New site management for Ginesta Horgen

Dear Sarah, how are you today?

I’m doing very well, thank you for asking. And above all, I’m very motivated to contribute my strengths here in my own way. It’s a steep pass and also a nice vote of confidence from the management, which I now want to turn into measurable success.

That sounds like a breath of fresh air. Is this really necessary?

I am taking over from Sarina Candinas with an excellent office and a great and experienced team. Both Beatrice Knapp and Xenia Schneider have been with Ginesta for years. I have also been with the company for a year and a half. Another positive aspect is that Sarina will remain with the company and take on a new role in investment properties and apartment buildings. In this way, the know-how will remain, but such targeted changes will provide new impetus in key positions.   

What new impulses do you want to set? Where is the journey going?

My focus will be on strengthening and updating Ginesta’s profile in the region, both among our target groups and external influencers. With a clear picture of our qualities and our capabilities. Because the starting position today is very different in various areas than it was twelve years ago. And I see it as my task, as a brand ambassador for the region, to communicate the clear advantages of working with us. A collaboration that puts the customer and their needs at the center of everything we do, and we use specially developed digital tools to focus our thoughts and actions entirely on meeting their wishes and requirements.

What exactly do you mean by the changed starting position?

Firstly, with the offices opening in Zurich and Pfäffikon SZ on the Silver and Platinum Coasts in 2022, we now have a clearly defined region where we used to operate as far as the city of Zurich and the canton of Schwyz. This allows us to concentrate much more on market development and networking between Kilchberg and Wädenswil. Secondly, this region has developed strongly and has become increasingly attractive to a wealthy clientele that previously might only have considered the Gold Coast as a possible place to live. The good connections, especially to the highway network, significantly shorter distances to the mountains, to the south, to central and western Switzerland, low tax rates and in some cases spectacular lake views have created a new dynamic in the upmarket segment that is set to continue. In addition to the brokerage of down-to-earth properties for the middle class, a large market for premium properties has opened up with a discerning group of sellers and buyers, which we at Ginesta know how to serve in a traditionally competent, discreet and, as already mentioned, exceptionally customer-oriented manner. Thirdly, with the growth of recent years, Ginesta has been able to create the specialist positions required for this demanding market development and raise the level of advice to a new level, from acquisition to marketing and from the valuation desk to new-build expertise.

How did you prepare for this challenging task?

It just happened naturally (laughs). After all, I’ve been working in Real Estate marketing for a little over ten years now—and it’s my passion. Combined with my love for interior design and my keen instinct for marketing and client consulting, I’ve built the ideal foundation for successfully closing sales negotiations. That’s why it came naturally to me to pour a lot of energy and passion into my education in real estate and brand management, as well as into my brokerage roles. The fact that I also have a great passion for travel and languages—and have even completed language immersion programs in the U.S. and French-speaking Switzerland, as well as Italian language courses—plays right into my hands for the task ahead. Last but not least, since April 2022, I’ve come to know and love the Ginesta philosophy—first as a senior real estate marketer and then as deputy head of the premium segment. Everything here is just right for me. On the one hand, I have a great deal of freedom to thrive; on the other hand, when needed, I can count on an internal network of expertise that you simply won’t find anywhere else so quickly.

You seem to be able to manage your strength well. Do you have any reserves left?

Yes, there is still a lot of energy left. And I already know how I’m going to use it. As a native of Central Switzerland with many years of experience in the Zug region, I am planning to expand the Horgen market area in this direction. We have already successfully brokered the first properties behind the Zimmerberg.

Thank you very much, Sarah, for this pleasant and inspiring conversation. We wish you and your team every success.