The Tribune

Mario Carey Realty’s president and founder has hit the milestone of concluding 100 real estate transactions in Paradise Island’s exclusive Ocean Club Estates community.

Client names read like an A-list of Hollywood hotshots - singer Alicia Keys; 007 James Bond actor, Daniel Craig; baseball’s Barry Bonds; actor turned California governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger; rap/hip hop artist Lil’ Wayne; golfer Ernie Els.

All worked with Mr Carey as broker. “The people who buy in Ocean Club Estates could live anywhere in the world, but they chose this and it’s been that way since the first day properties went up for sale,” said Mr Carey, who handled some of the first lot sales.

Every one of the 121 lots initially offered in 1999, he recalls, was grabbed up almost instantly, an historic phenomenon that has never been duplicated. Later, Kerzner International introduced 88 luxury condominiums at Ocean Club Residences, a development that met with the same success.

Ocean Club Estates was launched with a novel plan offering buyers immediate membership in the golf and beach club, plus access to the One & Only Ocean Club and Atlantis, offering all the conveniences of a resort and all the privacy of a single family home or luxury condo.

Despite the roller coaster ride of a lot of luxury properties around the world, Mr Carey made his most expensive sale ever in 2008, the year the economy collapsed. He also dealt with this year’s most expensive sale in Ocean Club Estates, and has sold several properties multiple times. Many of his transactions were leases, often to sports stars and Fortune 500 company chief executives looking for a respite surrounded by the clearest waters under the warmth of the sun.

“In cases where property was offered for sale, it was generally based on a change in lifestyle,” said Mr Carey. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone say they wanted to sell because they didn’t like it here.

“There is a universal appreciation for the uniqueness that Ocean Club Estates has to offer. You can sit out on your balcony or deck overlooking one of the most exquisite golf courses in the world, or hop aboard your boat, go fishing in the morning in khakis and attend a dinner or show with international entertainment that evening in gown and tux. Add the friendliness of the people and it’s a win-win.”

Five years ago, when Mr Carey left the firm where he had been a director for many years to form his own boutique real estate company, Ocean Club Estates, clients remained loyal .

“I have appraised, rented, consulted, monitored construction, welcomed many families personally and entertained ambassadors,” he said.

Mr Carey also lives in the community. “Living in Ocean Club Estates allows me to be active in the community, to get to know people, make valuable introductions,” he added.

“It also gives me an opportunity to keep my finger on the pulse of that market. If this were 100 of anything else, you’d call it a diamond jubilee. But 100 transactions in a single community, I’m not sure what you call that except satisfaction and the result of a lot of attention to market, detail and personal boutique service.

“The truth is, it’s easy to sell a lifestyle when you believe in it so much yourself.”