Rising Stars: Meet Alexia Bertsatos

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Alexia Bertsatos.

Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Born in Virginia and raised amidst the vibrant culture of Athens, Greece, I have developed a global perspective from an early age. After attending an American school in Athens, I set my sights on London, where I pursued my love for design, earning a BSc (Hons) in Architecture and later an MA in History and Theory of Architecture. 

I always had a keen eye for design and a natural knack for entrepreneurship, so I transitioned into interior design before finding my true calling in the real estate industry. In 2008, I took a bold leap. I founded and ventured on my own, specializing in assisting overseas buyers, particularly those from Greece, in navigating the complexities of the London real estate market. Serving as a one-stop shop, I guided clients through every aspect of the property transaction process, from finding the perfect property to overseeing renovations and managing leasing arrangements. 

In 2010, I embarked on a new adventure, moving to Arizona to pursue post-graduate studies at ASU. Drawn in by the warmth of the community and the endless opportunities in the local real estate market, I decided to make Arizona my home. Since obtaining my real estate license in 2012, I have been committed to providing top-notch service to clients, offering a concierge-style experience that goes above and beyond expectations. With a thriving referral-based business, a passion for giving back to the community, and actively supporting various charitable causes close to my heart, I strive to inspire others through my dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to excellence. 

On top of everything, I prioritize being a positive role model to my two incredible children, ages 8 and 10. I try to lead by example, demonstrating the values of hard work, integrity, and perseverance in all aspects of life. By living authentically and pursuing my passions with dedication, I want to show my children that anything is possible with determination and a love for what you do. I believe in instilling a strong work ethic and a compassionate spirit in my children, inspiring them to dream big and make a positive impact in the world while spending quality time together and enjoying the present moment. 

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Transitioning from Greece to London and later from London to Arizona presented me with unique challenges. Initially, navigating the language barrier and cultural differences while acclimating to life in London posed significant hurdles. 

Although I “thought” I spoke English, nothing prepared me for how challenging understanding different accents and dialects would be. In addition to adapting to unfamiliar customs, I had to start afresh, building a new social circle and also adapting to living away from my family and friends, who served as my safety net. Being extremely timid made this transition extremely challenging. I had to take personal responsibility and make major decisions for the first time in my life in a different country to create a new life from the ground up. 

Similarly, relocating to Arizona brought its own set of obstacles, including adjusting to a different climate, lifestyle, and professional landscape. Leaving behind a successful business, my friends, and everything that I had acquired over the 16 years I lived in London was hard. Despite the daunting prospect of beginning anew for the second time, starting again from scratch. What was surreal was that I had to get one of the $300 pre-paid credit cards so I could start building my credit, as it did translate from my time in London; I also had to find a cosigner to help me buy a car. 

I can say that was very humbling. I was fortunate to meet a few great people who helped me through my transition, and I was able to tackle these challenges by drawing on my past experiences and their support. I have always believed that with a positive outlook, hard work, an open mind, and a bit of luck, you can thrive in any environment. I am fortunate that I was able to transform each transition into an opportunity for growth and personal development. I don’t want to live a “what if” life. 

I want to go for it and make the best of it. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe you can tell us more about your work next?
Alexia Bertsatos is a dedicated and respected real estate agent in Phoenix, Arizona. Known for her exceptional customer service and strong work ethic. 

Alexia has carved a global and client-centric niche for herself in real estate that spans over 22 years. With a reach extending from Phoenix to global cities like Paris, Alexia is not merely an agent; she embodies the essence of a seasoned professional. Her prowess in navigating the intricacies of first-time home buying, probate & divorce arrangements, coupled with her adeptness at handling sophisticated relocations & luxury transactions, is evident in her work across varied terrains—from Greece to Colombia and from France to El Salvador. 

Originally from Greece, she is trilingual in Greek, Spanish, and English. Her international experiences in real estate and design help inform her practice in Arizona. Central to Alexia’s operations, Phoenix stands as her anchor. Her expertise extends beyond borders, but her heart remains loyal to her city. As a highly connected Arizona resident for over 14 years, Alexia is passionate and knowledgeable about the vibrant Phoenix Metro Area and its sizzling real estate market. 

She is excited to help clients find where they best fit within the community. Multilingualism reflects her genuine intention to connect, comprehend, and collaborate, cementing lasting relationships within the diverse communities she caters to. 

Alexia specializes in all facets of the real estate business, whether it be steering the way for first-timers, providing relocation help, or trying to score perfectly designed luxury property in the US as well as abroad. Lastly, as a certified Military Relocation Professional, she offers a wide array of resources to active-duty service members looking to relocate. 

Outside her professional realm, Alexia champions various community causes. Her association with Teen Lifeline, Rosie’s House, and Valor’s Veteran Village underscores her deep-seated commitment to social initiatives. In 2024, she graced the stage at NKF of Arizona’s Dancing with the Stars, all in an effort to advocate and raise funds for the National Kidney Foundation of AZ. She also serves on the Global Chamber of Commerce advisory board and is the Chair of the Revenue Growth Committee. Alexia represents a harmonious blend of global real estate expertise and heartfelt dedication to community enrichment and local values. 

With 100% client retention, Alexia takes pride in making clients feel like family and is invariably available for questions and concerns day or night. She is thrilled to help clients transition into a new chapter of life with her expert eye for design and unmatched customer service. 

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
This is an interesting one. 

In my opinion, the real estate industry remains dynamic, yet there are challenges that need to be addressed, like the recent proposed settlement between the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the Department of Justice. This settlement aims to address concerns surrounding anti-competitive practices and promote greater transparency within the industry. As a result, we, real estate professionals, face increased scrutiny regarding commissions and the disclosure of relevant information to clients. 

Unfortunately, what is portrayed in the Media is not entirely true, so our job is to educate our clients  and provide clarity. In the next few months, we will see a few changes in the disclosures and how business will be conducted, but in the long run, things will normalize as they always do. What we need to do is silence the noise and continue to keep our clients’ best interests in mind while providing the stellar service they deserve, exceptional value, tools, and education. 

Moving on, the current state of the real estate market reflects a delicate balance of factors. Inventory remains low, posing challenges for prospective buyers as the demand continues to outpace available listings, contributing to competitive bidding environments at the lower price ranges and unwavering high property prices. Additionally, interest rates remain relatively high, impacting affordability for buyers and influencing their purchasing power. 

Buyers are having a hard time at the moment, which in turn will have an impact on sellers in the long run. However, amidst these challenges, there is optimism fueled by promising economic indicators, such as the influx of new job opportunities. While navigating the complexities of a market characterized by low inventory, high prices, and high interest rates can be daunting, the prospect of increased job opportunities brings hope for continued growth in the real estate industry. 

The shortage of inventory primarily stems from homeowners securing exceptionally low interest rates, which disincentivizes selling, especially with the current interest rates being extremely high. Although interest rates may come down in the near future, they will not get remotely close to where they were a couple of years ago, meaning that only owners who need to sell will do so, keeping the inventory low. In addition, as and when interest rates start dropping, more buyers will flood the market, driving the prices up due to the low inventory. 

It is estimated that a 1% drop-in rates will bring 5 MILLION buyers into the market. I just want to finish by saying that the best time to buy is when you are ready. Trying to time the market is not a good strategy. Real estate is a long-term investment for most people, and prices will continue going up even if, once in a while, we experience temporary dips and corrections. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.alexiabertsatos.com
• Instagram: @realestate.by.alexia
• Facebook: Www.facebook.com/alexiabertsatosrealestate
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexia-bertsatos-ma-mrp-695b3225/
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/alexiabertsatos