Alex Juup began his career in restaurant hospitality before joining a local real estate team in 2010 in New Providence, Bahamas.

He began managing luxury waterfront properties at Bahamas Waterfront Properties in the property management sector. He has since served in various roles across the real estate sector, including commercial and residential sales and leasing.

His expansive knowledge and network of reputable business professionals have led to an award-winning career and a home at Engel & Völkers Bahamas, which he joined in 2017. When he isn’t working, he can be found enjoying all the Bahamas has to offer with his wife and children.

1.

Paul & Vince: What are the best things about living and working in your country?

Alex: I’m based in New Providence, the main island of the Bahamas, with Nassau, the capital, as the hub. I was born and raised here, and since the weather is great, we attract visitors from all over the world, and there are always great opportunities to meet new people. There is a lot of investment here since we are so close to the United States, only a half-hour plane from Miami. We also have a good relationship with the United States — we’re known as a friendly country with a stable government.

Paul & Vince: How many islands do you cover? Mostly New Providence?

Alex: Mostly on New Providence since I live here, but I love traveling to other islands. The Bahamas is really a collection of 700 islands, but only about 30 of them are inhabited. I have probably sold the property on, let’s see…nine or ten of them, including the Berry Islands, Eleuthera, Exuma, Long Island, Cat Island, Grand Bahama, San Salvador, and then you have Bimini, which is pretty quiet.

Paul & Vince: So, if Leonardo DiCaprio comes to you and says, I need another private island, you go and pick one for him?

Alex: [Laughs] It really comes down to just having solar power, cisterns for water…That’s all the off-the-grid infrastructure you have to establish on these islands. And there are a lot of people who’ve done exactly that, and they’re happy with the investment. It’s quite easy to guide them through that process and to make them understand what they need to do.

2.

Paul & Vince: What did you do before entering real estate?

Alex: I worked my way up in a restaurant, I was a server and became a manager. But I always wanted to run my own business. I actually ran a Jitney service, a bus service, for a time. But then a broker from Engel & Voelkers, Colin Lightbourne, would come into the restaurant, and we would talk, and one day, he said, “Why don’t you come and work for me? You could do property management with us.” I wasn’t sure what that was, but I was always open to new opportunities. I always keep my mind open for what could be next and where it could come from. We’ve been working together now for over a decade.

Paul & Vince: So, what’s happening in your real estate market now?

Alex: So, of course, there was a great deal of pent-up demand after the pandemic, so there was quite the rush. And after Hurricane Dorian in 2019, there has been a lot of rebuilding in some areas. The government established an incentive program for investors purchasing and renovating damaged homes. They get property taxes exempt for a couple of years, the duty slashed, or even completely negated, depending on the level of investment. So, that makes it attractive for any investors who want to rebuild.

3.

Paul & Vince: So, what’s going on in your real estate market right now?

Alex: So, of course, there was a great deal of pent-up demand after the pandemic, so there was quite the rush. And after Hurricane Dorian in 2019, there has been a lot of rebuilding in some areas. The government established an incentive program for investors purchasing and renovating damaged homes. They get property taxes exempt for a couple of years, the duty slashed, or even completely negated, depending on the level of investment. So, that makes it attractive for any investors who want to rebuild.

4.

Paul & Vince: What do you like most about your career in real estate?

Alex: As long as I can remember, I have loved meeting new people and hearing different perspectives. Everyone who comes to the Bahamas has a dream; they all have this image in their head of what they want. My job is to understand that dream, to feel that dream, and to help people get there. I’ve visited cities around the world and seen how things are — the hustle and bustle and the stress, so I know what it means when they come here and want to find that perfect spot, a sanctuary.

…and one more, Just For Fun

Paul & Vince: Ok, now it’s time for our Just For Fun question. What would it be like if you were chosen to design the most amazing amusement park ride, the world has ever seen?

Alex: Hmm…I would create a roller coaster that takes groups through a multi-destination experience based on locations worldwide. It would go to Hawaii to see volcanoes, take you to Antarctica, the ice and snow, and it’d be interesting to see the desert…maybe Egypt, with the pyramids. [Laughs]

Paul & Vince: That’s an excellent idea! So, what are you calling this ride?

Alex: That’s a good question. I guess it would be “The World Is Yours.”

Original artwork by Jolisa Robinson, Gavriani-Falcone Team Marketing