Sometimes, the path to success takes unexpected turns, and that couldn’t be truer than for Sachin Bhandari, who after his initial reluctance to join real estate from the finance sector, finally made the leap in 2015 and is now passionate about his newfound love, real estate.
Sachin rues that real estate is still not an appealing career for the younger generation, mainly due to its largely unorganised nature. However, instead of criticising, we can change things starting with our own organisations, he said. "At VTP, my first initiative was to build a professional team, develop clear processes, and maintain a unified vision. Changing the old mindsets and ways of working was the biggest challenge. Another bold move was the introduction of fixed pricing in an industry famous for price negotiations. Initially, this approach led to the loss of some business, but it was a step we had to take to build trust with our customers. It wasn’t just about implementing a new pricing model; it was about changing the mindset of the entire industry. We had to align not only our employees but also our customers, partners, and even our channel partners. It took a lot of effort, but we’re starting to see the results now."
While acknowledging the substantial progress made, Bhandari stated the top three challenges facing the industry, "The shortage of skilled professionals with technical expertise and integrity remains a significant hurdle, with the industry struggling to attract the right talent. Real estate still lacks the polished appeal of sectors like FMCG or finance. Secondly, land acquisition, licensing delays, and complicated approval processes are persistent issues. Lastly, the fragmented regulatory landscape across various states causes inefficiencies, project delays, and cost overruns, creating barriers to growth."
When asked about the role of social media in real estate, Bhandari said that while it offers great brand-building and lead-generation potential, it also opens the door to unfair criticism. Misusing social media for blackmail or manipulation has become an increasing challenge for the industry. "Buying a home is a significant financial commitment, unlike other consumer products that can be reviewed online. Buyers should not rely solely on social media for their purchasing decisions but should do thorough research on the project and the developer’s track record," he said.
"By maintaining professionalism and integrity, the industry can attract the right talent and continue to grow. For the young professionals entering this industry, patience is important as there are no shortcuts to success," Sachin Bhandari
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