Moguel explains, adding that these emerging areas offer affordability and quality, making them increasingly attractive to buyers. While offering these options, the company acknowledges that the profile of investors shifts depending on the region. Moguel notes,“Belize City is still largely a local market,” with 60-70% of its real estate transactions coming from local investors. By contrast, other parts of Belize, particularly those with tourist appeal, see approximately 80% of transactions from international buyers. Financing challenges in Belize—where interest rates are higher and options are more limited than in the United States—mean that local buyers often rely on cash purchases. Meanwhile, international demand has surged, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, with many Americans looking to Belize as a “Plan B” destination. The pandemic brought an influx of foreign buyers who sought refuge in Belize, staying in vacation homes or condos to ride out lockdowns, an experience that Moguel says has driven a wave of interest in longer-term property investment. BUILDING A CULTURE OF EXCELLENCE AND GROWTH At Vista Real Estate, talent is carefully curated. The team currently comprises 19 individuals, including agents who operate on a commission basis. Moguel makes it clear that Vista sets high standards for those who join. “We’re highly selective in terms of who we accept as agents. We want people who bring experience and know-how from related fields,” he explains, noting that ethics and professionalism are non-negotiable. For Moguel, these values are essential, given that agents represent the Vista brand and are tasked with safeguarding client trust in a field that demands confidentiality and accountability. Professional development is at the core of Vista’s employee experience.“We have compliance training twice a year,” Moguel says. Regular weekly meetings ensure that the team remains aligned on active transactions, while membership in the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World and the Latin American Confederation of Real Estate Associations expands learning opportunities internationally. Through these affiliations, Vista’s agents connect with top brokers globally, gaining insights that Moguel believes are invaluable. “There’s an annual conference where we get to sit with the top 5% of every major market in the world,” he says. For the Vista team, these events represent networking opportunities and a chance to stay current on best practices and emerging industry trends. Work-life balance and job satisfaction are also integral to Vista’s strategy. Moguel acknowledges the challenge of time management, especially in real estate, where demands can vary greatly.“The biggest challenge is managing time and prioritizing tasks,” 63 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 11, ISSUE 11 VISTA REAL ESTATE
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