Damianos Sotheby's International Realty
A Guide For Safety Measures We Follow Before, During and After Every Property Viewing
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COVID-19
Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Dr. Hubert Minnis, announced that effective, Tuesday, June 2, the country will move into Phase 3 in the reopening of the economy.
Phase 3 focuses on beginning the new normal with the introduction of non-essential storefront business operations and relaxed social restrictions. In addition to this, real estate firms and agents can operate from Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm.
As previously stated by the Prime Minister of The Bahamas, movement into other phases is contingent on the advice of health officials and the stabilization of COVID-19. For more information please visit opm.gov.bs/phased-re-opening-plan/.
Damianos Sotheby's International Realty
Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty Offices Throughout The Bahamas Re-Open Monday, May 25
Open for Business. Starting Monday, May 25, the Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty team will be working from their offices throughout The Bahamas from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.
NASSAU, The Bahamas (May 25, 2020) — Today’s re-opening of the Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty offices marks ten weeks since offices were closed due to COVID-19 quarantine mandates. In this span of time, staff members and agents have utilized their downtime for professional development, team building and to sharpen sales and marketing strategies.
“Our entire team has been working remotely non-stop, and in many ways, has been busier than ever,” said George Damianos, Chief Executive Officer for Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty. “Once the government announced we were going into quarantine indefinitely, we immediately pivoted and began working from our home offices, turning our focus to virtual and digital strategies and beefing up our marketing.”
In the past two months, the company’s leadership team met daily via Microsoft Teams to assess every aspect of business from accounting and marketing to administrative and operations. This laser-like focus on team development and sharpening of organizational standards and protocol saw immediate results.
Since March, the company’s sales and administrative teams have gathered on weekly calls to sharpen their professional skills via the Ninja Selling course; and, attended bi-weekly Sotheby’s International Realty® training webinars.
“One of the most significant differentiators as a real estate brand is this incredible network of Sotheby’s International Realty® agents and marketing experts that we tapped into to gain invaluable insight into the best way forward post-COVID, and how to navigate the downturn of business caused by the pandemic,” Damianos said.
Damianos added that critical details from these calls were then incorporated into compelling marketing and sales strategies in the form of email marketing campaigns, corporate communications, and a ramped-up social media presence.
From a back-office perspective, administration staff supported agents from home as they responded to international inquiries, prepared listing agreements, built brochures, fielded offers, and closed sales. The accounting department also worked remotely paying client and company invoices.
“I am utterly impressed with how we’ve come together as a team in this time of crisis,” Damianos said. “This quarantine has offered us the remarkable opportunity to connect more frequently and deeply as a team to exchange ideas and best practices. We are proud of the way our team has stepped up to support and encourage each other and build upon their already-impressive talents and skillsets.”
About Sotheby’s International Realty
The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has approximately 22,000 affiliated independent sales associates located in over 1,000 offices in 72 countries and territories worldwide. Each office is independently owned and operated.
About Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty
Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty has 10 offices located throughout the islands of the Bahamas, providing unsurpassed market knowledge of Abaco, Eleuthera, Harbour Island, Exuma, Nassau, Paradise Island, Ocean Club Estates, Lyford Cay, Old Fort Bay, Albany and Private Islands. Head office 75 Shirley Street, Nassau. For additional information, please contact 242-322-2305 or Info@SIRbahamas.com.
“Thankfully, due to the wise counsel of our public health team, the hard work of our essential workers, and the compliance of the majority of Bahamians, we have had a better health outcome than many countries during this crisis.” — The Most Honorable Dr. Hubert Minnis, Prime Minister
The Bahamas remains under a national shelter-in-place order through May 30, 2020.
As of now, The Bahamas government is looking at a possible opening date for commercial travel on or before July 1st. This date will be adjusted based on public health trends which are being monitored daily.
Current mandates and safety measures include*:
TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS
Local resorts, airports and seaports are finalizing health and safety protocols necessary to provide for a re-opening.
- Air Travel: All international airports and private airports are closed to passenger traffic.Commercial courier, cargo and emergency flights are allowed.
- Repatriation Flights: Flights are scheduled on Thursday, May 21, and Saturday, May 23, from Fort Lauderdale to Nassau to return Bahamians home from abroad. A COVID-19 negative test certificate is required. Below is a list of all the criteria that must be met to travel:
- Travelers must present one of the following:
- Valid Bahamian passport or
- A valid passport + a valid residency card or current work permit
- Homeowners must provide a valid passport + proof of homeownership (utility bill, property tax statement, etc.)
- All passengers must quarantine at home or in a government facility for 14 days as decided by Bahamas Immigration and the Bahamian Ministry of Health.
- COVID-19 negative test certificate must be valid within 10 days of travel date.
- Must be a PCR certificate from a valid lab.
- Certificate must be provided a minimum of 48 hours before scheduled travel.
- Original certificate must be presented at time of travel.
- All passengers must wear a protective face mask that covers both nose and mouth.
- Travelers must present one of the following:
- Interisland Travel:
- Travel is permitted between islands that have been re-opened to commercial activity. The Ministry of Health has developed a policy and protocol for the approval and monitoring of individuals traveling to these islands.
- Islands Open for Commercial Activity: Cat Island, Long Island, Abaco, Andros, Mayaguana, Inagua, Crooked Island, Acklins, Long Cay, Rum Cay and Ragged Island.
- Islands Closed: Bimini is under 24-hour lockdown through May 30th.
- Phase one allows residents of approved Family Islands to return home if protocols are met. COVID-19 Travel Authorization Card issued by Ministry of Health must be presented.
- Travel is permitted between islands that have been re-opened to commercial activity. The Ministry of Health has developed a policy and protocol for the approval and monitoring of individuals traveling to these islands.
- Repatriation Flights: Flights are scheduled on Thursday, May 21, and Saturday, May 23, from Fort Lauderdale to Nassau to return Bahamians home from abroad. A COVID-19 negative test certificate is required. Below is a list of all the criteria that must be met to travel:
Seaports: Seaports are closed; no inter-island sailing (except for freight); No visitors permitted to enter or disembark including transiting through The Bahamas.
HOTELS
Hotels can remain open; on-site restaurants are open for take-out/room service only. Hotel amenities such as casinos, spas and gyms are closed.
COMMUNITY RESTRICTIONS
Nationwide Curfew
- The Bahamas is under 24-hour curfew. Residents may leave their home for essential purposes 5 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday. Exercising outside for 1.5 hours is allowed during these hours. Exercise is also allowed from 5 a.m. – 8 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
- Every Bahamian and resident going out in public should have a valid government issued ID (passport, NIB Card, driver’s license or voter’s card).
- Ongoing Lockdowns: 9 p.m. Fridays to 5 a.m. Mondays every weekend through May 30, 2020.
Business Operations
- Essential business (banks, pharmacies, doctor’s offices, grocery stores, landscaping and maintenance, sanitation, garbage pick-up, pool cleaning.) will operate with adjusted hours.
- The following businesses can now open on assigned days of the week:
- Auto Parts Stores: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday.
- Hardware and Home Stores: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday
- Plant Nurseries: 6 a.m.-Noon Monday and Thursday
- Road Traffic Department: The Road Traffic Department is open with a newly implemented “drive-through” service; clients must remain in their vehicles for most of, if not all of, the process and must wear a mask while conducting business at the department.
- During weekend lockdowns all services are prohibited except hospital & healthcare workers; police; utility companies; import/export trade; and, media.
Driving
Driving is not allowed on public or private roads. Exceptions are essential workers and driving for essential purposes (ie: driving to a pharmacy, grocery store, doctor).
Public Beaches & Parks: Closed.
Liquor Stores: Open for curbside service and delivery.
Masks:
- Wearing non-medical masks in public is mandatory.
- Employers will face fines if their employees are not wearing a facial mask.
- Store owners will also be fined if customers enter the establishment without a face covering.
Suspension of Government Fees
Licenses, permits and visa renewals: Temporarily waived.
Insurance premiums: Temporarily waived.
Investment approvals: Fast-tracked
International Business Companies Act: Fees temporarily waived.
*As of May 18, 2020; all information subject to change as updates occur.
Damianos Sotheby's International Realty
Sandyport Residents Find Comfort in Their Community During Times of Social Distancing
Jacqueline Lightbourn, Estate Agent with Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty
When The Bahamas issued a mandatory shelter-in-place order in March, I anticipated that social distancing would make me feel isolated and lonely. However, living in Sandyport I have found the opposite to be true. Instead of feeling cut off from my neighbors, the sense of community here has never been stronger. As I’ve ventured outdoors during allowable hours to grab some fresh air, sunshine and exercise, I have witnessed kindness, sharing, laughter, support and acts of charity all of which has made me grateful to be quarantined in this live-work-play community.
Sandyport’s open space, calm canals and two-mile paved loop offers a variety of options for exercising outdoors safely and within the boundaries of the community, from paddle boarding and biking to walking and running. Residents cross to the other side of the road when approaching a neighbor to maintain social distancing, but even from behind their masks, you can hear a faint “Good Morning” or “Hello” as you cross paths. Tennis courts, swimming pools, children’s playgrounds, a batting cage and a basketball court are also available for use as a group for those who live in the same household.
Homemade signs of encouragement and thanks for healthcare workers adorn the windows of many homes in our neighbourhood, and on weekends it’s not uncommon to hear families whistling, clapping and banging pots in honour of the fearless heroes working on the front lines of the COVID-19 fight. On front porches you’ll find children’s toys and games available for exchange or purchase, and we had an animal-spotting scavenger hunt where residents placed stuffed animals around their properties for children to “discover.” I have even purchased homemade honey from a neighbor for my morning tea, and a thyme tree from another for use in my lemon garlic chicken.
Our community WhatsApp group has never been more active. Through this chat, neighbours share yeast or sugar for baking treats, offer to pick up food for the elderly and homebound, track deliveries for each other, or simply post uplifting thoughts and messages.
By far, the best part is being a part of the generosity of this community. Every week two families collect newspapers for the Bahamas Humane Society and there is a resident who collected t-shirts and bedsheets and created masks for the healthcare workers. On a community level, enough money was raised in a single day to provide donations to Lend a Hand Bahamas for Bain and Grants town, as well as gifts for our security and staff as a token of thanks for keeping our neighbourhood safe during lockdown and curfew.
I moved to Sandyport in 2002, and I have never been happier to have chosen this as my home. I am grateful to live in such a great community and to be surrounded by the kindness and support of the Sandyport residents.
Jacqueline Lightbourn joined Damianos Sotheby’s International Real Estate in 2019. Jacqueline’s strongest asset as an estate agent is her innate ability to genuinely connect with people from all walks of life on a variety of topics, including her deep love and knowledge of The Bahamas and its Family Islands.
About Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty
Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty has 10 offices located throughout the islands of the Bahamas, providing unsurpassed market knowledge of Abaco, Eleuthera, Harbour Island, Exuma, Nassau, Paradise Island, Ocean Club Estates, Lyford Cay, Old Fort Bay, Albany and Private Islands. Head office 75 Shirley Street, Nassau. For additional information, please contact 242-322-2305 or Info@SIRbahamas.com.
Bahamas Real Estate & Lifestyle Newsletter | May 2020
Think interest in real estate is slowing? Think again. Here are five stats just shared by our in-house marketing team showing that views aren’t just up… they’re way up. For those who seek the best in online marketing, there is only Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty.
SIRbahamas.com Visits Up 21% Over The Past Month.
Buyers are seeking out properties in The Bahamas at SIRbahamas.com from New York, Toronto, Montreal, London, Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles and Sydney in growing numbers. This results in a 21% increase in website visits.
Website Visits From Instagram Up 142% and Profile Views Up 50% Over The Past Month.
Since March, our Instagram account has attracted new views and website visits due to our strategic content and lifestyle plan. This plan has yielded a 142% growth in visits to SIRbahamas.com and a 50% growth in profile views.
Facebook Visitors Up 268% And Page Likes Are Up 50% Over The Past Month.
Over the last several weeks, our social media channels have seen exceptional growth in traffic and engagement. Publishing and advertising our listings across social media helps cast a wide net of potential buyers for our clients’ properties.
YouTube Views Are Up 14% Over The Past Month.
YouTube has 2 Billion logged-in monthly users. This is one of the reasons why video is an essential part of our digital strategy. We syndicate our property videos not only to YouTube, but to some of the most trafficked real estate, business and news sites in the world. Our views are up 14%.
See How Sotheby’s International Realty’s Video Strategy Compares To Other Real Estate Brands Across The World.
To see our full newsletter for this month please click HERE
Damianos Sotheby's International Realty
Virtual Vacation | 5 Incredible Places You Can Visit Virtually Right Now
Now that we’ve had a chance to visit museums and see a show or two, let’s take it one step further. Staying home doesn’t mean that you can’t still be well-traveled; from UNESCO World Heritage sites like Machu Picchu to world-class zoos and aquariums, here are five incredible places you can visit right now from the comfort of your own home.
Machu Picchu
The first stop on our virtual vacation is the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu in southern Peru. Built in the 15th century, you can tour the citadel ruins and restorations with guided audio to give you important details along the way.
The Georgia Aquarium
Did you know that some studies show that visiting an aquarium can relieve stress? Featured on Animal Planet’s hit show “The Aquarium,” bring the Georgia Aquarium into your living room with one of its many live tank cams and relax as you watch colorful fish, otters, reptiles, and more.
Arches National Park
The United States is home to many wondrous national parks – more than 400 in total. With the help of Google Earth, travel the deserts of Utah and see Arches National Park where you can virtually walk through some of the more than 2,000 sandstone arches that are the area’s namesake.
The San Diego Zoo
Looking for some one-on-one time with your favorite exotic animal? The San Diego Zoo in California has you covered. With 11 live camera feeds you can spend hours with pandas, tigers, giraffes, penguins and more.
The Great Pyramid and Great Sphinx of Giza
One is the only true remaining ancient wonder of the world and the other is an iconic ancient Egyptian structure. We, of course, are talking about the Great Pyramid and Great Sphinx of Giza. Through Google Earth’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites project, these are just two of the 30 significant places you can visit.