Strive to Thrive: Recent Episodes
Jeff Buttigieg
It's easy to lose focus and go down that dreadful road - especially with the influence of the digital world of social media. Here we hone on life-changing tips and methods where anybody can apply to their everyday life in business and at home. Take this journey of inspiration and motivation to become better versions of ourselves.
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Today, I had the pleasure of speaking with Mark Weingard, a British entrepreneur and philanthropist who has had a remarkable 36-year career, starting as a trader and later founding and selling a financial technology company. Mark is also the founder of Inyala Luxury Hotels and the Inspiration Foundation, and he has been living in Malta for the past nine years. Recently, he opened the Inyala Harbor House in Saint Barbara.
Mark shared his insights on leadership and the qualities needed to be a successful leader in today’s business world. He emphasized the importance of listening to both your team and customers, having a vision, and always being willing to learn. He also offered advice for young real estate agents, stressing the importance of bringing value to customers, understanding the market, and recognizing the long-term opportunities in real estate, especially in today’s inflationary environment.
Mark pointed out that in real estate, location is key, and agents should focus on areas with limited supply, such as historic places or properties with unique views. He also highlighted the importance of understanding the buyer’s needs and being honest and straightforward. According to Mark, it’s better to show one perfect property than several that don’t meet the client’s expectations.
He discussed the importance of prompt communication, advising agents to be responsive and avoid overwhelming clients with too many follow-ups. He also stressed the need for agents to understand their clients’ price points and quality expectations and to always be transparent about the properties they are showing.
Mark concluded by underscoring the significance of honesty in business. He believes that being straightforward and truthful builds trust, which is essential for long-term success. As he shared these valuable insights, Mark also mentioned his involvement in the upcoming Shark Tank show, which is set to air in April.
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Welcome to the Real Estate Conversation video podcast! Today, I had the pleasure of speaking with my brother, Kevin Buttigieg, the chairman of Remax Malta, who has been in the real estate industry for over 24 years. Kevin founded Remax in 2004 and has led the company through 15 years of consecutive growth, earning prestigious awards like the European Excellence Award and being crowned the Global Agent of the Year in Remax.
During our discussion, we delved into the current state of the real estate market in Malta, where we’ve seen three to five years of continuous growth, driven by foreign investments and an increasing number of expats needing both residential and commercial properties. This demand has also been fueled by various government schemes aimed at first-time and second-time buyers. However, the recent hike in prices has made it challenging for new couples to afford their first home.
Kevin addressed concerns about a potential slowdown in the market, noting that while the market is stabilizing, it isn’t necessarily declining. He emphasized that proper developers are not worried, but those who entered the market recently, often referred to as “cowboys,” should be concerned due to their lack of experience and the rising costs of sites.
We also discussed the importance of quality in real estate, with Kevin stressing that buyers deserve a high-end product, and developers who cut corners will ultimately harm their reputation. He highlighted the necessity of being honest with clients and delivering on promises, as this builds trust and ensures long-term success.
Kevin provided insights into the future of the real estate market, predicting stability over the next two to three years. He also touched on the importance of working with experienced and honest agents, who can guide buyers through the process, from understanding loan options to choosing the right property.
Lastly, we talked about the potential regulation of real estate agents, which Kevin supports as it would help eliminate unprofessional agents from the industry, making it a more credible profession. This regulation, combined with continued focus on quality and infrastructure, will ensure that Malta’s real estate market remains strong and attractive to both local and foreign buyers.
Overall, Kevin’s insights confirm that while the market may be stabilizing, there are still great opportunities, especially for those who work with reputable agents and developers. The key takeaway is the importance of honesty, quality, and professionalism in maintaining a healthy real estate market.
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In today’s episode of The Real Estate Conversation, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Michael Gaia, a seasoned professional with 15 years in the real estate industry. Michael has successfully established his business in Gozo, opening offices in Victoria and Mgarr. We discussed the unique appeal of Gozo, an island in the Maltese archipelago, known as a hidden gem in the Mediterranean.
Gozo offers a distinct environment compared to Malta, with its peaceful atmosphere, picturesque beaches, and historical sites like the Ggantija Temples and the Citadel. The island has become a popular choice for Maltese people looking to invest in property, whether for rental income or as a second home. Foreigners, including notable celebrities, have also been drawn to Gozo’s charm.
The real estate market in Gozo is thriving, with properties being more affordably priced compared to Malta. This has created significant opportunities for investors, particularly in the area of second homes. In recent years, we’ve seen a substantial increase in property sales, which has prompted us to expand our operations, including opening a second office and increasing our team of agents.
We also touched on the thriving rental market in Gozo, which has seen remarkable growth, especially with increased demand from both local and foreign clients. Despite the rental returns not being as high as in Malta, the affordability of Gozo properties and the steady appreciation in value make it an attractive investment.
Additionally, we discussed the introduction of Special Designated Area (SDA) projects in Gozo, which offer luxury living with amenities and attract both Maltese and international buyers. These developments are raising the standard of living on the island and providing more options for discerning clients.
Overall, Gozo continues to be a sought-after location for both local and foreign investors, with a variety of properties available to suit different budgets and preferences. If Gozo was good enough for celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, it’s certainly a place worth considering for anyone looking for a peaceful and beautiful place to invest in.
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The challenges of the real estate market are changing, and in this episode of The Real Estate Conversation, I discuss how these challenges are evolving. Over the last five years, demand in real estate has slightly outpaced supply, making it possible for agents to succeed without much training or even much effort in customer service. However, as the market shifts toward being more of a buyer’s market than a seller’s market, this is beginning to change.
My guest, Nathan Farrugia, is a highly versatile professional: a physiotherapist, MBA holder, keynote speaker, coach, motivator, triathlete, CEO of Shireburn Limited, and founder of UP Academy. Our discussion focuses on how persistence can be nurtured in a fluid market by individuals or even companies to achieve higher levels of productivity.
Nathan believes that resilience is crucial, encouraging people to regularly do the uncomfortable, as this builds the mental strength needed to face the ups and downs of self-employment or working in real estate. He advocates for a growth mindset that turns challenges into opportunities and emphasizes continuous self-improvement.
For those who are less inclined to take risks, Nathan suggests that “training is key,” particularly in understanding the property, the customer, and, most importantly, the process of closing deals. He highlights that both new and experienced agents must keep learning and adapting, especially in light of new technologies.
Creativity is another important topic we touched on, with Nathan emphasizing that it must exist to avoid getting stuck in old ways of thinking. He stresses that every environment presents challenges and that adaptability to the specific situation is vital.
Nathan also advocates for authenticity in agents’ approaches, as being genuine helps build client trust, which, in turn, leads to more successful transactions. He recommends creating a ‘not-to-do’ list as a productivity tool, allowing agents to focus more on value rather than just time.
When it comes to organizational leadership, Nathan notes the need for a culture that enables individual performance while fostering teamwork. He emphasizes the importance of interdependence, where each member’s strengths contribute to the organization’s overall success.
Finally, Nathan shares advice on preparing for the future: instead of stressing over what might happen, focus on ensuring that your current actions pave the way for future success. He concludes by advocating for a balance between planning and flexibility.
“Thank you, Nathan,” I concluded. “Let’s meet again on the next episode of The Real Estate Conversation.”
In this podcast, I interviewed Alex Falzon, a Leadership coach and trainer based in Malta, and we discussed the impact a coach can have on sales results and the methods he uses to unlock the potential of his clients. Alex has made a name for himself on the Island and provides value to his customers. Here is the full episode here, or you can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4ECgsCcLqM
Plenty of us often find ourselves working on so many things and not concentrating on the important business opportunities available that will make the hard cash you deserve. Mark Micallef is a Top Producing Agent in Malta for several years and was ranked #1 in 2020 and shares his secrets to success in how he built his own business. Join me and learn how to become an expert in your town on the "Strive to Thrive" podcast. Catch you on the other side!
Kevin Buttigieg is the Chairman of RE/MAX in Malta and multi International award winning RE/MAX agent. Here he provides his journey on how he became successful over his 27 years of experience in the real estate market.