Emilie Snow IAD Portugal

After retiring from Google in 2021, my family and I decided to relocate from the Silicon Valley to Portugal. As an experienced real estate professional, I must admit that buying a home in Portugal was not easy. In fact, it took us almost a year to buy our home, not because there weren't any opportunities but mostly because we were not well represented. This was a rather frustrating process for me

and that’s why I now have the ambition to help property owners and buyers in the Algarve, Portugal. When it comes to buying real estate in Portugal, it is important to know that the real estate market is not as transparent as it is in other countries like the USA. Market information is not readily available. Also it is very common for real estate agents to represent both parties to a transaction. In these conditions, many buyers end up acquiring properties above market price and in some cases with severe issues e.g. hidden structural defects or illegal construction which will then need to be demolished (“bye bye pool”). [For a fun fact, even Christiano Ronaldo who is considered a God in Portugal, was summoned to demolish his illegal rooftop glass gazebo within 15 days at his $7.9M penthouse apartment in Lisbon]. That is why it is prudent when buying properties in Portugal to hire a professional that will represent your own interest, someone knowledgeable about the market but also experienced. Unfortunately the profession of real estate agent is not very well regulated in Portugal at the moment (something that the government is currently working on) and so not all agents are of the same quality. I have 17+ years international experience in real estate and I am eager to help clients accomplish their real estate dream in Portugal. Throughout my career I have gained significant experience in property acquisition, operation and disposition, representing buyers, sellers and renters. In my last role as the Head of Real Estate Asset Management, I represented Google as a Landlord. I was responsible for one of the largest commercial real estate investment portfolios in the Bay Area. Before Google, I have managed real estate portfolios in Europe and Asia providing strategic advice to owners and renters. I have a successful and consistent track record of achieving higher return on investment for my clients and will be able to provide valuable advice during all phases of ownership; from assessing buyer’s requirements to positioning a property for sale in order to maximize proceeds. I distinguished myself from my peers with my institutional experience and legal background which are both assets for sound advice when it comes to buying or selling real estate. I help my clients make informed decisions, I perform market analysis and provide property valuations. I also conduct a thorough due diligence of the property and all its related documentation to ensure that unforeseen costs and risks are avoided. If you have a real estate project in the Algarve or are looking to relocate to Portugal, I will be delighted to assist you in concretizing your goals, so feel free to message me!