Andrea Bissinger’s background in real estate law in coastal areas is not the only attribute that makes her an exceptionally qualified real estate professional. Her knowledge of the lifestyle and investment landscape in Santa Teresa is also key to matching customers' expectations with the right properties. Andrea is also the perfect agent if you want to have guidance and reassurance every step of the way during the process of selling or purchasing a property. Be sure to read more about her in the following interview.
1. What Was Your Dream Job as a Child?
I wanted to be a professional surfer! Since I grew up in a beach town, that was kind of all of the kids’ dream job, and if you ask me now, I still feel like it's a pretty cool job, but it's even better to live in a town where you can surf all you want with great waves 365 days a year and work in something you also love.
2. Why Did You Decide to Become a Real Estate Agent?
There are actually several reasons, and I feel like it was meant to be, even though I didn’t realize that until recently. My late father was always passionate about real estate and land. As a kid, we would always visit farms, and (as I remember it) he would always be negotiating real estate-related stuff. Then I started my academic career thinking I was taking a whole different path, but ended up studying law and working in the real estate department of a corporate Law Firm in the city, focused mainly on transactions in the coastal area - it kind of brought me back home. I deeply love this country and would love to see it grow in a responsible, environmentally friendly way, and I think I can be a part of that as a real estate agent. And then, of course, I also love to help people find their dream house, property, or project here so they can enjoy it as much as I do.
3. What Do You Love the Most About Being a Real Estate Agent?
It’s pretty obvious that the flexibility of the job is great, but more than that, I love the process. Seeing someone come in with a dream and making that possible, that right there is pretty satisfying. I also have to admit that being able to have meetings on a board is not quite bad at all.
4. What is the Biggest Challenge?
I would say not being able to find what a client is looking for. Just like finding it is the biggest reward, not finding it is very disappointing.
5. What is the Most Rewarding Aspect of Your Work?
This one’s easy: being able to do what you love professionally. I realize how cliché that might sound to you, but clichés do exist for a reason, right? Yes, there may be challenges and a lot of stress-related situations along the way, but in the end, I enjoy every minute of it.
6. What Do You Do in Your Free Time?
Surf! But I also love to cook and eat (not so much washing the dishes though). I’m a big fan of long walks down the beach and watching all the different ways the sun can set. I recently got into running as well. It's a pretty good exercise, and you really have time alone with yourself; it's nice.
7. If You Did Not Live in Costa Rica, Where Would You Want to Live?
This is a tough one. Honestly, right now I cannot imagine my life in any other place, just because being here seems like an actual dream come true. However, I would say I miss the city a bit. I guess I would like to go back to Munich for a while, but definitely not permanently. I also love New York and Buenos Aires, but again, I can't picture myself living there permanently.
8. What is Your Most Ambitious Goal in Life?
To be successful and happy at the same time. It may sound simple, but I think it's actually pretty ambitious and takes a lot of work to get both of those together.
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