Why Choose Reliable Realty

Why Choose Reliable Realty

PREMIUM SERVICES SINCE 2008


RELIABLE REALTY SRL was established in 2008 and is considered by others as a leader in the Bavaro - Punta Cana, Dominican Republic areas. We are a legal corporation providing all the necessary services for a successful real estate endeavor.  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 our clients attain the best return on their investment (ROI).  We are very knowledgeable about the Dominican culture, and the areas we service.  As Americans we have learned to adapt and embrace the Dominican culture while still providing prompt and reliable services.  We don’t settle for the laid-back Island norms.  Despite the cultural differences, we have developed a responsive brokerage that closely resembles the buying, selling, and property management protocols North Americans are accustomed to.  We respond to an array of good client questions in a timely manner.  Our agency’s philosophy is built on sound ethics, trustworthiness, and honesty, maintaining an exceptional reputation throughout the years and validated by positive testimonials.  We have established healthy relationships with Developers, Legal firms, Collaborators, Suppliers/ Contractors, and many other professionals needed who exhibit like-kind professional characteristics..

WHY SELECT 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 exemplify this daily.
  •  Numerous years of experience in real estate and the associated services.
  • We assist in all aspects of your property purchase with a proven record of 100% closing success with title in your name.  No Lawsuits. No grievances.
  • We provide the best Legal Services- All real estate sales require an Attorney, whose diligences include the formation of the sales contracts, providing the real IPI (assessed values) required for the correct transfer of tax amounts, and who fully register the sale with the government offices to assure an accurate title is received within a reasonable time frame. A full process that we consistently
  • We provide stress-free sales transactions from start to finish with step-by-step and prompt communication.
  • Other Expended Services like; Obtaining Dominican Residency, Business set-up's for foreigners with ongoing legal and tax advice for foreigners.
  • Complete Property Management Services- specializing in the most consistent ROI's when leveraging your property as a short-term vacation rental property.  Providing full VIP Owner and Rental Guest Services; i.e., Airport transfers, 24/7 on call services, bookings of excursions /tours, immediate repairs and/ or maintenance assistance, etc.  Our office is conveniently located a short walk from nearly all the properties we manage.  
  • Complete Project Management (Property Readiness) Services – required when buying new construction, or a property new owners desire some renovation, or remodeling work.  We are the liaison between Developers/ Builders of New Construction, other contractors, and YOU… And at a fair price.
  • Complete Project (LAND) Development Services- Designed for Investors living abroad, who desire to develop land and require onsite assistance from start to finish with the best land options specific to the purchaser’s goals and criteria’s.  Exceptional Engineer and Architect referrals during the entire project development.  Upon completion, we can assist as the Master Brokers in selling your properties, and/ or as your rental booking and property management specialists.
  • Complete Expat consulting and relocation services- With an array of Expat connections, and beneficial cultural acclimation; including our business-to-business referral assistance… all Expats require. Over the years, we continue expanding our CONSULTING AND EXPAT SERVICES.  Our Agency has learned much and we are happy to share our experiences so our clients learning curve is faster and easier.
  • Longevity equates to experience and knowledge.  Many new Agencies come and go, either financially or left when “the going got tough”.  All foreigners need someone who is reliable, operationally funded, trustworthy, transparent, and very knowledgeable about the various residential and commercial areas. .

 

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 without the assistance of honest and hard-working professionals.  We continue to assist our valuable clients long after their purchase.

Multilingual ServicesAlthough our primarily clients are English-speaking (Buyers, Sellers, and Investors), our agency collectively speaks, reads, and writes, English, Spanish, Dutch, French and Russian.  We additionally secure collaborators who have assisted in Italian and German.

NOTE: Real Estate Licenses are NOT required in the Dominican Republic. Meaning NOT ALL agents in the DR are knowledgeable, ethical, or transparent. Whether they are independent agents or work with other Real Estate Agencies (Brokerages).  We know our selling areas very well.  We always complete each sales transaction with minimal delays. We only work with the best legal counsel (Attorneys) who specialize in Real Estate, who keep 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.  She has lived in Bavaro/ Punta Cana since 2008.  Maria 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 and is considered an expert on the Changing Market Conditions (trends) in Bavaro, Punta Cana and surrounding areas.  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 and Uber 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 don’t claim to being the biggest, however, our repeat clients, our trusted associates, and our ongoing positive testimonials consistently affirm… we are the BEST!

Our Agents undergo rigorous training before the Broker refers them to our numerous prospective buying clients.  Perhaps another reason why we retain 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, who may not even require a signed legal “listing agreement”, we personally know the sellers of the properties we have selected to list for sale.  Many newbie agencies here have a very small amount of resale listings.  Several "borrow" listings from other agencies, meaning they don't personally know the Sellers… Additionally, our agency only represents Reputable New Construction builders of high-quality construction who have a proven track record. We secure fully signed and legitimate Listing Contracts, with proof of the seller’s identification matching the legal title. Many of our listing photos were physically taken by us, or by Professional photographers. Our photos are current and the "real deal".

Many of our listings are EXCLUSIVE to Reliable Realty.  However, we don't feel compelled to brag about this on our website. We know our sellers well, meaning we are in a good position to work directly with our sellers, and can provide quick and fair negotiations.  We work directly with our Attorney's throughout the sales process and provide timely communications between all parties involved through the entire sale, the closing processes, all the way to the title name transfers. 

We update our property listings status' (i.e. SOLD, PENDING SALE).  We also update price changes and photos as needed. Our personal and timely services are what make our Agency different.  We eliminate the stress or frustration in "wondering" if your offer has been accepted.  We continually update our clients (buyers and sellers) about the sale process.  Hence resulting in a higher chance of a successful sale all the way from the initial offer to achieving a clear title in your name. 

Concerned about buying New Construction?  No worries when securing a property purchase through Reliable Realty SRL, you are in good hands. About 35% 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.  Builders with a proven and positive history, who are well funded, and who complete their developments close to their estimated delivery dates. 

If you don't see a specific New Construction Development on our website, please ask us as we do not represent all DevelopersPLEASE NOTE:  New Construction prices do change based on supply-demand (inventory remaining), as well as building material cost increases.  We do our very best to update our listings often to reflect the most current prices and remaining inventory.

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

 

3.  TID-BITS ABOUT AFFORDING 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 to secure bank loans here if they do not live or work here.  Bank mortgage interest rates can also be very high.  Currently between 10 % to 14% APR with variable rates. Even if you can qualify, the "full approval" processes to the actual funding of a loan can take 6-8 months!  It is very rare that a seller will wait this long to sell their property during a healthy and 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 a buyer default.
  • DIRECT OWNER FINANCING could be another option. (Example 50% down, at 6.5%, for 5-6 years).  However, Direct Owner Financing is usually only offered as a Seller's incentive during a Flat Market or during our low season (May-mid November). Due to challenges in international banking, owner financing is primarily only offered between North American Buyers and Sellers.
  • In today’s healthy real estate market, Builders (Developers) will only finance during the term of the estimated construction period.  This term depends on the size of the community and onsite amenities. (i.e., For 40 units or less, approximately 18 months. For 120 - 200 units, 2 years, over 250 units, around 3 years, more than 350 units, please plan on 4-5 years for completion.  If a builder or other agency tells you much less… run…
  • Developers will only discount the asking price for more than 25% of the initial down-payment (after the reservation deposit).  Or if buying 2 or more units from the same Builder.  Not all Developers offer discounts.
  • If you have at least 25% to put down and can pay installments during the construction period (18 mos. to maybe 2.5 years), the purchase of a property in a New Construction Development could be a very viable option for you.  Please ask us "which" new construction developments are best for you.
  • 2024 Current Prices for condos located a walk to the beach, dining, shopping, & services: 
    • 2-bedroom condos (or apartments) priced under $125,000 U.S. are non-existent in the favored beach-town areas
    • A handful of small 1 bedroom condos exist around $100,000 - $135,000 U.S.
    • If a 2 bedroom is priced under $100,000, it is likely the property is located a DRIVE to the beach, shopping, and dining.  Maybe its is being sold unfurnished or may not have a clear title. Or perhaps it may have some latent issues.  Some agencies hide these truths or may not even know the properties true situation.
  • Fixer-Upper's:  Most condos in our beach-towns of El Cortecito, located a walk to the beach, were constructed AFTER 2008.  However, we are now seeing a few fixer-upper properties emerge and other condos that could use some remodeling or renovations. 
  • Reliable Realty offers PREMIUM FULL SERVICES.  Meaning, we can assist with remodeling-renovations, and other larger repairs through our Project Management Department.
  • We do not represent properties with title problems.  BUYER BEWARE!
  • Most of our Listings are Exclusive (except for new construction). 
  • Be sure your "Agency Selection" is also a top consideration.  Remember what Mom or Dad used to say, "If the price sounds too good to be true, it probably is"...  This is a healthy real estate market.  Prices are going up... not down.
  • Our Agency can mediate a successful purchase, while always doing our best to match your property goals and criteria’s with the REALITY here.
  • 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, with no lawsuits or grievances.

 

4.  FULL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT & 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 repairs and maintenance assistance.  Our office is conveniently located a short walk from over 85% of the properties we manage. 

 VACATION RENTAL BOOKINGS WITH FULL GUEST SERVICES 

We offer a very nice portfolio of short-term vacation rentals.  We personally manage all the properties we promote on our website. These properties are primarily located within the well-known HGTV beach-town areas of Bávaro.

 

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

Our experiences in Punta Cana have helped us adapt to and embrace the local Caribbean (Latin) business culture where procedures take longer ("you are not in Kansas anymore").  Local networking is extremely important and is primarily done face to face, or via WhatsApp...  We have earned the trust of Buyers and Sellers from all over the world, along with 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 long, and hard.  We have sacrificed much to build our full-service agency, while still learning to be professionally patient, while kindly persistent.  

 

6. PROJECT- LAND & 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, Property promotion, marketing, and Real Estate Sales support.

 

7.  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 to. 

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 important and ongoing relationships.

 

FINAL COMMENTS:

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

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, are Number One or create catchy deceptive tag lines on their billboards and websites. They can invent awards that don’t even exist here or be fortunate enough to have financial backers (investors) or brand names.  With an abundance of marketing dollars to pollute our beautiful environment with excessive billboards.  Unfortunately, some of these agencies may lack in transparency, knowledge, experience, and extended services.  

Reliable Realty seeks readers and researchers who do their homework and find us.  We have discovered those who seek us out, select us, often stay loyal to us for years because of our sincerity, knowledge, longevity, reputation, experience, and transparency.

We do hope you fall into this category and learn much from browsing through our detailed website.  We look forward to assisting you soon!