Congratulations on Crosspoint’s 16 years in the market! Can you take us back to the company’s inception and what it represents to you and the industry today?

Certainly, my journey commenced in the banking sector during the early 2000s, an era less diverse than today’s financial landscape. In 2005, I ventured into establishing a financial consultancy, primarily a credit brokerage firm, amid a thriving real estate market. A pivotal moment arose when a land investment yielded a remarkable 40% return within six months, sparking my interest in real estate. We diversified our services, adapting to clients’ needs, navigating through the 2008 crisis, and eventually steering our focus towards real estate.

In the present scenario, where do you perceive Crosspoint’s strengths and the services in high demand within the market?

Our forte lies in land transactions, attracting significant demand from residential developers, especially given the global crisis. Offices and retail are facing challenges, while Romanians are inclined towards larger, modern homes with increased purchasing power. Industrial sectors also show substantial growth, with available quality land and good infrastructure in Romania. Identifying opportunities, showcasing potential through feasibility studies, and facilitating transactions are our key roles.

Real estate brokerage in Romania is known for its competitiveness. What challenges are prevalent within this market from an insider’s perspective?

Unlike the US where brokers play an essential role, Romania’s scenario is less regulated. The absence of mandatory licensing leads to a mix of highly professional and less competent practitioners. Differentiators for effective brokers include being deal makers, not deal breakers, going beyond property showcasing to drive successful transactions. Negotiating real estate often involves navigating people’s egos, impacting rational decision-making.

With Romania’s financing climate being cautious, what do you perceive as the opportunities in this landscape?

Opportunities exist for long-term planners. While banks offer stricter terms now, Romania’s high yields are balanced by higher financing costs compared to the CEE median. Aligning Romania’s financing terms with the CEE average could significantly enhance its attractiveness to investors, augmenting interest in the market.

How would you characterize Romania’s real estate climate, and where do Crosspoint’s future plans intersect with it? What drove the association with Savills?

Romania boasts strengths like being a thriving IT hub and flourishing industrial parks, alongside a growing residential sector. Moreover, it’s ripe for alternative products such as student housing and data centers, aligning with successful European trends. Our collaboration with Savills in 2017 aimed to amplify our local presence against global giants like CBRE or JLL. It provided access to a global network, benefiting us significantly. Our future plans revolve around consolidating the industrial segment, expanding residential branches, and growing our team to 30 by 2021, bolstered by a comprehensive service array, excluding property management.