Christie’s International Real Estate Expands Caribbean Footprint, Launching in the Dominican Republic

Luxury real estate network Christie’s International Real Estate continues to expand in the Caribbean with the launch of its newest affiliate, Christie’s International Real Estate Dominican Republic.

The new brokerage is owned by partners Alex Irrer, Eric Walstrom and Auburn Lucas. Irrer and Walstrom are founders of another Christie’s International Real Estate affiliated brokerage, @properties Christie’s International Real Estate in Michigan. Lucas began her real estate career at the seven-office brokerage before permanently relocating to the Dominican Republic. She has been involved in real estate in the Caribbean nation since 2021.

Lucas leads the new Christie’s International Real Estate office in La Romana, which primarily serves the oceanfront communities of Casa de Campo and Punta Cana, with plans to expand to Las Terrenas, a growing resort destination on the island’s northeast coast. In a short time, she has established herself as one of the island’s leading luxury real estate experts, winning the listing assignments for several multi-million-dollar properties.

“We’ve seen an incredible reception from clients seeking the luxury brand connection and premier level of service offered by Christie’s International Real Estate. We expect this demand for an elevated service approach will only increase – which positions us incredibly well for future success on the island,” said Lucas.

The new brokerage offers clients access to Christie’s International Real Estate’s world-class marketing and technology, unprecedented global network spanning nearly 50 countries and territories, and a connection to the iconic Christie’s auction house, for the referral of art and luxury goods.

One of the Caribbean’s largest and most visited islands, the Dominican Republic is a highly desirable market for luxury real estate and tourism, as evidenced by the ongoing popularity of affluent resort communities including Casa de Campo, and the rise of branded residences including the St. Regis Cap Cana and the Four Seasons Dominican Republic at Tropicalia in Samaná Bay, in the province of Samaná.

“The Dominican Republic has so much to offer from a real estate perspective,” added Walstrom. “With miles of undeveloped coastline, top-tier education and healthcare, direct connections from many international markets, easy financing for foreign investors and a positive rate of return on investments, there’s a lot of opportunity for Christie’s International Real Estate on the island.”

The Dominican Republic gives Christie’s International Real Estate a presence in 10 Caribbean island nations, as the brand continues to build its “network within a network,” an alliance of firms under the banner of Christie’s International Real Estate Caribbean Affiliates. The alliance was created to strengthen the brand’s commitment to serving the Caribbean luxury real estate market by centralizing regional operations and encouraging inter-island cooperation among member firms.

Christie’s International Real Estate has offices in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, St. Martin, Aruba, the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, St. Barthélemy and Turks and Caicos.

“We are thrilled to continue our expansion throughout the Caribbean with the launch of Christie’s International Real Estate Dominican Republic, and look forward to working with Alex, Eric and Auburn, who will undoubtedly build on their incredible track record as they bring Christie’s International Real Estate’s bespoke service and international network to the island,” said Danielle Austin, president of Christie’s International Real Estate Caribbean Affiliates.

Irrer and Walstrom leveraged the technology, marketing, and network of Christie’s International Real Estate to grow their Detroit-based brokerage from $100 million in annual sales to $1 billion in just under three years, expanding to seven locations throughout eastern and northern Michigan. They, along with Lucas, look forward to similar success in the Dominican Republic as they capitalize on the steady demand for $1 million-plus properties on the island.

Natalie Hamrick, Christie’s International Real Estate president of affiliate services, added, “As one of the leading luxury destinations in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic is an important addition to our brand portfolio. We look forward to supporting their growth and success.”