In March, we are pleased to highlight the exceptional contribution of Herminia, who has been an integral part of the Quality Estates team for several years. She has played a pivotal role in the real estate department, being an expert in market dynamics and property strategies. In addition, Herminia has proven to be a key player in the expansion and sustained success of our real estate portfolio.
What inspired you to join Quality Estates?
When I started working at Quality Estates, I didn't know them, in fact they had only recently been located in Sant Antoni de Calonge and their activity was not only real estate, but also renovations and the sale of tropical wood furniture and decorative accessories, paintings, lamps, vases, etc. The whole place was full of furniture, mostly outdoor furniture, teak tables, garden chairs and armchairs, etc. Some of the things we took outside every day, the truth is that it was a different way of working and for me it was interesting from the first moment. What I like the most is that everything has always been very dynamic and the truth is that time has flown by, it's been a few years since July 9th 2009.
Can you share a memorable experience or moment from your time at Quality Estates?
One of the things that had the greatest impact on me was the great effort we made on Saturdays, in the first years of working on the rental of the houses, how we accompanied each of the families on their arrival, to the houses and explained in detail how everything worked, etc. etc. etc. It was an impeccable personalised service, very close.
How would you describe the work culture and environment at Quality Estates?
The work culture at QE is very international, different timetable to the usual Spanish real estate companies, moderate but constant work intensity, with continuous learning, improvement projects always on the table, family atmosphere, very close relationship with the client, etc. The good working atmosphere we have among colleagues/colleagues/management is a very good vibe and this is noticeable in all aspects of the day-to-day work.
What unique skills or qualities do you bring to your role in the company?
The experience I have in the real estate sector of more than 35 years gives me a great deal of confidence, which is also transmitted to both the seller and the buyer...... I am very enthusiastic and passionate about my work. I love the variety of my daily work, and although I do a lot of administrative work, I am also out of the office on many occasions, and I like to visit the houses and deal with the owners, for whom sometimes it is not easy to let go of their homes. I treat everyone with a lot of care, both sellers and buyers. I want selling and buying to be a very pleasant experience for everyone.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most pleasant thing for me is when buyer and seller agree to go ahead with the sale and purchase. Then I know that the pieces fit together and we are on the right track.
In your opinion, what distinguishes Quality Estates from other real estate agencies?
The difference with other real estate agencies is that we accompany both the seller and the buyer at all times, we inform them of each of the costs inherent in the sale and purchase, we provide solutions to any difficulties that may arise, both in terms of documentation and construction.
How do you see Quality Estates contributing to the Costa Brava community?
QE respects the environment, is aware of the beauty of the nature that surrounds us and we know how to build in a way that the houses are integrated into the natural environment of the area.
What kind of professional growth or development have you experienced at Quality Estates?
I started at Quality Estates as the receptionist at QE and after a short while, thanks to my professional experience in this sector since I was 24 years old, I started working in sales. At the beginning, we all handled sales and lettings together, until new colleagues took over responsibility for lettings and I kept my role in sales. I have learnt a lot in all aspects of sales, from attracting properties, making a good presentation, good marketing and advertising, and selling, etc. In fact, I learn every day, because every case is different.
Can you share a success story or an example of a particularly satisfied client you have worked with?
Yes, of course, I am very proud of the fastest sale I have ever done, where I sold a house in a week. The end of the year was approaching and for tax reasons, everything had to be organised at supersonic speed so that the buyer could make the purchase within the year we were in. For me that was a great test that I always remember with joy.
How is Quality Estates adapting to changes and innovations in the real estate industry?
The QE team is always thinking about how we can improve and improve every year. We are well advised and above all we are very close with other colleagues with whom we do not compete but collaborate.
Where are you from originally?
I was born in a small village in La Mancha, in the province of Cuenca, called Santa María del Campo Rus. In the 1960s, my parents emigrated to Palafrugell and that's where I live now. I was 4 years old when I arrived in Palafrugell in 1966.
What was your first job?
My first job was in a supermarket down the street from my home, where I worked for a couple of months in the summer. Then I worked in a currency exchange agency, also for several summers while I was studying and then I went to Germany where I spent 2 years, where I spent my 18th and 19th years.
What was your favourite subject at school?
At school I really liked biology and mathematics and I still do.
What languages do you speak?
I speak English well, with which I have a good grammatical base, French I can speak a little more fluently as I say, but I find that it is very similar to Catalan and listening carefully you can understand it quite well. German, I learnt it in Germany and continued studying it on my return for several years, but I haven't practised it much and now I'm afraid to speak it, although I think it's there somewhere in my head, somewhat dormant. Of course I speak Catalan and Spanish, which is my mother tongue.
How long have you been living on the Costa Brava?
I have been in the CB since I was 4 years old.
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time I like to do everything. What I like to do most is to travel, to see new places for me. At weekends, I like to go out and do routes in the surrounding villages or in the mountains. I am good at organising day trips and I always gather friends to go with me and enjoy a good morning excursion and a good meal in the local restaurants.
Are there any exciting projects or plans Quality Estates is currently working on?
For me, the most exciting project will be carried out in Puig Rossell, Calonge. We are just at the beginning of the beginning, but the result will be breathtakingly beautiful, it will be the construction of high standing houses, with unobstructed views and very well oriented to the sun. This multi-year project will be very significant for QE.
What do you enjoy most about living and working on the Costa Brava?
What I most enjoy about living in the BC is the calm that we have for 10 months of the year, when we can move freely without traffic jams, enjoy the sunny days of winter without crowds, without shouting, that is what I like the most, as well as the divine landscape of this territory. Wherever you go, the beauty of the surroundings is palpable, the olive groves of Calonge, the vineyards, the pine forests, the Gavarres with its immensely rich past when the cork oaks were worked, when charcoal was made, etc. The sea, I can't even tell you, the coastal paths, the little terraces where you can have a beer looking at the horizon and the sunshine on a Sunday morning. I love living here and I am thankful every day that my parents made the decision to stay here, among the immense number of places to choose from...
Can you share a fun or interesting fact about yourself that not many people know?
Well, I think everyone knows this, but here goes: I'm quite a bit at odds with technology, maybe it's an age thing?
If you could sum up Quality Estates in one word, what would it be and why?
To sum up QE in one word: Innovation. Why? Because Danny always surprises us with new ideas, always ready to listen to our comments and contributions and for whom any innovation is welcome.
How can people contact you?
To contact me, you can do so by telephone at 608678284 or by email: sales@quality-estates.com. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
