L. Zamor Real Estate: A Real Estate Consultant Who Emphasizes Value

Laurence Zamor, founder and owner of L. Zamor Real Estate, which operates in Ra'anana and the surrounding area, is convinced that claims of stagnation or collapse in Israel's real estate sector are far from the reality on the ground.

"Many buyers are waiting to see if prices will drop, but in practice, their is interest in the market, both from Israelis and foreign residents", Zamor says, "They say that the discounts offered by contractors indicate distress because there are no deals, but I see it differently. Contractors realized that in some cases, it's better to offer discounts than to continue paying interest on unsold inventory, and so they offered discounts. Specific opportunities for discounted contractor apartments were created, but it cannot be said that there is a general price decrease".

According to Zamor, a reduction in interest rates, even if moderate, could re-accelerate transactions. However, she emphasizes that not all types of properties are affected equally. "Apartments without a safe room have seen a clear hit in demand. This is a conceptual shift following the war in the last two years, and it is here to stay. Property owners need to take this into account", she stresses.

A quiet wave of foreign buyers

Zamor, who has been active in Israel's real estate sector for 30 years and employs five real estate professionals in her office, made aliyah from France three decades ago and defines herself as 100% Zionist. L. Zamor Real Estate has Israeli clients alongside many foreign residents, and Zamor reports a new phenomenon characterizing the recent period – an increase in interest from foreign residents who previously had not considered purchasing property in Israel.

"This is a population of Jews who do not necessarily have a strong connection to Israel, sometimes no connection at all", Zamor says, "We are seeing inquiries from France, other European countries, and the U.S., from Jews who are not connected to Israel, some of whom have not even defined themselves as Zionists, but the global reality makes them want to have their own place here. They are not necessarily planning aliyah, but they want to have a safe place in Israel".

According to her, these are not always luxury purchases. "It's not necessarily a multi-million dollar purchase. Sometimes it's an emotional purchase. They are looking for a safe place, a sense of belonging, and a corner in the country", she explains, "It's not a search for yield or a successful investment. Most of the demand is concentrated in the Gush Dan area. Those who cannot afford to buy in Tel Aviv turn to Bat Yam, which is experiencing a boom, or to cities like Ra'anana, Holon, and, depending on the budget, also Hadera, Haifa, or Harish".

Not a broker

Zamor does not define herself as a broker, but as a guide and consultant. For her, her role is much broader than simply showing apartments to a client. "The word 'broker' is less suitable for me. There are many questions surrounding why one even needs a broker and what one gets in return. I place the emphasis precisely there, on value", she stresses, "when working correctly, the value is much higher than the commission.

"I see myself first and foremost as a consultant, and not just regarding the property itself. Clients needs are not limited to just an apartment. Some do not live in the country, and their needs are much broader. For example, they want a neighborhood with excellent educational institutions and a specific community. We understand their needs together, and only then do we choose an area and a property".

This approach reflects how Zamor perceives her role. "Clients can come to me with no prior knowledge and trust that the process will be conducted transparently, efficiently, and fairly – both in terms of suitability and finances", she says.

The office also accompanies clients in complementary aspects, such as connections with bank appraisers and attorneys, and assistance with the municipality in cases of building permit irregularities, and general bureaucratic guidance. "These are things that are usually not included in a broker's role, but for me, they are an integral part of a proper process", Zamor explains.

This approach is also reflected in property selection. Zamor refuses to take on properties at prices that are not market appropriate. "I will not offer apartments at an unfair price that is not adapted to market prices. This is not fair to buyers, even if they are not local", she clarifies.

"Word of mouth"

For foreign residents, the level of trust is even more important, although Zamor says the vast majority of buyers come to the country and view the properties. "There are some who do not come to the country at all, and in such cases, I work with an accredited attorney, find the property for them, and send videos," Zamor says, "most of my clients come through word of mouth. Thanks to many years in the field and relationships built over time, our level of trust is high".

A structured process

The sales process at L. Zamor Real Estate begins with an introductory meeting, presenting the work method and marketing tools. After signing an agreement, Zamor or one of her five employees visits the property with a professional photographer. Subsequently, videos are filmed, and the property is distributed to the office's client base in Israel and abroad. Concurrently, collaborations with other brokers take place to expand exposure.

"In the first meeting, I check that buyers have preliminary approval from the bank and manage the pricing issue with full transparency", Zamor says, "if I think more can be achieved, I will say so. If the price is too high, I will also say that. There is nothing worse than a property that enters the market at the wrong price and remains unsold for a long time".

Zamor believes that part of her role is also to create a human connection. "Clients become friends. Especially when it's aliyah, and I am the first person they meet here. My goal is for them to feel safe and succeed, not just in purchasing a property, but in integrating into life in the country," she concludes, "a real estate transaction is not an ordinary deal, but a decision that significantly impacts your life and therefore requires understanding, guidance, and trust".

Connection details
TEL: 054-7353514
MAIL >>

in collaboration with L. Zamor Real Estate