Vladimir Golik is an owner/partner with Keller Williams Realty Premier Properties in Miami.

Every week, we ask a Miami real estate professional for their thoughts on the top three stories from the week before.

This week, we talked with Vladimir Golik, an owner/partner with Keller Williams Realty Premier Properties in Miami who has been in real estate for more than 30 years and currently manages one of the largest real estate companies in Miami with more than 150 agents. 

Miami Agent (MA): Our coverage on the most popular kinds of homes in Miami generated quite a bit of interest among readers; what amenities and features have you found to be the most popular with your buyers?

Vladimir Golik (VG): Our company represented approximately 435 buyers last year. For the purchaser that will be living in the house (not an investor), the most excitement is almost always focused on the two rooms that are the most expensive – the kitchen and baths. Quality and practical features are the main attraction. In a kitchen, it could simply be a double oven for those who enjoy cooking and entertaining, or a fancy built-in coffee machine. Granite counter tops and islands remain very popular. As far as baths, who does not enjoy a large and comfortable shower area? The small ’50s and ’60s bathrooms are out; younger buyers want space, mirrors and excellent lighting. High tech items throughout a home, such as cameras and TV monitors, are a plus. Most homes do not need to be large to demand top dollar; it’s what is inside that gets buyers to pay the big dollars.

MA: Florida’s foreclosure timelines have also been a consistent topic for us; do you run into foreclosures at all in your markets? And when do you think Miami will get through its foreclosures?

VG: We handle a considerable amount of foreclosure listings. I think the days of purchasing foreclosures is diminishing quickly. In 2011, 50 percent of our sales were distressed – last year it was 35 percent. My guess is the average consumer is going to have less access this year, and even less next year, for two main reasons: one is lenders do not want take a person’s home; it’s much more feasible and less costly to the bank to short sell, or workout a payment plan. The second, and the game changer, is that large public REIT’s and private investment funds are buying bulk purchases directly from banks as well as individual units, mostly single-family, up to $250,000. This alone will squeeze out the average buyer and small investors.

MA: Finally, many read our special feature on top producers; what would your advice be for agents looking to break through to top producer status?

VG: I have personally hired, trained and consulted hundreds of agents, many who turned into what the industry calls a “Top Producer.” There is no one simple formula. The truth is a lot of it starts with DNA. Anyone can be taught to sell a house a month, but to sell 50, 75 or a 100 units per year, that is a different story. For one, you must possess a strong drive and have discipline. The agent needs to be willing to learn systems and proven models. At our company, for example, we offer training every day and coaching for those who want to excel and be held accountable. My advice for any agent who is looking to excel is, invest in yourself and treat your real estate practice as a business.