Between ice hockey, people, and real estate: Why Sascha Ginesta has found his calling

As a partner at Ginesta Immobilien AG and the person with overall responsibility for the Graubünden region, I feel deeply connected not only to my professional role, but also to the region itself. I come from Valbella, and my origins have shaped not only my personal identity, but also my professional self-image. Growing up, working, and living here in Graubünden means being anchored in a community where cohesion and regional ties are of great importance. I have been active in local politics in the municipality of Vaz/Obervaz since 2016 because I want to help shape this community. The mountain world shapes not only the landscape, but also the character of the people. They trust someone who understands their culture and mentality, who knows how to communicate on an equal footing. This identity creates a basis of trust that is essential in the real estate industry – whether buying or selling a property. Customers, whether locals or those looking for a second home, appreciate working with someone who knows the region and its people and understands market conditions.

Arrived in the real estate industry

For me, the real estate industry is more than just a career field – it is a platform where I can realize my ideas. After completing my training and taking my first professional steps in the banking world at Graubündner Kantonalbank, I made a conscious decision to switch to Ginesta. I have never regretted this step, as it opened up new perspectives for me and gave me the opportunity to work in an environment that inspires and challenges me. Empathy, genuine interest, and the ability to listen are the keys to meeting customer expectations and ensuring their satisfaction. This attitude is shared by my entire team. They all want to meet the high standards we have set for ourselves and provide the best possible service. Since becoming a partner in 2020, my influence on the overall development of the company has grown. But here in Graubünden, we tick a little differently than the teams in Zurich.

Graubünden: a diverse region

The canton of Graubünden is very fragmented: every valley and every village has its own market and its own specific requirements. Keeping track of everything and positioning yourself successfully is a challenge. This constant adaptation to different circumstances makes my work an exciting task that I approach with passion. It's not just numbers and contracts that determine my everyday life, but the stories of the people behind each property. A house, an apartment – they are always more than just a building. They are places full of memories, hopes, and dreams, and it is important to me to respect and understand this. The trust of my clients is a gift to me – one that I have earned through countless conversations and the ability to recognize and appreciate the essence of their stories.

The trust of my customers is a gift that I have earned.

Turbulent times

But you also have to be able to deal with unusual situations. The real estate market in Graubünden, especially the second home market, has gone through a series of extreme developments in recent years: the second home initiative, negative interest rates, and, last but not least, the COVID pandemic. The second home initiative had a drastic impact on Graubünden, and in the negative interest rate environment, this led to a high willingness to invest in vacation properties. The pandemic then increased demand once again. However, no significant trend is currently discernible. Rather, there has been a stabilization and consolidation following the extreme developments of recent years. Demand appears to have returned to normal levels. A minor revision of the Second Homes Act recently introduced some clarifying changes. The market will continue to have limited supply in the future. Overall, our business has performed very well even in these turbulent times.

Relaxation on the ice

Outside of my professional commitments, I have a passion that has been with me since childhood: ice hockey. For me, the sport is a balance that gives me energy and grounds me. It is a tradition that I have not only actively cultivated myself for years, but also passed on to the younger generation. As coach of the U9 juniors at EHC Lenzerheide, I experience this joy and enthusiasm again and again. Both of my children play in this team, which makes the whole experience even more special. Seeing the children's eyes when they step onto the ice, the joy of their successes and the carefree way they play – these are moments that make my heart beat faster. Being a coach requires patience, empathy, and the ability to motivate – qualities that also benefit me in my profession. Working with young players is a refreshing change of pace that allows me to focus fully on the moment. It is important to me to teach discipline and team spirit in addition to playing skills, but above all to promote enjoyment of the sport and maintain enthusiasm. When I see a child score their first goals or cheer together, I realize that sport is more than just a game – it is a school for life. A school that has also had a significant influence on me.

Family gives strength

In my private life, my family and friends are the most important thing to me. I try to spend as much time as possible with these people. Our shared experiences give me the energy to face the challenges of my job and training. In balancing my professional and private commitments, I have learned how important it is to make time for yourself and your loved ones. This time, whether it's playing sports, going on family outings in nature, or simply enjoying a cozy dinner, is valuable and irreplaceable. It's the little things that often mean the most – my children's laughter, quiet conversations with my wife, an evening with friends where we're all just together.

Just be yourself
 

I am convinced that you can only be truly successful if you are true to yourself and passionate about what you do.

The greatest successes in my life are probably the relationships I nurture and the memories I create. I may not have a recipe for success in the traditional sense, but I believe that my authenticity and enthusiasm for what I do are the keys to my happiness. I am convinced that you can only be truly successful if you remain true to yourself and are passionate about what you do. This attitude is reflected in my work, in my role as a hockey coach, and in my family life. It makes me who I am: a person who believes in the good things in life, who seeks out challenges, who reaches out to people, and who always strives to make the most of every day.

Sascha Ginesta
Head of brokerage Graubünden, Partner
sascha@ginesta.ch
+41 81 254 37 73
Linkedin