How long have you been a real estate agent?

 

I joined the Rego Sotheby’s International Realty team in August of 2017 and passed the Bermuda real estate examination in that same month. Since then I have played an integral role in assisting with internal real estate business operations including client relations and sales administration with one of the company’s largest hotel tourism clients.

 

Why do you like working for Rego Sotheby’s International Realty?

 

Having come from a financial, trust and wealth management background, I was aware of all the local brokers and did the necessary due diligence. During my analysis, I felt that Rego Sotheby’s offered the strongest real estate platform on the island and came with the bonus of having an affiliation with the global prestige of the Sotheby’s International Realty brand and their extensive international network. The company also employs highly experienced property management, administration and marketing professionals available to assist with any situation. There is a great history at Rego Sotheby’s International Realty and the leaders of the firm are dynamic and strive to be current, strategic and creative with business trends in the industry, both locally and globally. The Rego Sotheby’s International Realty team works diligently to be at the cutting edge of innovative solutions to artfully unite extraordinary homes with extraordinary lives.

 

What is the favorite part of your job?

 

For most people, an investment in real estate will be the largest financial decision of their lives. My goal is to equip buyers with current, factual data to make informed decisions while finding the right home. For those selling property, I believe they need to be armed with the most current and accurate market data. Rego Sotheby’s has an incredible, bespoke real estate database containing valuable information that we work hard to update and maintain. As it is often stated, knowledge is power. When a client and their agent are armed with comparable statistics and current market conditions, they have the tools and information to effectively represent a property. Statistics indicate that properties priced right the first time are the most successful in attracting a buyer. For all transactions, I believe that a win-win situation (that is, where a seller is happy with the sale price and the purchaser is looking forward to moving in to their new home) is the best outcome.

 

What is your favorite property on the market right now? 

 

This can be a very subjective question. A seller is often emotionally attached to their home and a buyer may not yet see the potential of a property or how it could be a good fit for their circumstances. There are quite a few great properties on the market currently and often it is a balancing act to get a buyer and seller at an acceptable price point. My favorite property in Bermuda is not quite yet on the market – so stay tuned! It is a brand new 11,000 square foot luxury property located on the South Shore near Tucker’s Town. The views are stunning! It has 8 bedrooms, 10 full baths and 3 half baths, plus a 2 bed 1 bath housekeeper’s cottage, chef’s kitchen, great entertainment areas, pool, tennis court and a private beach on 5.5 acres.

 

What property on the market right now, in your opinion, do you think is a really good value?

 

“Moondance” on Windcrest Drive in Paget, priced at $2.35 million, with almost an acre of land and a pool, centrally located on Trimingham Hill is a great value. With 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths along with a 1-bedroom guest apartment, this property offers over 3,800 square feet of interior space with great views of Hamilton Harbour and the South Shore. It is available to Bermudians, PRC’s and International Purchasers.

 

How do you see the Bermuda property market over the next 12 months?

 

We’ve seen an uptick in property enquiries since the latter half of 2017. There are indications that there is some pent-up demand, however, many buyers today are quite savvy and more aware of market trends and pricing, so the key is to correctly price a property. Confidence is returning to the local economy and the next generation is ready for home ownership. There are also people looking to downsize, or upsize (for their growing families) and there are those seeking to invest in Bermuda real estate but are waiting for the ‘right time’. Property prices are at a very reasonable level on the island, and there are currently some great deals available. It is important to connect with an agent that you feel comfortable with who can provide you with the right answers and direction to ensure your transaction’s success.

 

What are your top 3 tips when looking at a potential new home?

 

1. Make sure that your list of “must-haves” versus the “nice-to-haves” are realistic to your desired price point. It is always possible to build additional equity in your home with targeted projects. Try to see the potential of any home that you may visit that may tick most of the boxes in your property criteria checklist. Chances are that no house on the market will be a 100% fit so look for the foundational requirements.

 

2. Think about location and your daily routine. How would any home work for you logistically? While location may seem inconsequential in our small 13,000-acre (21 square mile) island, it is important to consider various factors such as your commute to work, proximity to schools and grocery stores, traffic patterns and the comparable style and size of neighboring homes, to name a few considerations.

 

3. Try not to get discouraged. Often, there are multiple offers for an attractively priced, well located home and you may lose out. There will always be another home that will captivate you! Also, remember that no matter what a home may be listed for, do not be afraid to make an offer. Sometimes this may open a window of negotiation that will allow your real estate agent to help you get to a win-win position with a property transaction. These moments can bring true satisfaction to all the parties involved.

 

What do you think of propertyskipper.com (we promise not to edit!)?

 

PropertySkipper.com is a valuable and useful tool for sellers, buyers and industry professionals. All the available listings for sale and rent can be found in one location and the website is user friendly, conveniently searchable by parameters, neatly laid out and presents articles of interest to a variety of parties. It provides great service to the Bermuda real estate community.
For more information please contact Grant Sousa.

 

GRANT SOUSA

W: 441.299.1403

M: 441.515.2610

E: gsousa@regosir.com

Grant Sousa full bio

Linked In: Follow Grant Sousa 

 

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The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has approximately over 22,000 affiliated independent sales associates located in over 960 offices in 70 countries and territories worldwide. Each office is independently owned and operated.

 

For additional information visit the Rego Sotheby’s International Realty website, call
+1 441.292.3921, email info@regosir.com, or visit us at our office located at 83-85 Front Street, City of Hamilton, Bermuda.