The Tribune
March 5, 2009 - An Abaconian couple who have been married for 28 years, James and Donna Rees, have both earned the BRI certification and moved up from agents to brokers at ERA Dupuch Real Estate.
"It's pretty easy to spot our office," says Mr. Rees of the Marsh Harbour premises. "It's in the Stratton Insurance Building. That's the one on the corner by the only stop light in Abaco."
The office by the island's only traffic light, and the red, white and blue ERA Dupuch sign, isn't all that sets the Rees duo apart. They are comfortable with the state of real estate in Abaco, which is holding its own against the fallout that toppled the US housing market following the sub-prime lending crisis and recession.
"In time, everything fluctuates up and down," says Mr. Rees. "We are not that concerned and will continue to do our best. Abaco is a very special place. My Dad had seen several up and downturns during his years here." Mr. Rees' father, the late Colyn Rees, was on of Abaco's best-known citizens.
"If Abaco has staying power even in challenging economic teams, showing property in the chain of scattered islands takes its own kind of stamina", says ERA Dupuch Real Estate Founder and President, Peter Dupuch.
"Nassau agents in some firms get annoyed if they have to drive from an office in town to Coral Harbour and someone doesn't show up
imagine doing what Donna and James do. They may have a showing in the morning in Treasure Cay and one in the afternoon in Schooner Bay. That's a long drive for someone to say: "Sorry, it's not what I was looking for". Or they may have to go by plane, boat, buggy or golf cart, or cut through the bush with a cutlass. Still, they have worked hard and that's why they have been successful", says Mr. Dupuch.
Beyond success, Mr. Dupuch said there was something special about Donna and James Rees, who have been each other's best friend since early childhood. "Between them, every detail is covered and it's great to see that after five years back in the Bahamas they have both earned the BRI certification", he said. |
