It’s always better to do one thing well rather than spread yourself thin by trying to do several different things. Many realtors in Punta Cana branch out and do other things to get through the lean months in the market. They sell insurance, organize excursions, act as ad hoc property managers, rent cars, work as tour guides, or, well, anything except Real Estate.

But that can be a problem for investors; how do you know your agent is working full-time for you? 
“Investing in the property market is a big deal,” says Jocelyn Hernandez Irizarry of Punta Cana Lifetsyles Real Estate. “We would advise anyone considering buying property here in Punta Cana to make sure that they work with a realtor dedicated full-time to the profession. A professional, certified realtor knows and understands the market, how it works, how best to take advantage of opportunities and avoid pitfalls.”

Jocelyn also advises potential investors to do their research and look for locals who know the area well. “A realtor who actually lives here year-round and who has strong ties to the community is your best bet. They know the area. They know the ins and outs of the property market here. They will have seen both the boom years and the lean times, so they have a keen understanding of how the Punta Cana market functions.”

Her advice? “Before you decide who to use, check out their website. Does it look like they’re dedicated to Real Estate, or does it seem like they do a lot of sideline jobs to pad their income? And how do they treat you as a potential client? Do they return phone calls promptly? Better yet, is there someone there to answer the phone? That might sound silly, but you’d be amazed at the number of so-called realtors who operate at arm’s length. Don’t sign anything until you’ve met with your realtor face to face.”