Sophie Bamps is a Realtor associate with Engel & Völkers working in Miami Beach.
Every week, we ask a Miami real estate professional for their thoughts on the top three stories from the week before. This week, we spoke with Sophie Bamps, a Realtor associate with Engel & Völkers.
Miami Agent (MA): As it stands, Miami’s luxury market is doing incredibly well and growing. However, some experts believe looming land shortages and continually rising prices threaten to send Miami into a second bubble. Where do you see the luxury market going in the next five to 10 years?
Sophie Bamps (SB): The Miami market in general is doing incredibly well. We have been experiencing an amazing recovery. With over 150 new developments in both Miami Dade and Broward, we are seeing a big transformation.
The prices are still rising, and I believe the difference this time is that Miami is developing in multiple areas and not just one (mainly Brickell the first time).
Miami has been back on the map as a luxury destination where investors from all over the world want to invest and be a part of. They want to make it their primary residence or second, or third, or at least buy the property as an investment.
But Miami is not just developing for the sake of developing. I am seeing a lot more “smart development,” such as new museums, galleries, art centers, parks, etc., all for the betterment the community.
Hopefully we learned our lesson from the first bubble and prices will stabilize.
MA: Miami is an incredibly diverse market with buyers coming from all around the world. How do you stand out in a competitive market that features so many different cultures?
SB: There are thousands of real estate agents in Miami, and I believe everyone has a niche – you only have to find yours.
I, for instance, am fluent in French and Dutch. I have had the opportunity to travel to N.Y., Monaco, Paris and Shanghai. I make amazing connections and meet amazing people to whom I present the many investment opportunities currently happening in Miami.
MA: Customer service is one of the corner stones of a successful real estate business. What do you do to provide excellent customer service?
SB: I provide the most comprehensive level of buyer and seller services available.
Some Realtors tell their clients what they want to hear. I tell it like it is. I consider myself more of a real estate advisor, not a sales person. I will help you throughout the entire process, from finding that perfect house for you to guiding you through all the sometimes complicated contracts and clauses of a transaction.
If you are a seller, I will use all the latest and most effective forms of marketing. I will make sure to involve you throughout the process of selling your home, from beginning to closing.