Master Brokers Forum PROFILE: Iliana Abella of The Abella Group at Compass

PROFILEmiami caught up with Iliana Abella, Executive Director of Sales at The Abella Group at Compass, to see how she has built up her career specializing in luxury residential real estate across Miami. Over her 30-year career, Iliana has worked on renowned projects and with celebrity clients including professional athletes, diplomats, and foreign nationals. Iliana is the chair of the Miami Master Brokers Forum and was nominated to the group’s Board of Directors in 2005. Iliana was also a Compass Florida Top Producer for 2018, 2019, and 2020.

PROFILEmiami: What drew you to start your career in real estate?

Iliana Abella: I have always been a “people person” and passionate about what I do, so working in real estate has always come very naturally to me. By allowing me to showcase my talents, while also giving me the flexibility to start and raise my family, it has been a perfect career choice.

PM: What was your first significant closing that cemented real estate as a long-term path for you?

IA: It was actually my first closing ever, back in 1990 - a $1.5 million commercial property on Coral Way that I was somehow able to sell just before the property was set to revert to foreclosure - and only days before I gave birth to my second child!

PM: When did you become a member of the MBF and how did it change your stature as a real estate pro and ultimately your deal flow?

IA: I became a Master Broker in 2000, and it changed everything for me. I felt this extraordinary wave of validation of my skills and experience, but more importantly of my character, standing, and reputation among my peers. My MBF membership has opened the door to cutting-edge learning opportunities and amazing networking prospects that have directly led to some of the best sales of my career.

PM: What advice would you give brokers/agents that are in the beginning of their careers that will set them apart from their competitors?

IA: Always keep your word, answer your phone, and most of all, respect your colleagues in the profession. I realize this sounds basic, but if you are serious about getting ahead, it’s important to maintain this discipline every day of your life.

PM: Fun question...what is your current favorite restaurant to visit and spend time at in the neighborhoods you represent to your clients and why?

IA: Caffe Vialetto in Coral Gables. The owners are always there, the service is exceptional, and the food is always delicious.

PROFILEmiami And Master Brokers Forum (MBF) Launch Partnership For Cross-Promotional Collaboration

The Miami Master Brokers Forum (MBF), a home-grown network of the area’s elite real estate professionals, and PROFILEmiami, a leader in South Florida residential and commercial real estate news, events and content, have launched a unique cross-promotional collaboration designed to raise awareness and business development opportunities for the two organizations.

Under the agreement, select MBF member listings will be branded and showcased on PROFILEmiami’s web site, weekly newsletter, and social media platforms, while individual members will also be featured and profiled on a monthly basis. Master Brokers will also receive generous discounts on PROFILEmiami’s advertising products and services, special invitations to events, and the two organizations will be presented as sponsors at each other’s events and gatherings.

“There is clearly shared DNA between our two organizations, and we are excited to enter into this innovative agreement,” said Iliana Abella, Miami Master Brokers Forum chair. “Our driving motivation is to always deliver leading-edge value to our members, and we see an enormous opportunity to supercharge the promotion and reach of their listings across PROFILEmiami’s extraordinarily successful platforms.”

“We launched our platform in 2016 with the goal of creating a one-stop destination for South Florida real estate news, events and content, and this ‘win-win’ collaboration with the highly respected MBF is a strong extension of that objective,” said Demetri Damacus, founder of PROFILEmiami. “By showcasing these Master Broker listings, our readers will preview some of the finest properties in South Florida’s competitive luxury residential sector, and also meet some of the top producers in their market.”