Marcel Piepenbrink
'I like working with people and I'm good at it'
Over the years I have realized that it is important to only do things you're enjoying. I like to work with people and I am good at it. Back in 2017, when I decided to make the switch to a full-time independent sales agent at RE/MAX BonBini, I really put all my time into this. The transition in terms of work was easy, but at the beginning you don't earn what you want to earn, so that took some time to get used to. You either should have a buffer in the bank or you should have someone next to you who can help you with it, otherwise it will be difficult.
My day-to-day work varies. I try to keep a steady rhythm, but this doesn't always work. The days that I don't have appointments, I often go to the office, so that I can do my administrative work; compliance, managing appointments, communicating with customers, etc. The rest of the time I am busy with appointments and house viewings or I work from home. I think it's ideal that I can plan my own working week in this way.
When I look back on my time at RE/MAX BonBini, I am especially proud of the network I have built, I do notice that my customers know how to easily find and approach me. I also have more and more awesome sales and listings. For example, we are now the listing broker for the Coral Estate Resort and I think that is really cool. It is a very large project that I have been able to get in my portfolio and those are very nice things, which I am very proud of.
Here we are all independent brokers, but working as a team for RE/MAX BonBini. This means that everyone is an entrepreneur, but you still have to work together and learn to give and take. As one team we achieve the most.
Derek Plagman
Helping and advising people to make the right decision is essential to me.
In 2011, I was first introduced to Curaçao, real estate, and RE/MAX BonBini. After completing a 7-month internship, I returned to the Netherlands, where I began my career at a real estate company. There, I gained experience in property management, development, purchasing and sales, as well as rentals. I was also given responsibilities for the Curaçao branch, which meant I worked on the island four to five times a year. As a result, I’ve built over ten years of experience and knowledge in the Curaçao real estate market.
At the end of 2019, I felt the urge to return. In 2020, I made the decision to live and work full-time on Curaçao. I wanted to continue my professional journey and chose RE/MAX for its professional approach, versatility, reputation, and extensive network.
Together with my colleagues, I assist clients in selling properties and help buyers find the right home or investment. Over the past years, I’ve gained valuable experience in the sale of new developments, land for development, and residential or vacation resorts on our beautiful island.
Hessel Houweling, marketing intern
RE/MAX BonBini also offers internships. Hessel Houweling, marketing intern 2021-2022 is happy to tell you about his experiences as an intern within RE/MAX BonBini!
Are you looking for a fun, educational and challenging internship? Then apply directly by sending your CV and motivation letter to humanresources@realestate-curacao.com and you might be our new intern!
‘I love the freedom and the shown trust’
On June 21, 2021 I started as a Marketing Intern at RE/MAX BonBini. I am currently studying International Business at The Hague University of Applied Sciences and I'm following a minor that focuses on marketing. I really wanted to do an internship abroad and given the corona crisis, Curaçao was the easiest. During my online research I came across the site of RE/MAX BonBini. Here I saw information about a marketing internship, this really appealed to me. I have always been interested in the real estate industry, so combining my marketing studies with my interest in the real estate industry made me very enthusiastic.
Now, 6 months later, I'm still really enjoying my internship at RE/MAX BonBini, I like both the island and the company very much.
I love the freedom and the shown trust. My work mainly consists of maintaining the website, uploading photos, updating listings, and managing the social media platforms. I am also involved in other marketing activities such as designing billboards and brochures. I do all this independently. I like that I am free to do my job, but if I can't figure something out, I can always ask questions, there are always people who can help you.
I think it is really good for both your personal and professional development to do an internship here and I would definitely recommend it to others!