\nPlease see the interview with Mariam Demuria \u2013 CEO at Georgian National Association of Real Estate.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
First of all, please tell us about your success story, what stages you went through, what difficulties you faced and what stage you are at now?<\/strong><\/p>\n
After graduating from University, I began my career in Real Estate as a sales agent for Dexters, one of the largest Real Estate companies in central London.<\/p>\n
I decided to move to Georgia after two years, as I always had a desire to return to my country of origin. Upon arrival, I was disappointed to see the state of the Real Estate industry, with minimal regulations and standards, the profession that I became to love was totally undervalued and disreputable. This is when I came across my mentor and friend Vaja Mebagishvili, owner of Noble Real Estate who introduced me to the Georgian National Association of Real Estate. I was asked to act as their international liason to ICC Georgia, to help establish relations with international organizations and help set standards for the industry.<\/p>\n
This was the first challenge, representing an association which within itself was failing and on the brink of collapse. It was at this point that I noticed huge potential to make a change and play a role in the development of the industry. I was appointed as chairperson within 3 months and the process of building up GNARE began.<\/p>\n
Parallel to building the reputation and structure of an organization I had to build my own reputation. Being female and young (24 years old at the time) was another challenge. Observers and those involved and established within the association found it difficult that I could succeed or would prevail the hardships that were expected. In short they thought I would give up and leave, 6 years on I am still with the association and the progress we have achieved is invaluable.<\/p>\n
We started with an organization which had debt, a failing reputation and up to 15 stable member companies. Today, we have over 70 member companies, an indisputable reputation and are a leading association for the industry. We have received numerous grants for educational programs and support from International Organizations such as NAR, ICC and CEPI accredit to our success.<\/p>\n
What is your main motivation to keep moving forward?<\/strong><\/p>\n
Seeing the progress in the Real Estate industry on a professional level. Recognition of success from international and local partners.<\/p>\n
As we know you are CEO at Georgian National Association of Real Estate.<\/strong> Tell us more about your company and your current activities there.<\/strong><\/p>\n
The Georgian National Association of Real Estate unites Real Estate Brokerage companies in Georgia. The aim is to self-regulate and set international standards for the profession and create a strong network for business opportunities.<\/p>\n
GNARE is also a bilateral partner of the National Association of Realtors\u00ae, the largest trade organisation in the world which unites 1.6 million members worldwide, including 77 countries. This helps in strengthning our global network and placing Georgia on the International Real Estate Map.<\/p>\n
Tell us a few words about your future plans, is there any initiative or project that you are planning to launch?<\/strong><\/p>\n
We will soon be launching MLS Georgia, a multiple listing system. Access to the system will be limited to GNARE members. The MLS is a tool to help listing brokers find cooperative brokers working with buyers to help sell their clients’ homes.The system has a set of rules implemented by the association.
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\n<\/strong>Next year in May we will be co-hosting with Expo Georgia, our annual event, Real Estate Week 2024. REW consits of aReal Estate Exhibition, Conference, Panel Discussions, Property Tours, Gala Dinner & Award Ceremony.<\/p>\nThroughout the year we conduct international courses accredited by the Real Estate Business Institute and will also be launching a local Licensing Education Program. Although situated and focused in Tbilisi, we actively began work on regional development and have expanded our scope to other cities.<\/p>\n
Finally, limiting ourselves to the traditional question, what would you advise aspiring professionals and young people who are now taking their first career steps?<\/strong><\/p>\n
Trial and error is key, it is important to gain as much work experience as you can so that you can find yourself and what interests you. Always be open to learn and constantly work on your professional development. Finally, make sure you enjoy what you are doing and have a passion for your profession.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>