Business Spotlight: Christie's International Real Estate Mexico - Two Decades of Luxury Property Excellence in the Riviera Maya

A Twenty-Year Journey in Mexican Caribbean Real Estate

When Canadian broker Jason Waller established what would become Christie's International Real Estate Mexico in 2005, the Riviera Maya luxury property market looked vastly different. Originally launched as Playa Real Estate Group and later known as Mexico Real Estate Group, the firm has evolved into a sophisticated operation representing some of the most exceptional properties along Mexico's Caribbean coast. Today, Waller leads the company alongside his wife and co-owner Leah Campbell (Commercial Broker), chief operating officer Matthew Mathieson, and Elizabeth Gregg of Elimar Properties, guiding a team of roughly 16 multilingual agents.

As the exclusive affiliate of Christie's International Real Estate in the Mexican Caribbean and Yucatan Peninsula, the brokerage gained access to world-class marketing resources, international visibility for listings, and a connection to the iconic Christie's auction house for the referral of art and luxury goods. This affiliation, combined with deep local roots, positions the firm uniquely at the intersection of international luxury branding and authentic regional expertise.

Comprehensive Real Estate Services Across the Mexican Caribbean

Christie's International Real Estate Mexico assists clients in finding vacation homes, investment properties, or full-time residences throughout the region. The team helps buyers evaluate publicly listed properties, private opportunities, and homes represented by other qualified agents or agencies, ensuring clients have access to the full spectrum of available options. Beyond traditional sales and purchases, the firm also handles property rentals and property management for clients seeking ongoing support.

What distinguishes the firm is its in-house concierge services in Cancun and the Riviera Maya, designed to curate every detail for discerning clients. Ángeles, the firm's concierge, brings over 15 years of experience in luxury hospitality and previously managed 15 luxury properties in the Riviera Maya, specializing in bespoke concierge services that extend the client relationship beyond the transaction.

Guiding International Buyers Through the Mexican Process

The firm places particular emphasis on buyer guidance related to title, ownership structure, HOA documents, building rules, fideicomiso requirements where applicable, permits, access, insurance, reserves, and professional review before closing. This comprehensive approach helps international buyers navigate the differences between Mexican real estate law and what they may be familiar with in their home countries.

From Beachfront Estates to Jungle Retreats: Property Specializations

Christie's International Real Estate Mexico handles diverse property categories including beachfront condos, luxury estates, boutique hotels, houses, villas, penthouses, condominiums, land parcels, multi-unit properties, commercial properties, and rental properties. The firm has developed particular expertise in beachfront properties, marina front locations, golf course properties, top ROI investment properties, jungle estates, and boutique hotels.

The portfolio spans an impressive range, from accessible luxury opportunities to ultra-high-value estates like Rancho Paraiso Oasis, which spans more than 12 acres across nine contiguous lots between Akumal and Puerto Aventuras. This breadth allows the team to serve buyers at various investment levels while maintaining the same standards of service and market knowledge.

An Expansive Geographic Footprint

While rooted in the Riviera Maya, the firm's reach extends well beyond the Caribbean coast. Christie's International Real Estate Mexico serves Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cancún, Akumal, Puerto Aventuras, Puerto Morelos, Bacalar, Mérida, Progreso, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico City, Acapulco, Oaxaca/Huatulco, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos and other leading markets across Mexico. This geographic diversity reflects both client demand and the team's capacity to deliver consistent expertise across different Mexican real estate markets.

The firm maintains its primary office at CRUZ DE SERVICIO, Local 205, Av. P.º Central Manzana 2 L1, 77723 Playa del Carmen, operating Monday through Friday from roughly 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays from approximately 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from about noon to 5 p.m.

A Licensed, Experienced Team With Local Credentials

What sets Christie's International Real Estate Mexico apart in a market where licensing standards have historically varied is the team's commitment to proper credentialing. Multiple team members hold official SEDETUS (Secretaría de Desarrollo Territorial Urbano Sustentable) licenses, which are required by Quintana Roo law for all practicing real estate agents in the state. Licensed agents include Tracy Beitz Uggeri, Kim O'Connell, Maxime Bertron, Elizabeth Gregg, Reese Uggeri, and Kenneth Marmon, among others.

The broader team brings diverse backgrounds and specializations. Jerry Agüero, Jorge Delgado (Sales Manager), Nicolas Lauras (with approximately 7 years of experience), Mikel García Bárcena (born and raised in the Riviera Maya), Tony Rabachuk, Jorge Guarin, Christie MacKay, Loris Porcino (Merida specialist), and Rodrigo Castillo (Mexico City and Acapulco specialist with roughly 19 years of experience) round out the agent roster. The support team includes Angeles Gamboa (Concierge), Amanda Aceves (Office Assistant - Administration and Finance Manager), and Jorge Barragan (Listing & Development Manager).

Masters Circle Recognition

In 2025, four of the firm's premier real estate agents from Playa del Carmen and Tulum were selected for the prestigious Christie's International Real Estate Masters Circle, awarded annually to a select group of top-performing agents within the Christie's International Real Estate network. The 2025 Masters Circle class consists of over 300 elite agents, collectively representing more than $9 billion in annual luxury property sales, placing the firm's representatives among the network's highest achievers.

A Reputation Built on Knowledge and Client Care

The firm maintains a rating of approximately 4.7 based on roughly 119 reviews, with a 5.0 rating on Yelp from about 5 reviews. Client testimonials consistently emphasize several key themes that reveal what buyers and sellers value most about working with this team.

Knowledge and expertise emerge as primary themes. Client Michele S. noted that agent Kim O'Connell "has a lot of knowledge," listened attentively to wants and needs, and provided confidence at closing by attending the final inspection and closing meeting. Matt M. described Kim as "extremely knowledgeable about the local real estate market and the entire sales process."

Professionalism and process management receive frequent praise. Matt M. reported that Kim "was fantastic to work with throughout the entire sale," ensuring "all of my documents were in order from the beginning, priced the unit appropriately for the market." Clients Gerardo and Fernanda credited the team for helping "establish a realistic listing price and were hands on throughout the entire process from creating the listing through the closing of the sale."

Responsiveness distinguishes the team's approach. Kim O'Connell's "experience and network of contacts made a huge difference," and she "was always responsive, straightforward, and on top of what needed to be done," according to client feedback. William Rogers praised agent Max, stating "We cannot thank Max enough for his efforts! He is truly a great asset to the Christie's Real Estate team!"

Who Benefits Most From This Approach

Christie's International Real Estate Mexico appears particularly well-suited for international buyers seeking luxury or investment properties in the Mexican Caribbean who value proper licensing, established processes, and the security of working with a globally-recognized brand. The firm's emphasis on guidance through the legal and structural aspects of Mexican real estate makes them a strong fit for first-time buyers in the market who need patient, thorough education alongside property selection.

The team's multilingual capabilities (English, Spanish, and French) and cultural fluency position them effectively for North American and European buyers. Their laid-back, no-pressure approach ensures clients feel comfortable and confident throughout the process, with expert guidance and personalized support from the first inquiry to the final signature. Sellers of high-value properties benefit from the firm's connection to Christie's International Real Estate's global marketing reach and the recently established relationship with Compass, the largest residential brokerage firm in the US by sales volume, with more than 34,000 US real estate agents offering a potentially rich referral pipeline.

Connecting With Mexico's Luxury Property Specialists

Whether you're exploring beachfront living in Tulum, considering an investment property in Playa del Carmen, or searching for a permanent residence along Mexico's stunning Caribbean coast, Christie's International Real Estate Mexico brings two decades of local expertise combined with the reach and recognition of an internationally respected brand. Their team of licensed, multilingual professionals stands ready to guide you through every aspect of the Mexican real estate experience with the knowledge, patience, and professionalism that has earned them consistent client recognition. Reach out to discover how their comprehensive approach might serve your specific property goals in paradise.