At Albert Group: a story of two like-minded real estate agents, Jan Vlieghe and Peter-Jan Matthijs, with a clear vision.
We go back to 2016, the founding of Albert, and let Jan, co-founder and office manager of Albert Loppem, speak.
Jan and the story of Albert.
Jan: "Just under 10 years ago, Peter-Jan Matthijs and myself crossed paths again after I started my career in Oostduinkerke with Peter-Jan in 2004. From our passion and experience within the sector, we felt there was room for a group with an atypical approach. At Albert no hard sales, no do or die mentality but an open philosophy, namely from sharing you get richer. In our growth story, it became clear that local anchoring and expertise are still important factors. On top of that, Albert distinguishes itself by the homely atmosphere of our offices and extremely personal approach. You can come to us for real estate advice in the broad sense of the word. The coffee is always ready! Trust is the basis for every cooperation."
Jan, a real estate broker of the highest order.
"As a real estate agent I act from my personal conviction, I give the best advice for my client, even if that advice is sometimes better not to sell. From the start of a file, I can count on our brilliant back office, so we can focus on customer guidance and negotiation between prospective buyer and seller.
As a real estate agent, you need to be at home on several markets: you are sales-driven, you need a solid legal & financial knowledge, you do not spare yourself the administrative part and you can negotiate well.... The common thread is human contact where empathy and some psychological insight are an asset. Personally, I get my energy and joie de vivre from all these contacts.
A good real estate agent is of course judged on his results but it is also about the marketing plan, a good follow-up, adjusting and adjusting the sales process coupled with a continuous communication with our client. We therefore prefer to speak of a collaboration rather than an assignment. Doing nothing and selling with luck is a no-go for us. Market conditions are not always in our control so it is not always a 'good news' show. Even at such times, communication is the key to maintaining trust. In every case, we invariably go the 'extra mile and beyond' to achieve success at the end and connect our client with us for the long term."
Jan and new construction
"At Albert, we make a difference by questioning ourselves every time. Everything depends on the sales stage you are in. We think along with the developer and draw up a thoroughly sophisticated marketing strategy. In new construction, we are first and foremost a sounding board to make the right market analysis, then 'marketing agency' and only then comes the sale, more than 25% of the work happens even before the project is officially launched on the market. Transparent communication and close cooperation throughout the project are 'key' with us. We want to be a partner from purchase to completion."
When we ask Jan his personal views on the new construction sector, he says there is a huge shortage of 1-bedroom apartments. Population growth results show that within 20 years, half of Belgian families will consist of 1 to 2 people, so the larger units may not always be the most suitable, both structurally and financially. Supply will not match demand in the future. On top of that, this typology offers a higher return for an investor.
Jan and his message for future real estate agents.
"At Albert, the door is always open for new talents to join our team. We like to remind our prospective brokers that the job often looks better on the outside. It is an industry that requires hard work and where accessibility, flexibility and speed of action are key concepts. As a real estate broker, a healthy work ethic is primordial, this means investing a lot of time, energy and effort first to reap the rewards. A decent real estate agent needs a minimum three-year break-in period. Therefore, the idea of easy money is a balloon that is quickly punctured in practice." At Albert, we guide our team to the maximum according to individual competencies where everyone can grow according to their ambitions.