Alex Suárez’s journey from professional basketball to real estate with FEI Business School

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your career in professional basketball? What have been some of your most memorable moments on the court?

My name is Alex Suárez, I am 31 years old, and I am originally from Menorca. For the past 13 years, I have been working as a professional basketball player. Off the court, I am a naturally curious person, and in recent years, my interest in real estate has grown significantly. I have been fortunate enough to dedicate many years to basketball and experience incredible moments. While it is difficult to pick just one, I have particularly fond memories of winning the U16 and U18 European Championships with the Spanish national team.

What sparked your interest in real estate, and why did you decide to pursue a Licensed Real Estate Agent qualification?

The real estate sector has always fascinated me—finding great opportunities in the market, conducting property viewings, negotiating, and analysing a property's potential. Luckily, due to my career, I was able to start investing at a young age, and I always had the thought of diving deeper into the industry. That is why I decided to take the next step and obtain my qualification.

Why did you choose FEI Business School for your real estate education, and what made our programme stand out to you?

While seeking advice within my network about the real estate industry, FEI Business School came highly recommended. I thoroughly researched what they offered, including the course content and the lecturers. After comparing it with other options, I decided on FEI because of its comprehensive programme, which covered all the key topics I was interested in, along with the added bonus of studying in English.

You chose to take the course in English despite being a native Spanish speaker. What motivated that choice, and how did it affect your learning experience?

This was a crucial factor in my decision. While I am a Spanish speaker and comfortable in English, I saw this as a great personal challenge. Learning the industry's specific terminology in English is important, especially for communicating confidently in the highly international real estate sector.

How did you balance your professional basketball career with the demands of the course? Was the hybrid-learning model helpful in managing your time?

I am a disciplined and well-organised person in my daily life. Establishing a schedule and a consistent routine was essential to keeping up with the coursework. The flexibility of adapting live sessions to my schedule and receiving the weekly course material allowed me to manage my time effectively.

What aspects of the Licensed Real Estate Agent programme did you find most valuable or surprising? Were there any particular topics or lessons that stood out?

I was particularly interested in taxation, property appraisals, and the intricacies of real estate transactions from start to finish. Understanding the interactions between the various parties involved in a transaction was especially insightful. Throughout the course, we covered all these areas in depth, and I learned a great deal.

How did the virtual classroom experience and support from lecturers contribute to your learning?

Having the ability to ask questions at any time made my learning experience much smoother and more engaging. Whenever I had doubts, they were quickly resolved, and the lecturers were always willing to assist us.

Now that you’ve completed the programme, how do you see real estate fitting into your future plans? Are you planning to combine both careers, or do you see yourself fully transitioning into real estate down the line?

I am really excited about the opportunities that have opened up after completing the FEI programme. Right now, my focus remains on my season with Real Betis Baloncesto, but I would love to combine both careers and, in the future, transition into real estate full-time. My wife works in Palma de Mallorca as an architect and interior designer, and it would be very rewarding to collaborate on projects together.

Are there specific areas within the real estate sector (sales, appraisals, property management, etc.) that you’re particularly interested in exploring further?

Since my wife and I own several properties, I am considering furthering my knowledge in property management. The idea of personally managing a portfolio of properties is something that really appeals to me.

What’s your outlook on the real estate market in Palma de Mallorca and the Balearic Islands? Do you see unique opportunities there, especially for professionals with international connections?

The real estate market in the Balearic Islands has grown significantly in recent years, not just in Mallorca and Ibiza, which are internationally renowned, but also in Menorca, where exciting opportunities are emerging. However, I believe it is crucial to maintain the charm and tranquillity of the islands, as that is what makes them so special.

What advice would you give to other athletes or professionals considering a career shift or looking to broaden their skills with real estate education?

I am not one to give advice often, but I would say that it is essential to build a strong knowledge base for life after sports. If someone is interested in real estate, pursuing a qualification like the FEI Licensed Real Estate Agent programme is an excellent step forward.

Would you recommend the FEI Business School experience to others, and if so, why?

I would absolutely recommend it. Throughout the course, I was able to delve into many important and interesting topics, which I am sure will benefit me in the future. The support from the FEI team was invaluable, making the entire experience incredibly rewarding.

Finally, is there anything else you’d like to share about your journey from the basketball court to the classroom and beyond?

I simply want to express my gratitude to the entire FEI team for making this journey so accessible and enjoyable. I am looking forward to continuing my education and balancing my sports career with my growing passion for real estate.