Name: Dalya Perry-Bernstein
Job title: Real estate adviser, DDRE Global
What I do: I am an adviser with DDRE Global, specialising in the super prime market in the North West of England (Cheshire, Merseyside and Lancashire). As a 24/7, customer-led profession, what I do is broad and could fill a column in itself. But, in a nutshell: collaborating with a global network of top performing professionals, I help clients secure the very best real estate opportunities (to buy or rent) – on or off the market – and remain their expert on hand throughout the process, and in many cases, well beyond.
Why I got into the property industry: Quite by chance. My previous employer owned a large property portfolio which expanded whilst I was in employment. I’m not the kind of person to say no to new challenges, so I managed the portfolio which included letting, management, operations plus acquisitions and disposals. This allowed me to gain a huge amount of experience across all areas.
How I did it: By always saying yes to new challenges and not being afraid of failure. As humans, we make mistakes, but this is how we learn, grow, develop and become experts.
My first proper job: Working for Tesco when I was 16. I was a checkout girl and I have to say, they provided some of the best customer service training I could have received at such a young age.
My first big break: I would say my previous job, where I spent 11 years. I went from being a PA, through to eventually being appointed director. Working so closely with an entrepreneur actually turned me into one.
My inspiration(s): Various people around me who have taken the leap and set up their own businesses doing what they love and thriving. They have inspired me to do the same.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: Managing and operating two student halls of residence, with over 200 students in situ.
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: The birth of my two amazing sons, which goes without saying! Also, successfully reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: That people think there isn’t a lot to selling a property, when we in fact wear a lot of different hats. We value, advise, list, market, field calls, arrange and conduct viewings, negotiate and progress the sale through to completion, amongst many other things along the way and behind the scenes. I pride myself on becoming a trusted adviser to my clients, alongside other being their financial and legal counsel, and I end up building long-term relationships that go well beyond the transaction.
My biggest bugbear about the industry/the one thing I would change about the industry: The conveyancing process can be slow with mortgage approvals, enquiries and endless documents to be completed and signed, etc. While processes have improved over the years, it would be great to see a more digitalised, seamless and speedier process in the not-too-distant future. Market volatility and regulatory red tape, also causes uncertainly and frustration. Sorry – that’s more than one thing.
Why I’m so passionate about DE&I: I have worked closely with individuals from various walks of life, who have many different beliefs and cultures. I recognise that people’s differing backgrounds, cultures and experiences shape who they are and add diverse thinking within a team.
Where I’d like to be in five years’ time career-wise: THE go to person in the North West for all super prime enquiries; be it selling a property, providing retained services, finding that dream rental property for clients, or simply giving advice. I love to help people. I would also like to lead a team of my own.
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: From a personal perspective, my grandparents (so I could meet them, and they could meet their wonderful grandchildren) and my husband’s late father (for the same reason), with my husband of course. Celebrity wise, I would love to have dinner with Tom Hanks and Freddy Mercury.
What I do in my downtime: Spending time with my family, going on walks and exploring new places. I enjoy listening to podcasts and I also like to run, play badminton and work out on my spin bike.
The job I’d be doing if I was not doing this: I’m quite analytical so I would probably be in investigations or something to do with law. That being said, it would have to be quite a dynamic role.
My advice for someone just starting out: Embrace new challenges and be relentless in your efforts to succeed.
My motto/mantra: Always treat other people how you want to be treated.
