By Paola Solis
El Inmobiliario
SANTO DOMINGO. – Dominican real estate agencies have found international trade fairs to be an effective way to revitalize the sector, which has lagged behind in recent times for multiple reasons, such as high interest rates, allegations of malpractice, rising construction material costs, labor shortages, among other factors that have hampered the dynamic construction industry in the country and, consequently, the real estate market.
However, firms focused on real estate sales have resorted to a strategy that has allowed them to take their proposals directly to Dominicans abroad, who remain a key audience for real estate investments in their native country, in addition to the wave of foreign investors who want to take advantage of the good economic climate and the facilities offered by the Dominican market.
Until a few years ago, international real estate fairs were not a common venue for Dominican agencies. However, today there is a massive and increasingly organized participation, driven by the support of financial institutions and entities such as the Association of Real Estate Agents and Companies (AEI), and Dominican entities based abroad.
Isely Almánzar of KW Norte, along with Samuel Pereyra, CEO of Banco de Reservas and other authorities, during their participation in the 2025 real estate fair. (EXTERNAL SOURCE).
This is confirmed by business leader Isely Almánzar, director of Keller Williams Norte : “That’s right, because there are many more clients in New York who want to buy at bank-sponsored fairs for greater security,” she responded when consulted by El Inmobiliario . The veteran real estate consultant has participated in prominent fairs supported by banking institutions such as Banreservas and BHD.
From Tu Casa RD , CEO Wester Hernández highlights the positive reception they have received in the United States, in cities like New York, New Jersey, and Lawrence, as well as in Canada, Puerto Rico, and Madrid, Spain. “Our experience at international trade shows has been wonderful. At each show, we witness the desire of Dominicans living abroad to acquire property. The thousands of units sold by our brand confirm this,” he stated.
Representatives of Tu CasaRD at the Banreservas fair in the United States. (EXTERNAL SOURCE).
For Hernández, beyond the sales growth, participation in international trade fairs responds to a latent need: “Many Dominicans abroad want to invest without having to travel. The fairs allow them to learn about projects, receive advice, and close deals from where they live.”
Alberto Bogaert , president of the AEI , points out that this trend is not new, but it has evolved significantly. “It started tentatively, with presentations in restaurants. Today, they are full-fledged trade shows, in partnership with commercial banks, which generates greater confidence among buyers. It's not just about selling more, but about connecting directly with Dominicans who want to invest with confidence.”
One of the key strategies in this process has been the Banreservas Real Estate Fair , which has been held twice in the United States. In its most recent edition, it successfully financed over 3 billion pesos in properties, bringing together leading real estate companies such as Tu Casa RD, Plusval Dominicana, Mr. Home, KW Dominicana, and Inmobiliaria Reservas. These platforms not only showcase properties but also provide personalized advice to facilitate the decision-making process.
At the international level, the Dominican Republic's participation in fairs such as SIMA (The Global Hub of Living) , held in Madrid, where the main players in the global real estate market converge, and the Gran Salón Inmobiliario held every August in Bogotá, Colombia, is also noteworthy, not forgetting the International Tourism Fair (Fitur), where the participation of real estate companies grows every year, taking advantage of the opportunity to manage business and boost their sales.
Regarding the future outlook, Bogaert is optimistic: “As bank interest rates fall, we will see a recovery in sales, especially in off-plan and construction projects, which were the most affected in the last year.”.
Real estate fairs have become a strategic way to maintain the sector's dynamism, connect with the diaspora, and offer accessible, secure solutions tailored to current market needs. This phenomenon will undoubtedly continue to grow throughout 2025.
Cover photo: El Nacional.
