back to archive'Meet the Agent' - Rachel Sawden from Rego Sotheby's International Realty
This month for 'Meet the Agent' we interview Rachel Sawden, a sales and rental associate at Rego Sotheby's International Realty. Rachel discusses what she is enjoying about her new role at Rego Sotheby's International Realty, favourite listings on the market right now and also some top tips for buyers looking for a new home.
How long have you been in the business? I’m fresh to the real estate business, having received my license and signed on with Rego Sotheby’s International Realty in November. Before joining the firm, I was managing luxury vacation rental, Sandymount, but when COVID hit we accepted a long-term rental offer, so I had to make a career change. I have always had a keen interest in real estate since I was young, and given my experience with Sandymount, going into real estate felt like a natural fit.
Why do you like working for Rego Sotheby's International Realty and what’s the favourite part of your job? Rego Sotheby's International Realty has such a great and supportive team. Everyone has been so welcoming and helpful it is a joy to work with them. I love that every day is different, meeting interesting people and seeing nooks and crannies of the island’s neighbourhoods. Learning the industry has really been a welcome challenge and working as an agent has been a lot of fun.
Where are you seeing activity in the market at the moment? There has been a lot of movement in the market across the board, particularly in residential. COVID changed the way people live and work and as people have spent more time at home their needs have changed, many people have realized that they want more space, or need a home office so there is a lot of movement on the local market. The pandemic has also made people overseas reevaluate where they want to live and work, and Bermuda has been an attractive option especially with the Remote Worker Visa, so we have seen an influx of people from away, particularly on the rental side. The rental market is very hot right now.
What is your favorite property on the market right now? Munro Beach Cottages has long been one of my favourite pieces of property in Bermuda. I love beaches with palm trees on them, which is rare for Bermuda! That shallow stretch of ocean in front of Munro Beach and Pompano is the most spectacular shade of turquoise. That patch of land is postcard perfect - CLICK HERE TO VIEW
As far as houses go, Old Battery is just breathtaking. I love the traditional architecture and its symmetry, sweeping grounds, and the infinity pool overlooking the ocean - CLICK HERE TO VIEW
What property on the market right now, in your opinion, do you think is really good value? “Riddles View Cottage” is such a lovely property that is both quaint and cozy and modern and sleek at the same time. It has a good-sized yard and is close to Riddles Bay which is now a lovely area for walking and enjoying the outdoors - CLICK HERE TO VIEW
How do you see the Bermuda property market in 2021? I think we will continue to see interest in Bermuda as COVID will be with us for the foreseeable future. If we can continue our track record of being a COVID safe jurisdiction then we will continue to attract remote workers and businesses relocations.
What are your top 3 tips for purchasers when looking for a potential new home?
1) Find an agent you like and trust, they will be working hard looking for options before they are marketed to the general public.
2) Get pre-approved by your bank and keep the letter up to date while you are looking.
3) The market is moving really quickly so go with your gut if you want to make an offer. Doing this and having your pre-approval letter from the bank (point 2!) will help you secure your dream house as there are a lot of buyers out there.
Finally – do you have any good tips for sellers when preparing their home for sale? Be realistic about the price and work with your agent who knows the market. Get your property not only in picture perfect condition so it shows well, but also do as much upgrading and maintenance as you possibly can. The better overall shape the house is in, the less a buyer will have to do and invest after the sale, the quicker it will sell.
To Contact Rachel Call: +1 (441) 299-1503
or
E-Mail: rsawden@regosir.com
