AHEAD OF THE GAME, 3SA Estate

“Our focus is to meet every customers expectations. Our aim however, is to surpass them.”

Jimmy Widén

Real Estate agency 3SA stands out from the crowd. What’s different? Not only do they sell homes, they help their customers stay a few steps ahead in the world of work, career, family, leisure… pretty much every aspect of life. This month SOCIETY MARBELLA talks exclusively to founder, Jimmy Widén on his success, his inspiration and why we all need 3SA in our lives. 

Hi Jimmy, thanks for taking the time to speak with us today, I want to talk about your current business, 3SA Estate, but before we do, can you tell me a little bit about yourself? 

Thank you. Sure. I´m 34 years old and come from the media business in Sweden, where I´ve been working in TV my whole life. 

You say working in TV. Are you in front of the camera? 

No, nowadays I’m only in front of the camera with the “Broker TV Movies Marbella” maybe you´ve seen them on YouTube? During all my years working in Sweden I was behind the camera, responsible for big companies marketing campaigns such as H&M, Volvo, IKEA etc. as well as lots of start-ups. 

Where were you born? 

In a town just outside Stockholm City. 

How did you end up in Marbella? 

I was here on holiday for the first time when I was 4 years old and I told my dad that I wanted to live in Marbella when I “got old”. So I decided early. I was working in real estate on the side in Sweden and after some good business there I bought my first apartment in Marbella as a holiday home. 

After spending more time here I saw a huge potential for the future of permanent living in Marbella thanks to the digitalisation. So, I decided I needed to move here myself and start companies. 

What did you do before 3SA Estate? 

The last thing I did in Sweden was starting up a production company within moving pictures. TV commercials, TV programs, Web-TV series etc. 

What do you do in your spare time in Marbella? 

Lots of things. I´ve been playing tennis my whole life so I love to play at the Puente Romano tennis club, but I also play a lot of paddle at Real Paddle Club. 

So 3SA Estate is unique real estate agency based here on the coast, emphasis on ‘unique’! Please tell us about it… What was your inspiration behind this business? 

It comes back to the potential of the digitalisation, but also my network of business people from the Nordics. We try to focus on the customers needs only, and not on our own listings. 

What makes 3SA’s marketing so unique? 

We produce communication on the receivers demands and try to find the clients interest in a lifestyle change. People stress too much today and life in Marbella can make you happier and give you more quality compared to many buyers home countries. 

And why did you feel Marbella was missing a concept like this? 

I didn´t see what Marbella missed in real estate. I only cared about what 3SA could add.

Tell us about your team? 

My team right now is growing slowly with quality. I didn´t see any point in recruiting people fast. I want the right people with a certain drive. First in was Borja Zuloaga from Spain. He is 37 years and has been working in real estate in Marbella for 12 years. So he has the same local knowledge about real estate in Marbella as I have about marketing and TV. On top of that we have Ilona Haraldsson who is the company´s PA and marketing assistant. She is 20 years old and from Sweden and does a great job with everything I can´t. 

How did you create the team you have today? 

I see it as creating a good football team to build a great company. You need the right people in the right positions. 

You say that 3SA is not about selling a home, it’s about helping customers find the lifestyle they desire? Can you expand on this? What else do you assist with other than the purchase of a home? 

Yes. Stress and demands of “stuff” will take over peoples lives in the future I´m afraid, so what we try to fulfil is to help our clients to focus more on getting time back and a happier life. We work with our clients during the whole process from finding their home, to filling up their fridge more or less. I like to put people together and help a certain knowledge to find another, so when our clients invest here, through us, we help them to get into the society. 

What is your favourite thing about living in Marbella? 

It´s the opportunity you have to be at really nice beaches the same day as you are skiing in Sierra Nevada. You can eat a lot of good food for a reasonable price, and you have the sun and the temperature all year around. 

Do you have any hidden gems you could recommend to our readers? 

The area of  “Istan” for sure. It is like walking in to the fairy tale “The Land Before Time” if you remember that one. 

What is your favourite restaurant? 

I have many, but if I have to choose only one I would say El Ancla in San Pedro.

What would you say to someone looking to move to the coast? 

Do it ASAP and start enjoy life for real. 

Tell us what happens when someone visits 3SA to buy a home? What is your process? 

We go straight to title deed ;) No.. haha… we have a special system but I don´t want to tell anyone except our clients about it. 

How do you see the progression of 3SA? Do you have plans to expand? 

Yes I have. But more with extended business areas, rather than more offices. 

If we didn’t love the concept enough already can you tell us one last special secret about 3SA? 

I can tell you what 3SA means and then you can think about who you would like to work with after that. It means three steps ahead. Nice to meet you!