The veteran agent noted that more than 65% of the clients they manage belong to the Dominican community abroad.
SANTO DOMINGO.- The general manager of Plusval Dominicana, Bienvenido Paulino, stated that the Dominican real estate market is going through a “ year of resilience”, characterized by “highs and lows” that have slowed its growth due to various factors.
In an interview on the program La Ventana de El Inmobiliario , he mentioned high interest rates , recent scandals involving bad practices, and instability in the United States , which impacts the diaspora, as some of the reasons that have created the current situation.
Regarding the diaspora, the veteran agent noted that over 65% of their clients belong to the Dominican diaspora. In that regard, he indicated that, as a result of the policies of U.S. President Donald Trump, “ there is some instability” within this sector.
“Thank God, the Federal Reserve lowered the rate this week. And that will be reflected in our rates as well. It has already started to come down and is 1.5% lower today,” he said.
Regarding the cases that have come to light and that have gone through the Dominican justice system, the expert acknowledged that there have been few and that saying that they have not been affected would be a “lie”.
He explained that when clear documentation is handled – such as titles and trusts – along with firm demands on developers, it is possible to continue marketing off-plan projects , thus reducing risks.
“ The market has changed , and I can no longer sell to them, even if they are my friends, if they don't have a series of documents that prove I can market that product. I can't think about the commission; I have to know that the client trusts me, or the company, and I have to demonstrate to them in a reliable way that the product is good,” he explained.
As an example, he indicated that he does not initiate a sales process if the property is not registered in the name of the authorized company or is not held in trust. "If it doesn't meet those two conditions, I'm sorry," he commented when announcing this position.
Given this scenario, Paulino stressed that the real estate market is undergoing transformations in the way business is conducted, and that not all agencies have adapted to this change.
“As the business has changed, we must change ourselves and our approach to how we operate. I believe there are colleagues and companies that are doing things right. We are not the only ones, but there are companies that have continued on the bandwagon and are not taking the necessary steps,” he said.
He added that the sector is experiencing a “moment where you have to know how to say no . And the reason is clear: 'we can't sell everything we're given or everything that's on the market. You have to know how to choose. If you want to stay in business'.”
In that regard, he warned about the need for a law that regulates the real estate market and establishes minimum requirements for advisors and developers.
In that order, the manager emphasized that every good advisor must rely on three pillars: transparency, education, and values.
He also explained that, in practice, transparency means reporting any defects or irregularities before closing the sale of any property.
Regarding education, he specified that basic knowledge in law, engineering, architecture, psychology, and finance is required. He further clarified that an advisor not only sells but also provides guidance, mitigates risks, and identifies unfeasible projects.
According to the expert, the lack of training leads some to market properties that are "too cheap to be real," which ultimately impacts confidence in the sector.
Plusval explained that new advisors receive a three-week induction and must be certified by the Association of Real Estate Agents and Companies (AEI).
Finally, he stressed the importance of values , especially ethics, as a foundation for building strong and lasting relationships.
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