Who is Behind SAREFI?
Sabrina Real Estate Financing
Moin, I’m Sabrina, the founder and owner of SAREFI – Sabrina Real Estate Financing.
Welcome! I’m happy to share who I am and what drives me.
My friends call me Sabri, which means “the patient one” in Arabic -though I used to be anything but patient.
More than 25 years ago, I would have laughed at anyone who said I would train as a bank clerk after my A-levels and specialise in real estate financing.
How Plan B Became My Passion
As a teenager in former East Germany, my dream was to travel the world.
I wanted to study marine biology in Kiel and work as a biologist in New Zealand and beyond.
A motorcycle accident forced me to put that dream on hold – at least temporarily.
I needed a Plan B – just a year before my A-levels.
Luckily, I realised I had strengths in maths, and finance became the logical path. My new dream: a career at Deutsche Bank.
And indeed, ten years later I moved from Munich to Hamburg for Deutsche Bank.
My Path Into Property Finance
Though first back to the beginning: after school, I trained as a bank clerk with HypoVereinsbank in Munich.
It was time to say Grüß Gott!
Over the next ten years, I gained comprehensive experience in German property financing.
HVB (now Unicredit) laid the foundation, and Interhyp Group refined my skills. I advised everyone from first-time buyers to investors and brokers.
Each case was unique and often quite surprising, often on unique or surprising cases – from listed buildings on leasehold land to mining damage waivers and start-up founders.
Moin instead of Servus – a new chapter began.
I also learned what drives and concerns both mortgage advisors and clients.
Equipped with the knowledge gained from a decade in German mortgage advisory, I then followed the call of Deutsche Bank in Hamburg, to understand the bank’s side of the process.
Moin! instead of Servus.
Working at Deutsche Bank, later at Hamburger Volksbank and Haspa I gained insight into how applications are assessed – an eye-opening experience.
Why I left the banks
After 20+ years in mortgage advisory, I realised I could not continue working for banks and large corporations if I wanted to provide truly independent, client-focused real estate financing advice.
I go the extra mile for my clients.
This requires
Time, I cannot give if managing 140 clients simultaneously.
Banking Contacts, not found on standard platforms.
Working Hours, which not every employer allows.
Ability to operate nationwide, not just regionally.
Portfolio, tailored to the client, not the bank.
Patience – which brings us back to my nickname and its meaning.
In 2025, I became self-employed to dedicate my work entirely to my clients.
With two decades of experience as a banker, German mortgage advisor, key account manager, trainer, loan officer and – above all – a caring human being, I am here for my clients across Germany and in person in Munich, Hamburg and now also in Mainz.
Gude!
…you might wonder why I said “temporarily” about giving up my dream to travel the world. Because that’s exactly what I did,15 years after my motorcycle accident, I did go on a world trip – resigning from my job, travelling two years around the globe, plus a year in Vancouver, Canada.
My passion for foreign languages, countries and cultures began in childhood, was strengthened by voluntary work with GIRL GONE INTERNATIONAL and has been fulfilled through travel.
I learned early on how many doors open when you speak more than just your native language.
I understand German, English, French, Spanish, Italian and Flemish, though my mortgage advice is provided in German and English. Italian is taken care of by my colleague and business partner Monika.
My values are based on diversity, open-mindedness, fairness, and respect.
My Offer
Tailored financing solutions for:
Private Residences
Purchase and construction of flats and detached, semi-detached or terraced houses. I will find the right mortgage for you.
Real Estate Investments
Secure your future with an inflation-resistant retirement investment independent of the capital market.
Existing Properties
Refinancing, renovations, equity capital procurement. Together we find the optimal route to reach your goals.
Commercial
Hotels, mixed-use properties, logistics facilities. I design the right financing concept for your commercial property.
I look forward to hearing from you.
For further questions email: