Ivelina Bankova
In-house Lawyer ContactWhere are you originally from?
I
was born in Pleven, a city with ancient history, especially known for the
national liberation fights, to which is dedicated the one-of-a-kind monument -
Panorama "Pleven Epopee 1877". I spent my childhood and teenage years
there.
What is your prior business background and education?
I have graduated “Geo Milev” Mathematics Secondary School in Pleven and then, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, Master of Law.
My
legal experience and working methods have been developed primarily in the legal
practice of a Big4 company. I have also worked in another real estate company
with a focus on residential properties in Sofia.
What type of real estate or area of Sofia is your specialty?
My
work in First Estates is to ensure the legal aspect of the deals, both sales, and rents of residential and office premises. I work in close cooperation with
all real estate agents of the company and cover the major part of the deals.
How long have you been working in the Sofia real estate industry?
I
have been working in the Sofia real estate industry for most of my professional
career, i.e., about sixteen years. Although at certain moments I have not been
primarily focused on the real estate segment, I have always been interested in
the industry.
What in your opinion is the most exciting thing about real estate in Sofia?
From
legal point of view, real estate deals are challenging and require professional
expertise in various areas of law – general civil law, real estate law,
inheritance law, marriage regimes, international civil law, commercial law,
etc. I like the personal and human element in our work – the communication with
the clients and the fact that we help them find a home to share with their
families, or a good property for investment, or a place to develop their
business.
What is the best piece of advice you can give to clients?
I
would recommend them to work with one real estate agent, whose professional
expertise they trust. He or she will help them navigate in the deal easily
while avoiding surprises.