The Tribune

A Bahamas Realty executive staged a party at the actual eight-bedroom, $9.5 million Paradise Island property she was trying to sell to stimulate buyer interest.

Monica Knowles, who was the company’s top producer in 2016, said: “It’s like going to buy a fine gown for a gala. You are not going to purchase it without trying it on. This was like letting guests try on the estate. I wanted them to experience the luxury, wander through the property at sunset with a glass of champagne in their hands, and meander through the house as if it were theirs."

She did not stop at the champagne, cocktails and canapés, and brought in musical entertainment through Julien Believe and Patrice Murrell.

Then Ms Knowles opened the doors to Baker House, all 21,000-plus square feet of it, including 11 bathrooms.

“We were very pleased that so many brokers and real estate people showed up because we want to work with others in the profession. They may know someone who is perfect for this property, and I may know someone who is just right for a listing they have,” said Ms Knowles.

While the stylish party at Baker House was both memorable and imaginative, many top agents are inventing new ways of presenting listings.

“This isn’t your grandmother’s real estate industry,” said Larry Roberts, Bahamas Realty's chairman. “It changed the minute the Internet was born, and changed again when the Bahamas got MLS (Multiple Listing Service), opening more listings to more ways of showing it to a worldwide audience that is viewing it from the comfort of their living room.”

There are also new markets to explore.

“We still have a lot of interest from the US,” said Ms Knowles, “but we are seeing more interest from buyers in China and the Far East, from South America, and particularly Canada. Early developments in the Bahamas attracted buyers by the droves from the UK, who dreamed of some day living in the warmth of the beautiful Bahamas.

"Many of them never even set foot in the country. They sent cheques for monthly payments and it kept their dreams alive. This is a very different market in scope, price point and target audience, and most dramatically different at the high-end luxury property level like Baker House.”

The Baker House that played host to the rare look at life inside Ocean Club Estates has sweeping views of the Tom Weiskopf golf course and partial ocean views. It features a large pool, soaring ceilings, designer kitchen with top grade appliances, an outdoor kitchen, separate theatre room, lush landscaping and entitles owners to all community amenities, including 24-hour security, tennis, golf, swimming, a clubhouse and proximity to Atlantis and the One & Only Ocean Club.

“It did not sell yet, but I am confident it will,” said Ms Knowles. “If not, I will just have to figure out another way to show it to people who know people. It is a super property and I am honoured that they entrusted its offering to me.”