Shermel A. Jeffers Chandwani | Managing Director | SAJ Real Estate SKN
Mrs. Shermel A. Jeffers Chandwani is a name that has become highly respected in the real estate and interior design industry in St. Kitts and Nevis and across the Caribbean. She is the Managing Director of SAJ Interior Designs and Real Estate Services, a company that has grown into one of the most trusted and progressive real estate consultancies in the region. Her journey into this field is one of dedication, vision, and strong professional background, particularly with her years of experience in banking that have shaped the way she manages her business today. With more than US $300 million in property listings, her portfolio speaks volumes about the scale and prestige of the work she handles for her clients, both buyers and sellers. At EliteX, we are proud to have Mrs. Shermel A. Jeffers Chandwani as Cover Story of the edition: The 10 Most Trusted Property Consultants to Watch, 2025.
Before she stepped into real estate, Shermel built a solid foundation in the banking industry. She spent thirteen years in the sector, where her strong financial knowledge and client service skills quickly set her apart. From 2005 to 2012, she worked as the top Personal Lending Officer at RBC Royal Bank of Canada in St. Kitts, earning over 25 awards for Royal Performance in the “Sales” category, not only locally but across the Eastern Caribbean islands. This experience in banking allowed her to deeply understand mortgage financing and lending processes, and this knowledge has become a defining feature of her real estate practice today. Her ability to guide buyers through mortgage approvals and financial planning is one of the unique advantages her company offers, making her service stand out from many others in the region.
Her path into entrepreneurship was inspired by encouragement from a close friend. At a time when she was reconsidering her career direction after years in banking, a friend reminded her of her ambition, people skills, and ability to sell with ease. His words inspired her to open her own business and enter the world of real estate. That decision changed the course of her professional life. Over the past ten years, she has established herself not only as a property consultant but also as a leader in offering luxury real estate services with a personalized touch.
“My vision is for SAJ to become a powerhouse broker across St. Kitts, Nevis, and the Caribbean.”
Shermel’s company, SAJ Interior Designs and Real Estate Services, is not limited to buying and selling property. What sets it apart is the added financial guidance clients receive. Many buyers, especially those from abroad, are not always familiar with the local banking processes for mortgage financing. SAJ provides a clear advantage by not only advising clients on how to secure financing but also connecting them with the right banks and even scheduling appointments on their behalf. This extra level of care helps ensure that clients are fully prepared financially before entering into a property deal, which saves time, builds trust, and makes the process much smoother.
Her qualifications and knowledge of both financial services and real estate have given her the tools to provide an unmatched level of client service in St. Kitts and Nevis. She served as Secretary to the FND Credit Union Supervisory Committee for four years between 2013 and 2017, adding to her governance and financial management experience. These combined skills have allowed her to bridge the gap between banking and real estate, something not many consultants in the region are able to offer.
Recognition for her outstanding contributions has not gone unnoticed. In August 2024, her company received the award for “Best Luxury Boutique Real Estate Consultancy in St. Kitts and Nevis” from the Luxury Lifestyle Awards in New York. Just a few months later in October 2024, SAJ Interior Designs and Real Estate Services was named one of the Top 100 Real Estate Brokers of the World by the same organization. In March 2025, she received another international honor when her company was awarded the title of “Leading Luxury Real Estate Consultancy for Personalized Investment Guidance in St. Kitts & Nevis, The Caribbean” by the Global Elite Awards in Switzerland. In May 2025, she received for the second time the award for “Best Luxury Boutique Real Estate Consultancy in St. Kitts and Nevis” from Luxury Lifestyle Awards. These awards have placed her company firmly on the international stage, highlighting its role as a trusted player in luxury property consultancy.
“Every client’s joy when achieving their dream is priceless, and that drives my passion.”
Such recognition has also brought international media attention. Her company has been featured on global platforms such as CEO Magazine, MSN News, New York Herald, and USA Today, further strengthening its reputation. SAJ Real Estate SKN has also embraced technology in a modern way by maintaining a strong presence on several social media platforms and two official websites, sajrealestateskn.com and stkittsnevisrealtors.com. These platforms allow the company to reach a wide audience, both locally and internationally, showcasing properties and engaging directly with potential buyers.
Her business has seen many success stories, and two in particular show her dedication to clients. One involved a client named Robert Fong, a high-net-worth individual who reached out in 2022 after seeing a property online. After a full-price offer was rejected unfairly by the seller, Shermel immediately stepped in to recommend another property. With just one virtual showing, Robert made a full-price offer, successfully secured the property, and also received citizenship for St. Kitts and Nevis through the Citizenship by Investment program. Almost two years later, when he finally visited and saw his oceanfront villa, his joy and disbelief at owning such a beautiful home showed how impactful her guidance had been. Another case involved Mrs. Teshell Ponteen Greene, a client who faced serious delays and issues with her mortgage bank. What should have been a two-month process stretched into five months, and she nearly lost her security deposit. Through persistent follow-up with the bank and constant communication with the vendor, Shermel ensured that the deal closed successfully. Mrs. Ponteen Greene later left a heartfelt review describing Shermel’s patience, professionalism, and care, saying that her lifelong dream of owning land was only possible because of her.
Shermel believes that trust is the most important foundation in real estate. She builds it by showing empathy, listening carefully to clients’ concerns, and always giving them accurate and transparent information. This approach not only secures transactions but also builds long-term relationships. Many of her clients continue to seek her advice and guidance even after their purchases are complete.
Like any entrepreneur, she faced challenges in the beginning. Early on, she would arrange property showings for clients without first checking if they were financially prepared. This often led to wasted time and failed deals. She quickly adjusted her approach, making it a priority to ensure that clients are pre-approved by their banks before moving forward with showings. This strategy change has saved time and made her process much more efficient, while also giving clients a clearer understanding of their purchasing power. She also recognizes the importance of staying updated with property trends and laws. She keeps herself informed through local news and social media, which are essential tools in a fast-changing industry. Technology plays a central role in her business today, from marketing properties on global platforms to communicating with clients through email and other digital tools. These methods allow her to operate efficiently and reach an international client base.
“This business is not all glamour; it demands focus, knowledge, and determination to succeed.”
Her advice to first-time buyers or investors is grounded in her banking background. She educates clients about saving, planning, and understanding mortgage processes before committing to a property. This careful guidance helps them make sound financial decisions and prevents unnecessary stress later in the process. For her, transparency is key, and she ensures that clients fully understand closing costs, timelines, and property details before any deal is finalized.
Looking ahead, Shermel sees the property market in St. Kitts and Nevis continuing to grow in the next five years. She predicts more development, stronger sales, and a rise in second citizenship purchases through the Citizenship by Investment program. Her vision for the future of her company is ambitious yet clear: to establish SAJ as a powerhouse broker not just in St. Kitts and Nevis, but across the Caribbean.
To aspiring property consultants, she offers honest advice. The real estate world is not all glamour and glitter; it requires focus, determination, and deep knowledge of both the market and the client. Success comes from persistence and a genuine commitment to helping people achieve their goals.
Mrs. Shermel A. Jeffers Chandwani’s journey reflects resilience, innovation, and the power of blending financial expertise with real estate services. From her award-winning company to her reputation for care and integrity, she has set a high standard for real estate consultancy in the Caribbean. Her story is one of leadership, trust, and vision for the future, making her not only a successful businesswoman but also an inspiration for others who wish to follow in her path.
