By Barnaby Crompton
Welcome to a glimpse into my hectic yet fulfilling life as a real estate agent. Every day brings new challenges, negotiations, and moments of joy. Let me take you through a typical day in my shoes.
My mornings begin early, usually around 7:30 a.m. If it’s a gym day, I kickstart my day with a boost of caffeine from a freshly brewed coffee. It’s essential to fuel up before heading out for my workout. By 8:30 a.m., I’m already at the gym, ready to break a sweat. A ten-minute warm-up gets my body primed, followed by an hour of intense training. To wrap it up, I dedicate twenty minutes to cardio, giving my heart a good workout. After a quick shower, I’m refreshed and prepared for the day ahead.
Once I’m fully dressed and energised, I head to a nearby coffee shop. It’s my sanctuary, the place where I gather my thoughts and plan my day. With a cup of coffee in hand, I dive into my itinerary, which is filled with follow-ups, negotiations, contract renewals and documentation for property transfers. I also coordinate with lawyers, ensuring all parties involved are well-prepared for the next steps.
The second half of my day is dedicated to the heart of my work: the ongoing transactions. This is where the art of negotiation comes into play. I strive to secure price reductions from sellers or offer increases from buyers, all while managing their expectations.
Selling a house is not just a financial transaction; it’s an emotional journey. Homes hold memories, sentimental value that can’t be measured in square footage. I understand the significance of these moments, whether it’s a child’s first day at school or bringing a newborn home from the hospital. It’s my responsibility to honour those memories and guide my clients through the process with empathy and professionalism.
As the day progresses, I schedule property viewings, trying to time them for the cooler hours, especially during this time of year. If I have the opportunity, I enjoy having lunch with a client, a fellow broker, or a member of my team. It’s a chance to catch up, discuss strategies, and foster strong relationships within the industry. I often find myself on the phone with my business partners, reviewing the progress of our staff and exploring ways to support them.
When the day nears its end and the battles of the real estate world have been fought, I make it a point to return home by 5:30 or 6:00 p.m. My kids’ bedtime routine begins at 6:30 p.m., and I cherish those precious moments with them. Spending at least half an hour together, we engage in bedtime rituals – reading stories, brushing teeth and tucking them in. It’s a serene time filled with love and connection.
After ensuring my little ones are settled, I reunite with my wife. We sit down to a well-deserved dinner. As we unwind, we share the highlights of our respective days. My wife holds a senior position in a branding company, offering me a unique perspective on the artistic world and creative processes. Our conversations are enlightening, as her mind wanders through the vast landscapes of imagination. I, on the other hand, bring a more structured and linear thinking to the table. Together, we enjoy our time, catching up on TV series or watching a movie.
As the clock approaches 11p.m., I find myself lying in bed, indulging in a book for about thirty to forty-five minutes. It’s a moment of tranquility before sleep takes over. By midnight or 1:00 a.m., I’m usually sound asleep.
About Barnaby Crompton:
Barnaby “Barney” Crompton has been involved in the British and Dubai real estate industry for 24 years. He moved to Dubai in 2008. Most of his time in Dubai has seen the property expert specialise in Emirates Hills, one of Dubai’s most exclusive areas. In 2012 Barnaby launched his own company, Crompton Partners Estate Agents which still operates in Abu Dhabi. In 2019 he joined forces with his current partners and created Crompton Saltini Real Estate as a response to the need to deliver professional and ethical estate agency services to the local market.
In 2022, Barney sold the most expensive property ever sold in Emirates Hills, the XLV Residence, a 50,000 sq. ft. property spanning three floors.
Barnaby Crompton, Super Prime property broker and partner in Crompton Saltini Real Estate.
