Douglas Elliman relocates Coconut Grove office to CocoWalk

Douglas Elliman has moved its Coconut Grove operations, the company announced.

Located at the epicenter of Cocowalk at 3059 Grand Ave., the expansive first-floor location will house the firm’s roster of Coconut Grove agents and operations, led by managing broker Martha Pomares.

CocoWalk, one Miami’s most iconic retail centers, is currently undergoing a facelift that will include a new mixed-use development featuring offices, public spaces and a wide variety of retail, restaurants and entertainment options.

“The redevelopment of Coconut Grove’s CocoWalk, one of the most iconic outdoor retail destinations Miami has to offer, is a testament to the anticipated strength [of] South Florida’s real estate market,” said Douglas Elliman Florida brokerage CEO Jay Phillip Parker in a press release. “Buyers are looking to South Florida areas where walkability and convenience is present; CocoWalk represents all the qualities of what consumers are looking for and we are excited to offer our agents a space that provides the accessibility and tools to properly service our existing and new clientele.”

Designed to reflect the historic backdrop of its location, the 3,000-square-foot space, complete with an outdoor workspace, will showcase area developments and a portfolio of Douglas Elliman listings.

“Being located in the center of Coconut Grove’s evolving yet historic community gives our current agents and future prospects the opportunity to have central access to one of the most visited areas of South Florida,” said Pomares in a press release. “I look forward to being part of the continued growth and success of our agents and seeing them prosper in this new state-of-the-art space.”

ONE Sotheby’s International Realty acquires Duek Realty

Miami brokerage ONE Sotheby’s International Realty picked up boutique real estate firm Duek Realty. Owned by André Duek and Carolina Lara, Duek Realty’s 17 agents will join ONE Sotheby’s network of more than 900.

“We are thrilled to welcome André, Carolina and the Duek Realty team to our family,” said ONE Sotheby’s International Realty President Daniel de la Vega in a press release. “Miami is known for attracting international buyers and bringing on Duek Realty — a firm that has shown extensive expertise in assisting foreign clients — is a significant addition to our diverse and growing team.”

The acquisition marks the firm’s second merger in the last three months and its seventh in the last two years.

“When we first founded our company, it was our goal to be the best boutique real estate firm in Miami,” said Duek, the company’s CEO and founder. “After growing our company and surpassing our goals, we were ready to propel our business to the next level.”

Founded in 2012, Duek Realty quickly established itself as a resource for international buyers, specifically in Brazil, looking to purchase properties in Florida. The brokerage will join the Aventura and Boca Raton offices under their new team name: DUEK LARA Group by ONE Sotheby’s International Realty. 

“Since Duek Realty was founded, our goal was to constantly be on the edge of information, service and expertise for both our clients and agents,” said Lara, broker and co-owner of Duek Realty. “We have always admired ONE Sotheby’s International Realty’s culture and standards, and we are eager to bring their innovative technology and vast global exposure to our team and our clients.”

New CMO at Premier Sotheby’s International Realty

Premier Sotheby’s International Realty has named Nicola Lutgert as its new chief marketing officer.

Lutgert, who joined the brokerage in 2015 as vice president of marketing, will assume responsibility for marketing initiatives across Sotheby’s 40 offices from Southwest Florida to North Carolina.

“I am thrilled to be expanding my role with a leading affiliate in the Sotheby’s International Realty brand,” said Lutgert in a press release. “This is an incredible opportunity to continue growing our market share — both locally and globally — with innovative initiatives and a talented team of professionals.”

NAR boss lands chamber post

National Association of Realtors CEO Bob Goldberg has been named a member of the Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100, according to a NAR press release.

Goldberg joins a panel of chief executives from across the nation who represent business and trade associations.

“I’m tremendously grateful to be welcomed into this collection of professionals assembled by the Chamber of Commerce,” Goldberg said in the press release. “The partnerships forged through this committee will benefit NAR, our 1.4 million members and our industry as a whole, providing an important platform to highlight the most pressing issues within America’s housing and commercial markets.”

As a member of the C100, Goldberg will be privy to two annual chamber meetings and various issue briefings with the organization’s lobbyists and regulatory experts.

The C100 was established in 1958 and is considered “one of the most distinguished appointments in the association community,” according to Sara Armstrong, vice president and managing director of political affairs and federation relations at the Chamber.

“These new members reflect our continued dedication to naming diverse, high-profile leaders to serve on this prestigious committee,” she said.