JOSÉ ROLO: “Real Estate, My Greatest Love? It Was All!”

IN 2020 IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PANDEMIC, WE BROKE THE TURNOVER RECORD

BY RUDINA HOXHA & JOSE PINTO

José Rolo, Real Estate Consultant at CENTURY 21 Nações in Lisbon, Portugal, tells in an interview with TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE that he is very happy and proud to belong to the Great Century21 Nações Family.

“It has been an excellent journey since 2014. I am currently the C21 Ambassador, Centurion Honor Society, Rookie of the Year and Diamond Award 2014 and I will be Centurion Award for the 7th time in a row,” Rolo told TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE.

Considering the house buying a persisting dream, Rolo says that he will always be by the clients ‘side to make their dream come true.

Full interview below:

1. How was 2021 for Century 21 EXPO? How were your expectations met?

2021 has been a record year for the C21 Nações Group, made up of Nações I in Parque das Nações north, Nações II in the south of Parque das Nações, Nações III in Sacavém, Nações IV in Portela de Sacavém and this year we inaugurate Nações V in Alcochete on the south bank of the Tagus river and our Business Center in Parque das Nações. Nações I is in 1st place in Portugal/Spain since January. We hope to end the year in this same place.

2. Your card fits all of the following: long experience, vision, global reach, and homebuyer insight. Are these the components of your success?

I’ve been in the real estate area since 2007 and my comfort zone is undoubtedly Parque das Nações. Of course, I will always help my clients to make their dream come true anywhere in Portugal. Yes because buying a house will always be a dream. I dedicate at least 8 to 10 hours a day to making these dreams possible. I am a person of affection, I like to make myself known and I try to maintain a great relationship and friendship with my clients as much as possible.

3. Can we talk about Century 21 EXPO results in numbers? What were the profiles of buyers during the pandemic and now at the end of 2021?

In 2020 in the middle of the pandemic, we broke the turnover record, leaving Nações I in 3rd place in Portugal/Spain. In addition to some foreign customers,

most of our customers are still domestic. Portugal continues to have a lot of new construction and the Portuguese have opted to invest in the acquisition of apartments at the beginning of their construction. Thinking that the end will be in 2022 or 2023, they can make a down payment of 15%, 5% after 6 months, 5% after 12 months and the remaining 75% for payment at the time of deed. In order to obtain the GV, customers from other countries must purchase a finished property for 500k or purchase for 350k for refurbishment but property over 30 years old. Unfortunately, it will end at the end of the year in the metropolitan areas of Lisbon and Porto. From 2022 to obtain the GV it will be

possible but in the purchase of commercial property worth 500k.

4. Of all the aspects of your work, how important are emotions in your business? Do you think this is one of your winning cards when customer emotions are often underestimated?

Buying a property is also emotional. The customer is not buying a simple pair of shoes, a shirt, a dress or any other accessory. He tries to find his future home. Improve your family life. Seeking more and more quality of life. We have to try to find out why to move house. Will it be work? Will it be for a better school for your children? It could also be for living close to family members or simply because your life has improved and you are looking to live in a better place.

With the arrival of the pandemic and people being telecommuting, people became aware of the lack of space in their home. Living room with little area, very small rooms, but mostly lack of outside space. So, it was not surprising to look for a house with a balcony or

terrace and a townhouse or villa near Lisbon.

5. After working in hotels, you’ve devoted your entire life to real estate. Why? Is it the greatest love?

Yes, I started my job in 1965 as a bell boy at the Hotel Ritz in Lisbon in August 1972 I had the pleasure of being part of the opening of Lisbon-Sheraton Hotel where I was a night room clerk and later Tour- Coordinator, later I was head of reception at the Hotel from the Tower in Belém next to the Jerónimos Monastery. In 1974 was the year to fulfill the military obligation for 2 years. In 1976, I went to Spain where I stayed until 1994. I worked at the reception of the Hotel Cidade de Vigo, Hospital Geral de Vigo, salesperson at Electrolux and also managed 3 restaurant businesses

My greatest love? It was all! When I accept a job, I have to be at 121% Right now, I’m very happy at Century21 Nações I. It has been an excellent journey since 2014. I am currently the C21 Ambassador, Centurion Honor Society, Rookie of the Year and Diamond Award 2014 and I will be Centurion Award for the 7th time in a row.

I am proud to belong to this Great C21 Nações Family.