Century 21 Andy's Company introduced the Century 21 Fine Homes and Estates brand on March 15, in order to market up-scale residences in Doral and its surrounding areas.

President and Owner Andy Perez is so committed to the concept that he has brought on two seasoned real estate professionals to help promote it: Robert Ruiz, director of the new division, and Hector Leanez, director of international sales.

Ruiz had a decade of experience with Lennar Homes: "I've seen pastures turn into housing tracts in the years since I road horseback at 107 Avenue and 41 Street."

He further noted that, "The Doral housing market is red hot."

Perez seconded that sentiment, "Doral has status, and half our buyers are international investors who recognize its special advantages. Those from Latin America in particular are looking for a second home that offers security and serenity in the midst of everything that is Miami. Doral answers all their concerns."

A good number of the company's clients are from Brazil, Canada, France, Italy, Korea, Russia and Venezuela.

Perez's 38 associates, most of them with graduate degrees, largely hail from South America, the Caribbean and the Middle East, and command a total of ten languages in all.

"International is what we are, by background and vision," added Dr. Leanez. "We are also technology-driven. With 15 computers in the office, our associates never need to wait to research the web or answer e-mails. Our buyers can inspect homes through our website before ever coming, and when we get e-mail inquiries, we respond at once with floorplans, maps and pictures. Then we follow up with a phone call."

Regardless of its international components, half of the company's buyers are from the U.S, Perez said.
"We handle a lot of corporate relocations," explained Perez, "because Doral in particular is in great demand."

Ruiz added, "Most of our internet buyers are pre-sold. Our English- and Portuguese-language websites both have won accolades in the business, and they give a complete picture of the local housing market and the community. Once buyers who are relocating are en route, we help them with everything right down to hotel and car reservations. Besides, people who are working in Doral all want to live in Doral."

Century 21 Andy's Company has been in business since 1984, and Perez said, "I feel proud to get calls from second generation family members whose parents or aunts and uncles bought from us before. That's a sign of people's trust and it motivates us." Another advantage for buyers is that, through its own mortgage company, Century 21 Andy's Company can get approval for mortgage financing with an hour.

And when the crunch is really on, added Perez, "I can approve you personally if need be."

Further facilitating the sale/purchase process is an in-house attorney, who does closings right on the premises.

Two outreach programs set Century 21 Andy's Company apart: it holds regular seminars overseas for foreign brokers and investors and it hosts a weekly radio program locally on the Spanish-language station La Poderosa (670 on the AM dial).

At the overseas seminars, Dr. Leanez draws on his background as an attorney to address questions about legal, financial and taxation issues related to real estate investing in the U.S.

The 30-minute radio show starts every Saturday morning at 11:30 AM and it has been on the air for over a year, usually featuring guests who address questions of buyers and sellers alike.

International Real Estate Digest in 1999 gave a rating of "Excellent" to the company's English-language website at www.century21andys.com as well as to its Portuguese-language site at www.century21andys.com/brasil. Readers are welcome to visit either, or they may simply call 305 227 2121 for further information.

Century 21 Andy's Company is located at 8300 West Flagler Street, Suite 200, in Miami.