1. What fuels your passion for luxury real estate?
That’s a loaded question! I’ve always had an interest in the value of homes. I remember riding a bicycle around my neighborhood as a young kid and having discussions with my friends about the value of different homes. However, what really fuels me is helping my clients through my expertise. I wake up every day extremely motivated to improve my skills and study luxury home trends, in order to provide the best service possible.
2. How has your experience as a former professional baseball player influenced the way you provide real estate advice to professional athletes?
Catering to professional athletes is a very important and growing part of my business. I certainly understand, can relate to and appreciate their needs and mindsets. My experience as a professional athlete influences the way I advise my clients in numerous ways. For example, all great athletes are goal driven, and they create a detailed plan on how to achieve a specific goal. They work very hard towards achieving that goal. I expect this same level of discipline from myself as a real estate professional. Most importantly, that is exactly what I provide my clients; a customized, detailed plan that will help them achieve their real estate goals.
3. What are the key trends happening now that you expect to have a large impact on South Florida?
As an increasingly global city, Miami always attracts buyers from all over the world. Brazilians and Europeans have increased their focus on Miami recently. In the luxury market, one very interesting trend is an increase in buyers from the Northeast USA, especially New Yorkers, moving to South Florida. They are attracted to the warm winters, luxurious Miami lifestyle, and the benefits of federal and state tax laws just for establishing their residence here in the Sunshine State.
4. What were some of the steps you took for setting the record for highest price per square foot in Coral Gables on a listing sold within 60 days?
The first step is always to determine what the needs of the my clients are. From there, I prepare a detailed competitive market analysis. This helps helps us determine the appropriate pricing, and how long the home will take to sell.
Next, I determine the buyer profile for the home. Who would fall in love with this house and why? I then become laser-focused on marketing towards that specific profile – no matter where in the world that buyer is located. At times, I may be already working with the perfect buyer for the home.
Finally, we create a targeted marketing campaign to attract that specific buyer. This includes using the latest in digital marketing, promoting at events, prospecting our global network, and positioning the property in select luxury publications, to find the right buyer as soon as possible
5. What are some of the neighborhoods you’ve noticed experiencing more buyer demand and what do you think are the forces creating that?
As an increasingly global city, Miami always attracts buyers from all over the world. Brazilians and Europeans have increased their focus on Miami recently.
In the luxury market, one very interesting trend is an increase in buyers from the Northeast USA, especially New Yorkers, moving to South Florida. They are attracted to the warm winters, luxurious Miami lifestyle, and the benefits of federal and state tax laws just for establishing their residence here in the Sunshine State.
6. Whether it be due to listing price or unique circumstances, what is your most significant sale as of late?
My most significant recent closings have been 1921 South Bayshore Drive, which sold for $3.7M, and 5030 Davis Road, which sold for $4.9M. I represented both buyer and seller in the sale of these exceptional properties.
7. How have you overcome the typical challenges associated with scaling your services so quickly?
My most significant recent closings have been 1921 South Bayshore Drive, which sold for $3.7M, and 5030 Davis Road, which sold for $4.9M. I represented both buyer and seller in the sale of these exceptional properties.
I am blessed to be surrounded by inspiring mentors that have always guided me in the right direction. One important mentor of mine is Irving Padron, the broker at Engel & Völkers Miami.
I have also grown from challenges I faced while building my first company, Quality Fitness. Although, these two industries are extremely different, the principles are the same: selling a specific lifestyle and providing luxury, detailed service.