About Us

Punta Cana - Bavaro Real Estate, Vacation Rentals & Property Management

RELIABLE REALTY SRL, was established in 2008, and is considered by others, a leader in the Bavaro - Punta Cana area. We are a legal corporation providing nearly all services required for purchasing real estate in the Dominican Republic. We understand that purchasing a property is just the beginning...

We stay with all our clients through the entire sales process, and way beyond. Helping them attain the best return on their investment (ROI). We are knowledgeable about the area and the Dominican culture; resolving any problems we see through our eyes, as North Americans ourselves. We have learned to adapt and embrace the culture, without settling for some of the laid-back norms considered by North Americans as frustrating and unacceptable. We have developed a reliable brokerage, despite these cultural differences, that closely resemble the buying and selling protocols and ethics we are accustomed to in the U.S., Canada, and United Kingdom. We respond to our array of client questions in a timely manner. Our agency’s philosophy is built on sound ethics, trustworthiness, and honesty. With a positive reputation through the years, validated by numerous and ongoing REAL testimonials We have healthy and established relationships with Developers, Legal firms, Collaborators, Suppliers/ Contractors, and other various professionals needed who also share similar. or like-kind expectations and ethics.

TOP REASONS FOR SELECTING RELIABLE REALTY

1) PREMIUM (FULL) SERVICES IN BAVARO/ PUNTA CANA-

  • We are one of the very few full-service agencies in the entire area.  We don't just say so, then try to figure it out later.  We prove it daily.  
  • We assist in all aspects of your property purchase before you select a property to purchase.  Confidently upholding 100% Closing Success with Title, no Lawsuits.  Both here in the DR, and in the U.S.
  • We provide 100% Legal Services - Sales contracts, the real IPI (transfer Tax amounts), and the step-by-step processes to make your purchasing decision as stress-free as possible.  Prompt sales transactions, within 20 - 40 days.  Expat Legal services, encompassing Dominican Residency requests and establishing a legal Dominican Corporation as a foreigner.
  • Complete Property Management Services- specializing in the most consistent ROI for short-term vacation rental properties. VIP Owner and Vacation Rental Guest Services (i.e., Airport transfers, 24/7 on call services, bookings of excursions /tours, immediate repair and maintenance assistance.  Our office is conveniently located a short walk from nearly all the properties we manage.  
  • Complete Project Management Services – Needed For new construction, renovation, or remodeling desires:  We are the liaison between Developers/ Builders of New Construction, contractors, and YOU… the owners.
  • Complete Project (LAND) Development Services- Designed for Investors living abroad, who require assistance, from start to finish.  From the best selection and Purchase of land to the full Development, and upon completion, to the Sales (or rental management) of the completed Development of properties.
  • Complete Expat consulting and relocation services- With an array of other Expats to connect with for even more one-one navigational, cultural, and business referral services expats need.  
  • We are not going anywhere.  Longevity equates to experience and knowledge.  Many new Agencies have come and gone, either financially and often when “the going gets tough”.  All foreigners need someone who is reliable, operationally well funded, trustworthy, transparent, and very knowledgeable about THIS area.  Thus, over the years, we have expanded our CONSULTING AND EXPAT SERVICES as well. i.e., navigational tips, how to acclimate best within a new and different culture.  We have “worked out the bugs” and survived through our extreme growing pains.

2) KNOWLEDGABLE REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS - With a solid and proven record of sound ethics and transparency.

Purchasing real estate in a foreign country is nearly impossible without a grasp of Spanish, AND the honest assistance of a professional. We assist our clients with every detail before, during and after their purchase, all the way to title in their name and in a short timely manner.  

Multilingual Services- Although our primarily clients are English-speaking (Buyers, Sellers, and Investors), our agency collectively speaks, reads, and writes; English, Spanish, Dutch, French and Russian.  Additionally providing collaborators who can assist in Italian and German.

NOTE; Real Estate Licenses are NOT required in the Dominican Republic. Meaning NOT ALL agents in the DR (independent or through other agencies) are knowledgeable, ethical, or transparent.  We know our selling areas very well, always complete a sales transaction, with minimal delays. We only work with legal counsel (Attorneys) who specialize in Real Estate, keeping abreast on the Dominican Real Estate Laws and tax changes, and who also speak, read, and write excellent English.

Co-Owner / and Broker Maria Williams has been a U.S. licensed Realtor since 2005 and has lived in Bavaro/ Punta Cana since 2008. She is in good standing with the U.S. National Association of Realtors (NAR) and is a member of the National Association of Professional Women (NAPW); having received additional certifications as a Dual Agent, is considered an expert on the Changing Market Conditions in Bavaro, Punta Cana and Macao. Maria maintains her affiliation with Century 21 in West Michigan and is a member of the AEI Real Estate Association in the Dominican Republic. 

We are Committed to “Being the Best, not the Biggest” - Finding the best agency is just as important as finding the perfect property. Just about anybody can sell real estate in Bavaro/ Punta Cana including taxicab drivers (lol), so Buyers Beware!  When you partner with Reliable Realty DR, you benefit from an agency who can personally assist you in all ownership aspects.  We will never claim to being the biggest, but our repeat clients and ongoing referrers say we are the BEST!

Our Agents undergo rigorous training before the Broker refers them to our numerous prospective buying clients.  Perhaps why we have a spotless record in successful closings.

Reliable and Titled Listings - You can trust our listings to be legitimate and reliable because we are selective in the listings (Sellers and Properties) we represent. Unlike other agencies who do not research the titles, nor do many agencies here even require a legal “listing agreement”.  Many newbie agencies here have a limited number of listings, and will often "borrow" listings from other agencies…Called a "Handshake Listings", we personally know our seller clients as well as the New Construction Builders/ Developers. We secure fully signed and legitimate Listing Contracts, with proof of the seller’s identification matching the legal title. The majority of our photos were physically taken by our Professional photographers, our Agents, or are sometimes provided directly to us from the owners.  Meaning… these photos are all the "real deal" and are current.

Many of our listings are EXCLUSIVE to Reliable Realty, but we don't feel compelled to brag about this by mentioning this within our website. We know our sellers well, meaning we are in a good position to honestly work directly with our sellers in providing a fair negotiation and working directly with our Attorney's throughout the sales process. We provide timely communication between all parties involved all the way to the closing, and the transfer of the title into the new owner’s names, making sure there are no hic-ups.  We update our property status' (SOLD, PENDING, PRICE CHANGES, PHOTO CHANGES, ETC). , Our personal and timely services are what make our Agency different.  No stress or frustration "wondering" if your offer has  been accepted, nor where the process of your property purchase is.  Hence resulting in a higher chance of a successful sale all the way from the offer to title in your name. 

NOTE ABOUT NEW CONSTRUCTION DELAYS:  Due to the worldwide domino effect caused by the pandemic, shipping bottlenecks, product shortages, and even rain days, we are asking for your patience in the completion of new construction that was targeted for completion in 2023 - 2024.  

Concerned about buying New Construction?  No worries when securing a property purchase through Reliable Realty SRL you are in good hands. About 40% of our sales are "New Construction". Our Agency only works with proven Developers who follow the required building codes set by the government, including securing the approved permits, licenses, masterplans, floorplans, factual renderings, and who provide quality construction materials.  If you don't see a specific New Construction Development on our website, please ask us as we do not represent all Developers. PLEASE NOTE:  Construction cost increases are also in affect here, meaning new construction properties have been updated to reflect the slightly higher prices than what you may have seen them listed at prior to the pandemic and after-effects.

We are NOT a High-Pressure Agency- To be quite honest; we are too busy to "chase leads".  We believe that when you are "Ready, Willing and Able" to purchase/ or sell, you will select the agency you trust and are most comfortable with. We hope that your choice will be RELIABLE REALTY SRL 

3) IMPORTANT TID-BITS ABOUT AFFORDING THE PURCHASE OF A PROPERTY HERE:

  • " Cash is King " here.  Our time is dedicated to Purchasers who have the cash, not just 10 - 20% to put down.
  • This is because It’s extremely difficult for Foreigners who do not live or work here, to qualify for a loan.  Bank mortgage interest rates can be very high (8.5-10% APR with Variable rates). Even if you can qualify, the approval and actual funding of a loan can take 6-8 months!  No seller will wait this long to sell in a healthy, vibrant real estate market.
  • It is better to secure assets in your own country via a home equity loan or free up other assets BEFORE selecting a property purchase here.
  • Banks in the U.S. will not finance a property here, due to Jurisdiction reasons should the buyer(s) default(s).
  • DIRECT OWNER FINANCING could be another option. (Example 50% down, at 6.5%, for 5-6 years).  However, Direct Owner Financing is often only offered as a Seller's incentive during a Flat Market.
  • In today’s healthy real estate market, Builders (Developers) will only finance during the term of the estimate construction completion.  This term depends on the size of the community and onsite amenities. (i.e., For 40 units or less, approximately 18 months. For 150 - 250 units, 2 years, over 300 units, around 3 years.
  • Developers will only discount the asking price with higher than 25% initial payment (after your reservation deposit)
  • If you do have at least 25% to put down and can pay installments during the construction (18 mos. to maybe 2.5 years), then YES!  Making the purchase of a viable New construction Development a very good option for you.  Please ask us for "which" new construction developments are through reputable developers.
  • 2023 Prices for properties a walk to the beach, dining, shopping, & services:  2-bedroom condos (apartments priced under $125,000 U.S. are non-existent.  A handful of small 1 bedroom’s exist around $120,000 - $130,000 U.S.
  • If a 2BR, priced under $100,000 is probably located a DRIVE to the beach, shopping, and dining.  Or it may not have a clear title, or could have latent issues.  Some agencies hide these truths or may not even know the properties situation.
  • Fixer-Upper's:  Most condos located a walk to the beach were built AFTER 2008, meaning we are now seeing a few fixer-uppers, or condos needing some remodeling or renovations starting to emerge. 
  • We. as a PREMIUM FULL-SERVICE AGENCY can assist with renovations and Repairs via our Project Management Department.
  • We do not represent properties with title problems.  BUYER BEWARE!
  • The majority of our Listings are Exclusive (with the exception of new construction). 
  • Be sure your "Agency Selection" is also a top consideration ... If the price sounds too good to be true, there is a reason.  This is a hot market.  Prices are going up... not down.
  • Our Agency can mediate a successful purchase, while always matching YOUR BEST INTEREST AND THE MARKET REALITY
  • WE TAKE PRIDE IN OUR HARD WORKING AND ETHICAL TEAM, Including the legal Attorneys we trust, who since 2008, and upon the signing of the Sales Contracts, have helped our Agency achieve 100% closing success with title, and with no lawsuits or grievances.

4) OUR ARRAY OF SERVICES:

a)  PROPERTY MANAGEMENT-  

We provide Full Property Management and rental booking Services- specializing in the best ROI in short-term vacation rentals with complete Owner and Vacation Rental Guest Services. I.e., Airport transfers, 24/7 on call services, bookings of excursions or tours, immediate repair, and maintenance assistance.  Our office is conveniently located a short walk from over 85% of the properties we manage. 

b)  VACATION RENTAL BOOKINGS WITH FULL GUEST SERVICES 

We offer a nice portfolio of short term vacation rentals we personally manage. Promoting these vacation rentals on other top international Vacation Rental Platforms.  These properties are primarily located within the well-known HGTV beach-town areas of Bávaro, including mid-term condos for rent in Cocotal Golf and Beach Residential, White Sands, and Hard Rock-Cana/ Cana Bay Golf Course areas.  Soon to come, rentals in Downtown Punta Cana, Macao, and Cap Cana. NOTE: Downtown Punta Cana is actually located in Bávaro, between Punta Cana and Bávaro.

c)  PROJECT MANAGEMENT SERVICES - New construction readiness, renovations, remodeling, etc. for existing properties-

Our experiences in Punta Cana have helped us adapt to and embrace to the local Caribbean (Latin) business culture. Here procedures take longer ("you are not in Kansas anymore").  Local networking is extremely important; primarily done face to face, or via WhatsApp...  We have earned the trust of Buyers and Sellers from all over the world, Reputable Developers, Legal Attorneys, Contractors, Suppliers, and an endless array of other Professionals.  Over several years, we have built strong and trusting relationships, while consistently maintaining a good reputation in the industry.  We all work hard, long, and hard, and have sacrificed much to build our full-service agency, while still learning to be professionally patient yet kindly persistent.  

d) PROJECT (LAND AND CONSTRUCTION) DEVELOPMENT SERVICES - Full services for Investors living abroad with a minimum of $1 million U.S, who are considering the purchase and development of land to be used for commercial or residential construction.  Reliable Realty SRL, a legal Dominican Corporation, possesses the knowledge, experience, and all the required resources, to assist from start to finish.  The BEST land selection, Legal Representation, Architects, Engineers, Electricians, Builders. Additionally, we provide Net Profit Ratio Reports before you begin and as required throughout the construction.  We provide in-house the necessary Project and Property Management Assistance, and the Property promotion, marketing, and Real Estate Sales support

e)  ONGOING EXPAT CONSULTING AND RELOCATION ASSISTANCE We don't abandon you once you have purchased.  We understand the importance of having ongoing trusted allies and experienced advisors here in the Dominican Republic.  Like-minded people you can count on for all your investment and/ or personal goals.  Many of our clients are repeat purchasers.  When you purchase with Reliable Realty DR, you become part of the growing community (family) of satisfied Reliable Realty Owners.  Foreigners will always have challenges in acclimating to a new culture.  Where to shop, navigational and transportation questions, other reliable services, introduction to other English, French speaking expats.  Need information about schools, churches, other safe parts of the DR they can travel.  Reliable Realty hosts 2-4 group trips a year.  (i.e., sailing tours, bus, caravan tours).  Groups consisting of other owner clients, repeat vacationers, several expat friends, collaborators, business owners, etc. Many of our clients become our life-long friends for life.  Several owners retire here and rely on our ongoing consulting and assistance.  These expat owners along with several of our repeat vacationing guests plan trips together, so they never feel alone and always have an array of things to do together.  We are always here to assist and advise.  We are highly committed to developing these imporatant and ongoing relationships.

5) FINAL COMMENTS:

Much of business comes from repeat clients, referrals, and word of mouth. 111222

We do hope you are able to find time to browse through more details about our Agency and our "truly" Premium Services since 2008.  If in doubt when researching, remember, it helps to ponder ..."How long has the agency been in operation in this specific area of the Dominican Republic?".  Anyone can say they are the best, invent awards to tag on their website (awards that don’t exist here), and anyone can pay to have an impressive superficial website and big fancy billboards; yet so many completely lack in the transparency or desire to provide the most current and honest information you can actually use.

We like readers and researchers who do their homework and select us because of our longevity, experience, and transparency.