For the First Time RE/MAX Egypt’s Top Team of the Year 2023 is Lead by a Woman

Team Samar Kamal achieved a historic win claiming the title RE/MAX Egypt’s Top Team of the year 2023 for the first time. Notably, it marks an inaugural triumph for both the team and a woman-led leadership, evoking immense pride and admiration for their unparalleled accomplishment. In light of this milestone, we had the privilege of speaking with Samar Kamal herself, delving into the strategies behind her remarkable success. Our aim is to share her inspiring journey with fellow real estate professionals, offering valuable insights for their own endeavors.

1) How did you feel when you learned that your team claimed the title RE/MAX Egypt’s Top Team of the year 2023 for the first time?

Obtaining this award is considered an event of great importance to me. I have been striving hard to obtain first place for the team for the past three years when I first established it. And during the first year when I first founded the team, it was ranked first place in number of transactions and second in volume of sales within RE/MAX Egypt. I always strived to become number one, and every year I made sure to learn from my mistakes to identify shortcomings and work to supplement them. I had no problem admitting my weaknesses or mistakes in order to start amending them so I can develop in my work.

2) How did you feel when you became the first woman to receive this award?

It's something that really made me happy. A woman receiving this award is evidence that there is no difference between men and women to succeed in this field. Excellence exists in a person who has a goal, hope, and a plan and works hard to achieve them. A person who hopes to build a dazzling future regardless of gender. The issue whether it’s a man or a woman is a completely different topic, and the problem is that we look at it from the point of view; that I am the first woman, while there will certainly be many women who will achieve this success in the future, because women in general are greatly reliable and many of them have hope and ambition and are capable of achieving many successes.

3) Tell us about the challenges you faced to achieve this success, especially as the first woman to achieve it?

The biggest challenge I faced in becoming number one was the market turmoil. There were periods when there were major disturbances in the market, the most important of which was the flotation of the Egyptian pound and the rise in the value of the dollar. Their impact was great, and therefore I restructured the work system and developed a plan to deal with the situation. Another challenge was my plan to expand the team and increase the number of supervisors, and indeed at some point the number of my team reached thirty-five people.

The challenge was managing this number without a plan that would help me in organization. Therefore, it was necessary to supervise the team through three or four supervisors among them so that I would be able to communicate with the entire team more accurately and manage it most effectively and successfully.

4) How did RE/MAX aid you to achieve this success?

RE/MAX has definitely helped me a lot in achieving this success. This help and support was done through the unique RE/MAX business model, training and through the brand name. For example, I attended many courses that were useful in legal paperwork and courses that helped me in real estate financing. Many of the courses that helped me greatly were provided by the headquarters office of RE/MAX Egypt.

5) Tell us about your journey in real estate. How did it begin and how did it differ when you shifted to the RE/MAX model?

In 2010, I began my journey in the real estate sector, initially in a secretarial role rather than sales. Within the company, my primary responsibility was to support the sales team by managing incoming calls during peak periods. Additionally, I gathered unit information from the sales team and documented client details on their behalf.

During a routine phone call, I engaged with a client who ended up purchasing two units, an idea I found particularly appealing. This single interaction resulted in a successful sale, earning me a commission. Inspired by this experience, I approached the manager expressing my interest in transitioning to sales. Thus, I embarked on my journey in the field, starting with telesales and progressing to roles such as exhibition manager, team supervisor, and ultimately, team leader.

I was always diligent about monitoring my growth in every company I joined. My focus was on identifying areas where I could enhance my performance and leveraging each company's resources to my advantage. In 2016, I took the leap and opened my own office, which proved to be highly successful initially. However, in 2018, the landscape changed dramatically due to the demolition movement happening in Alexandria. This shift brought ongoing projects to a halt, making resale transactions the predominant and lucrative avenue. This marked my introduction to the world of resale, a realm entirely unfamiliar to me at the time.

One day, I came across a captivating advertisement for luxury real estate units on social media, sparking my curiosity about the company behind it. Intrigued, I applied for a position at RE/MAX Avalon. Following the closure of my previous office, I sought a fresh start, feeling somewhat disheartened about returning to sales. Instead, I harbored a desire to explore roles in marketing, secretarial work, or any field unrelated to sales. However, upon meeting with Eng. Mahmoud Sami, Broker Owner of RE/MAX Avalon, recognized my potential as a real estate agent and assured me that this was my true calling. His encouragement and provision of a tailored business plan motivated me immensely, marking the beginning of my journey with RE/MAX.

6) What strategies can you employ to inspire optimal productivity from every team member, especially during challenging times?

I actively motivate the entire team by sharing my own experiences, ensuring they glean valuable lessons from the challenges I've faced. My primary aim is to expedite their learning curve and facilitate their path to success by imparting insights accumulated during my seven-year journey at RE/MAX. It's now my responsibility to outline actionable strategies for the team to prevent them from encountering the same pitfalls I once did. I guide each member to craft their own action plan, grounded in practical experiences, as I believe that firsthand accounts resonate more effectively than mere words. By elucidating the rationale behind these plans and emphasizing the potential for greater success, I instill the belief that they can surpass my achievements. Ultimately, I underscore that my role is to support them in sidestepping the errors I've made and to streamline their journey towards success.

7) What sets apart working within a team as opposed to working independently? Can a team achieve higher sales and success collectively?

Working within a team presents a significant departure from individual work. There is a saying that I always like to refer to, which is that there are those who are good at selling on their own and those who are good at selling with people.

Personally, I excel at selling through interpersonal connections, where my results in the presence of others surpass those achieved individually. This preference is well-known among my peers. The concept of roles within a team is integral to this dynamic. Roles entail various tasks: one member may handle incoming calls, another finalizes contracts, and yet another secures commissions. Each role complements the others, leading to a streamlined process. In my experience, teamwork consistently yields superior results compared to individual efforts, reflecting the lessons I've obtained from this collaborative approach.

8) What do you expect for the real estate market in Egypt in 2024? Especially in the areas of Alexandria and the North Coast.

In 2024, I anticipate a robust recovery in the North Coast real estate market, particularly in Ras El Hekma, where sales activity are expected to soar. The dynamics of Ras Al-Hekma have undergone a significant shift in recent months, particularly following UAE involvement in the region. The announcement of key economic initiatives and upcoming real estate developments has spurred a notable increase in property prices. For instance, the prices of one or two-bedroom chalets have surged from 3.5 million to 7 million, presenting a compelling investment opportunity. Amidst economic uncertainties spanning 2020-2023, individuals have increasingly turned to investment options such as gold, dollar, and real estate. While the value of gold and the dollar experienced fluctuations, real estate emerged as a stable investment option, with its value steadily appreciating. I expect real estate investments to maintain stability, with prices rarely experiencing significant declines. As for Alexandria, I expect the resale market to rebound, especially resale in an investment format.

9) What would you advise investors with in 2024?

I strongly recommend considering investments in the Egyptian market due to its boundless potential for expansion and growth. Despite potential economic challenges or fluctuations in the status of the dollar and the Egyptian currency, real estate in Egypt consistently maintains its value. A clear indication of this is the significant investment by countries like the UAE in large-scale projects such as Ras El Hekma. It's important to recognize that projects of this magnitude undergo thorough economic and technical evaluations, ensuring minimal risk for investors. If a country like the UAE, known for its prudent investment strategies, sees potential in such projects, it speaks volumes about the stability and promise of the Egyptian real estate market. Therefore, I advise investors to consider expanding their portfolios in real estate, as success in this field hinges on strategic planning, execution, and time rather than external factors.

10) To wrap up this interview what guidance would you offer to someone in a similar role, particularly to female team leaders?

I advise any team leader, regardless of gender, not to anticipate immediate success. Embrace failure as an opportunity to learn and grow, and be willing to acknowledge mistakes. It's essential not to lose heart after initial setbacks; instead, persevere, as consistency is key to achieving success. To every woman in a leadership position, I emphasize the importance of resilience in the face of challenges and economic uncertainties. Many falter at the first sign of difficulty, but this only paves the way for failure. Set ambitious goals and devise a solid plan to overcome obstacles. Reflecting on my own journey, I endured three years of hardship and setbacks, but each experience taught valuable lessons. The crucial factor is to maintain a sense of purpose and ambition, refusing to succumb to failure.

Finally, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Team Samar Kamal at RE/MAX Avalon in Alexandria, and specifically to their esteemed team leader, Samar Kamal, for their dedication in securing the top spot for the first time. We wish them continued success and excellence in the years ahead.

If you're considering launching your career in real estate or forming your own team, consider joining RE/MAX Egypt as a real estate consultant. Reach out to us at +202 2004 2269 or contact us directly through our website.