Marking its 18th anniversary this year, realtor firm A.S. James & Associates Limited has gone fully digital with the launch of its new website on Thursday (February 23).

The unveiling coincided with a red-carpet team awards ceremony at the AC Hotel by Marriott in St Andrew.

As one of the leading real estate service brands, the new and improved A.S. James & Associates website boasts an online property auction portal aimed at solidifying the firm’s presence and reach in Jamaica across the digital space.

Through the new website, the public can now participate in online auctions, get professional property valuations, do mortgage calculations, and view properties island-wide listed for sale and rental.

A beaming Andrew James, managing director of the company, credited the company’s stellar success to a tireless drive for innovation even throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

“We aim to continue to be the preferred full-service real estate company in Jamaica and the region, and we have set out to achieve that vision by not only making sound business judgements but by using our expertise to find and offer new and innovative ways to satisfy our clients’ and the public’s needs,” explained James.

“Before the [COVID-19] pandemic, we considered taking some of our services online and because of the lockdowns, we were able to execute that plan. Today, we are extending those services so that the public can access them in their homes, workplaces or wherever – both locally and overseas. The new website will go a long way in helping us to fulfil that mandate and improve our service delivery,” he remarked further.

Sharing in the momentous event was Technology Minister Daryl Vaz, who congratulated the company on making a palpable impact on the local real estate market.

For his part as guest speaker, Vaz lauded the A.S. James & Associates team for its hard work and diligence

“Helping people to achieve their dream of owning a home is not an easy feat, so I know that all of your accomplishments did not come easily. I know there were days when you did not feel your best, but you did not give in and in the end, your discipline is what is being rewarded,” the minister began.

“The aim of the Ministry of Science, Energy and Technology is to improve how businesses operate so that Jamaicans can easily participate in the digital ecosystem, so I am delighted to see local businesses like A.S. James & Associates repositioning themselves based on the opportunities presented in this ever-changing post-pandemic era. This new website will increase visibility for the company and, by extension, Jamaica because it allows clients to interact with you in the digital space, which is essential in the global economy,” Vaz continued.

Closing his address, the minister encouraged the firm’s team of realtors to continue learning, training and improving lives through real estate – a sentiment that realtor-associate Janelle Brown echoed in her address to the attendees.

AGENT OF THE YEAR

She recalled gleefully that the website revamp, as well as the awards ceremony, was highly anticipated among her team as a result of its three-year-long hiatus due to the pandemic.

Meanwhile, A.S. James & Associates’ realtor-associate, Therene Graham, was awarded ‘Agent of the Year’ for recording the most property sales in 2022.

Jozette Walker was also handsomely rewarded for having the most rentals and listings, followed by runner-up Aneisha Howlett.

Debbie Hunter was recognised as the company’s employee of the year, with Christopher Blackwood receiving laurels for long service. Karen Harris, team lead, was recognised with the ‘Above and Beyond’ award while Total Credit Services Limited was singled out for being the firm’s longest-standing client.