Sometimes, a situation that makes us uncomfortable at the time ends up leading us down a path we never imagined
That's exactly what happened to me. Before entering the real estate business, I worked as a manager at Avelino Abreu C. por A. It was a very responsible position, which I took very seriously and with great commitment. As a manager, I understood that I had to participate in decisions related to the area I managed.
But one day, the company owner made a decision without consulting me. He was perfectly within his rights. He was the owner, and I never questioned that right. However, it was important to me that, given my responsibilities as manager, I be consulted before any decision was made regarding my area.
That situation made me think deeply. If participating in decisions was so important to me, perhaps it was time to start making my own. And that's how I decided to seek new horizons.
At that moment, I remembered that I had had the opportunity to sell land with a company called Cupido Realty. I already knew something about the business and thought I could find an opportunity there to build my own path.
Furthermore, at that time, the real estate business was closely linked to financing. With the small amount of savings I had available, I decided to venture into both areas.
In this way, on February 1, 1986, I formally began a journey that, more than four decades later, continues to be a fundamental part of my life.
Initially, I entered the real estate sector seeking independence and new horizons. However, over the years I discovered that this profession could offer me much more.
Little by little I understood that behind every property there is something much more important than square footage, rooms, or parking spaces. There is a person making a life-changing decision.
For a young couple, an apartment can represent the beginning of a family. For parents, it's the peace of mind of knowing their children have a safe home. For a Dominican living abroad, it can mean maintaining their roots in the country. And for an investor, it's about building wealth for the future.
Understanding that also changed my perspective on the job. I realized it wasn't simply about selling properties. It was about helping people make sound real estate decisions. It might seem like a small difference, but for me, it made all the difference.
Selling can mean convincing. Advising, on the other hand, involves listening carefully, asking questions, analyzing each situation, and, when necessary, having the honesty to tell a client: “That property isn’t for you.”
Over time, I also discovered something that made me fall in love with this business: few professions allow you to build relationships that last for so many years.
I've seen clients become friends. I've accompanied families through different stages of their lives and have had the opportunity to work alongside developers, builders, banks, trust companies, and colleagues who have also contributed to my professional growth.
And as I gained experience, I felt the need to share what I had learned. Teaching, writing, and talking with those starting out in the industry became another way for me to practice this profession.
Because experience only truly matters when it can be shared with others. Naturally, today's real estate market is very different from what it was in 1986. Now we have technology, trusts, digital tools, international buyers, and much more informed clients.
But despite all these changes, there's one thing that no technology has been able to replace:trust. And that remains, in my opinion, the true currency of our business.
Today I can look back on that circumstance that led me to change course with different eyes. At the time, it was the reason that drove me to seek new horizons. Now I see it as the push I needed to find my true professional path.
I entered the field seeking independence and the opportunity to make my own decisions. I stayed because I discovered a profession that allowed me to serve, build relationships, generate trust, and support decisions capable of changing people's lives.
After more than four decades, I can sum it up like this: I decided to enter the real estate business because I wanted to be in control of my decisions. And I ended up discovering that my greatest satisfaction came from helping others make good decisions.
Life has those unexpected turns. What began with a decision I wasn't consulted about ended up leading me to a profession built around helping others decide.
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