For our second annual Managing Broker’s issue, Miami Agent found nine of the most happening places to work in Miami. These real estate offices have discovered how to be hip, fun and exciting, while still demonstrating professionalism and finding success. Under the guidance of a managing broker who sets the tone for the entire office, these are the nine places where agents can’t wait to get to work in the morning.
The managing broker serves a number of functions in every office. In the real estate industry, each agent has the opportunity to be an independent individual, but can always rely on the managing broker for guidance and instruction. The head of any business has a tough job, but it’s always easier at a productive and enjoyable office with a fantastic staff.
In our cover story, you’ll see profiles and pictures from nine completely
different offices with their own flare and way of doing business. These pages can help you as a managing broker yourself, or as an agent, find out what makes these electrifying offices tick, and formulate methods to grace these pages next year.
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South Beach Estates
1260 Washington Ave., Miami Beach
www.southbeachestates.com
www.etruriaonthebeach.com
Kimberly T. Henry
Broker/Owner
Years as managing broker: 2
Years in real estate: 5
Number of Agents: 16
Anticipated 2008 sales volume: $100,000,000
Anticipated number of 2008 transactions: 5
In what realty area does your office specialize?
We specialize in full service, with quite a bit of luxury deals. Between Roy Hansen and myself we have grossed over $50 milllion. We feel that all buyers are special. We are currently partnered with a prestigious Italian company with over 600 offices in Europe. Therefore, we are looking at the European market, which I predicted would be important when I began two years ago. This is also why we call our agents “estate agents.”
How would you describe the “vibe” of your office?
Our office is relaxed, but professional. I once had a good broker who explained that if he didn’t want to hang out with you as a friend, he wouldn’t want to work with you. There are a lot of money-making machines in this industry, but, at the end of the day, if you don’t get along with everyone, it breeds contempt in the office, and I hate a contentious office. I always have music playing, plenty of light and life. We know that our job is to make deals happen, but we should be able to laugh and enjoy each others’ company. Besides having the most visible office in South Beach, it is also the most attractive, with Italian furniture, Delanoesque walls and more.
Why is your office a great place to work?
Aside from having a fun and caring atmosphere, South Beach Estates’ philosophy is simple “Bring First Class Service back to Real Estate!” For us to be truly successful, we must have integrity, offer full service, hard work, professional competence, cooperation, accountability and follow professional ethics. South Beach Estates has an experienced team of real estate professionals dedicated to providing maximum attention and service on an elite level. Representing both buyers and sellers from around the country and the world exposes our team to a vast array of cultural and individual needs. We take pride in understanding our clients and helping them reach their specific goals as they relate to real estate. Additionally, our company is multi-ethnic. This was always important to me, as I was the first black managing broker in Miami. We also have agents with varying educational and professional backgrounds.
What benefits do you offer your agents?
We offer competitive splits and do not nickel and dime our agents with menial desk fees. We offer an initial marketing program, workshops and training.
What is your office’s best achievement of 2007?
Getting five condo conversion developments was our biggest achievement. Also joining teams with Professione Casa, one of the largest luxury real estate development companies in Europe. I am happy to be able to service a new brand of customer, while still moving our economy along in Miami.
How do you plan to stay on top in 2008?
I plan to keep doing what I’m doing, while keeping my soul pure in the meantime. Good business comes with good karma. I hire agents who are in it for the long haul, and I make sure to always have a good work ethic.
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Majestic Properties
35 N.E. 40 Street
Miami Design District
www.majesticproperties.com
Jeff Morr
Broker/Owner
Years as managing broker: 13
Years in real estate: 25+
Number of agents: 200+
Anticipated 2008 sales volume: $1,000,000,000
Anticipated number of 2008 transactions: 1,600
In what realty area does your office specialize?
We have four prime locations: Miami, Miami Beach, downtown Hollywood and Tampa. We are a full-service, fully integrated company with expertise in residential, commercial, developer representation, property management, leasing and international sales. Under the Majestic umbrella are: Moooi Miami, a cutting edge furniture and lighting experience; Genesys Funding, a dynamic residential and commercial mortgage company; and Kor Communications, a marketing and PR agency. Both our agents and buyers hail from around the globe.
How would you describe the “vibe” of your office?
Our office is young, dynamic and vibrant. Energy is everything and that’s how we built Majestic! By providing the finest level of service and employing the best resources, Majestic and its sales associates are known for their leadership, innovation, dedication and ability to stay ahead of the curve.
Why is your office a great place to work?
We are a group of creative and energetic individuals with one common goal: to exceed our customers’ expectations each and every time.
Describe your company culture.
We have defined and implemented a premium brand and place of employment that captures the hearts and minds of our staff, sales associates and end consumers. Our laissez-faire and positive approach to management enables Majestic employees to dream big. We help fuel them with passion and provide the fundamental tools they’ll need to make their blue sky painting a reality. We encourage out-of-the-box thinking and empower all with the proper marketing, advertising and technological tools, as well as the latest educational resources.
What benefits do you offer your agents?
We offer our agents complete access to our internal advertising and PR agency, Kor Communications. Services include design of all postcards and brochures, design and distribution of e-flyers, top-notch in-house photography, public relations, IT department and a global internet presence. Additionally, we offer financing services through Genesys funding and design services through Abode, our in-house design/build company. We are a privately owned, non-bureaucratic company that offers more tools than the big boys, mainly because we are able to make fast decisions and endeavor to always stay ten steps ahead of the competition.
What is your office’s best achievement of 2007?
Identifying new opportunities and maintaining a positive attitude and environment in the midst of one of the industry’s most trying times is a great achievement. Growing our sphere of influence and capturing market share while providing even greater benefits to our agents is also something that makes me proud.
How do you plan to stay on top in 2008?
By working harder and smarter than the competition and by always keeping our eye on the ball. We’re just launching our new global Web site, which has been under development for over a year and will set a new benchmark for real estate Web sites. We will continue to forge new relationships with international developers and bring top notch real estate properties to market. We’ll continue to hold our heads up high and never compromise ourselves.
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Metro 1 Properties, Inc.
120 NE 27 Street #200, Miami
www.metro1properties.com
Tony Cho
Broker/Owner
Years as managing broker: 2
Years in real estate: 7
Number of Agents: 24
Anticipated 2008 sales volume: $85,000,000
Anticipated number of 2008 transactions: 50
Why is your company a trendsetter?
Meeting the demands of today, Metro 1 Properties continues to lead the way by becoming one of the first “green” brokerages in Florida. The launch of Metro 1 Properties’ Sustainability Services Division brought a myriad of green services that include site selection, design and marketing consultation, new construction, existing buildings and affordable housing. As a member of the United States Green Building Council, Metro 1 Properties has integrated sustainable growth and development in the firm’s infrastructure, creating a platform for real estate professionals to flourish in a niche market. The firm has created stringent guidelines for their urban associates, now requiring minimum standards of LEED AP status for each associate, in addition to educational requirements not found in other firms.
The firm’s continuing efforts to “go green” include a wide range of practices, from recycling to increasing efficiency and reducing waste by converting to a paperless office. Metro 1 Properties is also on the forefront of technology, offering agents capabilities such as a Microsoft Exchange server that syncs with PDA’s in real time; virtual private networks and remote pc access, which equates to hefty time savings; reduced gas emissions associated with office travel; and increased productivity and efficiency. In addition, the firm offers agents one-on-one broker support in a team-orientated environment so everyone can achieve aggressive, targeted sales goals in a cohesive environment.
Not only is Metro 1 Properties working to improve the environment, Metro 1 Properties also contributes to local community organizations and charitable partners through volunteer efforts and financial contributions. Metro 1 Properties features a charitable organization at the firm’s rotating monthly “Metro Mixer,” a networking event where South Florida’s top professionals meet to strengthen business relationships. The featured charities achieve a tremendous amount of exposure from the appropriate audience, those who can afford to donate, courtesy of their partnership with Metro 1 Properties. From working with the homeless to neighborhood housing authorities, Metro 1 Properties strives to help make a difference in the community.
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Stewart de la Vega, LLC
1537 San Remo Ave., Coral Gables
www.stewartdelavega.com
Consuelo Stewart, Broker/Owner
Years as Managing Broker: 4.5
Years in real estate: 30
Mayi de la Vega, Agent/Owner
Years as Managing Broker: 4.5
Years in real estate: 9
Number of Agents: 74
Anticipated 2008 sales volume: $3,000,000+
Anticipated number of 2008 transactions: 200
In what realty area does your office specialize?
Our office specializes in Coral Gables, Key Biscayne, Coconut Grove, Pinecresta and the Beaches. The buyers are local, and many of them are foreigners that come from different countries.
How would you describe the “vibe” of your office?
We feel that it is great to have a bubbling and outgoing personality. It is important to succeed both in business and out of the office, as well have a cohesive ambience and friendly associates.
Why is your office a great place to work?
One of the reasons our office is a great place to work is that it is conveniently located, with easy access to parking. We also have an international culture, as our associates are from different parts of the world.
What benefits do you offer your agents?
The main thing we offer our agents is 100 percent support! We have a great team that goes beyond their job description to accommodate our agents’ needs. We are always willing and able to help our agents, from creating a listing presentation package up until the listing sells. With an in-house marketing department, turn around time is never a problem. Our listing/contract department reviews everything file by file to ensure a smooth transaction. All of these benefits and more are offered at no fee.
What is your office’s best achievement of 2007?
We are proud of winning the award for Favorite Luxury Real Estate Service in Miami Agent magazine, selling from the $1,000,000 to $1,500,000 range and getting new clients from different countries.
What are your market predictions for 2008?
It is going to take all of 2008 to get the correction the market needs to absorb the tremendous numbers of condos already finished and under construction.
How do you plan to stay on top in 2008?
We plan to stay on top by being very persistent and following up on every lead. We will also continue to network with our fellow professionals.
In a few words please tell us why your company is a trendsetter.
Since we are a small boutique real estate company, we are very dedicated to serving the client. We always make an effort to go the extra mile. We make sure the buyer gets an orientation of the community, visits schools, knows where to find shops, parks, hardware, gourmet and grocery stores. We want to ensure the buyer has a pleasant experience and a smooth transaction.
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Fisher Island Real Estate, LLC
One Fisher Island Drive, Fisher Island
www.fisherisland.com
Phyllis Winick
Managing Broker
Years as managing broker: 12
Years in real estate: 30
Number of Agents: 4
Anticipated 2008 sales volume: $100 million
Anticipated number of 2008 transactions: 25
In what realty area does your office specialize?
Our office exclusively covers Fisher Island residences. We specialize in sales of new construction on Fisher Island, as well as re-sales of existing condominiums in the area. Fisher Island owners come from 40 different countries from around the world. The ideal South Florida weather, the proximity to downtown Miami, the privacy and security of Fisher Island and the excitement of South Beach all create an interesting and exciting lifestyle for our residents, making Fisher Island one of the best places in the world to live.
How would you describe the “vibe” of your office?
Our sales representatives have been with our office from four to 15 years. They know the area well and are experts in assisting new clients with the selection of their new home. They are professionals in every way and our success is a matter of teamwork, along with having a great product.
Why is your office a great place to work?
Fisher Island Real Estate is a friendly and welcoming office, but we are always professional. It is absolutely wonderful to spend time in such beautiful surroundings, and it makes things easier when you sell what you love.
What benefits do you offer your agents?
Each of our associates enjoys a beautiful private office. Our company provides all of the support and costs to enhance the effectiveness of our sales associates.
What is your office’s best achievement of 2007?
In 2007, we are proud to have closed all of the condominiums in Palazzo del Mare, our latest building, without losing one sale.
What are your market predictions for 2008?
Many of the largest fortunes in the world were built on real estate investments, and we believe property on Fisher Island remains a fabulous opportunity. I feel Fisher Island sales will be substantial with our office closing approximately $100 million in re-sales alone. Even in a difficult market with global economic fluctuations, the Island will have new clients who want to make this wonderful area their home.
How do you plan to stay on top in 2008?
Given the strength of the Euro, we will focus more of our efforts on the international market; however, historically, 50 percent of our buyers have been from the U.S. and I expect that to continue.
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First Service Realty GMAC
13155 SW 42nd Street, Suite 200, Miami
www.FSR-GMAC.com
Eddie San Roman
Broker/Owner
Years as managing broker: 21
Years in real estate: 25
Number of Agents: 324
Anticipated 2008 sales volume: $410,000,000
Anticipated number of 2008 transactions: 1,350
In what realty area does your office specialize?
We specialize in residential realty; however, we have agents that also specialize in business opportunities, such as the buying, selling and leasing of commercial properties. We have offices throughout Miami, as well as satellite offices in the entire state of Florida.
How would you describe the “vibe” of your office?
Our office is intense and demanding, but also fun and invigorating. We provide a shot of motivation, whether you need it or not.
Why is your office a great place to work?
Unlike any other brokerage, GMAC’s culture is unique in its service approach. GMAC sales consultants are Premier Service Certified Trained. They are motivated not only to do the sale, but also to ensure excellent customer service. By having excellent customer satisfaction you reap the rewards of future referral business. Premier Service Agents are held accountable by GMAC, which uses an independent company to survey their customers, which in turn helps us offer 100 percent client satisfaction. The essence of our strength is in our strong leadership team. Our managers are leader, motivators and mentors to our agents and in essence a family.
What benefits do you offer your agents?
One of the main things we offer is a nationally recognized company brand in GMAC. We offer structured training, including 45-hour post licensing. We also offer full IT support, graphic design, seller tracking, monthly marketing/advertising credits, company wide showcase listing on realtor.com at no charge to agents, group health insurance agents and their families and much more.
What is your office’s best achievement of 2007?
Adapting to the changing market and making the necessary adjustments has been a great achievement this year. The ability to recognize and understand all the different models and the challenges that come with them was also a great achievement this year. We’ve also kept our work force in tune with the changes and motivated them to go back to basics to maintain a level of income similar to the past.
How do you plan to stay on top in 2008?
We plan to stay on top by looking at 2009 and 2010. We feel early planning to trends and being able to use the GMAC resources on forecasting the market will help. GMAC gives us an edge over our competitors by keeping us ahead.
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Papillon Real Estate, LLC
115 Madeira Ave, First Floor, Coral Gables
www.PapillonRealEstate.com
Janie Coffey
Broker/Owner
Years as managing broker: 1
Years in real estate: 2.5
Shelly Montalvo
Broker/Owner
Years as Managing Broker: 1
Years in real estate: 2.5
Number of Agents: 4
Anticipated 2008 sales volume: $20,000,000
Anticipated number of 2008 transactions: 20
In what realty area does your office specialize?
Papillon Real Estate focuses predominantly on equestrian properties, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Miami Springs and luxury rentals. Horse owners have specific needs when looking for a property and we are familiar with those needs, be it fencing, pasture, barns, pens — we pride ourselves in taking everything into consideration. Florida is a wonderful place to own a horse and often people are unaware of all the options in each county. Our office is in the heart of historic Coral Gables and just 10 minutes from Coconut Grove, where every home is unique, some dating back to Miami’s pioneer days.
How would you describe the “vibe” of your office?
Our office is a perfect reflection of the managing brokers, professional and hardworking, but we always have fun. There is always laughter in our office, because we are both doing exactly what we love and believe; people pick up that vibe immediately upon entering. Our previous landlord recently told us that she “misses the wild laughter.”
Why is your office a great place to work?
Papillon Real Estate is the result of a lot of hard work and dedication. We appreciate our company, each other and all the qualities we each bring to the table. We pride ourselves on respect, honesty and integrity.
What benefits do you offer your agents?
We are proud of our beautiful office and its wonderful location. We have prime advertising space on realtor.com that few other brokers can boast, we advertise in various publications and keep our finger on the real estate pulse. We have no desire to recruit a lot of agents, but rather we’d like to integrate the right agents into our team where they will have a specific and unique role to play.
What is your biggest achievement of 2007?
We started our company in October 2006, in a down market and on very limited funds. Despite this, we were finalists in the Coral Gables 2007 business of the year “Diamond in the Rough” category. However, our biggest achievement has been to never give up and keep smiling; we have made it through some tough times and learned a lot to get where we are today. We have just been awarded the exclusive sales and marketing of a 1,200 AC Exclusive Equestrian Development two hours from Miami. We have been brought in as part of the development team and are working hand in hand with the developers on every aspect of this world-class equestrian community, which will raise the bar for such developments.
What are your market predictions for 2008?
This year has been a tough year for real estate in many ways. We have seen homeowners and investors experience financial and mental stress. Buyers have been biding their time for a “deal/steal,” and we think they will finally become impatient and start looking seriously again. This last year was also good for the real estate profession. With the pre-construction and flipping madness of the previous years, we all knew at least five people in real estate. Too many people just wanted to make a fast dollar and in 2007 only the true professionals are able to survive. We believe this year raised the bar for our profession and this will transcend into 2008.
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Platinum Properties International
357 Almeria Avenue Suite 101, Coral Gables
www.platinumcondos.com
Miguel Flores, Broker/Owner
Years as managing broker: 7
Years in real estate: 10
Melissa Rubin, Broker/Owner
Years as managing broker: 4.5
Years in real estate: 6
Number of agents: 25
Anticipated 2008 sales volume: $35,000,000
Anticipated number of 2008 transactions: 70
In what realty area does your office specialize?
We specialize in clients that are relocating to Miami from South America, Europe, Canada, New York and Chicago. Our clients are predominantly second home owners. Whether it is homes, pre-construction condominiums or resale, we cater to their needs. Our areas of expertise expand from Homestead through Hollywood. Our concierge approach to real estate allows us to fulfill all of our clients’ needs; from securing financing through our mortgage division to filling their refrigerators with food, recommending decorators, attorneys, theatre tickets or even a date. We do it all so our clients can focus on their lives in South Florida. We also sell existing properties. We have an extensive background in marketing and a large reach in the community through many of the boards we sit on.
How would you describe the “vibe” of your office?
The vibe of our office is hip and professional. Everyone has a fantastic time when working in the office; yet, we are serious about our businesses and are there to work. We are more like a family than independent contractors.
Why is your office a great place to work?
Our agents know that they are supported 100 percent in everything that they do. Having two managing brokers allows them to have contact 24 hours a day and answers to their questions immediately. We have a comfortable, state-of-the-art office, and we often get together outside the work place. We all have a mutual respect and trust for each other; one where we help each other, rather than compete with each other.
What benefits do you offer your agents?
Some of the benefits we offer are no desk fees, excellent commission splits, payment for errors and omission insurance, we offer a membership to a chamber or networking group of their choice after they close their first transaction, company created e-mail brochures and blasts to over 20,000 agents at no cost, reduced costs on print materials, in-house individual training, monthly education updates and leads for potential clients.
What is your office’s best achievement of 2007?
In 2007, we helped raise $1 million for Mount Sinai Hospital, and professionally we focused on how to increase sales in a declining market. There is always business to be done and we believe in a self-fulfilling strategy. What you believe is what you will achieve. There has been so much negative press and if we paid attention to it, we would all be changing careers. Our market has changed and we are adapting through unique marketing tools, expanding our customer base and keeping a positive attitude.
How do you plan to stay on top in 2008?
We plan to educate ourselves and our clients, find the great deals, provide excellent customer service by keeping in contact with our clients regularly and we plan to become better listeners as a way to fulfill all of our clients’ needs.
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Keller Williams Miami N.E.
700 NE 90th St., Miami
www.kw.com
David Carlisle
Managing Broker/Co-Founder
Years as managing broker: 11
Years in real estate: 21
Number of agents: 110
Anticipated 2008 sales volume: $185,000,000 to $200,000,000
Anticipated number of 2008 transactions: 400 to 440
In what realty area does your office specialize?
Our Keller Williams Miami NE office opened its doors in the Miami Shores area just over four years ago. Currently, with just over 100 agents, our office has captured the dominant market share in closed sales in the North East Miami Dade market. Our agents are involved in every type of real estate transaction, single-family, condo, business, commercial and leases. The majority of our success has come from the sale of single-family homes, which comprises the majority of our immediate marketplace. In Miami, I don’t believe there is such a thing as typical buyers, especially because they come from all over the world.
How would you describe the “vibe” of your office?
The personality of our office is professional, warm, friendly and inviting. We have often received comments from visitors that our office is full of energy. We believe this is a result of two things. First, there is the positive buzz of activity that’s generated from the large number of higher producing agents. Secondly, energy is created when agents are empowered through our training and consulting programs that are designed to help them advance their business at all levels.
Why is your office a great place to work?
Keller Williams believes that having a great culture in your office is vitally important and the key to the success of any real estate office. Teamwork and a positive working environment is what it’s all about. Working together as a team, we can accomplish a lot more than a group of individuals. We believe in freely sharing and exchanging ideas and information with one another for the benefit of the whole. Several times a year, many agents come together to enjoy non-business related activities such as a beach bash, bowling nights, pool parties and trips to the Everglades. This way we all get to know one another on a more personal level.
What benefits do you offer your agents?
There are six primary benefits that agents have recognized as the company’s value proposition. First, the attraction of the culture that creates a feeling of family/belonging. Second, Keller Williams Realty is a training and consulting company for agents at all levels. Third, our management style involves participation and feedback from our agent partners in all major decisions. Fourth, Keller Williams Realty offers a retirement plan for their agents. Fifth, the company has a high volume, low margin economic model. This places the majority of the commission in the hands of the agents. It gives them greater profitability and more control of the decisions in their business, such as how to brand their name, rather than the company name. Sixth, agents use Keller Williams technology, which is unsurpassed in the industry, to leverage their business.
What is your office’s best achievement of 2007?
The shift in the market has created challenges for everyone in the real estate industry. With every shift of the market there is always an opportunity. This year we are proud to have increased our market share and continue to be profitable. We are moving in the right direction to realize our mission statement: “To be the company of choice for real estate professionals and the public alike.”
How do you plan to stay on top in 2008?
This will require agents to hyper focus on the basics of lead generation and sharpen their skill levels. Two emerging opportunities to pursue include prospecting/marketing to find and help people in short sale dilemmas, and to create relationships with bank REO departments that lead to foreclosure sales.