Deepti Malik is making waves in an industry long dominated by men, proving to be a formidable force in luxury real estate. With resilience and determination, she is breaking stereotypes and carving a path for women in this competitive space. Her journey, filled with challenges, has made her a trailblazer in an arena where obstacles often arise not just from clients but from within the industry itself.
“The biggest hurdle isn’t always with homebuyers,” she shares. “It’s often within the industry itself. In the past, men typically took charge of home searches, involving women only later in the process. But platforms like Instagram and shows like Million Dollar Listing have created a noticeable shift. Women are taking charge, driving the process, whether it’s for investment purposes or finding the perfect home for themselves.”
This shift has empowered women to step into decision-making roles, both as buyers and as professionals in the real estate sector. “It’s empowering to see this transformation,” she reflects. “Women are no longer sidelined. Instead, they’re driving the process, from the initial screening to defining what their dream home should look like.”
However, her path hasn’t always been smooth. Misconceptions persist, especially among male counterparts and clients who are hesitant to trust women with multimillion-dollar investments. “There’s still skepticism,” she admits. “Some question a woman’s ability to handle complex portfolios or manage large financial transactions. But through experience, successful closures and an unwavering belief in my abilities, I’ve built my confidence and established myself as a credible name in this field.”
As the industry evolves, she credits social media and popular culture with changing perceptions and opening doors for women to see real estate as a viable career path. Her background, a fusion of hospitality and entrepreneurship honed in Switzerland and Dubai—global epicenters of luxury service—has given her the edge in real estate, particularly in catering to high-net-worth clients on Million Dollar Listing India.
“Studying hospitality in Switzerland, the top destination for hospitality education, taught me the essence of impeccable service,”she explains. “Later, working in Dubai, the gold standard for luxury services, refined my ability to cater to ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs). These clients aren’t just looking for a house—they seek a seamless, organized and professional experience. They want more than a broker; they need a consultant who understands their unique requirements and delivers personalised solutions.”
This ethos of customisation has been key to her success. “I don’t just facilitate transactions,” she says. “I engage with clients from the beginning, helping them refine their vision and tailoring the process to suit their needs. It’s about creating a stress-free, professional experience that respects their time and investments.” Malik’s hospitality background has equipped her with crucial skills like time management and patience—qualities she deems essential in luxury real estate. “Real estate at this level is a long-term process,” she notes. “Deals require time to close. Patience is key—knowing when to step back and let the process unfold while ensuring everything runs smoothly.”
Her entrepreneurial spirit complements her approach, allowing her to balance work with her personal passions. “Entrepreneurship enables me to design a dynamic life,” she says. “I’m a fitness enthusiast, so I integrate workouts, dining out and spending time in inspiring environments into my daily routine. I don’t believe in waiting for retirement to enjoy life—I want to work, play and live my passions now.” Her journey into luxury real estate wasn’t without challenges. While her father’s experience with large-scale land deals provided some guidance, she admits the residential luxury market was daunting. “I learned the hard way,” she recalls. “I made it a point to meet clients personally and immerse myself in the process. Over time, I realised that success lies in creating a systematic, client-driven approach.”
This approach begins with a rigorous screening process. “The first step is to thoroughly understand the client’s needs,” she explains. “From gauging their seriousness as buyers to identifying their budget, preferred location and property type, the screening helps us focus on what truly matters. It’s about narrowing down the search to focus on what’s right.”
For Malik, being a public figure on Million Dollar Listing India is about purpose, not pressure. With every deal and interaction under scrutiny, she takes it all in stride, seeing her visibility as an opportunity rather than a challenge. “I’m grateful and I love it,” she says with characteristic positivity. “There’s no pressure because I’ve always believed in the motto: don’t chase, attract. Everything amazing that’s happening in my life, I’ve attracted it. I wanted to be a known face—but for the right reasons. There are many ways to become famous, but I wanted to be recognised for my knowledge, expertise and the positive impact I bring to people’s lives,” she shares. “As a real estate consultant, you play a crucial role in someone’s life. Whether it’s helping them find a home or make a significant investment, the responsibility is immense, and I take that very seriously.”
Rather than being daunted by the spotlight, she embraces it. “I enjoy sharing glimpses of my life beyond real estate,” she says. “It’s rewarding to set an example—whether for the industry or for people in general. And mistakes? They’re part of the journey. You learn, you grow, and you move forward.”
For her, visibility isn’t a burden—it’s a privilege. “The more you’re seen, the more impact you can make. I don’t see it as pressure. I see it as an opportunity to inspire, connect and contribute meaningfully to the industry I love.”
For her, the thrill of being on Million Dollar Listing India goes beyond the glamour of the show. “The most rewarding moment? Closing a transaction that happens both on the show and in real life,” she shares. “It’s like hitting the bullseye—a bingo moment in this numbers game.”
But the journey isn’t just about deals. “Another highlight was meeting incredible people on the team,” she says. “From on-screen to behind the scenes, the camaraderie we built was unforgettable. The crew, working tirelessly day and night, truly deserved a reality show of their own! The conversations, relationships and experiences became some of the most special parts of this journey.”
For women seeking to enter the luxury real estate market, she offers clear advice: find a mentor. “A great mentor helps you avoid mistakes they’ve made, saving you time and effort,” she advises. “Life is too short to make all the mistakes yourself—learn from others. With resources like social media and the internet at your fingertips, there’s no excuse not to learn every single day.”
Her aspirations remain high, inspiring others to find their own “bullseye” moments. When asked about the most memorable transaction from Million Dollar Listing India, she skillfully keeps the suspense alive. “I’d love to spill the beans,” she teases. “But it would lose its charm! All I can say is it’s a blockbuster—a deal worth waiting for. Stay tuned to Sony Liv every Friday at 8 p.m. to catch it!”
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