South Florida Agent Magazine

26/07/2024

RE/MAX Advance Realty (RAR) recently acquired RE/MAX Unique in Miami Lakes, the firm’s seventh acquisition of a local RE/MAX brokerage since 2020.

RE/MAX Unique’s 20 agents will join RAR, increasing the company’s total number of agents to 180. RE/MAX Advance now has offices in Hollywood Beach, Davie, Miramar, North Miami, South Miami, Kendall, Key Largo and Key West.

RE/MAX Advance Realty acquired RE/MAX Unique in Miami Lakes, the firm's seventh acquisition of a local RE/MAX office since 2020

25/07/2024

Where are South Florida clients looking to buy a second home? Take our survey and let us know.

Where are South Florida clients looking to buy a second home? Take our survey and let us know.

24/07/2024

Real estate is in Mary Forman’s DNA. As a third-generation Realtor and native Floridian, she possesses a deep knowledge of the region, with expertise that extends across sought-after areas like Fort Lauderdale Beach, Las Olas Isles, Rio Vista, Coral Ridge, The Landings, Lighthouse Point and Pompano Beach. “I live and work in the neighborhood where I grew up,” she notes. “Being a Florida native, I have an organic knowledge of so many neighborhoods, which has proven to be extremely beneficial when working with buyers and sellers.”

Mary Forman - Real Estate Advisor, One Sotheby's International, Global Real Estate Advisor - ONE Sotheby’s International Realty

Real estate is in Mary Forman’s DNA. As a third-generation Realtor and native Floridian,...

24/07/2024

The newly crowned Miss Florida USA, Peyton Lewis, is a real estate agent with Premier Sotheby's International Realty ‘s Southeast Orlando office.

Lewis, 26, was born and raised in Orlando. She has competed in pageants since age 14 and won Miss Osceola County at 18 and was crowned Miss Lake Nona before winning her current title. She graduated from the University of Central Florida and specializes in selling investment and residential properties.

Miss Florida USA, Peyton Lewis, is a real estate agent with Premier Sotheby's International Realty's Southeast Orlando office.

22/07/2024

Reston, Virginia-based Stanley Martin Homes expanded its reach in Tampa with $60 million of land deals that have secured almost 1,200 homesites for future development.

The builder amassed the land portfolio over the last six months and anticipates the first closings to take place next year.

The deals were made by Stanley Martin’s Tampa/West Florida Division, which covers a range of counties but focuses on a swath from central Pasco County to north Manatee County. The builder plans to continue building a Tampa-area land pipeline through 2025 via additional acquisitions.

Stanley Martin Homes recently made $60 million of land deals that have secured almost 1,200 Tampa-area homesites for development.

19/07/2024

Fortune International Group recently closed on a 46,373-square-foot site at 1210 Brickell Ave. in Miami’s Brickell neighborhood, where it plans to develop ORA by Casa Tua, a 77-story condominium tower.

The luxury development will offer 533 fully furnished residences that will be available for short-term rental upon purchase. Sales began last year.

Patagonian Investment Internacional LLC sold the property to Fortune, which recently closed on a $36,080,000 pre-development loan from Amerant Bank. Groundbreaking is expected to begin next year.

Fortune International Group bought a site in Brickell, Miami, where it plans to develop ORA by Casa Tua, a 77-story condominium tower.

18/07/2024

Miami is the 10th-best city in the United States for renters in 2024, an impressive ranking given its 25th place finish in last year’s annual survey from RentCafe. Charleston, South Carolina, once again took the top spot.

The survey compared 149 cities based on 20 metrics that affect renters, including cost of living, average apartment size, share of new apartments, unemployment rate, commute time and air quality, which in turn were grouped into three primary categories: cost of living and housing, which were given a 50% weight, local economy, weighted 30%, and quality of life, weighted 20%.

Miami took first place for local economy, with the highest number of new business applications over the last year (476) and the third-highest income growth for renters, at 58.3%.

Miami is the 10th-best city in the U.S. for renters in 2024, RentCafe said. It ranked 25th in last year's annual study.

17/07/2024

A senior vice president of mortgage lending with Guaranteed Rate, Rick Elmendorf is celebrating 30 years in the business, where he’s an expert in VA loans and was ranked among the top three nationwide for VA loan productions a few years ago. The Scotsman’s Guide has named him in the top 1% of originators in the country since 2005 and the top 50 loan officers in the nation from 2014 to 2019. The author of the book “The Loan Officer Revolution” and author of “3% Lower,” he has published articles, given speeches, provided interviews and been on numerous podcasts. A certified military relocator (CMR) and certified military and veteran lending professional (CMVLP), he has received an “A” grade from and was named a military influencer in Washington, D.C., in 2019.

Rick Elmendorf at Guaranteed Rate NMLS # 485091, SVP of Mortgage Lending - Guaranteed Rate

After graduating with a degree in mathematics and a minor in French, Rick Elmendorf...

17/07/2024

"Treat real estate like you would treat life. Commit 100%." — Filippo Incorvaia, founder/broker, FI Real Estate

17/07/2024

Forté Development secured a $47.5 million construction loan for Forté Luxe, a 17-unit luxury townhome project in Jupiter. New York-based 360 Capital Funding provided the loan.

The multi-level residences are located on a peninsula that juts into the Intracoastal Waterway. Pricing ranges from $4.35 million to $8 million. Construction on the development, located at 12450 Crystal Cove Place, is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Residences will encompass 3,550 to over 5,000 square feet of living area. Features will include full-height glass doors and windows, private garages and interior elevators, waterfront terraces with built-in gas grills and elevated balconies.

Forté Development secured a $47.5 million construction loan for Forté Luxe, a 17-unit luxury townhome project in Jupiter.

16/07/2024

Despite record high prices, two factors are creating opportunities for homebuyers this summer: falling mortgage rates and rising supply, according to a new Redfin report.

Homebuyers are finally gaining some purchasing power now that mortgage rates have dropped to their lowest level since March, and home supply is rising.

The report found a homebuyer with a $3,000 monthly housing budget can afford a $447,750 home at the current daily average mortgage rate of 6.85% as of July 11. This represents an increase of $22,500 in purchasing power compared to April, when the average mortgage rate was 7.5%, allowing them to afford a $425,500 home.

Despite record high prices, two factors are creating opportunities for homebuyers this summer: falling mortgage rates and rising supply.

16/07/2024

The Starboard Group at Coldwell Banker has brought on Abbey Busch of the Busch brewing dynasty as an agent.

A resident of Delray Beach, Busch comes to South Florida from St. Louis. Her family’s move into real estate was made through the joining of the Busch and Assouline family offices to form Assouline Busch Capital, which purchased the Red South Beach Hotel for $33 million in 2022.

The Starboard Group at Coldwell Banker has brought on Abbey Busch of the Busch brewing dynasty as an agent.

16/07/2024

The Keyes Company broker associate Aileen Guzman to district sales manager of the firm’s Miami – The Falls office, which serves South Miami, Pinecrest and Palmetto Bay.

In her new role, Guzman will oversee, develop and expand the sales team of the office, which is located at 8745 SW 136th St. A real estate veteran of over 20 years, Guzman started at Keyes under regional manager Eli Santurio, who helped build the brokerage’s presence in the Doral market.

The Keyes Company promoted broker associate Aileen Guzman to district sales manager of the firm’s Miami – The Falls office.

15/07/2024

Despite spending more time than ever at home, more than half of Americans admit to hiding from their neighbors, according to a survey from Top Rail Fence.

The fencing company surveyed over 1,000 Americans to learn about the way homeowners interact with their neighbors and found that 65% actively hide from them, while 45% interact with neighbors monthly or less often.

Respondents also admitted to pretending they don’t see their neighbors, staying inside when neighbors are outside, acting like they’re not home to avoid interactions, wearing headphones while outside and acting like they’re on the phone.

Younger generations are far more likely to partake in these avoidant activities: 75% of respondents aged 18 to 29 said they avoid their neighbors, as well as 74% of people aged 30 to 44 and 70% people aged 45 to 60. In comparison, only 38% of people aged 60 and older admitted to avoiding their neighbors.

Fencing company Top Rail Fence surveyed over 1,000 Americans and found that 65% actively hide from their neighbors.

15/07/2024

PMG Residential, Lion Development Group and LNDMRK Development are building a 372-condominium tower in Miami’s Overtown neighborhood, One West Twelve Residences (ONE W12).

Over half of the property’s units were sold in the first month of sales, which are being led by PMG Residential. Residences start at $300,000 and include fully furnished studio and one-bedroom units, plus a limited number of one-, two- and three-bedroom townhomes. Features include integrated kitchens with custom countertops, backsplashes and under-mount sinks; custom shades; Miele appliances; and Italkraft kitchen and bathroom cabinetry.

PMG Residential, Lion Development Group and LNDMRK Development are building a 372-condominium tower in Overtown, One West Twelve Residences.

12/07/2024

Connecticut-based CENTURY 21® AllPoints Realty and Naples-based Realty Quest Inc. recently completed a strategic merger that expands AllPoints’ existing Florida footprint.

The combination will bring the number of AllPoints offices in Connecticut and Florida to 19 and agent count to over 600. The brokerage serves home buyers and sellers in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island and Florida.

CENTURY 21 AllPoints Realty and Realty Quest Inc. completed a strategic merger that expands AllPoints' existing Florida footprint.

11/07/2024

Vertical Developments and Urban Network Capital Group on June 6 hosted a VIP dinner for the launch of ELLE Residences Miami, the fashion magazine’s first residential tower.

The event was held at Le Jardinièr in the Miami Design District and brought together brokers, influencers and developers for the unveiling of what backers are billing as “The New Home of High Style.”

ELLE Residences will rise 25 stories and deliver 180 turnkey condominiums to Miami’s Edgewater neighborhood. Units are priced from the $525,000s and range from 450 to 845 square feet with one or two bedrooms. A collection of penthouses will also be offered.

Vertical Developments and Urban Network Capital Group hosted the event to unveil plans for the condo project, the first residential tower by the fashion magazine.

11/07/2024

ONE Sotheby's International Realty is expanding its reach across the Atlantic with the appointment of London-based Liza Lamar as managing director of Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) relations.

In her new role, Lamar will focus on London and Florida and seek to bridge ONE Sotheby’s United States operations with overseas feeder markets. The 15-year luxury real estate veteran will also serve as a business-development consultant between the brokerage and United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty.

11/07/2024

Summer is underway, and many homeowners are looking for ways to upgrade their outdoor spaces so they can enjoy the heat in style.

The home renovation site Houzz surveyed homeowners who undertook outdoor home renovation projects between May 25 and June 5, 2024, to determine the hottest projects this summer. Here are the results.

Summer is underway, and many homeowners are looking for ways to upgrade their outdoor spaces so they can enjoy the heat in style.

10/07/2024

Guaranteed Rate has rebranded itself simply as Rate and unveiled a new logo, the mortgage company announced Tuesday.

“Rate’s rebrand is more than just a name change; it represents a new era of growth and innovation. The company remains dedicated to delivering high-quality service and leveraging cutting-edge technology to improve the mortgage experience for all,” Victor Ciardelli, CEO of Rate, said in a news release. “This transition to ‘Rate’ marks a significant milestone in our company’s evolution. For over two decades, we’ve been at the forefront of technological advancements in the mortgage industry. Our new name is a natural progression that aligns with our mission to simplify and modernize the mortgage process for our customers and partners.”

The new name conveys a “concise, modern identity that encapsulates the company’s mission to provide efficient and straightforward financial solutions powered by best-in-class technology,” the company said.

Guaranteed Rate has rebranded itself simply as Rate and unveiled a new logo, the mortgage company announced.

10/07/2024

In the industry for 25 years, Holly Walther is lender, branch manager and leader of the Holly Walther Lending Team powered by Success Mortgage Partners. “My team includes highly-skilled professionals who are experts in mortgage, finance, real estate and client service. We are dedicated to delivering superlative customer experiences.” Her commitment to integrity, honesty and problem-solving resonates throughout her team’s approach of providing cogent solutions to any challenges that may emerge during the lending process. Recognized for her mastery of financial intricacies and market insights, she guides clients seamlessly through the ever-evolving landscape of residential mortgage loans.

Holly Walther / Mortgage Professional NMLS # 507972 — Holly Walther Lending Team powered by Success Mortgage Partners

Check out the full story below!

With parents who were both in the real estate business, Holly Walther was destined...

09/07/2024

13th Floor Homes recently purchased the former Woodlands Country Club in Tamarac, where it plans to develop The Woodlands, a luxury community of 335 single-family homes.

The sale price of the 270-acre site was not disclosed, but local publication Tamarac Talk put it at $14 million, citing records.

Homes in the community, located at 4600 Woodlands Blvd., are expected to be priced from the $700,000s to over $1 million and range from three to five bedrooms with customizable floor plans.

13th Floor Homes purchased the former Woodlands Country Club in Tamarac, where it plans to develop The Woodlands, a luxury community.

08/07/2024

Former Douglas Elliman Real Estate agent Bonnie Heatzig The Luxury Real Estate Authority recently joined COMPASS Florida’s Boca Raton team as executive director of luxury sales.

Heatzig has over 20 years of experience in luxury real estate and specializes in working with high-net-worth clients. Heatzig has sold more than $170 million in real estate over the last four years, according to an announcement.

Bonnie Heatzig will work from COMPASS Florida's Boca Raton location.

05/07/2024

House hunters from Colombia made the most international web searches for South Florida real estate in May, closely followed by Germany and Canada, according to a new report by the Miami Association of Realtors.

Potential buyers from 149 countries searched MiamiRealtors.com, which has three consumer-facing property-search portals, in May. Colombia, which also accounts for South Florida’s top international property buyers, has now finished in the top-two countries searching Miami real estate for the last 26 months.

House hunters from Colombia made the most international web searches for South Florida real estate in May, MIAMI REALTORS said.

03/07/2024

A design and style connoisseur since the tender age of four, Rose Harris knew instinctively that her eye for detail and design complemented her business acumen. Thus, real estate became her passion. “Knowledge and experience matter. The right real estate agent makes all the difference.” Her clients know that she would never sell them a home she wouldn’t buy herself.

Rose L. Harris, Senior Global Real Estate Advisor, Luxury Real Estate Agent
ONE Sotheby’s International Realty

Check out the full story below!

Rose L. Harris is a senior global real estate advisor and luxury Realtor at...

02/07/2024

Oak Row Equities recently acquired 49 NW 5th St. in downtown Miami, where it plans to develop First & Fifth, a 45-story luxury apartment tower.

The private equity and real estate development company purchased the site for $38.5 million off-market. The property is located across from MiamiCentral Station, the hub of South Florida’s four main train systems: Brightline, Metrorail, Tri-Rail and the Metromover, and features a “perfect” transit score of 100.

Oak Row Equities acquired 49 NW 5th St. in downtown Miami, where it plans to develop First & Fifth, a 45-story luxury apartment tower.