The grand nephew of HG, Sir Harold George [Christie], John Christie is continuing to realize and implement the vision his grand-uncle and father, William [Peter] Christie, began decades ago. John brings the same "Christie Commitment" to the oversight of his family's organization, all while realizing phenomenal success as the company's premier estate agent.

As a director, John displays a mindfulness of the timeless factors that helped to establish HG Christie as the largest and most respected real estate company in the Bahamas over 80 years ago. Yet, there is a distinctive modern verve in his approach. 
 

As a broker and real estate agent, John has ascended to one of the country's leading players in the industry. His navigation of the real estate market is effortless and instinctive, bespeaking his impressive real estate lineage. John's keen insights into the market are coupled with an intuitive understanding of people and an amiable personality. This accessibility and seemingly laid-back approach belie the tenacity and savvy his knowledge and experience provide him at the negotiating table. Nonetheless, it is his reputation for being a "good guy" possessing discretion, honesty and ethics, as well as exemplary skills, which have catapulted him as a leader in the real estate industry. Without a doubt, these are some of the key components that has led to John's vast client portfolio consisting of celebrities, high-profile and distinguished clients. John's many successes have been awarded accolades, media spots and vast public recognition; including a turn as the Director for the Bahamas Real Estate Association [BREA] and the title, "The Caribbean's Leading Private Island Salesman".

With a consistent focus on enduring principles, while applying savvy skills and in-depth market knowledge, John engages a distinct progressive approach. John's keen eye for innovation has brought continued growth to HG Christie and was the catalyst for the development of the award-winning HG Christie website [www.HGChristie.com]. He passionately and continually seeks to bring the most current market information and innovation to his clients, the HGChristie team and the company as a whole.
 

Born in Nassau, Bahamas, John attended boarding school in Somerset, England, and went on to graduate from Amherst, Massachusetts with a BA in Music and Social Sciences. While living in Boston, John ran a successful business and pursued a thriving career in music leading "The Floating Boats" to regional acclaim throughout the north-eastern, United States. Today, John remains an avid and sought after musician. He has a passion for marketing, photography, sailing, hiking and snow skiing. John resides in Nassau with his wife and their two sons.  
 

John can be contacted at the Nassau office: (242) 322 1041 or email: john@hgchristie.com.
 

Vicky Knowles-Andrews and Samara Knowles-Albury are the mother and sister, respectively, of tennis professional Mark Knowles. When it comes to successful real estate sales transactions, this dynamic duo is a force to be reckoned with. A former Bahamas National Tennis Champion and tennis professional, Vicky has been with HGChristie since 2000 and she and Samara, affectionately referred to as "Team Knowles", have been Top Producers for HG Christie Nassau numerous times. While Vicky's birthplace was England, the Bahamas has been home for over 30 years and is indeed the birthplace for Samara. Both Vicky and Samara possess exceptional people skills, extensive real estate knowledge and experience, along with a charitable spirit for the Bahamian community. These high achieving ladies are extremely active in local charitable and sporting activities. Their client portfolio consists of celebrities, high-profile and discerning individuals, most of which have come about as a result of referrals from satisfied clients. Customers have expressed their gratitude for their services through accolades such as, "Words cannot express how fortunate we have been to have someone as nice, patient and efficient as you in our corner with helping our dreams come true with our house purchase."  

Their genuine love of, "meeting new people and helping them find their dream home" is an indisputable factor of their success.

Donna Laing-Jones a native of Grand Bahama joined HG Christie in 2002 and has the distinction of being the top producing agent for HG Christie Grand Bahama every year since 2003. A driving force, Donna is unrelenting in her pursuit of a vision totally inspired by a desire to "make it good for all.". In 2006, Donna obtained her broker's license and is active in many organizations. Currently, Donna is the PIF representative for the Bahamas District of Pilot International, Director for the Pilot Club of Freeport and the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce. She is also an active member of Freeport Bible Church. A proud mother of two, Donna is an avid traveller and enjoys expanding her knowledge.  

Donna's extensive knowledge of the real estate market in Grand Bahama, along with her prestigious affiliations and high referral rate speaks volumes to the secret of her stellar success.

Neil Aberle has been a licensed estate agent with HG Christie since 2003 and has the distinction of being the Top Producer for Abaco for two out of the past three years [Top Producer for Abaco 2008]. Combining over fifteen years of experience in sales and marketing with a real love for the raw beauty of the Bahamas and a passion for development, Neil has excelled in his real estate career. A 'commonwealth heritage', Australian and British, and an impressive educational background, which includes a degree in psychology and philosophy from Oxford University, provide Neil with an insightful, knowledgeable and affable demeanor. An avid surfer, snowboarder and lover of numerous water sports, Neil resides on Elbow Cay, Abaco, along with his wife and two daughters. Whether the language is English, French or Spanish, Neil is always ready to share his love of the Bahamas and its sustainable development opportunities.
 

Neil's high energy and awareness of current market conditions, has allowed him the ability to effect satisfactory transactions for all of his customers and clients.

Rhonda Waton is a native Bahamian with intimate knowledge of her island nation via personal experience and family roots dating back several centuries. Prior to joining HG Christie in 2004, Rhonda's Association with BASRA, the Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association, allowed her to utilize and expand her love and knowledge of the sea. Rhonda worked closely with several international and national marine-based organizations and received certifications and accolades for her activities during her tenure. Having lived in Nassau and Canada, Rhonda has chosen to settle in beautiful Eleuthera where she has a rich family heritage. Rhonda enjoys taking on the role of "hostess for her community" as she showcases beautiful beaches and azure waters with in-depth knowledge and passion.  

A natural desire to impart information and acquaint visitors and Bahamians alike with opportunities for real estate ownership within her beloved homeland, has been an asset to Rhonda's real estate career. Without a doubt, this is a compelling component to Rhonda's top producer successes.

We salute these hard working professionals on their accomplishments!   Congratulations HGC Top Producers!

Real Estate Tips 

8 Useful Buyer's Tips for Your Home Search
 

"Taking the Temperature of the Bahamian Real Estate Market"

Part One of a 2-Part Series

by Dwayne Wallas

Until recently, the only information a buyer or seller could get on the Bahamian real estate market would be to speak to various real estate professionals. A good agent can provide you with some market comparables and their 'shoot from the hip' personal take, and while first-hand insight is invaluable, up until now, this was the only way to make some determinations as to whether the market was "going up or down."

A good real estate agent is able to provide first-hand knowledge, skills and information that numbers could never offer, however having solid statistical information to support their views and opinions provides buyers and sellers assurance that the information they are receiving is accurate. Enter the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), of the Bahamas Real Estate Association (BREA), which has been fully functional for over 3 years now. Suddenly, there is now the opportunity to provide some data sets for analysis and useable statistics of what is happening in the real estate market of the Bahamas today. HG Christie proudly boasts that members of its sales team have been at the forefront of the development of the MLS and actively engaging this vital and useful tool from its inception. As demonstrated in US markets a multi-listing service allows sellers optimum exposure and buyers the best opportunities available. If your agent isn't a member of the MLS, I strongly suggest you get a new agent.

As a vacillating 2010 drew to a close, and 2011 was ushered in with hope and promise, I decided to compile some real numbers to make available a "temperature reading" of the Bahamian housing market. One of the most interesting stats I've been able to extract from the sales data available on the MLS is the difference in the seller's asking price to the price the property has sold for, and how that has changed over the 3 years. See the table below for the numbers:

It was evident that sales prices came in lower than asking prices during this period, which is to be expected given the economic climate at the time within the Bahamas and rest of the world. What I found, perhaps even more interesting is that the upper tier of the market, over the $1M mark, the selling prices have widened substantially from the asking prices, whereas the more affordable market segments are still able to sell within about 10% of their desired price.

Other notable statistical analysis shows that within the 'under $500,000' price range, the average sale price has risen 9% between 2009 and 2010. Through the price segment of $500,000 to $1M comparative of 2009/2010, the average sale price has dropped 15%. And for the luxury segment over $1M, the average price paid has risen 25%. These numbers would indicate that the median price segment has been hit the hardest and will take the longest to recover, while the affordable homes and luxury homes are showing signs of a rebound. This information supports a perspective that is being presently purported by successful and active agents in the Bahamas real estate market.

It must be pointed out, that this analysis does not take into account certain variables such as: differences between local and foreign buyers, which months or quarters were the hottest, nor does it differentiate between new builds and existing homes. This is a "broad brush" look at what's happened over the past 3 years. Unfortunately, these are the only years we have data for, and year one is a bit blotchy as it was the first year data set and the MLS was not yet fully entrenched. It should be pointed out also that these numbers are for homes only. 'Homes' includes single family, multi family (duplex, triplex, etc.) and apartments (condos, half-duplex, townhomes, etc.). No land sales were considered in an effort to gain a clearer picture and reduce outliers.

In part two of our "market checkup", I will continue to review the findings from a different aspect, as well as provide other interesting information found from the Bahamas MLS. Few things to remember as you consider the information here, I did not look at 'Days on Market' or 'month's supply of inventory'. This is where your knowledgeable and skilled HG Christie agent can assist you in discerning best listing prices and best opportunities on the market. As with anything, the "tool" is only as good as the person who puts it to use. Having the proper skills and knowledge to utilize this information is where your HG Christie agent will excel.

Watch for Part two, which will be published in HG Christie's 2011 February Real Estate Review

Don't miss these exciting events!  

Friday, January 28 - Saturday, January 30

Tour of the Bahamas Cycling Event - Nassau 

The JAR Cycling Club hosts the "Tour of the Bahamas" cycling event as a part of the International Caliber Cycling Race Weekend and invites juniors, women, masters and pros to come with their families and friends and enjoy a weekend filled with sunshine, island hospitality, international caliber competition, and great Prizes & Awards. Fri, Jan 28: touring ride and reception; Sat, Jan 29: touring ride, individual time trial, circuit race and party; Sun, Jan 20: touring ride, road race. See www.tourofthebahamas.com

Friday, January 28

14th Annual Cacique Awards

Rainforest Theater, Wyndham Nassau Resort & Crystal Palace Casino, Cable Beach. Recognizing individuals and organizations who continuously have made a positive impact on the quality and the growth of The Bahamas. 

Saturday, February 5

Abaco Breast Cancer Walk - Marsh Harbour  

Three mile charity walk begins at 9am. For more information contact Leah Pinder at 242 367 2744.  

Sunday, February 6
2011 Fashion for a Cause - Nassau
"Fashion for a Cause", a big fashion show that helps HIV/AIDS victims, comes to the British Colonial Hilton in hopes of giving big towards the fight against HIV/AIDS in The Bahamas and providing education, clothes, food, medication and the possibility of shelter for those needing these special services. With your help, hope can be restored and we can change the mind set and outcome of one individual at a time and help in their decision to live a purposeful life again. Show starts 7:30pm. E: donate@fashionsforacause.com. Visit: Fashions For A Cause 

Saturday, February 12

Atlantis LIVE: Josh Groban

Atlantis LIVE returns with its first concert of the year featuring Josh Groban, one of the hottest artists in the United States with four multi-platinum albums and a fan base that spans across all generations. See him live, 9pm in the Imperial Ballroom. Doors open 8pm. Cost: $150/premium tickets; $125/reserved tickets. T: 363-6601 

Monday February 14

Remember: Love conquers all.
 

Saturday, February 19
47th Annual Heart Ball
The Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Foundation celebrates 50 years and invites you to attend the 47th annual Heart Ball at Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort under the theme "Saving Little Hearts for 50 Years, One Beat at a Time". Agenda includes a silent auction, presentation of the Lady Sassoon Golden Heart Award, entertainment by Soulful Groovers, RBDF Dance Band and Ed Brice Orchestra, and an in-house raffle with a prize of a round-trip to London. Cocktails: 7:15pm. Dinner: 8:30pm. Tickets: $250. T: 327-0806.