Karen Matluck, Luxury Real Estate Consultant, Compass FL LLC, Aventura
What was your most interesting job before going into real estate?
Mens’ Clothing store in Omni Hotel back in the late 80’s. It was the Cartel era, and the amount of Money being spent on EVERYTHING was incredible.
Where did you grow up?
All over the world…Colombia; Canada; Torremolinos, Spain; Palma de Mallorca, Spain; France; Canada again; Colombia again and ended up in Miami Beach in 1976.
Growing up, what did you want to be?
If I remember I wanted to be a Stewardess. I grew up seeing the movies and TV shows that made it seem so fabulous. Traveling, meeting people, the uniforms.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
Walk my puppy without my phone in my hand. Read and watch TV, all without my phone nearby. ANYTHING without my phone nearby.
If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?
Golda Meir: Born in the Ukraine in 1898 and migrated to the U.S. Became a teacher and later moved to Israel becoming the First Woman to hold the post of Prime Minister of Israel. She helped found the State of Israel. It has always amazed me and would love to just sit with her and hear her story, her thoughts and her reasons behind everything she accomplished. When people talk about firsts, she was really the first.
Where is South Florida’s best-kept secret?
All of Miami is South Florida’s best kept secret. There is something for everyone. If your child is learning to skateboard, head on over Haulover park. If you are looking for art, Wynwood, and the design district. Food? Everywhere, boardwalks, beaches and more. It’s never boring here. We have lagged behind New York, LA and all the major cities. It took Covid to bring Miami out of the closet.
What do you love most about the industry?
Meeting people. Hearing their stories and what makes them tick. The moment when they know they have sold and/or purchased something.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
I think the most difficult aspect is waiting for agents to confirm showings. Then, having them change the appointment once you have already confirmed the times of five others. There should be one way to make appointments. Nowadays: Showing Assist, What’s App, texting, emailing, and hopefully a phone call. It’s crazy.
What’s your best advice for generating new leads?
Be positive. Enjoy what you do. It comes through when you talk to people. If you don’t know something, admit it and get back to them with the right answer quickly. PICK UP THE PHONE.
What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately?
I just read QBVII. Had not read it in over 30 years. Amazing how the more you think we change, we don’t. Always listening to MatluckMusic. (You will too once you hear him). Started to watch Lillyhammer. HYSTERICAL.
What’s your favorite meal in South Florida?
I have a few favorites: La Nouvelle Maison in Fort Lauderdale, Casa D’Angelo in Aventura, Le Zoo in Bal Harbour, Bella Luna in Aventura Mall, Cheyhana Oasis in Sunny Isles
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in South Florida?
I love the Freedom Tower. It represents… freedom. I love the Residence by Armani building, especially when the sun sets. One Thousand Museum designed by Zaha Hadid is also quite special.
What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job?
I don’t know if weird but a while ago, I had a listing at Trump in Sunny Isles Beach. I try to get to my appointment early and I got to know this wonderful security manager. She was lovely and we always joked around. One day I get a call from someone she gave my name to. He bought with me 3 years later and then sold with me 2 years after that. When I first met them, It would never have occurred to me to show them multimillion dollar units. They asked and I did. You can never ever judge a book by its cover. The most unpretentious and low-key wonderful people ended purchasing almost a $5M unit with me after 3 years of searching. This also taught me that you never know where your next buyer or seller is coming from.
What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
I’m pretty much an open book. I love old movies, reading the classics is my new thing. I love comedy and EDM music, food, wine and travel, museums and of course people. Oh, and I can also be very patient.
What’s your favorite vacation spot and why?
I love so many places: Italy, Spain and Israel would have to be my top three. Warmth of the place comes through the people. So much to see and do and eat. Something for everyone.
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Take professional pictures always, pick up the phone and smile.
Who are your favorite people to follow on social media?
All on Instagram: @TheBlondeFlamingo, @WeibiConcepts, @Positive.Inspirational.Quotes, @TheRealDeal