The Tribune

An Engel & Völkers Bahamas realtor has been licensed as a broker by the Bahamas Real Estate Association (BREA).

The real estate firm, in a statement, said Claire Thackray earned the designation by completing four rigorous, specialised education programmes: The Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) credential; the Council of Residential Brokers & Managers (CRB); the Council of Residential Specialists (CRS); and the Bahamas Realtors Institute Designated Course (BRI).

"Real estate runs in my blood," said Ms Thackray, whose grandfather Freeman Smith served as president of the Bahamas Real Estate Association (BREA) from 1976 to 1977. "My grandfather, Freeman Smith, founded Tropical Realty and was a real estate broker and developer in The Bahamas from the 1950s. I like to think he'd be proud to know I followed in his footsteps."

The BREA broker's licence recognises advanced competency across residential sales, property management principles and international real estate practice. Ms Thackray holds the CIPS credential, which is awarded to practitioners who complete a demanding curriculum of core and regional coursework designed specifically for real estate professionals working across borders. This brings particular expertise to clients navigating transactions between The Bahamas and international markets.

Colin Lightbourn, Engel & Völkers Bahamas managing partner, said: “The difference between an agent and a broker is that a broker has the experience, training and skill-set to anticipate problems and manage them before they become issues in a transaction. Claire has consistently proven that she is fully capable of handling her transactions and relationships without issue.” 

Ms Thackray is based in Nassau and works with clients across residential sales, lifestyle property and international transactions.