Ana Elisa B.N. Wassitsch is a licensed agent with the Bahamas Real Estate Association (BREA), is a Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS), holds the Bahamas Realtor Institute designation (BRI) and is a co-founder & working partner at the Andrews Group.
Collaborating with her clients is one of Ana’s strongest attributes, always applying her knowledge of the industry with their specific goals to achieve the highest in client satisfaction. Ana is fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
What is the particular property, community, island, or real estate type that you are focusing on?
With my international background, focusing on the international buyer has always been natural gravitation for me.
What is special/unique about International buyers?
Just like a specific property has immutable characteristics, such as location & size, international buyers are drawn to The Bahamas by the common desire to live by beautiful beaches & the ocean, under the warm sun, and to be away from heavy traffic and overcrowdedness.
In comparison to other places, the Bahamas is unique in this sense. How many times have I heard that this is the most beautiful place on earth? Many. It’s not for nothing that The Bahamas was chosen no. 1 in NASA’s Tournament Earth.
How are International Buyers affected now due to circumstances? What is positive about it?
Current circumstances have forced the entire world to drastically narrow the gap between “what I have” and “what I need.”
Before COVID, I had a few clients who were not so sure they were ready to start the process of purchasing a home in The Bahamas. Now more than ever, they see the importance of living the lives they have always yearned for while offering their families a level of freedom that is scarce in metropolitan areas.
Why do you still recommend International Buyers to pursue a purchase despite circumstances?
Supply has not decreased significantly but we have already started to notice an increase in demand. This is the time to buy.
What is the future for International Buyers in the year/next year?
For the buyers that decide to take action now, the long term will be rewarding. When some sort of normalcy returns, what will be left is the knowledge that ultimately, they provided a better lifestyle for their families, even if social distancing stays around for quite a while. This is long term planning at its best.
What are your specific market insight based on your specialist knowledge of International Buyers as far as moving forward and the vision you see for the maximum potential of the subject?
I believe that as soon as travel restrictions are lifted, buyers will more than ever seek our shores. My advice is for international buyers to look NOW for what they want, digitally, and start taking the first steps.
What should people watch out for or look for to make a very informed decision that suits their best interests?
International buyers should focus on areas that have a sound infrastructure but still offer the experience they are looking for.
They should know everything about the city/Island, the area, and its available homes. Also, find out where schools, food stores, parks, hospitals, as well as where the closest marinas are, where to visit, what to do. Their real estate advisor can easily provide all this information, and they should approach the process as if they were making a decision sight unseen. When the time comes to see it for themselves, the majority of the decisions will have been made, and they will be able to act fast.
How can you show it or promote properties to International Buyers?
Engel & Völkers have always been geared to technological advances, and right now, we are very prepared to offer the majority of our services virtually. This is the new norm, and we have been ready for it.
