In an increasingly globalized economy, South Florida experiences worldwide shifts much more intensely than similar U.S. markets. This is especially true for the region’s real estate industry, which has shown strong signs of improvement in recent months, thanks in large part to foreign buyers and investors.
The Master Brokers Forum (MBF), an organization comprised of South Florida’s top residential real estate agents, recently held a high-level panel discussion on “How Global Markets Impact South Florida” at One Thousand Ocean in Boca Raton. More than 100 Master Brokers attended this event, which was held in the new building’s magnificent Penthouse No. 2 – a residence with 8,770 square feet of living space plus two expansive outdoor terraces, providing stunning panoramas of sea, sky and city. Guests enjoyed VIP tours of the condominium’s model residences, a reception with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and networking with their peers.
“We are grateful as always to our friends at One Thousand Ocean, for hosting the MBF once again and doing so in style,” said Terri Kasnic, chair of the Palm Beach MBF. “This property is a gem, and we appreciate the developer’s very generous support of the broker community.”
Following the reception, Jamie Telchin, president of development for LXR Luxury Resorts, welcomed the members and discussed the unique One Thousand Ocean project, which also hosted the MBF in 2009. This was followed by the panel discussion, moderated by Master Broker and WPLG Local 10 real estate analyst Liz Caldwell, and featuring Dr. Andrea Heuson, professor of Finance at the University of Miami School of Business, and Darcie Lunsford, real estate editor of the South Florida Business Journal. The two luminaries discussed the current real estate market, the benefits and disadvantages of a weak U.S. dollar, the value of learning a second (and third) language, and the future of business and real estate journalism.
“Dr. Heuson and Ms. Lunsford delivered an informative, lively, and educational panel discussion, filled with cutting-edge data and perspectives we can use in our businesses right away,” said Carolyn Block Ellert, chair of the Broward MBF. “The opportunity to learn from panelists of this caliber, and to visit amazing properties such as One Thousand Ocean, makes the Master Brokers Forum experience truly distinctive.”