The Pantiga Real Estate Group has opened a location in Morris Park.
The new store, located at 847 Morris Park Avenue, opened after a ribbon cutting celebration on January 6 attended by community leaders and local politicans.
Sonny Vitaj, chief of staff at Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj’s office, Nunzio del Greco, president of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce and Edward Angelino, vice president at Power Express Mortgage Bank were among attendees.
Manny Pantiga, owner of the realty said he chose the new location because it allows for better community interaction since the old store was on the second level and this location is on the ground floor.
Pantiga says he looks forward to getting involved in community organizations and building relationships.
“We have 25 agents, we’ve created jobs, and we hope to provide our community with great real estate services, and also a good resource,” he said.
The owner says many residents come by just to ask questions and interact in a non-business related manner.
Pantiga came to the Bronx from Cuba in 1997 and has lived in the borough ever since.
He’s proud of his background and the fact that the group is registered as a minority-owned business.
“I’m part of the Bronx and the Bronx is part of me,” he said, “If you can dream it and are willing to work hard for it, no matter how much the odds are against you, you can accomplish it.”
Pantiga has overcome many obstacles since he started the business six years ago, during a time when any business, let alone real estate, was struggling due to the recession.
Today however business is thriving and the realty group has grown to be one of the top agencies in the Bronx.
“I’m so happy about it,” said Mohamed Zahirudin owner of D Kingsbridge Upholstery and Pantiga’s new neighbor. “It’s good for me because they fixed up the building,” he said.
Lately everyone wants a piece of the Bronx, and Pantiga says he has noticed store fronts popping up at a rapid rate recently.
“I think its a positive indication of where the Bronx is going,” said Pantiga. “It’s good because it changes the way the borough is perceived, creates jobs and helps the local economy…it’s good for everyone.”
Pantiga Realty is a member of the National Association of Realtors.
