2019 South Florida Real Estate Guide

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Legendary Branding

With a local expertise and international branding behind him, Juan Aluma and his team have an ever-expanding portfolio.
By Eric Edelman

Together with co-founder Victoria Fisher, Juan Aluma and the rest of his team, along with the ONE Sotheby International Realty brand, represent homeowners looking to sell their homes in addition to real estate investors looking to grow and expand their real estate portfolios. Whether it’s residential and commercial sales, marketing and property development—from boutique hotels to luxury properties—Aluma possesses pertinent experience in countless real estate realms of expertise. A native of Colombia, he grew up in New Jersey and has lived in Florida since 1996. After studying Industrial Engineering in college, he later became a stockbroker, and after two years of trading, discovered a profound passion for real estate, earning his license in 1998. He is fluent in Spanish and English.

Give us a full idea of the scope your business provides as your personal expertise.
We offer over 26 years of combined real estate experience to help bring to market your home and give it worldwide exposure. Our goal is to use a cross-channel marketing strategy and all of the tools available to us that will allow us to capture the highest number of prospective buyers in order to sell your property at the highest price in the shortest amount of time.

What is the core philosophy of your business?
Our core philosophy is to always do right by our customers and show the highest levels of ethics and professionalism. We take pride in everything we do, and we strive to always maintain high professional standards in this industry. We are relationship builders. Our clients can count on us long after their transaction is completed.

There are a lot of real estate professionals in South Florida. What do you do differently than the competition?
Our dedication to our clients, professionalism and experience sets us apart. We are always innovating and staying ahead of the curve when it comes to marketing your home by leveraging the amazing resources that a prestigious brand like Sotheby’s provides, with our large social network and technical marketing expertise which allows us to consistently break records and sell our listings at the top of the market. Most of our business is referral-based.

To learn more, call 305.733.8782 or visit juanaluma.com.

A Grand Slam Options

Mike Brunnberg helps his clients—both individuals and businesses—take their real estate goals to the next level.
By Eric Edelman

Swedish-born Mikael Brunnberg made a name for himself as a top 100 professional tennis player. Unlike others in his industry, this helped him learn firsthand the importance of ethics, recruiting good talent, working as a team and mentoring those that come after you. During this time, he amassed a network of personal and professional relationships that would prove useful in his real estate career, in an industry he has been dominating for 20 years and counting.

Brunnberg specializes in commercial and luxury residential real estate, and, as a branch manager, continues to facilitate the growth and improvement of independent sales associates so they can reach their maximum potential. Under the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury umbrella, he has helped redefine real estate marketing of luxury and upscale properties, in addition to those offered to the international market. He and the associates in his branch have been involved with over 24,000 transactions and homes matching or exceeding $1 million or more since the year 2016. Given his résumé and team, it’s no surprise Brunnberg and the Coldwell Banker Office in Aventura are the leaders in real estate sales for Aventura and Sunny Isles.

What’s the full scope of your office’s services?
We handle luxury residential and commercial sales with more than 65 agents. We also excel at and can provide title and relocation services. We put agents first with our four core values: production power, coaching to confidence, wealth building, and establishing a culture of awesomeness.

You have a unique background. Tell me a little more.
I played on the international professional tennis circuit from 1977 to 1985. I was a graduate of the University of Miami, where I earned a business degree in 1981. I obtained my real estate license in 1985 and have been in management for 19 years, first with Wimbish in Miami Beach; then, in 2002, Coldwell Banker NRT purchased Wimbish and I have been with them ever since. Coldwell Banker has over 18 offices in Southeast Florida, and I manage the Aventura office.

What areas does your office handle, and how does it lead the way for real estate in the area?
We are unmatched when it comes to production. We also lead all the categories as far as units, volume closed, and sales in Southeast Florida. As far as areas of focus, we cover Aventura, Hollywood, Sunny Isles Beach, Golden Beach, Hallandale and North Miami Beach.

To learn more, call 305.459.6290 or visit coldwellbankerhomes.com/fl/aventura/agent/mikael-brunnberg.

A Professional Pioneer

From her days as a stockbroker to present-day real estate veteran, Zunilda Conforte has always been a pioneering professional.
By Eric Edelman

Before she took the real estate industry by storm, Zunilda Conforte broke boundaries in the financial industry in her native Argentina. She quickly made a name for herself as being the country’s first female stockbroker to trade on the floor of the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange back in the late 1970s and early 1980s. This demanding and fast-paced environment prepared her for a career in sales and residential real estate, which she presently performs as a realtor associate at the Cases Realty Group (CRG) in Aventura.

At CRG, Conforte represents clients looking to buy and sell homes through different income levels and life stages, enabling her to help virtually any kind of client, from young couples looking to close on their first home to established professional types hoping to “trade up” to something greater, and she can even assist international clients looking to find the perfect holiday home in South Florida. Conforte and CRG specialize in the South Florida market, particularly Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Hollywood, Bal Harbour and downtown Miami.

Any trends you’re seeing in the present marketplace?
Location, of course, has always been number one, and in today’s market, buyers are demanding Five Star amenities when purchasing condominiums. Catering to an increasingly discerning clientele, new top-tier properties have prioritized luxury living, hotel-style amenities and outstanding architecture and design. It’s a very exciting time to be buying and selling property in South Florida.

What is the core philosophy of your business?
My personal philosophy is perfectly aligned with Cases Realty Group’s core philosophy: providing the absolute best customer service to everyone. Whether our customers are purchasing or renting, whether they are buying their first home or a vacation home, they will be treated with the same level of responsiveness, respect and enthusiasm that speaks to who we are. Our job is to be an advocate, advisor and expert negotiator, to the benefit of our clients. Their best interest is what I am looking out for from our first meeting to the closing date. Excellent sales professionals thrive on repeat business, which has proven to be the case for me at Cases Realty. Leaving our clients with a positive lasting impression will, I hope, ensure they think of me when they are ready to move on to a new chapter in homeownership.

What do you do differently than the competition?
I build relationships that last. Beyond the business transaction, my clients know that I care on a deeper level about their happiness and I go above and beyond to ensure that they have what they need to transition into their new homes. Sharing my rolodex to help with everything from movers to professional organizers, interiors design referrals and whatever else they might need, they know who to ask. Keeping clients waiting for a response is unacceptable in my book. I always, always answer my phone and text messages right away. It’s my job to keep things moving, answer questions and shepherd the process along every step of the way.

To learn more, call 305.409.2221 or visit casesrealty.com/associates/zunilda-conforte.

A Professional Powerhouse

More than a decade after founding her own realty company, real estate veteran Sigal Dagan brings her expertise and renowned Sigal Realty brand to One Sotheby Realty International.
By Eric Edelman

Boasting more than 16 years of experience, Sigal Dagan and her team of experts specialize in executing real estate deals in Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Bal Harbour, Surfside, Hollywood and Hallandale Beach. Prior to joining the One Sotheby Realty brand, Dagan led her own realty company, the Sigal Realty Group, which she founded in 2009. Prior to founding her realty group, Dagan herself listed and closed hundreds of condominium properties in Hamptons South, Peninsula One and Peninsula Two in Aventura, serving in the development and sales groups of both projects. With customer satisfaction chief among her priorities, the multicertified and supremely qualified Dagan continues her legacy of professionalism and excellence in the real estate market. She is fluent in English and Hebrew, proficient in Spanish, and an active participant in numerous Israeli-American community associations, including the Israeli-American Council. Dagan is also a member of the National Association of Realtors.

What areas do you serve?
I specialize in Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Bal Harbor, Surfside, Hollywood, and Hallandale Beach, but thanks to the global network which Sotheby’s International provides me, I can help anyone in the world with their real estate needs by connecting them to one of my affiliate agents wherever they are interested in investing.

What are the advantages of working directly with your realty company versus another?
ONE Sotheby’s is a truly global brand. Aside from the prestige for which the brand is known, it also offer its agents the latest technology, marketing support and exposure (which benefits our clients) as well as the global network of more than 19,000 Real Estate Professionals who are held to the highest level of integrity and professional standards. Sotheby’s International also has 850 offices in 65 countries and we continue to grow globally.

There are a multitude of real estate professionals in South Florida. What do you do differently than the competition?
I go above and beyond for my clients. My priority has always been my clients. I work tirelessly, I’m honest, and I relentlessly pursue every option to make sure they get the absolute best price for the property they choose. I stay educated on market statistics, trends, inventory, mortgage rates and I know just about every floor plan in the markets in which I specialize. I have established a great network of professionals who who provide various services in the industry, which allows me to help my clients with all of their needs. Additionally, I raised my two sons here. As a mother raising a family, as a businesswoman, and as a homeowner myself, I have been deeply invested in South Florida for more than 30 years. I am proud to call this my home and share my deep knowledge of this community and what it offers young families, empty nesters and active adults.

To learn more, call 786.797.9088 or visit sigalrealty.com.

Master of Miami and More

With almost 50 years in the Magic City, real estate professional Sylvia Fragos knows the city like no one else.
By Eric Edelm

Having lived in Miami for more than 45 years, Sylvia Fragos arguably understands the area better than many in her business. For 29 years and counting, she has been a licensed real estate broker in South Florida and worked with some of the region’s most influential developers, including Crescent Heights Developers, the Trump Group and Dezer Developers, who broke ground on the now world-renowned Sunny Isles Beach. She has served as sales director for Icon South Beach and St. Regis Bal Harbour, working under the supervision of Related Group. After her success with on-site sales, she opened her own brokerage, the Great Estates International Realty, Inc., largely out of a desire to better serve her clients.

What are some trends you’re noticing in the real estate market?
The trend to eliminate the use of a licensed realtor! What is important for customers to understand is that a knowledgeable, dedicated, resourceful, honest and efficient agent will make a big difference in any given transaction. Real estate is not just about what you can find on the Internet. Many buyers and absentee owners who want to sell are from out of the country or the state and aren’t familiar with the laws that affect their investments. Realtors are held to very strict licensing standards and must be up to date on a lot more than just market conditions. The amount of work and research, coupled with the knowledge of a local agent, can help you more efficiently navigate every aspect of a purchase or sale of a property and that is invaluable.

What is the core philosophy of your business?
To serve my customers honestly and efficiently and instill customer loyalty. I am committed to providing them with exceptional personalized services coupled with experience, knowledge and resources that will assist them in making informed real estate decisions. I mainly serve Aventura, Miami Beach and Miami. But I will go anywhere my customers wish to buy or sell.

What do you do differently than the competition?
I take pride in giving every customer my undivided attention in all aspects of the process of buying or selling. Having been in the industry this many years has given me the opportunity to forge great long-term relationships with fellow realtors and developers alike, so I know my customers are welcomed with open arms whatever properties we visit. I take great pride in the fact that agents want to show my listings because they know their clients will not only see extraordinary properties, but will be treated professionally and respectfully.

To learn more, call 305.904.7847 or visit sylviafragos.com.

The Midas Touch

Alexander Goldstein offers world-class service with one-of-a-kind market access.
By Eric Edelman

Alexander Goldstein is the broker and CEO of Miles Goldstein Real Estate. Offering a boutique, personalized experience to those seeking luxury real estate properties, above all else Goldstein prides himself on the principles of professionalism, discretion and precision, offering his clientele access to some of the most exclusive exotic waterfront and oceanfront properties in all of South Florida. Goldstein is a top-ranked sales agent for the entire United States, and is the top-ranked broker in Golden Beach and Aventura, with his brand-new headquarters located in the heart of Aventura’s high lift marina building. He has the experience and understanding of what an upscale clientele needs and demands, and each associate in his firm is held to the same exacting standards of excellence he holds for himself. He has brokered properties once owned by the biggest names in sports and entertainment, from Sammy Sosa to Jason Derulo. Born and raised in Golden Beach, Goldstein considers his childhood an integral part of his success. A graduate of Pennsylvania State University, he graduated with a triple core degree in business, international politics and psychology, all while playing on the Penn State varsity collegiate water polo team. Goldstein would later on attend and graduate from a private law school in Miami, giving him an inside edge that few agents have. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, Goldstein is infatuated with the real estate industry as a whole and committed to serving his clients at the highest level possible.

What makes your brokerage different?
We are an incredibly diverse firm when it comes to our backgrounds, experience and education. We are able to offer services in a personalized, hands-on way, with in-depth training and studying behind the scenes, that offers clients an unmatched experience. The firm puts a tremendous emphasis on expertise of market knowledge, sales statistics and market trends, factors that most firms replace with contract training, system training and rule training, which ultimately isn’t enough to arm a real estate agent with the tools necessary to guide their clients properly. We like to think of our associates as real estate machines.

What’s unique about the current real estate market?
We’re noticing a tremendous amount of opportunity in this real estate market. There is opportunity right now on both the buying and selling side, and when guided correctly, this is a special time in our markets to make great changes preparing for the future. We’re also seeing people buying, and selling, more intelligent than ever. People are coming to the table prepared with knowledge, statistics and arguments for everything. An associate must be prepared to handle this, and ultimately to work alongside his or her clients to achieve their goals.

What is the driving force behind your business?
TThe core philosophy of our business is to offer the most exceptional service possible, in every way possible. We are constantly studying the markets, trends and statistics to offer the most knowledge we possibly could to our clients. We are seen as advisors. Our associates work in a 24/7 mindset, and they are all passionately committed to their craft. Our knowledge runs far deeper than solely numbers, and often, because we live in the very city we’re selling for many years, our personal experiences come into play massively when it comes to pairing people with their next home.

For more information, call 305.336.6959 or visit milesgoldstein.com.

Master of the Marketplace

Sara Ludmir helps her clients execute their objectives, no matter the goal, no matter the market.
By Eric Edelman

A native of Lima, Peru, Sara Ludmir isn’t a typical real estate agent. Before working in South Florida, she cut her teeth as a real estate professional in one of Peru’s top real estate firms. Moving to Miami in the year 2000, Ludmir became an agent with Coldwell Banker shortly thereafter. Sixteen years later, Ludmir consistently ranks as one of the region’s top real estate professionals. A graduate of Peru’s Universidad Del Pacifico, her educational background gives her a unique perspective and overall understanding of the market that few professionals in the industry possess, as she scopes out opportunities the same way a seasoned economist analyzes market trends and projections. While commitment to professional excellence remains one of her chief priorities, above all else treating her clients like family is what has driven her business’ success throughout the years. Specializing in single-family homes and condominiums, Ludmir’s geographical areas of focus are primarily Miami-Dade and Broward counties, but within these sectors she specializes in the cities of Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Bal Harbour, Bay Harbor, North Miami Beach, Hallandale and Hollywood.

What are some popular trends you’re noticing in the real estate market as a whole?
Listing and selling prices have been adjusting but there are great opportunities that potential buyers shouldn’t miss. This applies to resale and new construction. I strongly believe that the market is great for well-priced properties. As an economist, I analyze in detail each market area, the type of property, the sales data and the months of inventory. These analyses allow me to better anticipate the upcoming market trends in any particular area and provide the right advice to my clients.

What is the core philosophy of your business?
I’m committed to the continued professionalism, enthusiasm and dedication to customer service that has brought me the pleasure of serving so many happy clients over the years. Treating my clients as family is the base of my continued success.

There are a lot of real estate professionals in South Florida. What do you do differently than the competition?
Mastering the combination of the following six skills: negotiation, pricing strategies, market knowledge, remarkable customer service, ability to educate buyers and sellers, and, last but not least, the use of tools that Coldwell Banker offers and its global exposure and connections. These has led to my track record of proven results.

For more information, call 786.258.0817 or visit saraludmir.com.

Forever Groundbreakers

With a legacy of upscale projects, Terra Group continues to raise the bar in South Florida’s real estate development industry.
By Eric Edelman

Since his early 20s, David Martin has been a part of the real estate development business. With his father, Pedro, Martin co-founded the Terra real estate development firm before his 24th birthday. Today, Terra owns a carefully curated portfolio of luxury real estate developments worth over $4 billion. Prior to entering the real estate business, Martin was born and raised in Miami, living in the iconic community of Coconut Grove. He attended the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida, where he earned a law degree. Martin would go on to help Terra specialize in single-family homes, condominiums, townhomes and a number of other upscale luxury products, including the upscale planned community Botaniko in the city of Weston.

What are some popular trends you’re noticing in the real estate market as a whole?
Miami is about people discovering it, people falling in love with it and then moving here or buying a place here. Generally speaking, we’re seeing this shift toward “intelligent luxury,” which I define as buyers looking to be more, rather than looking to have more.

What is the core philosophy of your business?
I think our firm has a diverse product line where we are building design-driven projects for different types of buyers—some local, some international—and we are working with some of the world’s most important architects. We are strong believers in bringing great thinkers and experts to our state and cities who help guide us in the direction that will provide a better living experience and city. A lot of people have different opinions of what makes a better living experience and a great city, and I think getting opinions and ideas in an organized format is something that makes what we do special and unique.

What do you do differently than the competition?
We believe responsible development can improve neighborhoods over the long term, and so we look for places where we can unlock value and meet demand for a specific type of product, be it residential or commercial. We’re doing this in Coconut Grove, North Beach, Weston and Pembroke Pines. I’m extremely hands-on with all of our projects. I collaborate with our architects and designers early on in the development process. I engage members of the community on a daily basis. I get to know our residents on a personal level.

To learn more, call 305.416.4556 or visit terragroup.com.

The Leader of Williams Island

Joel Matus and Williams Island Realty continue to be the go-to for property in Williams Island.
By Eric Edelman

Joel Matus witnessed Williams Island grow and develop into one of South Florida’s most exclusive enclaves and real estate destinations from its inception. He played an integral role in the 7000 Tower and participated in multiple aspects of its construction—from general contracting to project completion and much more. Matus ascended to and remains in the dual role of broker and president of the island’s only on-site realty, Williams Island Realty, where he helms a dynamic and experienced team. Matus holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Washington University in St. Louis, from which he graduated in 1995. That same year, Matus became a licensed realtor in Florida and would go on to obtain his real estate broker designation in 2001.

What services can your customers expect?
We focus and we are very specific, and we handle Williams Island from the Williams Island office. But when we cross over, we cover similar products from our satellite office in Aventura. It’s pretty much the same product—these are exclusive, country club-style offerings. Our average sale price is close to the million-dollar range.

Just how dominant is the Williams Island Realty?
We are doing five times more than the competition on Williams Island. And we take over 50-percent market share in that market, from our Williams Island realty location. There’s no question—you can say, “Oh, we’re the best,” but in our case, it’s not just talk; it’s statistically and publicly recorded. We are handling the lion’s share of the business from our office. There’s no question we focus on Williams Island first, and personally, I am an active broker. To use a football analogy, I’m the owner, manager, coach and the captain. I’m hands-on with all of my clients.

What is about the industry that motivates you to continue to be the best?
I’ve gotten to the point where I’ve been in the business for so many years that I’ve built great relationships. Some are more personal than others, and I love that part of the business. Our goal is to continue to be the leader and the most knowledgeable advisors to our clientele in Williams Island, but we are always learning about the other products that we are selling.

To learn more, call 305.409.0000 or visit williamsislandrealty.com.

Natural-Born Leader

With more than 30 years of experience, Gina Milton continues her excellent standard of service in real estate and related media services.
By Eric Edelman

With over 30 years of managerial experience in marketing—from residential real estate to advertising and public relations—Gina Milton is more than a real estate media expert; she is a veteran of the industry and manager of a massive portfolio of properties as well.

Presently, Milton manages the marketing initiatives for J. Milton & Associates (JMA), South Florida’s premier real estate developer, builder and disseminator of luxury condos and high-rise properties. She also oversees United Property Management (UPM), the sister company of JMA, which has amassed a sprawling portfolio over more than 9,000 units and 24 residential communities. Serving a prominent leadership role in both companies, Milton continues to set the bar for luxury real estate services in South Florida and beyond. Aside from her senior managerial roles as a real estate and marketing professional, Milton is actively involved in numerous philanthropic endeavors, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Guardian Angels, Vizcaya Preservation Society and the American Cancer Society.

What sort of jobs can you handle? 
As a Milton family member, my role in shaping, promoting and broadcasting the JMA and UPM brands to the wider world is personal as well as professional for me. On the JMA side, I am the pivotal liaison between the marketing department and other key components of the development team—architecture, planning, analysis and engineering—ensuring accuracy, unified messaging and a highly focused brand presence. For both firms, the results of my efforts can be seen in our many distinctive and successful ad campaigns, sales collateral, web and social media presence, property signage and much more.

What are some popular trends you’re noticing in the real estate market as a whole?
Since our companies address housing sectors ranging from entry-level renters to luxury high-rise waterfront buyers, I embrace marketing challenges across a broad demographic spectrum. Among these myriad marketing challenges, a singular truth emerges: I feel it’s risky to follow a trend in the look and feel of our sales and marketing presence, as it’s possible to offend the intelligence of customers at any level by setting the wrong (trend-driven) tone. Rather, I hope every visual and online outreach we circulate is forthright, honest, attractive and effective. Perhaps in this way we will set trends rather than follow them.

There are a lot of real estate professionals in South Florida. What do you do differently than the competition?
Perhaps our defining characteristic as a company is our closely held mandate that development, sales and marketing, construction and property management are all internal disciplines that perform optimally when carefully integrated and managed. This has been the case since José Milton established the company over half a century ago, and I strongly believe that holding to this principle will carry JMA and UPM far into the future.

To learn more, call 305.460.6300 or visit j-milton.com.

Unparalleled Partners

Celia Mussman and the team at Decorus Realty are some of South Florida’s most experienced real estate professionals.
By Eric Edelman

Celia Mussman has been selling real estate in South Florida since some of its most prominent communities were first developed. Her knowledge and awareness of the marketplace is unparalleled, because she has seen it go through virtually every stage of growth. She specializes in the selling and reselling of condos in the Skylake, Highland Lakes and Aventura communities, and has done so for 48 years and counting. A seller extraordinaire, her elite prowess has earned her the distinction of being in the top 1 percent for national sales. Individually, Mussman is a master of her trade, but she is not alone. Mussman is a part of the legendary real estate team at Decorus Realty, where she is one of over 170 highly experienced real estate agents. Aiming to provide her clients family-like treatment and personalized attention, she even involves her daughter, Marla Melamud, to assist with special transactions. Prior to her career as a real estate professional, Mussman’s first passion and trade had been education. First arriving in South Florida to find a teaching job, she realized she loved the search for her new home more than teaching in a classroom, resulting in her transition into real estate. A native of Chicago, Mussman is a proud mother, wife and grandmother of four. She is also actively involved in the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, Temple Sinai and Citizens Interested in the Arts, and is a founder of Mount Sinai hospital.

How did you first get involved in real estate?
When I moved to Miami From Chicago in 1971, I had been a reading specialist in a fine suburban school district. So I began a search for a teaching position in Miami, as well as a home for our family. I enjoyed the search for a home far greater than the search for a job, and thus began my career in real estate. Actually, July 1st began my 48th year as a real estate salesperson. I have enjoyed a wonderful success, with very loyal clients who have become friends. I am proud to say that I am now serving third-generation buyers and sellers.

What are some trends you’re noticing in the market?
I have noticed a regentrification of the neighborhoods that I serve. Both investors and users are buying homes, either totally renovating them or tearing them down completely and building beautiful modern new structures. These homes are selling at very handsome prices, while prices in general down from last year by at least 10 to 15 percent.

Where do you focus your talents and what makes you different?
My marketing areas have always been Sky Lake, Highland Lakes and the Aventura area. I know it well, in fact I’ve sold many of the same homes two, three and four times. I have been very fortunate to consistently list and sell 20-25 percent of all the properties in those areas. I’ve always said that I don’t sell homes, I sell people. I focus on the people, not property.

To learn more, call 305.336.5762 or visit decorusrealty.com/realtor/celia-mussman.

Worldwide Recognition

As an expert in selling South Florida luxury real estate, together with world-renowned Berkshire Hathaway, Scott Patterson offers a balance of local expertise combined with global recognition.
By Eric Edelman

Starting his real estate career in the mid 1990s, as senior vice president Scott Patterson has worked exclusively for EWM Realty, which recently joined the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Global Network. Patterson remains not only committed to EWM, but to each and every one of his clients. He possesses an unwavering dedication and has consistently been one of South Florida’s top performing real estate professionals through his illustrious and accomplished career. Patterson offers his talent and expertise to clients from Miami to Fort Lauderdale, specializing in marketing and selling luxury waterfront real estate in Aventura and many other South Florida communities.

What is the core philosophy of your business? 
You can’t replace hard work and passion, but also remembering the basics—such as keeping in touch with my clients, answering my phone, being knowledgeable and working for the client to build trust and a lifetime business relationship. Being hands-on is extremely important.

What’s special about being associated with Berkshire Hathaway? 
Berkshire Hathaway is an iconic brand and has expanded our reach around the world and provided us with access to the power, presence, and prestige of the revered Berkshire Hathaway brand. More than 50,000 sales professionals, over 1,500 offices worldwide and more than $114 billion in annual sales proves the strength of the brand. Access to the best in the industry gives you access to better results and when you think of Berkshire Hathaway you think of luxury, stability and trust.

What do you do differently than the competition?
When you hire Scott Patterson you actually get Scott Patterson. As simple and obvious as that sounds, it’s not always the case in the real estate team environment of today. I understand this business well and have the support system and technology to make me efficient, which allows me to do what my clients hire me to do: personally represent them. Experience cannot be replaced and when you’ve been in the business as long as I have, you get the experience and knowledge that clients hire me for, so who better to show your property or represent you on your purchase than me?

To learn more, call 954.661.8871 or visit scottpatterson.com.

A Top Performer

As a consistent performer for her clients and her realty, Denise Rubin continues to prove that she is one of South Florida’s best real estate agents.
By Eric Edelman

With 30 years of experience and counting, Denise Rubin is an award-winning, one-woman powerhouse of a realtor. In the saturated real estate market of Miami, Rubin continues to be one of the region’s top producers. From CEOS to socialites, musicians to professional athletes, Rubin’s list of clientele is as impressive as it is vast. Wherever Rubin has worked, she has quickly risen to become a top real estate agent in the area. In 2019, she was the number-one ranked agent for all of Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Florida Realty for the ninth year in a row and remains in the top half of one percent in the entire nation.

Aside from an impressive portfolio of local properties as an agent, Rubin has over 32 “Best” Awards from the Builder’s Association of South Florida and is a seven-time Realtor of the Year. She is also a featured cast member on The American Dream, a nationally televised television show that airs on CBS. As the team leader for the Denise Rubin Group, she leads one of the region’s most prolific groups of real estate professionals, who are fluent in multiple languages.

How have you achieved your incredible success in real estate?
My success comes from going the extra mile with a smile for every client. I get record-breaking sales prices as a result of my negotiating skills, tremendous experience and extensive knowledge of the market from South Beach to Palm Beach. However, my 24/7 work ethic and dedication to my clients set me apart. I am available to them 365 days a year. And it has paid off! As well as being No.1 company-wide, I have been inducted into the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chairman’s Diamond Circle, which represents the top half of 1 percent of all sales associates. Among other things, I have also reached a career milestone, surpassing over $2.5 billion in personal sales.

What distinguishes you from your competitors?
Exposure is everything, so I promote my listings with innovative and all-encompassing local, national, and international marketing programs unmatched anywhere. I am an international marketing specialist and have a large international client base which is largely comprised of repeat business. My properties are regularly featured in many prominent publications and a wide variety of media outlets, including my weekly real estate TV show The American Dream, which airs on CBS.

What’s most important for prospective clients to know about you?
From contract to closing, I make sure every aspect of your transaction is streamlined. I am the leader of The Denise Rubin Group, a multilingual team with top agents that speak Russian, Portuguese, French, Hebrew and Spanish. I am also supported by full-time staff, including an office manager, a marketing director and a showing coordinator. We have a mortgage broker and title company at your disposal. A home is one of the most important assets that most people will ever buy or sell, and I am committed to achieving my clients’ goals, as well as exceeding their expectations.

For more information, call 305.932.9326 or visit deniserubin.com.

Your Best Choice

As Aventura’s top-rated agent on Zillow, Lana Tornheim and her team continue to set the bar for real estate in Aventura and the South Florida market as a whole.
By Eric Edelman

As the top-rated agent on Zillow in the city of Aventura for four years and counting, Lana Tornheim brings unmatched passion and knowledge of Aventura real estate to the table for all of her clients, past and present. Tornheim, aside from pertinent real-world experience, has privileged access to a cutting-edge in-house marketing team and is a pioneer of modern real estate marketing methods. It is this combination of groundbreaking methods and superior experience in the marketplace that has made her one of the premier real estate professionals in all of South Florida, let alone Aventura, for over a decade. Tornheim is a licensed real estate broker associate at Related ISG International Realty and an integral member of a large in-house team that is fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian and Hebrew. Tornheim is fluent in English and Russian, and holds a Masters Degree in Education and Psychology.

How did Team Tornheim become Zillow’s top real estate group in Aventura?
I have assembled an international team of experienced professionals that focuses on Aventura, and the surrounding areas. Our clients see the passion in our work. Along with our second-to-none marketing strategy, that’s what has propelled us to the top of the list.

How does your marketing set you apart?
My group has an in-house marketing team. We utilize the latest cutting-edge technology to market our listings. We start with 3D Virtual Reality Tours, drone photography and videos, cinematography and package it all together for social media, where we have a large following. We offer all that as part of each listing, at no cost to our clients.

What are the latest market trends and what are the new developments that you would recommend?
Currently northeastern and international clients are buying many luxury residences. The new tax laws have triggered a significant exodus from higher-tax states. Fifty percent of my buyers this year are coming from these high-tax states. Most are choosing to move to South Florida and live in luxury developments. My clients are very impressed with Estates of Acqualina in Sunny Isles, Brickell City Center, as well as W Residences in Fort Lauderdale.

To learn more, call 786.766.1785 or visit teamtornheim.com and myaventurarealtor.com.

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