Shashank Vashishatha, the Executive Director at Exp Realty India since October 2020, is a seasoned professional in the real estate sector, backed by a prestigious M.B.A. in Real Estate Development and Finance. With over three years of experience, his dynamic leadership has driven growth and innovation, establishing him as an authority on real estate trends and investment strategies.
1. Since taking the helm as Executive Director at Exp Realty India, what have been your key strategic moves or initiatives that have significantly driven the company’s growth and innovation?
Stepping into eXp Realty was like joining a rocket ship ready for liftoff. My focus was to fuel that engine with hyper-growth strategies. We invested heavily in agent training and technology, empowering them to become more efficient and effective. We also embraced a data-driven approach, constantly analyzing market trends to identify new opportunities and optimize our operations. This resulted in explosive agent growth and record-breaking transactions.
2.Your expertise in negotiation and transactions is well-known. Could you share some examples of how your leadership in these areas has tangibly benefited Exp Realty India?
My negotiation skills are honed from years of experience. I recall a recent deal for a luxury residential property. By understanding the seller’s underlying motivations, I crafted a win-win solution that secured the deal for eXp at a superior price point. This not only boosted our revenue but also solidified our reputation as skilled negotiators, attracting high-value clients.
3. In managing real estate assets, what unique approach do you apply? Are there any standout achievements in this area under your leadership at Exp Realty India?
My approach is all about agility and proactive thinking. We leverage technology to monitor market trends and anticipate potential challenges, allowing us to optimize asset allocation and maximize returns. I believe in treating every asset like a living entity, understanding its nuances and potential. This means data-driven decisions, but also witnesses the market sentiments and our previous experiences.
4. As a renowned expert in the real estate sector, how do you keep abreast of industry trends, and how have your insights shaped the decision-making process at Exp Realty India?
The real estate landscape is a kaleidoscope. I stay ahead of the curve by constantly researching, attending conferences, speaking in the forums, learning from mentors and networking with industry leaders. It’s like having a global brain trust feeding into eXp Realty India’s decision-making.
5. With your academic background in Real Estate and Finance, how do you utilize this knowledge to overcome challenges and capitalize on opportunities in the ever-evolving real estate market?
My academic foundation in finance acts like a compass, guiding me through the complexities of the real estate market. I can analyze risks, identify undervalued assets, and structure deals that are both profitable and sustainable. This knowledge has been instrumental in navigating market fluctuations and securing lucrative opportunities. I translate financial intricacies into actionable plans for our team, empowering them to make informed decisions.
6. In your leadership role, how do you encourage innovation within Exp Realty India? Could you provide examples of specific initiatives or projects that highlight this commitment?
I lead by example. I’m not afraid to experiment, fail fast, and learn from it all. This sets the tone for an environment where everyone feels empowered to break the mold. We have something called the ‘fail fast, learn faster’ culture. I encourage agents to experiment, embrace new technologies, and even celebrate their ‘happy accidents.’ We have launched our cloud based brokerage in India and have cut down the cost of brick and mortar offices, It’s something which India has never seen before and now successfully replicated the model in 17 states and penetrated 75+ cities in India. Training and empowering local talent and experts with standardisation and professionalism.
7. The real estate market is influenced by various external factors. How do you manage these risks and ensure the organization remains resilient and prepared for uncertainties?
Uncertainty is part of the game. We mitigate risks by diversifying our portfolio, building strong financial reserves, and implementing robust risk management strategies. We also proactively conduct thorough risk assessments, build contingency plans for various scenarios, and constantly update our strategies to stay adaptable. Also, being a global company I do weekly interactions with my counterparts in different countries and keep an eye on global markets and challenges.
8. What is your perspective on the role of technology in the future of real estate, and how is Exp Realty India adapting to technological advancements to maintain its competitive edge?
Technology is reshaping the real estate landscape. We’re at the forefront of this revolution, investing heavily in metaverse, AI integration, virtual expos & tours, virtual staging, and virtual workspaces. These advancements are streamlining processes, enhancing agent experiences, and giving us a competitive edge. EXP realty offers a suite of services to its agents which help them automate the non-productive tasks and increase productivity. Services includes – CRM, marketing automation tools, Social media integration, AI tools etc.
9. Your contributions to the real estate discourse are highly valued. How do you engage in industry discussions and disseminate your insights among peers and stakeholders?
I believe in knowledge sharing. I regularly contribute to industry publications, speak at conferences, and mentor young professionals. I also share my feedback for various government bodies and part of various discussions and stakeholder meetings. It’s my way of giving back to the community and ensuring the future of the real estate industry is bright.
10. As someone with expertise in the real estate sector, what guidance would you offer to those aspiring to succeed in the real estate industry, particularly in light of its changing dynamics?
Passion, perseverance, and adaptability are key. Stay hungry for knowledge, embrace change, and build strong relationships. From eXp platform, we gave this best possible training to our agents and team by inviting life coaches and trainers for personal branding, goal setting etc. The real estate market is dynamic, so be prepared to pivot and learn new things constantly. Most importantly, never underestimate the power of hard work and dedication. This industry rewards those who put in the effort.
