Island Spaces, the brain child of Crispin Brooks was launched in 2012. A sub company of Island Spaces, Brookes Luxe was started in October, 2015.
Island Spaces is a local real estate agency. It is a broker between a buyer and seller for land, residential and commercial properties. Island Spaces also facilitates rentals through partner agencies.
Designed for locals by locals, there were three primary factors that led to its establishment.
• A gap in the real estate market where many locals especially younger Anguillians could not afford what was advertised by current agents who catered to those looking for properties over US$800,000.00. Management of Island Spaces decided to seek out properties under $500,000 and cater to that market. Island Spaces was soon signed to Scotia Bank as one of two official realtors and eventually started listing for Caribbean Commercial Bank and National Bank of Anguilla as well.
• An increase in the number of single females who wanted to own a home but did not want the risk and hassle of monitoring contractors, dealing with theft etc.
• A rise in interest from visitors/tourists who wanted to live in Anguilla but could not afford the one million dollar properties.
When Island Spaces was approached to start listing villas, Brooks Luxe was created so as not to confuse brands. This sub-company of Island Spaces focuses on properties for $800,000.00 and above.
Island Spaces model is based on independent agents who set their own times and have their own clients. This allows agents to be very entrepreneurial and gives them freedom to best meet the needs of customers. The agents represent the brand; maintain brand standards while also achieving personal development and wealth building. The agents form part of a team that communicates via chat several times a month and have team meetings at least three times a year.
This company distinguishes itself from competitors by providing excellent service and through their familiarity with the terrain. Crispin shared ‘most of my agents grew up here. Our grandparents are from here. We go above and beyond for our clients.’
Crispin Brooks is a serial entrepreneur. He shared ‘I come from a media background. I have directed, produced, written short films, managed a radio show, written for magazines here and in the United States, created brands and personalities and worked for major television shows such as Top Chef. Marketing and branding are very important to me because I am a media guy.’ He applies all that he knows to Island Spaces and Brooks Luxe.
When asked about the best advice he ever achieved, Crispin shared this story. ‘The Company was going through a tough time about two years ago, sales were down. I shared with a friend that the company could really use X amount of money to continue to grow. My friend said to me ‘when your company really needs that money you will get it.’ I looked at him like ‘what are you talking about?’ I soon understood that he meant that when you are really desperate to achieve a goal you will do everything within your power to get it.’
One of the biggest benefits he has experienced is watching satisfied clients turn their keys to their first home.
The biggest challenge faced by Island Spaces is being a real estate business in the current economy. Crispin said ‘You have to try to be creative in terms of finding buyers. Whether you are selling T-shirts, food or land – everyone is feeling the pinch in Anguilla.’
He continued, ‘doing business in Anguilla is challenging but not impossible. If you are going into business have a plan and understand your brand because it affects marketing.’
The response from the public for Island Spaces has been quite good. People enjoy knowing that our agents are knowledgeable and can tell them about land and property that other agents may be unable to. ‘When you have people refer others to you, you know that you are doing something right’, Crispin said.
In ten years he expects to be very successful. The plan is to expand by offering more services, employing more agents and gaining a foothold in different islands.
To the general public he states, ‘We set a great standard in terms of service. Whether you are buying or selling, please allow island spaces to take care of your real estate needs.’
