Sue is incorrect in her assumption that she is/was the only "recently trained" realtor in San Pedro. There are at least two individuals in San Pedro who maintain current-active real estate Broker licenses in the US and have licensed offices there as well as here. I am a pretty harsh judge of realtors, having been licensed in California in 1980 and having worked for 12 years in a high-end Beverly Hills based firm. For four of those twelve years I managed a 45-person real estate sales office with average monthly sales of $10 Million US, and taught condo law. My experience then and now is that the percentage of good realtors in Belize is about the same as the percentage of good realtors in California, regardless of "recent training". That assessment could be good news or bad news ...... I agree that overal the profession is filled with hustlers and dummies (many with current licenses and lots of training) - but there are some excellent professionals out there too! My recommendation for a customer seeking a realtor here - find one who is honest, who is successful (not broke or under pressure to sell you something you don't need just so they can make this month's rent), who lives full-time in the area (who will have to face you every day if they lie or cheat), who owns property in Belize (meaning they know the process you are about to go through as a buyer) and who is willing to admit their limitations. Do not expect a realtor do to the work of a lawyer or a surveyor or a contractor. Get a professional for each aspect of your purchase and/or project. Hire an attorney to do your title search and transfer. Do your own "due diligence" about property zoning by visiting the Town Board.
If in doubt when looking for a professional realtor, ask for a referral from somebody you know and trust already.
AmbergrisCaye.com 
