Introduction: Meet Charikleia G. Stouka, an accomplished businesswoman and the founder of Alma Real Estate Hellas. Charikleia’s journey in the real estate industry began in 2001 when she established her company in Athens, Greece. Her mission was clear: to empower clients by leveraging industry experience and resources, enabling them to make informed real estate decisions. Today, Alma Real Estate Hellas is a leading full-service real estate firm, specializing in the sale, rental, and management of residential and commercial properties and land in Athens and across Greece. The company also provides Broker Price Opinions (BPOs) and facilitates international investment in Greece, particularly in Golden Visa residency properties.
A 20-Year Success Story: With two decades of successful presence and experience in the Greek real estate market, Charikleia and her team have honed their skills to offer immediate and effective services tailored to each client. Alma Real Estate Hellas is committed to understanding clients’ real needs, constantly modernizing its methods, and fostering a culture of lifelong learning among its team members.
Charikleia’s Path to Real Estate: Charikleia’s journey into real estate began in the early 2000s. Armed with a civil engineering degree from the University of West Attica in Athens, she was already involved in the real estate sphere and managing a portfolio of family properties. Recognizing the challenges and complexities that clients faced in property transactions, she decided to use her expertise to help people navigate these obstacles. Charikleia initially joined a local real estate office, where her passion for the work grew. In just a few months, she ventured out on her own, starting her business from her parent’s living room. Today, she is among the 20 Realtors® in Athens, a testament to her dedication and success.
Clientele and Corporate Ethics: Alma’s clientele benefits from the agency’s deep industry knowledge and experience. Clients receive personalized service with 24/7 support, focusing on practical solutions to real estate challenges, property value enhancement, and smart investment decisions. Charikleia and her team guide clients to avoid pitfalls, mistakes, and wrong investments while cultivating trust and respect in their relationships.
Overcoming Challenges: Charikleia’s journey hasn’t been without obstacles. One significant hurdle was hiring an employee who was not the right fit. This decision incurred substantial costs, both financially and in terms of time spent training the new hire and integrating them into the team. This experience highlighted the importance of making the right hiring choices to maintain team satisfaction and productivity.
Charikleia’s Success Mantra: Charikleia’s success mantra can be summed up as “Work hard and work smart.” Her motivation stems from her desire to help clients navigate secure transactions, free them from stress, and create a trusting and successful real estate journey. Competition has been a driving force, underscoring that success was a matter of survival.
Promoting a Balanced and Equal Industry: Charikleia advocates for equal opportunities for men and women in the workplace, emphasizing meritocracy based on individual abilities. Payment and benefits should reflect employees’ skills and not be influenced by gender.
A Day in the Life: Charikleia’s days start early, with a 5:30 AM wake-up call. She dedicates her mornings to preparation, researching the latest real estate news and sorting out documents. Appointments fill her afternoons, typically from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Maintaining regular routines, such as meal times, can be challenging due to her schedule. She aims to go to bed by 10:30 PM. In her free time, Charikleia pursues her passions for photography and travel.
Future Plans and Objectives: Looking ahead, Charikleia acknowledges the unpredictability of the future, especially in the wake of the pandemic. She emphasizes the increasing digitalization of workplaces and the need for businesses to adapt and invest in this transformation to survive. Despite challenges, she remains optimistic, viewing current restrictions as preparation for future achievements.
Feathers in the Cap: Charikleia and Alma Real Estate Hellas have received several prestigious awards and recognitions, including the Global Business Awards 2020, Corporate Excellence Awards Winner 2021, and features in prominent magazines and publications.
Advice for Female Entrepreneurs: Charikleia advises aspiring female entrepreneurs to find something meaningful that adds value to people’s lives. Whether developing a new product or improving an existing one, purpose should be the driving force, not just profit. She encourages women to seek opportunities, embrace risk, and continuously improve their skills while working hard and smart on their path to success.
Conclusion: Charikleia G. Stouka’s journey from a small family office to becoming one of Athens’ top Realtors® is a testament to her dedication and passion for empowering clients in the real estate industry. Alma Real Estate Hellas reflects her commitment to excellence, client-centric service, and ongoing innovation.
Favorite Quote: “You are what you repeatedly do. Excellence is not an event – It is a habit.” – Aristotle