Tucked away in a corner, with the luxurious Corinthia Palace on one side and the historic San Anton Gardens on the other, is a real estate agency specialising in luxurious properties, houses of character and villas: Ben Estates Prestige.
Co-owned by three boisterous professionals, the Ben Estates Balzan-based franchise fits perfectly with its surroundings, conveniently located to meet clients at the hotel just a stone’s throw away and central enough for its agents to meet with clients and scout properties around the island.
Joseph Baldacchino, Roger Zammit and Clint Spiteri have a combined 23 years of experience in the real estate industry. Prior to their entry into the profession, they each worked in catering, a common thread that gave them the tools needed to know what is required to provide a quality service and deal with clients.
Together with a seasoned office manager, Massimo Coleiro who brings with him 17 years of experience in managerial roles, the formidable team are well placed to take the franchise to new heights.
Indeed, with Massimo overseeing the growing administrative needs associated with the real estate industry, such as anti-money laundering documentation, the three co-owners have more time to get their hands dirty by actively selling and meeting with clients.
Co-Franchise owner and Team Leader Joseph Baldacchino begins by sharing that the office has been set up for the past year. With the franchise’s focus on upper-middle to up market properties, it’s location in the sought after Balzan / Attard area chimes easily with the brand.
“We are against having a big set-up,” says Joseph, when describing the office’s lean operation. He shares that they are not looking for more than 10 agents, as all three agree that a smaller office with a solid team can take the franchise much further than hiring agents indiscriminately.
“We continuously strive to maintain well trained, specialised agents, giving a proper service that bridges the gap between the buyer and the seller,” he says.
Co-Franchise owner Roger Zammit comments here, pointing out that the large number of agents on the market means that proper etiquette and acting like a professional 100 per cent of the time are all the more essential.
“I always put myself in the shoes of the buyer and the vendor. You are in the middle, and you have to consider both sides and their needs,” says Roger.
The team behind Ben Estates Prestige
“A lot of our work comes from referrals and when you have so many clients that comment about how positive the relationship with our agents and office in general has been, you realise how important word-of-mouth recommendations and referrals are to the business,” he adds.
Co-Franchise owner Clint Spiteri agrees, and stresses that their experiences in catering provided invaluable lessons on how to treat and deal with clients.
Asked what else sets them apart from other agencies, Joseph and Roger say that their experience means they can provide clients with the right contacts, services and guidance at every step of the way.
Whether you are buying or selling a property, there are steps that need to be taken – which can be daunting for those who are not experienced in property transactions.
“Rather than broker the deal and tell the client I will see them at the contract signing, I can introduce them to the right notaries, architects and whoever is needed to see those preparations for the property transaction run smoothly,” Roger adds.
Joseph interjects, stressing the importance of holding the client’s hand at every step of the way.
“We offer a holistic service. We clearly explain the whole process, and guide clients based on their budget. Everybody wants a villa, and all sellers want to sell their property for the highest possible price, but we are there to manage expectations, based on the realities of the market on the day.”
Since opening the Balzan office, the Co-Franchise owners are asked what lessons have been learnt along the way. Joseph says that apart from being quite selective with the hiring of agents, the three owners invest heavily in mentoring their agents.
“We provide them with tips and strategies on how to close a deal. I am quite sure we are unique in that we discuss ongoing offers. It’s our office, and we want our agents to sell as much as possible, so we believe that sharing information and advice is the best way forward, rather than letting everybody fend for themselves,” says Joseph.
And, it is clear to see that Joseph, Roger and Clint are on the same wavelength, each having a jovial spirit that meshes well together. It was not uncommon for laughter to erupt throughout the interview, giving the impression that the three professionals or not just business partners, but also friends.
Asked about the office culture, Clint is quick to interject that the “office vibe is everything”. He boldly says that if there is one thing nobody can argue against about Ben Estates Prestige, is the positive spirit and comradery found within.
“I come here each morning with a smile on my face. The working environment is extremely important to me, and this is what helps us to retain staff,” he says.
“It’s not just us saying this,” he quickly adds, “we get a lot of positive feedback from agents who join – between the positive atmosphere, and the collaborative spirit of how we work, this creates a work environment that makes staff happy to come to the office.”
And, while the pandemic certainly caused disruptions for the team, 2020 turned out to be a stand-out year, with buyers looking for the kinds of properties that fall squarely within Ben Estates Prestige’s remit. As people looked for outdoor space, gardens and pools, the franchise found themselves perfectly positioned to fit with the shift in trends within the property market brought about by the pandemic.
Looking to the future, Joseph, Roger and Clint agree that securing the right properties for the franchise remains one of the biggest challenges, however the proactive approach taken, remaining constantly plugged into what is happening in the market, has served them well.
As Malta and the rest of the world emerges from the pandemic, and new challenges arise, the ownership team are confident that real estate on the island, as has been in the past, will continue to be one of the strongest investments and individual can make.
Main Image:(Left to right) Roger Zammit, Joseph Baldacchino and Clint Spiteri
