SANTO DOMINGO.- Modernization, technological advancement, and unification are the main challenges currently facing the real estate and construction sectors, according to three experts who analyzed the topic at the first CENI Expo Forum, held yesterday, March 8, on the occasion of “International Women’s Day”.
Laura Pérez, Project Manager and Director of the developer and construction company Noval Properties, states that the sector has major challenges such as the development and innovation of innovative, economical and environmentally friendly construction systems.
“Another challenge is the rise in material prices and the difficulty of importing materials. The State must work to stabilize prices. I believe that even though the State is modernizing, we must address this issue more effectively,” Laura stated while participating in the panel “The Challenges of the Dominican Real Estate Sector Facing the Future,” at the event held at the Catalonia Hotel.
For veteran real estate agent Rodelixsa Manzueta, regional director of Keller Williams Dominican Republic, there are four main challenges in the real estate sector. The first, she says, is staying at the forefront of technology because the way real estate is done has changed. The second is training, because clients are very well-informed, which "forces us to provide constant training.".
Thirdly, he cites excellence in service. “Real excellence, because every day customers are more demanding, and all our colleagues offer that or better”; fourthly, he cites the immediacy of responses, because every day customers are more demanding in terms of having their needs met.
For Zoila Abreu, Director ofAlternative Sales & Control at Scotiabank, the biggest challenge is working together. “We are not an institution without you.” She understands that it is essential to be transparent with clients, listen to what they say, act as advisors rather than salespeople, understand their needs, and listen to their stories. “The difference is that we care about the quality of life they can have after acquiring their home.”
Women and challenges
For the representative of Keller Williams Dominicana, the main challenge for women is the multiple roles they must assume. She said she considers herself successful because her work has an impact, adding that she believes in herself and pursues her dreams.
Noval's executive, for her part, says she feels fortunate for the experiences she has had, given that her generation has experienced the freedom to make decisions about their life plan. She cites her preparation, discipline, organization, and structure as pillars of her success, which have led her to earn people's respect and trust.
Abreu from Scotiabank confesses that she fears her comfort zone and challenges herself. She believes that people set their own limits and that 90% of human actions are about attitude.
The panel was moderated by Annies Gómez, CEO of Houselink, while Luz Sarmiento, CEO of Urban Group, handled the questions. Both served as the perfect complement to the panelists, five women who demonstrated their experience and expertise on the subject.
