Inspire Women Fall 2019

Her journey began at the
Ministry of Works and Engineering
in 1991. “I happened to fall into the
career. I took a 6-month program in
the Estate’s Department. During the
6 months you have to decide if you
want to continue.” She did and obtained
her 2nd degree from Sheffield
Hallam University in the UK. Her
first degree was from Mount Saint
Vincent University, Canada. After
completing her studies in England,
she returned home to continue working
for the Ministry of Works and
Engineering. Mrs. DeGraff sought to
challenge herself further by taking
a step into the private sector and
joined Rego Sotheby’s International
Realty where she was employed as a
Valuer for 12 years.
In 2016, she birthed MainPoint.
“I’m grateful for the excellent foundation
and experiences I’ve gained.
These opportunities helped me
venture forward on my own. Now
I put all my hard work, energy, enthusiasm,
gumption and prayer into
MainPoint.” Three years later, she
has an impressive team of 8 agents,
offering a host of services from
sales, rentals, property management
and maintenance.
Mrs. DeGraff advises property
owners to listen to the advice of their
agent. “If your property needs work,
the listing price must reflect it.” A
home appraisal is important because
it determines the estimated market
value of your property. “Appraisals
are required for many different
purposes. Bank, probate, divorce
settlements, estate planning and if
you desire to know the value of your
property.” Top aspects when determining
property value? She says,
“Location, condition, floor area and
acreage. The better maintained a
property is the greater the value.”
For Mrs. DeGraff the best part
of her job is being out in the field. “I
didn’t want a job that involved being
in the office all day. I like flexibility -
being out, coming back to the office,
meeting new people, seeing what’s
on the market.” She says as an Agent
and Appraiser, she gets the best of both
worlds. “I love visiting properties, admiring
Bermuda’s architectural beauty,
seeing tucked away streets as I travel
from the east to the west!”
She advises young Bermudians
to consider the valuations profession.
“There are only 6 firms who carry out
valuations. We need the next generation!
It’s a great career option, a
rewarding job and a good pay-check!”
Mrs. DeGraff says she’s grateful
for her husband Alvin, and her
daughter Yasmin, who have been her
greatest supporters.
MainPoint Real Estate is a full-service
agency. Whatever your real estate
needs may be “Let us be your Main-
Point of contact!”
Erna DeGraff, BA, BSc, M.R.I.C.S.
Tel: 441-335-0984.
Email: mainpointrealestate@gmail.com.
Website: www.mainpointrealestate.com
I enjoy working
for myself. It allows me
to provide a level of
service to my clients and
prospects that I feel they
will benefit from. It also
provides me with more
flexibility to meet my
clients’ needs.”
AMBIKA SCOTT,
MOONGATE
REALTY
“I enjoy working for myself. It allows
me to provide a level of service
to my clients and prospects that I
feel they will benefit from. It also
6 Inspire WOMEN