back to archive"Meet the Agent' - Britt Reiss - The Property Group
This month for “Meet the Agent” we interview Britt Reiss - a Sales Agent with The Property Group Ltd. http://www.property-group.com
Britt is currently assisting her clients with both medium to high end Sales and Rentals within the Bermuda residential market. However, Britt is equally delighted to welcome any enquiries whether it is a client finding their first home or seeking a retirement property.
How long have you been a real estate agent? I received my license in June 2015. It made sense to move in to Realty as a profession as I have spent the past 20 years viewing, purchasing, selling and renting properties both in Bermuda and abroad in a personal capacity. I also have family involved in Real Estate both here and overseas and their enthusiasm for their role has proven infectious!
Why do you like working for The Property Group? I am incredibly lucky to be working with The Property Group.
They have a team of consummate professionals who are experts in their field. To be able to mentor with so many well connected and successful Realtors is really inspiring. There is a super team spirit and we work together cohesively as opposed to competing internally. I feel very supported and everyone in the group has so much energy. We all love what we do!
What is the favorite part of your job? I used to run an Executive Search/Relocation/Immigration company, The James Partnership Ltd. and was in that industry for over a decade and a half. It was extremely rewarding finding people their dream career and there is a similar ethos in assisting people search for their ideal home whether it be to purchase or rent. In fact some of my previous clients I found positions for are now collaborating with me to find their homes.
What is your favorite property on the market right now Goodness, that is a tricky question as we have so many wonderful properties listed. The stunning family home, Island House in Tucker’s Town is in absolute “turn key” condition. It has beautiful views and was recently renovated to a very high standard. As someone that loves to cook the state of the art gourmet kitchen makes this especially dear to me. It also has access to a private beach amongst its many spectacular features and views. https://www.propertyskipper.com/property/pgrp_1191_island_house
The most recent and exceedingly glamorous listing is Old Battery. This magnificent property in Tucker’s Town sits high on the hill overlooking South Shore. There is the main house, 2 lovely cottages and an apartment settled on 4 ½ acres of immaculate grounds. This is the first time in decades the property has become available. Call/e-mail for details.
What property on the market right now, in your opinion do you think is really good value? At The Property Group we strongly advise clients to realistically price their homes for sales or rent and to be open to reasonable offers. On that basis I believe that our homes offer value for money.
Family homes around the $2-3mn investment range include Penarth on Rosemount Avenue. A gracious old Bermuda house, which includes 2 apartments and a generous Carriage House. Whilst Penarth lends itself to a beautiful family home it may also be deemed an excellent investment property for those wishing to capitalize on its rental income or perhaps to develop the property in to a guest house, condominiums or professional offices. https://www.propertyskipper.com/property/pgrp_1218_penarth
Camalot is situated on a quiet estate road off Knapton Hill in Smith’s Parish. The house sits on a very private lot, almost an acre with a large sprawling lawn in the front; Superb for children playing and wonderful for entertaining and enough space for family pets to roam free. In addition to it being a lovely family home it has a variety of fruit trees including banana, avocado, peach and pear. https://www.propertyskipper.com/property/pgrp_1222_camalot
How do you see the Bermuda property market over the next 12 months? I can’t help myself but I am optimistic! The recent changes, such as PRCs being able to purchase any property regardless of ARV and other proposed changes in Government policy towards overseas purchasers will continue to greatly enhance the ability to sell houses and condominiums that Bermudians have not purchased. This in turn should bring employment for Bermudians in regards to say, the retail, construction and entertainment industries as we welcome new residents to our Island and retain residents who have contributed much to our society. As a Bermudian one wants to ensure that there is always the ability for locals to own a “piece of the rock,” and I do not see Bermudians competing with non-Bermudians for the vast majority of our properties.
What are your top 3 tips when looking at a potential new home? It is a saying we’ve all heard but top tip, consider location, location, location. Investigate the local neighborhood evaluating its strengths and weaknesses. Before you purchase you should understand the lay of the land. Pop by morning, noon and night. Imagine your commute from the house; is it something you can deal with on a daily basis? Find out how near it is to say, for example, a grocery store and other services. Even if you don’t have children research the schools as it may affect the value of your home in regards to proximity.
Ensure you have a strong idea of comparative sales. Your realtor should be able to advise you in regards to this.
Please have a survey done. For older properties I would recommend a full structural survey. You need not let a survey put you off a property you have your heart set on but at least it can guide you as to whether you are getting value for money in terms of the sale and what you may need to budget for. It is prudent to spend the money up front on a survey then to find out after purchase you have to spend a fortune.
What do you think of www.propertyskipper.com? Propertyskipper is the way forward and I am thrilled that we have such a site in Bermuda. In the United Kingdom most people looking for property are registered with sites such as Zoopla or Rightmove. It enables access to a “one stop shop” to view most of the Market’s properties.
I have found it very helpful as a Realtor to be able to go through the site with clients to illustrate some of the facts and figures we advise them on.
Even for our “quiet listings” where clients may choose not to advertise their properties on the open market, they find it useful as a way of understanding the current housing climate.
My clients looking to purchase or rent appreciate the fact that they may view any of the properties listed and do not need to call up each Realty company individually; and are able to retain working exclusively with me, saving them time and allowing for greater co-ordination all round.
My clients selling or renting their homes like to see how their properties are doing in terms of website “hits.” I am pleasantly surprised with the level of visitors you get to the site.
Keep up the good work Propertyskipper!
To contact Britt call +1 441 747-8589 or by e-mail: britt_helene@yahoo.com
