When flight attendant Tamara Cortan was made redundant during the pandemic, she looked around at what industries were still moving. One stood out. While much of the world ground to a halt, real estate wheels kept turning in the UAE. She decided to give it a shot. “It’s easy to start, but hard to stay”, she says.
Tamara pivoted into real estate, got licensed, and began the long, patient process of building a career in the sector. She now works with the multi-award-winning, British-led Abu Dhabi property firm Crompton Partners, and she’s recognised across the capital for her energy, professionalism, and ability to connect people with the right property.
And one day, it all paid off in a way she’ll never forget.
“I brought three buyers to a launch – each of them bought two units,” she says. “All the sales reps were busy with my clients. I was running from one table to another like a bee. I covered two years of my previous salary in a single day. But more than the money, my heart was full.”
Tamara’s story is a lesson in how fast a career can move, given the right conditions. But it’s also a clear look at what it really takes to make it. “You need a lot of patience in the beginning,” she says. “There’s no salary. You give out a lot of free advice. And sometimes, clients walk away and close with another agent.”
Building relationships
She has learned that staying power in the real estate industry isn’t built on chasing clients or flashy sales techniques. It’s about relationships. “You attract clients with your energy, authenticity, and professionalism. When you chase, they run. Be present, be helpful, but never be pushy. You’ve got to listen – really listen – to what people need.”
Organisation and listening are traits Tamara values most. She believes every agent must be able to read the room, pick up on unspoken cues, and maintain a sense of calm focus. “You never know who might become a client,” she said. “Each conversation matters.”
Tamara’s ability to understand what motivates others comes after years of dealing with people from all walks of life. Before becoming a realtor, she worked as a flight attendant for Emirates, serving passengers in both economy and business class.
“That job prepared me for this one in so many ways,” she explained. “I learned how to communicate with people from every culture, how to stay composed under pressure, and how to deliver exceptional service. It taught me the UAE’s work ethic too.”
Her days begin with updating property listings, preparing social media content, and reviewing leads. But the real activity kicks off after dark. “Most of my clients work full-time, so I’m busiest between 6pm and 10pm,” she said. “That’s when the phone doesn’t stop ringing.”
And one thing Tamara loves most about real estate is the unpredictability. “No two days are ever the same. You never know who you’re going to meet or what opportunities might arise. And financially, the sky really is the limit,” she explained.
That potential, however, comes with pressure. “It’s a commission-based job, so you don’t get paid unless you close a deal. You can spend months helping someone…only for them to go with another agent. That’s tough.”
Still, Tamara finds great motivation in the things that can’t be measured. “I love getting good feedback. I love seeing Crompton Partners succeed. And I love the freedom this career gives me. All of it keeps me going.”
She credits the strong internal support at Crompton Partners for helping her stay on top of such a fast-paced market. “There are constant updates. New off-plan launches happen weekly, which was overwhelming at first, but now I’ve got the gist of it. The admin and sales team are always sharing information. Our team leaders make sure we’re meeting with developers and getting insights. Everyone supports each other.”
She’s also grown personally through the job, describing how her goals have changed since her first foray into the world of real estate. “With every sale, I aim higher. And my values are fully aligned with those of the company. That’s why we work so well together.”
With all her experience and knowledge of the local market, where does the expert real estate agent like best in the capital? Yas Island, because: “it’s always lively, full of tourists, and it feels exciting to work there. There’s an energy to the area that really suits my personality.”
Tamara’s infectious energy shows no signs of slowing down, but neither does the rate of growth and interest in Abu Dhabi’s real estate market. “The government is turning Abu Dhabi into a global hub. More people are moving here for the lifestyle. The real estate industry is going to match that ambition. Demand and investment are going up,” said the property expert.
And she wants to see higher standards across the board, suggesting that qualifications to become a real estate broker should be made harder – therefore helping the industry as a whole by raising professionalism and improving trust.
Her long-term goal is both confident and clear, and she’s aiming for the stars. “This job is all about networking. I won’t stop until the whole of Abu Dhabi knows who Tamara Cortan from Crompton Partners is. Maybe even the whole of Dubai too.”
But what about advice to anyone thinking of becoming a realtor? “Strategic networking is your ticket to success. Get out and mingle,” she said.
In other words, be patient, stay visible, and keep running between those sales tables. One day, your biggest payday might be just around the corner.
