Stroll through the vibrant, sun-drenched streets of Dominicus, Dominican Republic, and you’ll feel a unique blend of relaxed Caribbean charm and quiet ambition. Tucked amidst the palm trees and colorful facades, you’ll find the familiar sign of RE/MAX Bayside. But step inside, and you’ll discover more than just property listings; you’ll meet Yanela Hoyo, a woman whose story is as captivating as the turquoise waters nearby. Known affectionately to many locals as “La Cubana,” Yanela isn’t just a real estate agent; she’s a cornerstone of the community, a passionate advocate, and the embodiment of finding your heart’s home in this slice of paradise.
Welcome to “Faces of Dominicus,” our series dedicated to sharing the personal stories behind the businesses that make our corner of the Dominican Republic so special. Today, we dive into the journey of Yanela Hoyo, exploring how a twist of fate brought her to Bayahibe, led her to love, and eventually, to helping others find their own piece of paradise through RE/MAX Bayside. If you’re dreaming of investing in this growing haven or simply curious about the people who shape its soul, Yanela’s story is one you won’t want to miss. Her blend of professional expertise, deep local roots, and unwavering passion offers a unique and trustworthy guide in the Dominican real estate landscape.
Meet Yanela: From Havana Dreams to Bayahibe Shores
Yanela Hoyo’s story begins not on Dominican soil, but in Havana, Cuba. Her journey to the Dominican Republic initially took her to Santo Domingo, but the bustling city life wasn’t for her. “I don’t like cities,” she admits with a smile. After returning to Cuba, fate intervened in 2001 when she came back to visit her sister living in the nearby fishing village of Bayahibe.
“I stayed a few days longer and I really fell in love with the little town,” Yanela recalls, her eyes lighting up. “I loved it, I was fascinated by everything, everything.” Back then, Bayahibe was a world away from today’s developing hub. “There was nothing like today… no streets or sidewalks. There was no electricity, there was electricity through power plants, but it was really, really pretty.”
Just a week into this love affair with Bayahibe, she met Fred, a Frenchman who would become her husband. “I fell in love twice,” she laughs, “I fell in love with Bayahibe and with him.” The warmth and intimacy of the small community sealed the deal. “What I really like about Dominicus and Bayahibe is that it’s a very small area where everyone knows each other, where people are very friendly. For me, Bayahibe was like a family, it was a welcoming family; I never felt like a foreigner.” For years, she wasn’t Yanela; she was simply “La Cubana,” a testament to her seamless integration into the local fabric.
The Leap into Real Estate: Discovering a New Path with RE/MAX
Yanela’s path to becoming a real estate powerhouse wasn’t planned. About three and a half years ago, during a sabbatical, a colleague suggested she join Remax in the Bayahibe/Dominicus area. “The truth is, at first, I wasn’t sure… I didn’t have any experience,” she confesses. “But I took the plunge, and it’s gone really well for me, and I’m very happy.”
This leap revealed hidden talents. “What’s really special about that job has been the person I’ve discovered in myself,” Yanela reflects. “I did have sales and public relations skills, but I didn’t know… I’m surprised and I really like it.” She found a deep satisfaction not just in the business itself, but in the human connection it fosters.
Inside RE/MAX Bayside: Security, Transparency, and Dreams Under Construction
When you work with Yanela at RE/MAX Bayside, you’re not just buying property; you’re gaining a trusted advisor. What does she want clients to feel? “Security, transparency, and peace of mind,” she states firmly. Buying a home, especially abroad, “is a very important decision… and being able to assist and advise them through this important process… have that person trust me—I really like it.”
Yanela has carved a niche specializing in properties sold during the project phase. “What I sell most are properties in project phases,” she explains. “It’s a convenience for a client who wants to invest, who doesn’t have the option of buying a property right away, who needs more time.” She has a strong relationship with developers like Grupo Domis, whose beachfront project Aqua Esmeralda she recalls falling in love with. Currently, she recommends looking into “Aurora,” conveniently located opposite her office, and an exciting new hotel-concept project emerging soon in Bayahibe (details are under wraps for now, but stay tuned!).
The Magic of Authenticity: When a “Mediocre” Video Seals the Deal
Yanela’s journey hasn’t been without its learning curves and humorous moments. She shares a story from her early days, just four months into the business: “My mentor had me make a video. The most mediocre video in the world,” she laughs. “A Cuban, a young man of Cuban origin, called me… He said, ‘Hey girl, you’re Cuban, and more so than I am.’… He liked the video, and thanks to that video, he came here… and ended up buying three properties from me, because of the most mediocre video, which was so ugly and horrible that I took it down!” It’s a testament to her authenticity and the power of genuine connection, proving that polish isn’t everything – trust and personality go a long way.
The greatest reward? “Seeing a happy person say thank you,” Yanela shares passionately. “Even more so, of course it makes me happy when I invoice… We’re businesspeople… but truly, when a client thanks me for a consultation, that brings me so much joy.”
Challenges, Dreams & The Future: Navigating Growth with Integrity
Operating in a rapidly developing area isn’t without challenges. Yanela points to the unfortunate reality of real estate scams that have occurred elsewhere in the Dominican Republic. “That has severely hindered our work,” she notes, emphasizing RE/MAX Bayside’s commitment to rigorous due diligence. “Every day we make sure that all the projects we’re promoting are in order… Security over money.”
While tourism growth benefits the area, Yanela expresses a desire for more organized and sustainable development, particularly in Bayahibe, which she feels is growing “too quickly and a bit out of control.” Her dream extends beyond business success; she hopes to see developers prioritize the environment and community infrastructure. “I’m very interested in the development, how Dominicus and Bayahibe develop… caring about the beaches, about all the deforestation and pollution that this unfortunately entails.”
For RE/MAX Bayside, the goal is focused growth: expanding the team, deepening expertise, and remaining hyper-local. “We’re here, we want to have local growth here… Mainly in Dominicus, Bayahibe, and La Estancia,” she explains, noting a particular fondness for La Estancia’s regulated and beautiful concept.
A Heart for Paws: “La Cubana de los Perros” and Collares Rojos
There’s another layer to Yanela, one deeply intertwined with her love for this community: her unwavering passion for animals. This passion earned her another nickname: “La Cubana de los perros” (The Cuban dog lady). “My true greatest fulfillment as a human being… was the work we’ve been able to do with the community. The work we’ve done with animals,” she says, her voice filled with emotion.
This led her to found “Collares Rojos” (Red Collars). The name originated from her early days here when, distressed by the mistreatment and overpopulation of street dogs, she used earnings from her restaurant to sterilize them, placing a signature red collar on each one. What started as a personal mission grew into a foundation that has sterilized over 10,000 animals, built a shelter (funded largely by international support, including many Canadians who later became real estate clients), and significantly reduced animal suffering and poisoning in Bayahibe and Dominicus.
“This is a small town where you won’t see mistreated animals because they’re all recognized,” she proudly states. “It’s been a very beautiful community service.” While the foundation now focuses on sterilization (about 20-25 animals monthly) rather than large-scale rescue, the impact is undeniable. “You don’t see lost dogs on the beach. Before, you used to see 40, 50 dogs… that doesn’t exist in Bayahibe and Dominicus.” For Yanela, this work isn’t separate from her life; it is her lifeblood, the “most beautiful job” she’s ever had.
Plan Your Visit & Investment: Why Dominicus, Why Yanela?
Yanela believes Dominicus and Bayahibe are special. “It’s a place, practically in its raw state, in growth… like a diamond in the rough,” she describes. For investors, “if they’re really looking for added value, to see that their money can multiply, this is the place and the time.”
Her crucial advice? “They should always get good advice… They should let themselves be guided by a well-known real estate agent. This is a very small town; everyone knows each other.”
In Yanela Hoyo and RE/MAX Bayside, you find more than just an agency. You find deep local knowledge born from two decades of love for the area, professional integrity forged through experience, and a passionate heart dedicated to both building futures for her clients and protecting the community she calls home. Whether you’re seeking your dream Caribbean property or simply inspired by stories of passion and purpose, Yanela embodies the spirit of Dominicus.
Find Yanela Hoyo at:
- Business: RE/MAX Bayside
- Location: Blvd. Dominicus Americanus (Dominicus Village), Dominicus, La Altagracia – Dominican Republic (Look for the Aurora project, her office is right in front!)
- Specialty: Properties in project phases, local market expertise (Dominicus, Bayahibe, La Estancia).
- Tip: Reach out for a consultation – her guidance is invaluable, especially for first-time investors in the area. And ask her about Collares Rojos!
Come discover the potential of Dominicus, and consider letting Yanela Hoyo, “La Cubana” with a heart for homes and paws, guide your journey. Supporting her business means investing not just in property, but in the very soul of this community.
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