When flight attendant Tamara Cortan was made redundant during the pandemic, she asked herself one question: which industries were still moving? The answer was clear. While much of the world paused, the real estate sector in the UAE never stopped.
Tamara pivoted, earned her licence, and began building her career in Abu Dhabi’s competitive property market. Now a sales consultant with Crompton Partners, she is known across the capital for her energy, professionalism, and ability to connect clients with the right homes.
And one day in October 2024, all the effort paid off.
“I brought three buyers to a launch – each of them bought two units,” she recalls. “I was running from one table to another like a bee. I made around AED 200,000 in one day – equal to two years of my previous salary. But more than the money, my heart was full.”
Building a career from scratch
Tamara is quick to point out that success in real estate doesn’t come overnight. “It’s easy to start, but hard to stay,” she says. The early months were about patience, giving free advice, and sometimes watching clients close with other agents.
Her breakthrough, she believes, comes down to relationships. “You attract clients with your energy, authenticity, and professionalism. When you chase, they run. Be present, be helpful, but never pushy. Listening is everything.”
Organisation and empathy are her strongest tools, honed from her years as a flight attendant where she learned to read people, stay composed under pressure, and deliver service across cultures.
Her day as a realtor begins with updating listings, preparing social media content, and reviewing leads. But real action starts in the evening. “Most of my clients work full-time, so I’m busiest from 6pm to 10pm,” she says. “That’s when the phone doesn’t stop ringing.”
The unpredictability is what excites her. “No two days are the same. You never know who you’ll meet or what opportunities will come. And financially, the sky really is the limit.” Still, the pressure is real. “It’s commission-based. You can spend months helping someone and watch them close with another agent. That’s tough,” she adds.
At Crompton Partners, Tamara credits the support system that keeps her sharp. “There are new off-plan launches every week. It was overwhelming at first, but now I’ve got the rhythm. Our leaders make sure we meet developers and share insights. Everyone supports each other.”
Her favourite spot in Abu Dhabi? Yas Island. “It’s lively, full of tourists, and has an energy that matches my personality.”
Tamara believes higher professional standards will only strengthen the UAE’s real estate industry. “The qualification process should be tougher. It will raise professionalism and improve trust.” Her long-term vision is bold: “I won’t stop until the whole of Abu Dhabi knows who Tamara Cortan from Crompton Partners is. Maybe even Dubai too,” she adds with a smile.
Her advice to aspiring agents? Simple: “Be patient, stay visible, and network strategically. Your biggest payday could be just around the corner.”
