Dominican Republic Real Estate Agency: 5 Key Criteria

Published on October 3, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

The Dominican Republic: An Attractive Real Estate Market

The Dominican Republic, with its pristine beaches and tropical climate, attracts numerous real estate investors, making the choice of a reliable real estate agency crucial.

In such a dynamic market, distinguishing trustworthy providers can be complicated. This article highlights five key signs to identify a good agency, ensuring a safe and profitable investment.

Criteria for a Reliable Real Estate Agency

An agency that demonstrates in-depth knowledge of the local market, offers complete transparency in its transactions, and maintains a trustworthy reputation is essential to ensure the success of your faithful acquisition under the Caribbean sun.

How to Recognize a Serious Real Estate Agency in the Dominican Republic

Key Criteria to Identify a Serious Real Estate Agency in the Dominican Republic:

• Transparency in Transactions
  • The agency must provide clear information about the purchasing process, including presentation of all legal documents (property title, official topographic survey, tax proofs).
  • Written offers and deposits must be explained to the buyer and managed according to local law.
• Professional Accreditation and Recognition
  • The agency must be properly registered, licensed, and operating from identifiable physical offices.
  • Verify its membership in local or international professional associations (e.g., Dominican Real Estate Chamber).
• Reputation and Client Reviews
  • Consult testimonials from previous clients on various specialized portals or French-speaking forums.
  • Prefer an agency with a reliable track record and no major disputes.
• Experience and Local Market Knowledge
  • An experienced team not only masters legislation (Law 108-05) but also understands local real estate specifics, such as actual market prices or the evolution of sought-after neighborhoods.
• Personalized Customer Service
  • The agency must demonstrate availability to answer questions, organize efficient visits, and explain each step (sales agreement before a notary…).

Concrete Examples:

Criterion	Practical Example
Transparency	Systematic presentation of the authentic property title.
Accreditation	Visible display of a professional license in the office.
Reputation	Verifiable positive reviews on Google Maps or social media.
Local Experience	Precise advice on the future evolution of a given neighborhood.
Customer Service	Quick organization of visits according to your personal criteria.

Practical Tips to Verify These Criteria:

• Ask to see the official registration certificate and any professional accreditation during the first meeting.
• Actively search for online reviews; possibly contact some former clients if possible.
• Ask specific questions about the local legal procedure (documents required by Dominican law) to test their real expertise.
• Demand written follow-up at each important step: formal offer, deposit paid, signed agreement before a notary…

Avoid any transaction with an unregistered intermediary or one working without an identified physical office.

⬜️ It is strongly recommended to never sign or pay any amount before obtaining all necessary documentary guarantees! ⬜️

Mistakes to Avoid with Real Estate Agents in the Dominican Republic

Common Practices Leading to Misunderstandings or Regrettable Decisions:

• Neglecting to verify the agent’s or agency’s references.
• Failing to clarify fees and commissions before committing.
• Underestimating the importance of prior research on the local market.
• Trusting without carefully reading contracts or official documents.
• Collaborating with an agent who does not master Dominican legal and tax specifics.
• Lacking vigilance about language barriers, which can lead to communication errors.

Main Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake	Potential Consequence	Practical Advice
Not verifying the agent’s references	Risk of fraud or poor management	Ask for reviews, verify licenses and the agent’s history
Poor communication	Misunderstandings about expectations and procedures	Prioritize clarity, request translations if necessary, rephrase key points
Omitting to read contracts	Unfavorable commitments or legal surprises	Read carefully, consult a local lawyer, ask questions
Absence of fee clarification	Discovery of hidden costs or overcharges	Request a written breakdown of fees and commissions before any signature
Neglecting local market research	Purchase at an inflated price, poor location	Compare multiple properties, consult independent sources on the market
Ignoring local laws and regulations	Legal or tax risks	Ensure the agent knows Dominican legislation, consult a specialized lawyer

Practical Tips to Establish a Trusting Relationship with a Real Estate Agent:

• Systematically verify references, professional license, and the agent’s experience.
• Clarify in writing all financial aspects (fees, commissions, taxes).
• Inform yourself about local laws and processes, especially Dominican specifics (e.g., CONFOTUR law for tax benefits).
• Consult an independent lawyer for validation of contracts and legal documents.
• Demand transparency in all procedures and request regular updates.
• Take time to compare different offers and evaluate several agents before committing.
• Promote regular communication and request detailed explanations at each step.

A successful partnership with a real estate agent relies on trust, transparency, and vigilance at every step of the purchasing process.

Understanding the Power of Attorney Contract in the Dominican Republic

The power of attorney contract in the real estate sector in the Dominican Republic is primarily governed by the Dominican Civil Code and Law 108-05 on real estate registration. This contract formalizes the relationship by which one person (the principal) entrusts to another (the agent, often a real estate agent) the mission to perform a legal act, such as the sale or rental of a property.

Main Characteristics of the Real Estate Power of Attorney Contract

• Agent’s Obligations :
  • Act in the principal’s interest and according to their instructions.
  • Inform the principal of any offer or relevant situation regarding the property.
  • Account for their management and remit any document or sum received on behalf of the principal.
  • Respect the confidentiality of received information.
• Rights and Responsibilities of the Parties :
  • The principal must honor commitments made in the contract (e.g., payment of the agent’s commission upon success).
  • Both parties can agree on exclusivity, obliging the principal not to solicit other agents during the contract term.
  • The agent’s liability can be engaged in case of negligence, fault, or contractual breach.
• Typical Duration :
  • The duration of a power of attorney is generally set by the parties, often between 3 and 12 months for sales mandates.
  • A power of attorney can be renewable by express agreement or end upon the predetermined term.

Specific Conditions in the Dominican Republic

• Registration and Formalities :
  • Although the power of attorney is not mandatory to register, it is strongly recommended to draft it in writing and have it authenticated before a notary, especially if it includes the possibility to sign notarial acts or receive funds.
  • Any operation leading to a property transfer must necessarily go through a notarial act, and registration with the Title Registry is necessary for enforceability against third parties.
  • For companies, documents attesting to the legality of their representation must be attached (articles of incorporation, up-to-date commercial register, etc.).
• Recommended Verifications :
  • Verify the validity of the property title in question.
  • Ensure there are no liens, mortgages, or disputes affecting the property.
  • For foreigners, no acquisition restrictions, but it is advised to be accompanied by a specialized firm.

Tips for Drafting a Secure Power of Attorney Contract

• Clearly specify the purpose of the power of attorney (sale, rental, finding a buyer, etc.).
• Define the duration, renewal conditions, and early termination.
• Detail the agent’s remuneration and payment conditions (e.g., percentage of the sale price).
• Include a non-exclusivity or exclusivity clause, according to the parties’ agreement.
• Insert clauses protecting the principal: obligation of transparency, restitution of sums, management of security deposits.
• Require that any payment related to the transaction goes through identified and traceable accounts.

Examples Illustrating the Importance of the Power of Attorney Contract

Scenario	Consequences of a Good Contract	Consequences of a Bad Contract
Detailed exclusive power of attorney	The agent fully invests, the property sells quickly, the client is protected against multiple procedures.	Risk of confusion, multiple agents contact different buyers, conflicts over commissions.
Absence of remuneration clause	The commission is clearly defined, avoiding disputes during the sale.	Contestation of the amount or right to commission, transaction blockage.
Non-notarized, unwritten contract	Each party’s rights and obligations are proven and enforceable.	Difficult to prove the power of attorney terms, complicated legal recourse.

Local Best Practices

• Always have the contract reviewed by a lawyer specialized in Dominican real estate law.
• Include appendices listing documents to provide and transaction steps.
• Ensure the agent is legally registered and has a good professional reputation.

Protect your interests by demanding a written, precise power of attorney compliant with Dominican practices. This limits risks and secures the transaction, both for the client and the real estate agent.