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@karynllanders

It would be so nice if there were an MLS here! The reality is that exclusive listings are extremely rare and not beneficial to the seller. Agencies end up duplicating listings from other agents without any contact with the seller!

We have our home for sale in Las Terrenas, and it's amazing how many different websites have our home listed without ever contacting us! I'm not sure how they handle it if a client sees the listing and is interested in our villa!

Unfortunately, you have to pick an agent and hope that they have access to all the properties you want to see. I would suggest spending time on the different agency websites - I'll provide links to the big ones below - and pick one that has the most properties you are interested in. Also, make sure you choose an agent that you can communicate with. If you are not fluent in Spanish, be sure to find an agent fluent in English. There are several who have been in Las Terrenas for quite a while and really know the area. If you are interested in a listing on another agency's website, you can share that with your chosen realtor to see if they can get you in to see it. If not, you might have to contact that other agent directly.

Most properties are priced with some room for negotiation. It is definitely a buyer's market in LT, so if you find something you are interested in, make an offer! I know of one property that was listed at $750k and had been on the market for quite a while. The buyer offered $375k, and it was accepted! That was an outlier, but offering 5-10% below asking is typical.

What to stay away from:

1. buying before you are ready - all expats should rent for a while to make sure you acclimate well
2. apartments - LT is a vacation spot, so most are primarily rentals and prone to noisy weekends
3. areas you aren't very familiar with - explore properties during the week, on the weekend, after a decent rain - you want to understand the noise patterns and any environmental concerns
4. areas that flood - and there are a lot!! The Punta Popy area has gotten really bad because development is allowed without regard to drainage and impact to existing properties. There is no requirement to disclose prior flooding!

Larger agencies in LT:

We've been living in LT for over 5 years now. If you have any specific questions, feel free to reach out!

Denise and Dave (RockyM on here)

Most of this is great info. I however would never pick 1 agent to do the looking for me. You will not see anything that they cannot get a commission from. Sadly there is no understanding of  half of something is better than all of nothing!

If you drive around and see a  place you are interested in your  realtor can call and ask about it. But if there is no sharing agreement then it will end. You or someone not a realtor can call anyone you want and ask to see a place!

Check out the multiple websites online and see what you do and do not like. Understand that  evading the truth is common.  Understand that  what you see is not necessarily what you will get!

Great info on the  advice for Las Terrenas market!

The only "Se Vende" signs I've seen in LT have been on undeveloped land, never on homes or apartments.

We don't have one on our house because we're off the beaten path, we don't want lookie-loos trying to see it, we don't want anyone to think the house is unoccupied, and you can't see the house from outside the gate!

And like Planner said, the pics on the websites are often old! Many of the properties listed will have already been sold or are otherwise off the market. Classic bait and switch!

@karynllanders
It would be so nice if there were an MLS here! The reality is that exclusive listings are extremely rare and not beneficial to the seller. Agencies end up duplicating listings from other agents without any contact with the seller!
We have our home for sale in Las Terrenas, and it's amazing how many different websites have our home listed without ever contacting us! I'm not sure how they handle it if a client sees the listing and is interested in our villa!

Unfortunately, you have to pick an agent and hope that they have access to all the properties you want to see. I would suggest spending time on the different agency websites - I'll provide links to the big ones below - and pick one that has the most properties you are interested in. Also, make sure you choose an agent that you can communicate with. If you are not fluent in Spanish, be sure to find an agent fluent in English. There are several who have been in Las Terrenas for quite a while and really know the area. If you are interested in a listing on another agency's website, you can share that with your chosen realtor to see if they can get you in to see it. If not, you might have to contact that other agent directly.

Most properties are priced with some room for negotiation. It is definitely a buyer's market in LT, so if you find something you are interested in, make an offer! I know of one property that was listed at $750k and had been on the market for quite a while. The buyer offered $375k, and it was accepted! That was an outlier, but offering 5-10% below asking is typical.

What to stay away from:

buying before you are ready - all expats should rent for a while to make sure you acclimate well
apartments - LT is a vacation spot, so most are primarily rentals and prone to noisy weekends
areas you aren't very familiar with - explore properties during the week, on the weekend, after a decent rain - you want to understand the noise patterns and any environmental concerns
areas that flood - and there are a lot!! The Punta Popy area has gotten really bad because development is allowed without regard to drainage and impact to existing properties. There is no requirement to disclose prior flooding!


Larger agencies in LT:




We've been living in LT for over 5 years now. If you have any specific questions, feel free to reach out!

Denise and Dave (RockyM on here) - @ddmcghee

Thanks, that’s a really helpful and realistic overview of how the property market works in Las Terrenas. The lack of an MLS definitely makes things more complicated for both buyers and sellers, and I completely agree that working with a trustworthy, experienced agent who knows the area well is key. Your point about verifying listings and understanding the local environment before buying is spot on many new buyers overlook that. I’m also in the real estate field, and we’ve seen how good communication and local expertise can make the whole process much smoother for clients. Appreciate you sharing your experience it’s really valuable for anyone considering a move or investment in the DR!

And hire a GOOD attorney. Ensure they are trustworthy and they are licensed. The biggest scams in this country are perpetrated by attorneys, or people who say they are attorneys!

@RockyM

Hi RockyM

I will be in Las Terrenas in mid November looking for a one bedroom apt.  that I can rent for 7 months each year. Can you recommend anyone or any agent that might be able to provide information / viewings?

@Steverino7777

I will DM you shortly.

@RockyM

I agree and never ever accept the lawyer if the other side, regardless of what they say or how much $ you can save! It won't be worth it.  We have no conflict of interest laws here so act accordingly

@RockyM
I agree and never ever accept the lawyer if the other side, regardless of what they say or how much $ you can save! It won't be worth it. We have no conflict of interest laws here so act accordingly - @planner

Agreed, do NOT cheap out on a lawyer here  😆