A Leap of Faith: Manisha Vashishth’s Real Estate Journey
Manisha Vashishth, a dynamic entrepreneur, saw a golden opportunity in the evolving Indian real estate sector. Drawn to this largely unorganized field with an entrepreneurial mindset and a passion for building connections, she embraced the challenge of being one of the few women in the industry. For Manisha, real estate isn’t just a profession; it’s a calling to reshape the landscape and set new benchmarks of excellence. Manisha is a RERA certified professional and a member of esteemed industry bodies like the Goa Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors. Today, Manisha specializes in residential properties, including villas, apartments, plots, and larger land parcels, carving out a niche in a competitive market.
Reflecting on her journey, Manisha says, “The decision to professionalize was a turning point. It was about committing to a higher standard and embracing a long-term vision for the industry.”
The Dynamic Goa Market: Shifts and Trends
Goa’s real estate market has undergone a significant transformation post-pandemic. Previously a haven for retirees and local consumers, it now attracts a younger demographic from across the country, eager to reassess their life choices. This shift, coupled with substantial infrastructural development over the past decade, has drastically changed market dynamics. Manisha notes several trends shaping the future of real estate in Goa. Community living is on the rise, with newcomers preferring to settle in convenient clusters. As the beach belt reaches saturation, development is moving inland, with notable projects emerging in previously overlooked areas. The demand for commercial spaces is expected to grow, driven by the evolving demographic’s need for shopping and entertainment options.
Manisha explains, “Goa is no longer just a retirement destination. The younger generation is looking at Goa as a place to live and work, not just vacation. This has opened up new avenues for residential and commercial real estate.”
Investing in Goa: Hot Spots and Emerging Areas
With the traditional beach belt nearing saturation, areas like Siolim, Aldona, and Moira are experiencing a surge in interest. These inland locations, once considered remote, are now attracting significant investment due to their potential for development and improved infrastructure. The new Mopa airport has made previously secluded beaches like Morjim, Ashwem, and Mandrem more accessible, driving up demand and transforming these areas into sought-after destinations. Additionally, Kadamba Plateau near Old Goa is emerging as a new hub, thanks to its proximity to Panjim and the availability of essential facilities like schools, hospitals, and shopping centers. These areas present promising opportunities for both end-users and investors, making them prime spots for property investment.
Manisha is at the forefront of identifying and capitalizing on these emerging markets, offering her clients strategic insights and prime investment opportunities. “The key is to look beyond the obvious. Areas that were once overlooked are now becoming hotspots due to better connectivity and infrastructure development,” she says.
Building Trust and Relationships: Clientele and Marketing Strategies
Manisha’s clientele is evenly split between end users and investors. There is a growing trend of people buying holiday homes in Goa, which they can stay in during visits and rent out on platforms like Airbnb. Good apartment complexes are consistently in demand for both sales and rentals. Despite the prevalence of social media, word of mouth remains Manisha’s most powerful marketing tool. At Kadamba Realtors, the emphasis is on strong ethics and transparency, ensuring a hassle-free experience for clients. This commitment to integrity has earned Kadamba Realtors top ratings on Google and numerous referrals from satisfied clients.
Manisha believes in building long-term relationships, focusing on post-deal services as much as the deal itself. She maintains a personal network in various cities, which brings in a steady stream of inquiries, particularly for land and plots. This broad network and her dedication to client satisfaction have been instrumental in her success. “For me, it’s not just about closing a deal. It’s about ensuring my clients are happy and well-supported even after the sale,” she emphasizes.
Streamlining Operations: Efficiency and Compliance
Efficiency is crucial in real estate transactions, and Manisha has established robust processes to ensure smooth operations. Instead of handling each deal on an ad-hoc basis, these processes prevent delays and ensure readiness at every step. Manisha maintains a comprehensive database of clients and inventory, facilitating easy matching of requirements. Administrative tasks and paperwork are handled meticulously, coordinating with clients, builders, lawyers, and other partners to avoid bottlenecks.
Manisha ensures compliance with real estate regulations and laws, staying updated through industry bodies and collaborating with top lawyers for seamless transactions. She understands the critical importance of accuracy in paperwork, given the high stakes involved in real estate deals. “Compliance and efficiency are non-negotiable. They build the foundation for trust and smooth transactions,” she asserts.
Growing and Adapting: Future Goals and Challenges
Looking ahead, Manisha aims to focus on emerging trends, partner with builders for exclusive mandates and dreams of taking Kadamba Realtors into construction one day.
Her vision for the future includes tapping into the growing demand for residential and commercial spaces in developing areas, ensuring that Kadamba Realtors remains at the forefront of Goa’s real estate evolution.
She acknowledges that the biggest challenge in real estate today is the need for professionalization. She aspires for the Indian market to match the organization and regulation seen in Western markets, which would safeguard agents’ interests and foster trust. In navigating economic downturns and other external challenges, Manisha believes that investing in trust and relationships will help sail through the industry’s cycles and continue to thrive in the long term. “Professionalization is key. We need to elevate our standards to be on par with the best globally, ensuring that both agents and clients benefit from a more organised and transparent market,” she concludes.
