The Agency, the Los Angeles-based luxury real estate brokerage, has opened its first office in Belize, located in the coastal town of Placencia. This expansion adds to the firm's existing Central America network, which already includes offices in Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. The move signals a strategic push into a market that the company believes remains underserved by global brokerage brands.
Local Leadership and Market Entry
The new office will be led by managing partners Dean Astren and Kim Astren, both experienced operators in the region. Dean Astren brings over 27 years of expertise in engineering, construction, and development, while Kim Astren is recognized as a top producer across the Caribbean and Central America. The Agency's entry into Belize is part of a broader regional strategy rather than an isolated expansion.
Timing and Tourism Trends
The opening coincides with Belize's efforts to convert strong post-pandemic travel numbers into long-term investment. According to the Belize Tourism Board, overnight stays in 2025 are projected to reach 551,698, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Cruise arrivals, while still recovering, are also on an upward trajectory. This tourism growth is expected to drive interest in second homes, resort assets, and lifestyle investments.
Market Appeal and Competitive Dynamics
Mauricio Umansky, founder and CEO of The Agency, highlighted Belize's coastline, biodiversity, favorable investment rules, and quality of life as key attractions. The country offers English as the primary language, a common law legal system, no capital gains tax, and no foreign ownership restrictions, which are central to the firm's market pitch. James Ramsay, executive vice president of the franchise division, emphasized the importance of finding the right local partners for this expansion.
The move also introduces a competitive element. RE/MAX 1st Choice Belize, where the Astrens were previously the top-producing team in 2025, will now face competition from The Agency's global brand. This shift could reshape the local luxury real estate landscape.
Risks and Due Diligence
Despite the optimistic outlook, there are significant risks. The Federal Trade Commission recently announced it was returning nearly $23 million to consumers who purchased deceptively marketed overseas real estate lots in Sanctuary Belize and Kanantik. This serves as a stark reminder for foreign buyers to verify title, permits, infrastructure claims, and resale assumptions before committing capital.
Financial Disclosures and Outlook
The Agency has not disclosed the investment costs, office headcount, or revenue targets for the Belize operation. The success of this venture will depend on converting international attention into closed transactions and ensuring local execution aligns with the global brand's standards.
