countless ways to prospect:
through friends, your neighbors, social
events, social media, or even going door
to door.
Many agents like to work in solitude,
but teamwork is extremely important.
Successfully handling and closing major
deals require multiple specialists who
understand their skills and how to utilize
them. Also, remain professional, patient,
and kind when dealing with new agents
or consultants from other agencies in
order to maintain clients.
Think outside of the box, stay positive,
and focus.
November 2016 Issue 33