The president of AIMTS, Evelyn Henríquez, and its former founding president, Edwin Guzmán García, raise the need to promote continuous training, combat informality, and improve the labor guarantees of the agents
SANTO DOMINGO– Insufficient training, informality in property marketing, weaknesses in legal security and limited territorial representation are among the main challenges facing the real estate market of María Trinidad Sánchez, according to Evelyn Henríquez M., president of the Association of Real Estate Agents and Companies of María Trinidad Sánchez (AIMTS), and its former founding president, Edwin Guzmán García.
Both leaders agreed that the new board of directors of the Association of Real Estate Agents and Companies (AEI), corresponding to the period 2026-2028, should prioritize the incorporation of local organizations , the professionalization of brokerage and the implementation of mechanisms that contribute to generating greater confidence among buyers, sellers and investors.
Although they share the need to expand the presence of the national association in the provinces, Henríquez focuses his expectations on academic preparation, institutional linkage and the attraction of capital, while Guzmán García warns about the lack of regulation, the housing deficit and the economic uncertainty that affects those who carry out this activity.
Evelyn Henríquez requests the integration of AIMTS as a subsidiary of AEI
Evelyn Henríquez M., president of AIMTS, lawyer, real estate advisor and representative of the firm Evelyn Henríquez & Asociados, Abogados, Consultores e Inmobiliaria, SRL, expressed her confidence that the new authorities of the AEI will develop an administration characterized by openness, participation and the strengthening of its structures.
"We firmly support this new leadership. We have high expectations and are confident that it will be a period of openness, integration, and institutional strengthening," he stated.
In that regard, the leader explained that one of the main aspirations of the entity she heads is to achieve its formal recognition as a branch of the national organization, which would allow for expanded opportunities for learning, representation, and support for professionals in Nagua and the other municipalities of María Trinidad Sánchez.
"Our main aspiration is to be formally accepted as a branch of the AEI in María Trinidad Sánchez, to work together, strengthen our association and represent the real estate professionals of our province with dignity," he said.
Henríquez also considered that the experience and preparation of the members of the new management represent an opportunity to raise the skills of the brokers and companies dedicated to real estate intermediation in this area.
In his view, the support of the national organization would contribute to improving compliance with legal provisions, promoting responsible business practices, and establishing a closer relationship with those who carry out their activities outside the country's main urban centers.
The provincial association has 59 active members
The president of AIMTS explained that the group arose in response to the need to organize professionals in the field and confront the inappropriate actions that affected the exercise of this economic activity in the area.
"The initiative to create our association arose precisely from the need to organize and formalize real estate agents and companies in the province. We recognized that bad practices existed and that we needed to work to change that reality," he said.
In this regard, he recalled that representatives from the Northern Region AEI had previously visited the area to promote membership among its members. However, participation and registration were limited, which led to the formation of their own organization.
Currently, AIMTS has 59 active members, including independent brokers and companies dedicated to the purchase and sale of real estate.
"Today we have 59 active members, professionals and companies who have the desire to do things right, grow and raise the level of the sector," he highlighted.
Similarly, Henríquez argued that the incorporation of these members into the AEI would facilitate access to specialized training programs and provide greater support for the performance of their duties.
Ignorance of the laws limits growth
Among the main difficulties in the real estate market of María Trinidad Sánchez, the leader identified the lack of knowledge of certain legal procedures and regulations on the part of some intermediaries.
"We believe that our main weaknesses lie in the lack of knowledge of some processes, procedures and laws that regulate our activity," he warned.
Given this reality, the lawyer insisted that continuous updating must become a priority for those involved in this industry, especially in light of possible regulatory changes that could occur.
"That's why we insist that training is not optional: it's a necessity. We must train professionals who know the regulations, respect ethical principles, and can offer a responsible and reliable service," he emphasized.
He also considered it essential that each broker knows their obligations, the corresponding legal procedures, and the mechanisms necessary to develop transparent transactions.
"Only with trained professionals can we offer greater legal security, generate trust, and protect buyers, sellers, and investors," he said.
María Trinidad Sánchez needs more real estate promotion
Another aspect raised by Henríquez was the need to improve the positioning of María Trinidad Sánchez as a tourist destination and real estate investment destination.
The representative highlighted that the area has beaches, rivers, lagoons, mountains and other natural attractions that could be used to diversify business opportunities.
However, he acknowledged that there are still challenges related to infrastructure development and the projection of this area compared to other destinations in the Dominican Republic.
"One of the main challenges is to make ourselves known to national and international investors who are still unaware of where María Trinidad Sánchez is located and all the potential it possesses," he said.
Therefore, he considered it necessary to design joint strategies between brokers, companies and local entities to publicize the competitive advantages of the region.
"We must work on promoting the province more and projecting it as an attractive destination, with real opportunities for investment," he added.
Expectations for the new management of the AEI
In assessing the election of Reyna Echenique as president of the AEI for the period 2026-2028, Henríquez highlighted her legal background and experience in the real estate industry.
In that context, he noted that the new administration has the opportunity to promote educational initiatives, improve communication with its members, and expand the participation of territorial associations.
"The best way is by being part of us, getting closer to our reality and working hand in hand with our association," he stated.
Similarly, the head of AIMTS reiterated that its members expect a leadership characterized by openness, collaboration, and ongoing support.
"We hope for openness, integration, support and, above all, that they will allow us to be part of this great institutional family as a branch of María Trinidad Sánchez," he said.
Finally, he reaffirmed the willingness of the group's members to collaborate with the new authorities of the national agency.
"Our message is simple: We are here for you and we want to work together!" he said.
"From our province, you have a committed association, 59 active members, and a willingness to work, learn, and grow alongside the AEI. Count on us!" Henríquez concluded.
Edwin Guzmán warns about informality and lack of regulation
For his part, Edwin Guzmán García, CEO of Del Mar Inmobiliaria, SRL and former founding president of AIMTS, identified informality in real estate marketing, the absence of specific legislation to regulate brokerage, and the limited labor guarantees of intermediaries as some of the main obstacles facing this economic activity in María Trinidad Sánchez.
The businessman believed that the new board of directors of the AEI should focus its efforts on promoting the approval of the Real Estate Brokerage Law of the Dominican Republic and expanding the participation of territorial organizations.
"The main expectation is that the Dominican Republic's Real Estate Brokerage Law will be approved soon," he said.
Similarly, he suggested that the AEI should evolve into a federation-like structure, capable of bringing together not only brokers and companies, but also representative entities from different regions of the country.
"The territories must have more contact with the AEI and the AEI should not only be Santo Domingo, Santiago and the East," he stated.
They demand greater representation and job security
Referring to the election of Reyna Echenique as president of the AEI, Guzmán García highlighted her career in the real estate market and her legal training, although he maintained that the new administration must promote transformations that benefit those who are dedicated to this profession.
"The new management is headed by a colleague who knows the sector well and is an eminent lawyer," she noted.
In that context, he stressed the importance of improving the working conditions of those who work as property brokers as their main occupation.
"The sector must grow, towards greater job security for agents who dedicate themselves full-time to this profession," he stated.
Among its proposals is the signing of a strategic alliance between the AEI and the AIMTS, which would allow the latter to become a subsidiary and establish cooperation mechanisms to promote the academic preparation, representation and organization of its members.
The former founding president believes that this initiative would facilitate the holding of keynote lectures, specialized programs and educational workshops in Nagua and the other municipalities of María Trinidad Sánchez.
He also proposed increasing the group's membership and setting up a support office to handle administrative and operational matters.
Housing deficit exceeds 10,000 homes, according to businessman
Another problem identified by Guzmán García is the shortage of affordable housing, especially those whose prices range between RD$4 million and RD$6 million.
"There is a great shortage of affordable housing options, especially in the 4 to 6 million peso range," he said.
According to statistics cited by the businessman, María Trinidad Sánchez has a housing deficit of more than 10,000 units, a situation which, in his view, requires greater participation from builders, promoters and developers of residential projects.
However, he warned that the growth of these actors must occur while respecting the roles of brokers and companies dedicated to property intermediation.
"Stick to your last," he said, referring to the importance of defining the responsibilities of those involved in this industry.
Regarding residential leases, he stated that demand far exceeds the availability of properties, while in the commercial segment the opposite occurs, with a supply of premises exceeding existing needs.
"The Condominium and Rental Management has serious shortcomings, although the demand for residential rentals is very high, I would say, much higher than the supply," he stated.
He also considered it necessary to establish more competitive rates for the rental of commercial premises, due to the existing differences between prices and current market conditions.
Job insecurity demotivates young people
Guzmán García identified as another weakness the participation of people from different professions in the sale of real estate without being formally engaged in brokerage.
In his view, this situation hinders the professionalization of the activity and highlights the need to establish clear rules for its practice.
Furthermore, he expressed concern about the small number of young people interested in developing a career within this industry, mainly due to the economic uncertainty of depending exclusively on sales commissions.
"Few young people are motivated to see brokerage as a profession, or as a career, because of the job insecurity it represents," he noted.
Consequently, the businessman considered it necessary to review the mechanisms used by companies to recruit collaborators and form sales teams, especially when income depends solely on completed negotiations.
He also proposed studying regulations on the temporary exclusivity of buyers, since several intermediaries can work simultaneously with the same client and only one manages to close the transaction.
Cabrera and Río San Juan need better-trained agents
Despite the potential of municipalities like Cabrera and Río San Juan, Guzmán García acknowledged that professionals in the area still face limitations in competing in international markets and marketing luxury properties.
"Real estate agents are less qualified and trained to sell to foreigners and in luxury markets," he acknowledged.
However, he stressed that both locations have favorable conditions for attracting capital linked to high-value real estate, and therefore he believes it is necessary to raise the skills of those involved in these negotiations.
These difficulties are compounded by deficiencies in the use of technological tools, advertising campaigns, digital marketing, and social media management to attract potential customers.
In that order, he highlighted the importance of continuing the 64-hour Real Estate Training Diploma that AIMTS is developing together with the Open University for Adults (UAPA), as well as adapting its contents to the future requirements of the Brokerage Law, once it is approved.
Additionally, he proposed expanding the educational offerings in real estate development management and the training of specialized brokers.
It proposes certifying projects to strengthen trust
Regarding transparency and legal certainty, the former founding president of AIMTS suggested that any potential subsidiary of AEI should have an office specializing in the review and due diligence of properties and real estate developments.
"The AEI-AIMTS subsidiary should have an office with a due diligence review team for properties and especially for real estate projects," he stated.
The initiative envisions establishing a certification mechanism to verify whether the buildings meet the minimum requirements for their sale.
According to the businessman, this measure would help strengthen the confidence of buyers and investors, as well as reduce the risks associated with negotiations carried out without the corresponding checks.
He is asking the new board for concrete agreements
Looking ahead to the 2026-2028 period, Guzmán García insisted that the AEI must expand its territorial presence, promote specialized training in brokerage, and establish permanent relationships with provincial entities.
He considered that the incorporation of AIMTS would allow the development of joint initiatives to address the needs of the María Trinidad Sánchez market and improve the representation of those who carry out this activity.
In that regard, he proposed formalizing an agreement that would facilitate the conversion of the local group into a subsidiary of the AEI and subsequently developing a membership campaign aimed at brokers and companies in the sector.
Finally, in sending a message to the new authorities of the national union, he summarized his main point in one expression:
"Let's sign the agreement. Let's all win," he concluded.
Recommended readings:
- Real estate industry veterans have confidence in the new AEI Board of Directors; they warn of pending challenges
- From Santiago, three real estate entrepreneurs outline the challenges facing the new Board of Directors of the AEI
- The challenges posed by three real estate entrepreneurs from Punta Cana to the new Board of Directors of the AEI
