When the pandemic brought an abrupt end to her career as a flight attendant, Tamara Cortan considered which industries were still active. One in particular stood out. While much of the globe had slowed, property in the UAE continued to thrive. She decided to give it a try. “It’s easy to start, but hard to stay”, she says.
After obtaining her licence and beginning the painstaking task of learning the business, Tamara built a new career in real estate. Today she is part of Crompton Partners, a British-led, multi-award-winning agency in Abu Dhabi, where she has become known for her professionalism, drive, and ability to connect people with homes.
Then came the moment she describes as unforgettable.
“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.”
Her journey shows how quickly fortunes can shift under the right circumstances, but also highlights the resilience needed to succeed. “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.”
Focusing on relationships rather than quick wins has become her hallmark. “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.”
Tamara believes organisation and listening are vital qualities for anyone in the field. Picking up on subtle signals and remaining calm under pressure, she argues, are just as important as sales skills. “You never know who might become a client,” she said. “Each conversation matters.”
Her people skills were sharpened in her previous career with Emirates, where she worked in both economy and business cabins. “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.”
These days her routine begins with updating listings, preparing online content, and checking new leads. But the pace picks up later. “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.”
She thrives on the variety the profession offers. “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.
Still, challenges remain. “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.”
Yet for Tamara, the satisfaction goes beyond commissions. “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 praises the support systems within Crompton Partners for helping her keep pace. “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.”
Her career has also shifted her own aspirations. “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.”
Asked about her favourite place to work in the capital, she points to Yas Island. “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.”
Her optimism mirrors the momentum of Abu Dhabi’s property sector. “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.
She also hopes for higher professional standards, arguing for tougher entry requirements. Raising the bar, she believes, would build trust and credibility across the sector.
As for her own ambitions, she is unambiguous. “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.”
And her advice to aspiring agents? “Strategic networking is your ticket to success. Get out and mingle,” she said.
In short: patience, visibility, and persistence can turn hard work into a breakthrough moment – just as Tamara discovered when one extraordinary day delivered two years’ wages at once.