SANTO DOMINGO.- At 9:42 AM, two giant screens announced the launch of the Innovate 2024 international congress of the Association of Real Estate Agents and Companies (AEI), which in its fifth edition brought together more than 600 real estate brokers, who came from different parts of the country to gain knowledge.
“Good morning, friends. On behalf of the AEI, we welcome you to your international congress. For the fifth time, we have convened the best in the sector to gather today to reach a new level toward what we want to achieve. We hope you have come with a willingness to learn new ways to be productive and earn money,” commented Nikauly de la Mota, who is serving as master of ceremonies for the event for the third time
Nikauly de la Mota. Fidel Pérez/El Inmobiliario.
After highlighting the importance of the event, the veteran broadcaster handed the microphone to Alberto Bogaert, president of the AEI, who said a few words: “Once again we gather to witness the most important real estate event in the Dominican Republic and perhaps the region. We continue with the firm intention of presenting the best, because you work for the well-being of your companies and the entire nation. You are a fundamental part of generating investment, employment, wealth, and economic activity in our country year after year,” he said.
Alberto Bogaert. Fidel Pérez/El Inmobiliario.
He explained that innovation is part of the race and that is why they focused the 2024 edition on that theme.
Amid applause and dressed in black, the first speaker arrived: Elizabeth Martínez, from the Dominican Republic, representing RE/MAX Metropolitana. She kept the audience attentive by sharing the findings of a 2019 study of agents in Latin America, whose data she used to offer recommendations, basing her advice on the figures of the entrepreneur vs. businessman.
More than 600 agents attended. Fidel Pérez/El Inmobiliario.
Dressed in white, Iris Espinal, sales director of the Northern division of Noval Properties, ascended to the stage after the projection on the giant screens of the Grand Hall of the Catalonia hotel, of a video showing the developments of the construction/promoter and its new features.
Taking advantage of the large number of agents present, the executive announced that preparations for the Noval Awards, to be held in December, are progressing smoothly and that this year the real estate agent who wins first place will win a home built by the company.
Iris Espinal. Fidel Pérez/El Inmobiliario.
Marcos Lovera, from Argentina, took to the stage full of energy, demonstrating absolute mastery and leaving the audience informed about trends and innovations. "The world has changed, and there are new, increasingly connected customers who require immediate services," said the speaker, who supported his presentation with figures.
The next moment was used to present pins to special guests such as Claudia Díaz, NAR ambassador for the Dominican Republic, David McCoy, who was NAR ambassador in the country during the period 2018-2020, and Marcos Lovera.
The presentation of pins to special guests was part of the program. Fidel Pérez/El Inmobiliario.
Nikauly de la Mota announced it was time to enjoy a lunch to recharge energy.
The afternoon welcome was accompanied by a video about the history of the AEI, followed by an announcement from the master of ceremonies highlighting the presence of the real estate agencies with the greatest presence at the meeting: Tu CasaRD, RE/MAX, Élite House and Lofthome.
They then proceeded to hand out several residential property certification diplomas, presented by Ana Seidy López, who explained that those interested in taking the course have the option of attending in person or virtually this year.
At 2:30 PM, Colombian Alexandra Cifuentes took the stage, offering various tips on productivity. “Don’t do anything just for the sake of doing it, but set goals. Visualize your dream. Willpower is a limited resource,” she explained, while inviting the crowd to move beyond “intellectual tourism.”.
Alexandra Cifuentes. Fidel Pérez/El Inmobiliario.
As the afternoon wore on, it was time to hear from Sarah Alzugaray, from Guatemala. Her unique presentation captivated the audience as she recounted her life story, from her three failed marriages and million-dollar business losses to her resilience in the face of adversity. “Never give up, never be afraid to start, have faith, have a purpose, shine even with a broken soul,” were some of the phrases that accompanied the revelations of the CEO of Alzugaray Real Estate, who offered advice drawn from her own life story, marked by its ups and downs.
The empowered warrior affirms that she is where she is because she has never tired of dreaming and because every wound has been nothing more than a reason to become stronger.
The afternoon ended on a high note, Dominican-style. Daniel Cuesta, a Dominican who has made a name for himself in the United States, took to the stage ready to speak some hard truths. The prominent financial consultant delved into the daily lives of Dominican real estate agents, documenting their "flawed" approach to marketing properties.
Throughout his edifying presentation, he spoke about the need for a change of mindset to become an unstoppable salesperson.
Daniel Cuesta. Fidel Pérez/El Inmobiliario.
Between song and charm, he reflected with the audience on three types of agents that catch his attention: the know-it-all who, according to the expert, talks a lot but in the end does nothing; the superman who speaks without making himself understood; and the barbie, whose exhibitionism raises doubts about the product she is really offering.
He spoke of the Wow factor: "Emotion, honesty, and logic. Selling isn't about doing it just once; the wow factor comes from work ethic and punctuality," he said, taking advantage of the latter term to take a jab at the Dominican unpunctuality he has had the misfortune to experience.
To Dominican rhythms and amidst applause, toasts, and hugs, the 5th AEI International Congress concluded. Until next year!.
