Michael Valdes

SOL Sotheby’s International Realty
Miami

What was your first job in the realty industry?
My first real estate job was sales manager for the Carlos Justo Team at SOL Sotheby’s International Realty.

Who inspires you?
I am inspired by Carlos Justo for his leadership in real estate.

What is your favorite free-time activity?
I enjoy discovering new areas in this world and broadening my horizons. I just got back from Macedonia, which was a new country for me.

What was your most difficult sale?
I just sold the largest home on Fisher Island for a record price and, unfortunately, the buyers were going through a divorce, which made the access to these clients extremely difficult. The fact that they weren’t from the country made the sale even harder.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
I think the most difficult thing is having a seller modify their expectation of value. Convincing a buyer that no one can predict the bottom of a market is also difficult.

Where do you go to network and meet new clients?
You have the potential to meet new clients everywhere, including at the gym, restaurants, social events at friendís homes, on a plane, etc. I am always on the go, and since we deal with a high-end clientele and product, our audience is very targeted.

What has been your greatest accomplishment?
Being named the first Latino director of UBS Swiss Bank Private Banking
in the United States

What was the last good movie you saw or book you read?
There are two books I constantly re-read which are ‘The 48 Laws of Power’ and Machiavelliís ‘The Prince.’

What is your favorite restaurant?
Prime 112

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Miami?
Freedom Tower

What is your personal motto?
Careful who you cross on the way up, you could meet them again on the way down.