Learn how this brokerage principal pioneered a digital-first approach to Caribbean real estate that makes international real estate investing more accessible.
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Brett Henry, founder and president of RealtorDR, a tech-forward Dominican Republic brokerage firm, leans into using virtual tours and digital trading for clients around the world, making international real estate investing more accessible than ever. It’s easy and seamless.
Henry has built a $100 million annual sales business in emerging markets with a focus on agent development through comprehensive training programs and support systems. Learn how Henry first landed in the Dominican Republic and what kept him there for 20 years.
Name: Brett Henry
Title: President
Experience: 15 years in international real estate
Location: Sosua, Dominican Republic
Broker name: RealtorDr
Ranking: Top 3 intermediaries in the Sosua region
Team size: 25 agents
Transaction side: 180 transactions per year
Sales: $100 million annually
Awards:
Caribbean Real Estate Excellence Awards 2023 Top International Brokerage Growth Awards 2022
How did you get started in the real estate industry?
It’s a long and short story. One of my best friends got married in the Dominican Republic 20 years ago. After that, I started going back and forth. When I had the opportunity to move here, I did.
I worked in the real estate industry for a bit before starting my career as a broker. I felt there was a gap in the process and that I could fill this gap with a more modern interpretation of the traditional approaches used previously.
What do you know now that you wish you had known when you started?
The importance of building systems and infrastructure from day one. Initially, I focused solely on sales, but by creating scalable processes and investing in team development, I was eventually able to grow to $100 million in annual sales.
Tell us about the best moment in your brokerage career.
Achieving $100 million in annual sales while maintaining a boutique service approach was a milestone. We achieved this by leveraging technology for international buyers, developing our team’s expertise in luxury real estate, and building strong relationships with developers and investors.
What is your best prediction for next year?
The Dominican Republic will attract increased interest from North American buyers seeking second homes and investment properties due to its direct flights, improved infrastructure and relative value compared to other Caribbean markets.
What makes a good leader?
Ability to balance vision and execution. In international real estate, understanding global market trends while maintaining local expertise is key to success. Great leaders build strong teams, embrace technology, and create systems that enable consistent growth while maintaining high service standards.
What do you know now that you wish you had known when you started?
Understanding local market trends takes time. The Dominican Republic is beautiful, but it was important for me to learn the intricacies of real estate law, build relationships with key stakeholders, and understand what international buyers really need. I wish I knew that success here is about more than just sales, it’s about building a bridge between culture and expectations.
Email Christy Murdock
