The Tribune

Bahamas Islands Realty has unveiled expansion plans just short of celebrating its tenth anniversary “success as a small firm with large talent”.

The real estate firm’s founder, Carmen Massoni, a 25-year industry veteran and broker, said: “We are all very excited about the new direction rising from a well-established reputation for personal attention to clients and dedication to service.

“We opened our doors not long after the economic downturn of 2008 and our associates, several of whom took a chance going with a new agency, proved their mettle through the local and global challenges. They will do even better with additional strength on the team as we prepare to celebrate our success as a small firm with large talent by expanding and adding new depth and dimensions to our marketing and our services.”

Among the new additions is Ryan Knowles, who has moved to Bahama Islands Realty from rival realtor HG Christie. Mr Knowles, 33, who was the youngest person in Bahamian history to earn a real estate license, has a personal track record of more than $100m in transactions over a ten-year period, including a single private residence that sold for $16m at Ocean Club Estates.

“We are very happy to add Ryan to our mix, and know he is prepared to hit the ground running,” said Ms Massoni. “He brings with him an impressive sales record and a reputation for innovation.

“We’re confident that his knowledge and experience will be a perfect fit, and positively impact the restructuring exercise the company is undergoing. We are especially excited about the innovation he plans to implement in marketing.”

While Mr Knowles focuses on sales and marketing, Kelli Wells-Sadowski will take on broader responsibilities by helping to spearhead growth, technology, recruiting and administration as well as continuing in her role as sales associate.

She holds a Master’s degree in industrial and organisational psychology, academic training that Ms Massoni said will be invaluable in the new role.

“Kelli (Wells) has been under my tutelage for decades, and in real estate for the last five years. She is the perfect candidate to spearhead new directions. She is diligent, astute and hard-working with a great eye for detail, and we are all delighted that she has agreed to assume a larger role in the firm,” said Ms Massoni.

“These are exciting times, with lenders more willing to write mortgages, lending rates remaining affordable and several new developments in New Providence and the Family Islands in every conceivable price range either on the drawing board or already rising from the ground.

“I can think of no better time in the history of Bahamian real estate to be in the business for those who are willing to work hard and give it their all. With this new team in place and other changes in the pipeline, Bahama Islands Realty is well-positioned to become one of the region’s top real estate firms.”

Mr Knowles said: “Bahama Islands Realty has the potential to become one of the top firms in the region, and I am excited about getting in on the ground floor while working alongside the pro’s pro, Carmen Massoni, and the talented Kelli Wells. The road ahead looks very promising.”