By a Concerned Jamaican Realtor
There’s an uncomfortable conversation many in the Jamaican real estate and property management space have been avoiding—particularly those of us who wear multiple hats. As a full-time realtor who once agreed to manage a short-term rental on behalf of an overseas client, I’ve reached a point where I feel compelled to share what I’ve learned—candidly, and without names attached.
I hope this letter offers a balanced perspective to both realtors and overseas property owners trying to make Airbnb work in today’s evolving Jamaican market.
When Good Intentions Meet Harsh Realities
Not long ago, I agreed to manage a furnished apartment for someone based abroad. The arrangement started with the best of intentions: the owner trusted me, I knew the market well, and it seemed like a mutually beneficial partnership. They saw the apartment as a kind of retirement plan—something that could generate semi-passive income through short-term rentals, while also preserving the …
