Ismail Sirdah
Miami based photographer, Ismail Sirdah has spent much of his adult life working to extend his photography skills but has also spent a large amount of his childhood learning about business in his family’s restaurant. Now living and working in Miami, Florida, Ismail Sirdah began his career as a photographer in Atlanta, Georgia before honing his photography talent as a student at the Savannah Institute of Art and Design.
The photographer has developed his brand, Ismail Sirdah Photography specializes in almost every kind of photography from live events to nature and travel images. In the last few months, Sirdah has expanded his work to include the creation of a photography school dedicated to helping as many people as possible explore their skills as a photographer with the aid of a professional.
What do you know about the real estate industry?
I have worked for some real estate companies over the years producing marketing images for their work to be used on various brochures and Web sites. Aside from that, the majority of my experience has come from purchasing my own home and a studio to base my business in.
Have you ever sold real estate? How did you make it happen?
I sold my first apartment in Atlanta, Georgia when I decided to attend the Savannah Institute of Art and Design to make my dream of becoming a professional photographer come true. I had purchased my first apartment when I was young and single, so it wasn’t in the best area of Atlanta, but I still managed to make a profit. The first step I took was to find a professional realtor with the help of my parents and some friends who had been involved in some real estate deals. Trusting your realtor really is a good idea, so you need to find an impressive one.
How much experience do you have in buying or selling real estate?
I have a little experience but only in buying and selling my apartment, my photography studio, and a condo in Miami. The last deal my realtor struck for my property in Miami was an eyeopener. I had never had to make a decision as fast as I did to make sure I found the perfect home close to the Arts District I love to spend time in.
Have you ever made a sell or a purchase you have regretted?
In general, I try not to look back and have regrets as there is no way of going back in time and changing any decision. I wish I would have had the foresight to keep my first apartment in Atlanta as an investment property to rent. That’s about the only regret I have in the real estate deals I have been part of.
What advice would you give inexperienced who are wanting to buy or sell?
Find a good realtor you can trust for advice and the best possible deal.
What have you found out to be the best way to market property?
As a photographer who works for some local and national realty companies, I believe showing every property in its best light is vital. The Web is the top starting point for the majority of buyers and sellers so using social media is vital for any real estate company, in my opinion.
What tools do you believe are essential for success in the real estate industry?
I look at every industry as part of the photography sector, and I love using Photoup to upload and share my images with my real estate clients. In my view, real estate photography should be as true to life as possible with limited editing but maintain a professional feel. Photoup lets me work with images and get them to my clients in a manageable way in almost no time.
What has real estate taught you about life?
To trust my gut feelings. The real estate sector in Miami moves so fast you have to make an almost snap decision about a deal as another buyer will swoop down on your dream home if you are not careful.
How can you use what you have learned in real estate to succeed in other areas?
Real estate dealings have certainly made me more decisive as a businessperson. After moving to Miami and having to make a quick choice on my condo deal, I feel I have become more daring in every other area of business.
Do you have a mentor who taught you what you know?
I know this may sound like a cliche, but my father has played a major role in almost every decision I have taken as a businessperson. My father owned a restaurant and encouraged me to get on the property ladder as early as possible which has allowed me to move up to a beautiful home in Miami.
Do you have a feedback system? How does it work?
I like to think I’m tech savvy, so I like to leave and receive feedback using the Internet. As a business owner, I understand the need to get the most positive reviews possible and try to give positive feedback for all those who offer me a high-quality service or product.
