“Working in real estate takes genuine love for people – and a lot of patience”.
An interview with Inmolux Group agent Snezhana Belousova

— Tell us a bit about yourself. How did you get into real estate, and what draws you to it?

— I first came to the Costa del Sol in 2001 from Saint Petersburg – it was meant to be a holiday, but it changed my life. I fell in love with the region at first sight. At first, I worked in tourism and later started my own business. But once I had children, it became difficult to keep up the same pace, and I needed a more flexible schedule. Real estate offered me that freedom – I could organise my work around my life. Nowadays, I prefer being part of a team. It’s more peaceful and comfortable for me than running a business on my own.

— How would you describe your job to someone unfamiliar with the real estate industry?

— Like any job in sales, real estate requires a sincere love for people and a great deal of patience. Deals are rarely concluded quickly – it's essential to guide clients with attention and respect at every stage.

— What’s the key value an estate agent brings to a client – especially when buying or selling property?

— Let me give you a real example. For a while, I was helping a British client rent out his villa. The last tenant stayed for three years, and unfortunately, the house ended up in quite poor condition. When the owner came to inspect the property at the end of the tenancy, I suggested he consider selling it. We started with a light makeover – removed the old furniture and gave the place a refresh. Then he went back to London and I put the property on the market.

There was interest, but no serious offers – until, three months later, a woman viewed the house. She loved it, but it was far beyond her budget. I convinced her to visit anyway. She and her husband fell in love with it and made an offer – lower than the asking price, of course. I persuaded the owner to meet them halfway, and they managed to get a mortgage.

That wasn’t the end of the challenges. Legal complications came up, and I helped sort them out by involving some of my trusted contacts. In the end, the sale went through – and funnily enough, the owner didn’t even come to the signing (it was right before Christmas), so everything was handled via his lawyer!

This kind of result would’ve been impossible without an agent. For anyone buying or selling in Spain, having professional support isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity.

— What are the most common challenges people face when they try to go through the process without an agent?

— It’s not so much about mistakes as it is about time and nerves wasted. Selling a property involves dozens of phone calls, paperwork, viewings, and negotiations. Often, the buyer and seller can’t reach an agreement on their own – you need a third party who is neutral and professional.

— How do you build relationships with clients? Do you have any guiding principles?

— For me, it’s not just about closing a deal – it’s about building trust and long-term relationships. Many of my clients become friends – some I’ve known for over ten years. That’s the most rewarding part of the job.

— How has the real estate market changed in recent years? What should today’s buyers and sellers be aware of?

— There’s been a rise in property owners who live abroad and rarely visit Spain. At the same time, more buyers are now planning full relocations. Both groups need the support of an experienced agent – they simply don’t have the time or resources to stay on top of legal changes and market trends.

— How is a property’s value determined when it goes on the market? What factors are most important?

— These days, we use modern technology, including AI. It analyses price per square metre in the area, sales history, renovation quality, and more. But the final price is always a balance between the seller’s expectations and the buyer’s possibilities. This is where an agent plays a key role as a mediator.

— What advice would you give to someone just starting to think about buying or selling property?

— The most important factor is location. The Costa del Sol is compact but diverse – every neighbourhood has its own reputation, infrastructure, and vibe. You have to consider everything: from proximity to schools to the nature of the neighbours.

I remember one client who bought a flat because his mother, who uses a wheelchair, became friends with another woman in the same situation who lived in that building. The whole urbanisation was adapted for people with reduced mobility. Sometimes, little things like that make all the difference.

— Do you specialise in a particular type of property? What kinds of homes do you usually work with?

— For me, the type or location of the property doesn’t matter as much as the people. I work with people. If we connect and feel comfortable working together, then the deal is likely to be a success.

— And finally, what’s the most valuable part of your job for you?

— I genuinely love the Costa del Sol, I love people, and I love the solutions we find together. And I’ll be honest – the financial side matters too. Good work deserves fair rewards.