Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty offers an EPIC theater experience.

By Evangelia Ganosellis ~ Photos Courtesy Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty

In the ever-evolving world of luxury real estate, first impressions are everything. Whether it’s a breathtaking ocean view from a villa terrace or the exquisitely designed entrance to a residential resort, the initial experience can shape a buyer’s entire perception.

Making that moment memorable is crucial—because when it comes to luxury properties in Turks & Caicos, there is no second chance to make a first impression. To make that first impression an impactful one, Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty (TCSIR) has just set a new standard with the unveiling of Epic Theater, a groundbreaking real estate platform and one of only two in the world, at their flagship office in Grace Bay.

Imagine stepping into a space where you can immerse yourself in the Turks & Caicos real estate market without having to drive around, hop a ferry, or catch a flight to another island. At the heart of this experience is a massive 16– x 9–foot wall screen, powered by EV virtual reality technology. This innovation allows buyers, sellers, and developers to visualize properties and projects in unprecedented detail, dramatically reducing search times for clients and allowing agents and brokers the opportunity to tour properties in a way never done before.

Joe Zahm, president of Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty, was the driving force behind the company’s new Epic Theater. It features a massive 16- x 9-foot screen using 3-D technology.

But Epic Theater is not just a viewing experience. Above all, it’s a strategic tool designed to enhance decision-making, whether you’re a developer showcasing a new project, a seller aiming to optimize a listing, or a buyer seeking the perfect fit. With interactive 3-D mapping, MLS integration, and immersive presentations, Epic Theater is transforming how the real estate industry operates in Turks & Caicos.

To delve deeper into this visionary project, we sat down with industry leader Joe Zahm, president of TCSIR and the driving force behind Epic Theater. In this Q&A, Joe shares his insights on how this innovative platform is redefining real estate interactions, fostering community connections. and solidifying TCSIR’s leadership in the market.

What inspired the creation of the Epic Theater?

In March 2022, I attended the grand opening of my friend Tye Stockton’s new Vail, Colorado office. He introduced what was called Immersion Theatre™. He had a 16– x 9–foot screen representing the Vail village in a way that completely blew me away. It was everything that I had in my head about my 30+ year career in Turks & Caicos, demonstrated through 3D technology and virtual reality. 

I felt compelled to pursue it at all costs. Fortunately, my partners Nina Siegenthaler (vice president) and Richard Sankar (director and broker) offered their unwavering support in bringing Epic Theater to Turks & Caicos. With Nina being a leader of the ultra-luxury home market and Richard being a mentor of our agents, their support in bringing this project to life was critical. And of course our General Manager Denise Douglas executed all the details beautifully, as usual.

For someone walking into the new Experience Center for the first time, what can they expect to see and feel?

The visceral and visual impact of Epic Theater is second to none due to the combination of having virtual technology bring things to life and the vast screen size. When a person comes into our theater, they’re now able to get an incredible macro-view of the Islands in a very short time. They’re also able to drill down on individual properties and see interiors as close to reality as possible.

How does Epic Theater represent the future of real estate in Turks & Caicos?

I believe this is such a game changer primarily because it’s such a time saver. Our jurisdiction has a commonality with Vail in that we are high-end vacation markets. Since the average length of stay on a vacation is five to seven days, people have to be efficient in their shopping.

A potential purchaser comes into our office and let’s say they’re looking at eight properties. Instead of spending a day driving around the island, ruling four places out, they can do that in 15 minutes here. It truly is an incredible time saver. And because of the large screen, it’s much easier to learn. The engagement level is very high, and people can comprehend and absorb information quicker and more effectively.

How do you see this tool transforming the way developers market their projects?

Epic Theater combines interactive 3-D mapping, MLS integration, and immersive presentations to enhance decision-making and save time. It is one of only two such real estate platforms in the world.

First, I think it helps developers and their team understand the product better. We’ve had multiple examples of having developers in Epic Theater coming up with ideas to increase strengths and mitigate weaknesses within their products.

It also brings to life new developments. Instead of buying from a one-dimensional plan on a sheet of paper or looking at their phone, a laptop, or a tablet, buyers are able to come into the theater and see the new development come to life on a big screen. There is a dedicated app that allows us to look at inventories, square footages, floor plan layout, amenity set, interior and exterior animation—everything.

I’m grateful that developers are also finding Epic Theater to be the ultimate “Don’t tell me, show me” tool. Their support has been invaluable, specifically The Strand, South Bank, The Point by Grace Bay Resorts, Villas at Blue Mountain, M-House by Beach Enclave, Ambergris Cay, Idyll East, Sailrock on South Caicos. Their belief in this project has been a vital force in making this transition possible.

How can sellers benefit from having their property featured in the Epic Theater experience?

Our property owners who are interested in selling come into Epic and feel valued that we have made such a significant investment to showcase their property in such an impactful way. They also understand that when we have serious prospects here shopping, this is a far better way for us to make an impact with a potential purchaser than linking a listing or a website, for example.

In what ways does the platform help secure a hesitant buyer or showcase occupied rental properties that can’t be easily toured?

We had a purchaser at an important development of ours who had made a decision to buy a particular property. They wanted to meet with me over the weekend to not only look at the property again, but also browse other options. We were prepared to drive them to three other properties and developments in Provo. But first we sat with them in the Epic Theater, and within 15 minutes, they ruled out those other developments or properties. Then they upgraded to a larger villa! Something that would have taken hours and days and weeks, we did in 90 minutes—and the only thing left to do was to buy them a bottle of Champagne for their anniversary.

One unique aspect is the 3D mapping that shows the full Turks & Caicos archipelago. How does that help buyers make more informed decisions?

I think for a new visitor or buyer, it takes awhile to get your feet under you. There’s the saying “Losing the forest for the trees.” When you’re in the “forest,” you don’t have a macro understanding of where you are. What knocked me out when I saw Tye’s presentation in Vail was that although I had lived in, skied, and visited Colorado, it was the first time I really understood it on a macro, geographic level.

How does this new platform align with your broader strategy to grow market share and cement TCSIR’s leadership in the region?

We’ve been an industry leader for a long time. When you’re in a leadership position, people catch up. When I saw this technology in action, I thought: This is our future. I felt it was going to be a real game changer in our jurisdiction because we’re a project-driven country.

How has Epic Theater affected communication and learning within the TCSIR team?

This is the most fantastic learning tool. When we have our team meetings, when we have deep dives on products, introductions to listings, the engagement level of our team is 10 out of 10. We’ve been able to create a dynamism with regard to our own internal communication, which has led to greater learning and empowerment of our people. 

Are there any collaborations planned with tourism or industry partners to expand its reach?

We are already collaborating with other businesses. We recently did a Beta test of a market report and I had Grace Bay Resorts COO/Principal Nikheel Advani come in. He and I had a conversation about the relationship between tourism and real estate and the impact the post-COVID era has had on average price and room rate. We also work with developers, architects, and designers to have a design showcase and feature various players in the industry.

To foster strong community connections, we’ve already hosted United Way and kids from local schools in the space, and plan to continue hosting groups and events as Epic Theater evolves. We intend to use this not just for business, but also in the industry and community.

How do you envision this evolving over time?

This project will never be done! It is an organic work in progress in concert with the evolution of Turks & Caicos. We have new projects to activate, projects under construction, and completed projects that transition from rendered to real. We have other islands, like the apps for Sailrock on South Caicos and Ambergris Cay. We’re going to be modeling exclusive neighborhoods and singular trophy homes as well.

What’s been the most exciting part of developing Epic Theater for you personally?

Actually getting it done. This was not an easy project because we’re the first client for this. Whenever you’re the first one, you’re learning as you go along. Tye became the vendor providing Epic Theater to us. It’s been incredibly rewarding on a personal level because it really has contextualized and demonstrated my career here.

Turks & Caicos real estate is there for you on a big screen, and you’re able to go by project, by neighborhood, by individual listing, by history—all connected to the MLS in real time. It’s been amazing to synthesize, integrate, and then present in such a dynamic way.

I’m grateful for Nina and Richard’s continued support as Epic Theater grows and evolves. They’ve not only shared in my excitement, but also continue to prove its value in our day-to-day business—and we all can’t wait to see what comes next for Epic Theater. Our theater and tech is epic, and we are showcasing an epic destination, lifestyle, properties, and experiences.

Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty (TCSIR) is the premier luxury real estate brokerage firm. It boasts a profound track record and significant foothold in all market segments, particularly new development and trophy properties. TCSIR is the go-to resource for developers, investors, home buyers, and sellers in this highly sought-after destination. With strong leadership backed by the world’s greatest international luxury real estate brand and a strong team of agents, TCSIR is influential in both the local community as well as the greater real estate industry worldwide. 

The firm’s signature office is ideally located in uptown Grace Bay with satellite offices at Grace Bay Club, The Palms, Point Grace, and South Bank. For more information visit www.turksandcaicossir.com, email in**@**************ty.com or call (649) 946-4474.