ONE Sotheby's International Realty Launches Luxury Podcast Series

ONE Sotheby’s International Realty has launched the ‘The New Luxury’ Podcast Series. The leading luxury brokerage along Florida’s East Coast created the podcast to give their sales agents valuable insights, strategies and ideas through informative and inspiring discussions. ONE Sotheby’s International Realty will invite leaders from some of the world’s most iconic and emerging luxury brands to discuss the innovative ways in which they are navigating this ever-evolving marketplace. Episode 1 will feature Mayi de la Vega, founder and CEO of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty.

“We are constantly looking for new ways to effectively connect with our agents,” said de la Vega. “Our sales associates are always on the go, visiting properties and meeting clients. A podcast offers an energizing avenue to share new ideas, and give agents access to some of the luxury world’s most influential minds.”

Other confirmed speakers for Season 1 include Glenn Gonzales, founder and CEO of Jet It; Janice O’Leary, Executive Editor of Robb Report; and senior executives from brands such as Shinola and Holman Motorcars. Season 1 will also feature Daniel de la Vega, President of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty, who will discuss the global appeal of branded residences.

“Featuring luxury perspectives beyond real estate is key,” said Isadora Badi, Senior Vice President of Marketing at ONE Sotheby’s International Realty. “That brings diversity of thought to the show. We are looking to other industries for new strategies and technology and then connecting the dots with lessons we can apply to our own business.”

Podcasts have boomed in popularity in recent years. Over 78% of Americans are familiar with podcasting and more Americans listen to podcasts than have Netflix accounts. Monthly podcast listeners have grown 61.5% in the past 3 years.

How to Listen/Subscribe:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-new-luxury/id1603758456

Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/0CT4T5GgrLeioBgtWDgRV8

iHeart Radio Podcasts: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-new-luxury-91279781/

OMNY Show Page: https://omny.fm/shows/the-new-luxury

This article was produced in partnership with ONE Sotheby’s International Realty

Pacaso Launches Luxury Second Home Co-Ownership Platform In The Florida Keys

Pacaso, the leading real estate platform that helps people buy and co-own a luxury second home, has announced that it has expanded its service to the Florida Keys. The company has begun expanding its regional team in addition to an existing Miami and Fort Lauderdale-based team, and is working with a variety of local businesses to support its operations.

“From breathtaking ocean-side scenery to world-class fishing, rich culture and local cuisine, the Keys have long been a popular getaway destination full of endless island activity,'' said Pacaso CEO and Co-Founder, Austin Allison. “We’re thrilled to be expanding our South Florida presence into the Keys and empowering more second home buyers to own a slice of this coastal haven. Our service helps make more efficient use of available housing stock by creating new inventory, allowing a small group of families to become part of a community as unique as the Florida Keys through co-ownership of a luxury home.”

“Pacaso is leading the charge on fractional ownership, and I’ve witnessed firsthand their success in Miami and Fort Lauderdale and am excited they are expanding their business down to the Florida Keys,” said Josh Dotoli, a founding Compass broker in South Florida and leader of one of the top-producing sales teams in the Southeast Region. “I loved the idea of owning part of a Pacaso home in Islamorada so much that I bought a share myself. The property is a new waterfront home with a pool and access to a private beach just 100 miles from Miami. It's a fun boat trip for my family down to the Keys, and we will be able to pull right up to the dock of our Pacaso. We can't wait to create memories at the house, and we have Pacaso to thank for making this dream of a Keys home a reality for us and many others in the near future.”

Pacaso partners with all interested real estate agents and brokerages in markets where it operates. Real estate agents representing buyers who purchase a share of a Pacaso home receive a 3% referral commission in addition to 500 RSUs of Pacaso stock as a referral equity bonus. Agents in South Florida who are interested in working with Pacaso can learn more on the company’s website.

Pacaso’s first listing in the Keys is a 5-bedroom, 3.5 bathroom coastal-inspired home nestled along a canal in White Marlin Beach. The Islamorada home spans 2,900 SF and features open-concept living spaces with soaring ceilings, oversized windows and glass doors that seamlessly connect the interiors to the pool, swaying palms and waterway beyond. The main floor primary bedroom includes a custom closet and opens to the pool and patio. The main bedroom upstairs has a large closet and a Jack & Jill bath leading to another guest bedroom. With two additional bedrooms, the home easily accommodates family and friends. The home comes fully furnished and professionally decorated.

1/8 ownership of the home is asking $444,000 with the whole home price at $2,790,000.

Douglas Elliman Lists On The NYSE Under Ticker Symbol 'DOUG'

Douglas Elliman Inc. (NYSE: DOUG) (“Douglas Elliman”) has completed its previously announced spin-off from Vector Group Ltd. (NYSE: VGR). On Thursday December 30, 2021 Douglas Elliman officially began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “DOUG” and has been added to the S&P SmallCap 600®.

Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC is one of the largest residential brokerage companies in the New York metropolitan area and the sixth largest in the U.S. Douglas Elliman has an established and growing presence in most major luxury markets – primarily international finance and technology hubs that are densely populated and offer housing inventory at premium pricing points. Douglas Elliman’s attractive financial profile includes a strong balance sheet with $200 million of net cash and significant operating leverage, supported by a track record of impressive revenue growth, disciplined expense management led by seasoned industry executives, healthy margins and limited capital expenditures.

As a standalone company, Douglas Elliman will leverage these core competencies and differentiated market focus to pursue profitable growth opportunities through market expansion, retention and recruitment of best-in-class talent and acquisitions and acqui-hires. Douglas Elliman will also source, use and invest in early-stage, disruptive property technology (“PropTech”) solutions and companies that easily integrate into its technology foundation, allowing Douglas Elliman to remain flexible, nimble and asset-light while providing cutting-edge solutions that improve client, customer and agent experience.

“Today marks an exciting new chapter for Douglas Elliman,” said Howard M. Lorber, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Douglas Elliman. “As a standalone company, Douglas Elliman will leverage its differentiated approach, portfolio of innovative technology services and a best-in-class team of employees and agents to capitalize on growth opportunities in the highly attractive U.S. residential real estate market. We believe there is a bright future ahead for our company as a standalone entity.”

“We are thrilled that Douglas Elliman has reached this milestone – one that would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of our incredible agents and employees,” said Scott Durkin, Chief Executive Officer of Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC. “As a standalone company, we look forward to building on Douglas Elliman’s leading luxury brand and longstanding tradition of excellence, while continuing to drive long-term value for stockholders.”

Mid-Century Modern Condominium Ten30 South Beach Sells Out Before Completion

Miami-based developer Shoma Group is excited to announce that its exclusive, upscale condominium, Ten30 South Beach, has completed sales. Fortune Development Sales, the exclusive residential brokerage for the project, worked closely with Shoma Marketing to sell all 33 units of the four-story Miami Beach development. This sellout is a testament to the project's desirability and the current state of the real estate market. The development will open its doors to residents before the end of the year.

Shoma Group is led by Masoud Shojaee, president and chairman of the board, who has developed more than 10,000 residences and completed over $5 billion in real estate transactions. With 33 years of experience, Shojaee identified a void of moderately priced modern condominiums in the Miami Beach market and set out to develop Ten30 as a luxury retreat at an attainable price.

“The demand in the Miami market right now is incredible and we've seen tremendous buyer response to this project,” said Shojaee. “As a beautiful, boutique development in one of Miami's hottest neighborhoods, Ten30 South Beach offers residents an exclusive haven with top-notch amenities at a compelling price.”

Ten30 features a range of one- to three-bedroom residences and a collection of penthouses, ranging in size from 786 to 3,005 square feet priced from $566,000 to $1.9 million. Designed by Adriana Hoyos and Saladino Design Studio, the mid-century modern-style units feature Italian-designed chef-caliber kitchens, Samsung’s Family Hub refrigerator, and Bluetooth-enabled keyless entry and camera surveillance. Amenities include a 6,000-square-foot rooftop deck and rosé-colored pool, two fitness centers, a lounge, an outdoor kitchen area with a barbecue and yoga space.

In March, Shoma and Fortune International Group reported a record pace for Ten30 sales with 11 residences sold in just 15 days. Several buyers purchased multiple units with plans to combine them and update the floor plans to create larger units, which are in greater demand as many out-of-state buyers relocate to Miami.

“I am immensely proud of the Fortune Sales and Marketing teams for accomplishing sellout before completion,” said Edgardo Defortuna, president and CEO of Fortune International Group. “It was a great experience to work with Shoma and we look forward to collaborating on more projects in the future.”

By Katya Demina

Pacaso Launches Innovative Luxury Second Home Co-Ownership Platform in Miami and Fort Lauderdale

Pacaso, the leading real estate platform that helps people buy and co-own a luxury second home, today announced its expansion to Miami and Fort Lauderdale. With this launch, Pacaso's modern, tech-focused approach to co-ownership is now available to aspiring second home buyers in South Florida.

"Pacaso buyer demand for homes in Miami and Fort Lauderdale has been incredibly strong, and it's clear that our model, which helps to create new inventory in a tight market, is an ideal fit for South Florida," said Pacaso CEO and Co-founder Austin Allison. "South Florida boasts some of the nation's most epic waterfront homes with top amenities. It's no surprise that this is one of the hottest second home destinations in the country. We've been doubling down on local hiring, and I couldn't be more excited about the South Florida team we've built. We're also thrilled to be part of this community and to work with local businesses and service providers."

"Pacaso provides a truly innovative approach to second home ownership," said Miami Mayor Francis Suarez. "Pacaso owners invest in the community for the long-term. And I appreciate how Pacaso helps make more efficient use of homes. As Miami continues to attract tech talent and investment from around the world, along with demand for new housing options, I'm pleased to see innovative companies like Pacaso look to Miami as an early expansion market."

Josh Dotoli, a Pacaso partner agent in South Florida, is a founding Compass broker in Fort Lauderdale and leads one of the top-producing sales teams in the Southeast Region. A luxury real estate expert and advisor, Dotoli has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Bloomberg as well as local news outlets.

"Pacaso is going to change the game in South Florida," said Dotoli. "We work with a lot of buyers who want to be able to buy property in the area, but whether they are priced out or dealing with limited inventory, many have traditionally not been able to enter into this very competitive market. With Pacaso, they can do so. I'm so pleased to be able to offer this new model of co-ownership to buyers in the region."

Pacaso partners with all real estate agents and brokerages. Real estate agents representing buyers who purchase a share of a Pacaso home receive a 3% commission in addition to 500 RSUs of Pacaso stock as a referral equity bonus. Agents in Miami and Fort Lauderdale who are interested in working with Pacaso can learn more on the company's website.

Pacaso now has listings in South Florida, including this striking modern waterfront home in the tree-lined Fairhaven neighborhood of Miami, and this sleek Fort Lauderdale listing with its own private dock and lush courtyard just minutes away from Las Olas shopping and dining.

To support its revenue and market expansion, Pacaso has hired a seasoned team of industry leaders including Sara Anissipour as Vice President of Sales. In her current role, Anissipour is responsible for driving revenue growth and overseeing the Pacaso sales organization. As a distinguished business leader with more than 15 years of experience, Anissipour has a proven track record of growing and leading highly successful sales organizations. Previously, she built and led the Enterprise Sales and Partnerships business units at Zillow Group and oversaw the US New Business Ad Sales organization at Google.

"I'd previously worked with many of my current team members prior to joining Pacaso and jumped at the opportunity to collaborate with them again," said Anissipour. "The opportunity to build a foundation for our sales organization that will help the company continue to scale both across the U.S. and internationally was incredibly exciting to me. Building and growing this team in the early stages of Pacaso's expansion has already been nothing short of successful, and we're excited to expand our sales organization quickly."

Earlier this week Pacaso announced $125M in Series C funding led by SoftBank, bringing the company's total valuation to $1.5 billion and total equity funding to more than $215 million. Additional funding was provided by Fifth Wall and Gaingels. Pacaso's permanently distributed workforce of more than 120 employees spanning 20 states has increased 364% since January 2021. Additionally, the company announced that it will commence European expansion in Spain by the end of the year. Pacaso is actively recruiting a dedicated local team to support global efforts, and plans to expand swiftly into other European markets.

Pacaso® (pronounced like "Picasso") modernizes the decades-old practice of co-ownership by creating a marketplace that makes buying, owning, and selling a luxury second home easy. From curating the best listings in top second home markets to offering integrated financing and sales from as little as ⅛ to as much as ½ ownership; upscale interior design; and professional property management, Pacaso provides owners with all the benefits of owning a second home with less hassle. After purchase, Pacaso manages the home on an ongoing basis and supports a frictionless resale process in partnership with a licensed real estate professional.

Pacaso was co-founded by former Zillow executives Austin Allison and Spencer Rascoff.

Images via Pacaso

Master Brokers Forum PROFILE: Liz Hogan of Compass

On the heels of closing a record-breaking $30 million deal for 94 Palm Ave., PROFILEmiami sat down with Liz Hogan of Compass to see how she has built up her career as a power real estate agent in South Florida’s hyper competitive brokerage world. Liz is consistently ranked as one of the top-performing agents in South Florida and has helped customers buy sell real estate throughout the Miami-Dade County market for over 18 years. Liz has closed over $1.5+ billion of real estate transactions including over $100+ million each 2017-2020 is ranked the #1 agent for Compass Florida for all three years. The Wall Street Journal/Real Trends ranked her #10 for the State of Florida #100 the Nation. The efforts that Liz has put into her real estate career has created a boutique business for her geared toward many net worth individuals and companies and has created a vast network of referrals across the world.

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

Liz Hogan: I’ve had my real estate license for 18 years and have been actively working for the last 15 years. A close friend of my parents, Audrey Ross, who used to have her own brokerage but now works at Compass encouraged me to get my license. She actually has launched many careers and continues to be a great mentor and friend.

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

LH: Audrey asked me to help her with a customer looking to purchase a warehouse and even though I knew absolutely nothing about real estate at the time (I couldn’t even operate the MLS) it was an easy and profitable transaction, and I was immediately hooked!

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

LH: I became a member of MBF as soon as I could meet the criteria to join. I wanted to be in the circle of top agents in Miami. I think it always helps to do a deal with someone you know on the other side of the transaction.

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

LH: The best advice I would give is not to turn down any deals because you think they are too small. This business all comes down to relationships. I was working with a customer in private equity who could spend a good deal on his rental when he relocated to Miami. He called me a couple of months later and asked me to help his sister, who he said couldn’t afford nearly as much, but he wanted to make sure she was in good hands and with someone who would find her a safe, decent place. I helped her to maintain my relationship with him, and he did forward me to several of his colleagues in the future. She then referred me to one of her friends. I really didn’t want to do low-priced rentals, but her friend was so nice, I decided to take it on. She didn’t like anything she could afford to rent and the next day called me to say her dad would buy her an apartment instead. She bought 1 unit from me and her dad went on to buy 3 more in the same building! Then he had me write an offer on a home that he saw at an open house as well as a lot for a home he wanted to build for himself. From that one small rental, I did millions and millions in transactions.

PM: You’ve had incredible success over a long track record. What are some property marketing strategies and techniques that you would like to share with aspiring agents and brokers?

LH: Sending out email blasts has been the best tool for me to market myself. I realized that some of my customers had no idea how much business I was doing because they only heard about deals related to their sphere. Once, I added in all my contacts and started sending out email blasts to all, it definitely elevated their recognition of me as a full-time agent who was serious and capable to get deals done.

PM: What characteristics do you look for when considering potential new team members to bring on board at The Liz Hogan Group?

LH: We really want anyone who is professional — available at any time, treats others with respect, is competent, and will hustle!

PM: What challenging closing over the last three months are you most proud of and why?

LH: Right after the lockdown I was referred to a buyer/investor who I could tell from the first conversation was going to be a lot of work to find the right place and close. I knew they were also looking in other areas of South Florida and the US. After exploring many areas, with many different realtors, they just closed on a condo with me and I was able to rent it in 2 days.

PM: Fun question... What are your current favorite restaurants to visit and spend time at in the neighborhoods you represent to your clients and why?

LH: My business has taken me from Redlands to Sunny Isles all the way up to Palm Beach. I love exploring different restaurants in different neighborhoods and routinely keep a running list from articles I read and what I hear from friends.

Liz can be reached at 305-804-9700 or liz@listingmiami.com. You can also visit her at Compass.com.

This article was produced in partnership of Liz Hogan at Compass

ONE Sotheby's International Realty Acquires The Surfside-Based Harding Realty

ONE Sotheby’s International Realty has acquired the Surfside-based Harding Realty, adding the boutique real estate brokerage to its growing team. The acquisition expands the firm’s ability to service the Surfside, Bal Harbour and Bay Harbor Islands market and includes the addition of the company’s iconic office on Harding Avenue in Surfside.

“Harding Realty has been a market leader for over four decades and we are thrilled to welcome their team to our family,” said Daniel de la Vega, President of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty. “We look forward to adding value for their agents through the power of the exceptional ONE Sotheby’s brand, our superior marketing tools, and network of top-level professionals who are unmatched in the world of luxury real estate.”

Harding Realty was founded in 1978 by sisters Marta Waserstein and Anita Bigelman. The firm has exclusively represented several of the most recognized developers in the area and sold out buildings including The Majestic, The Palace, The Wave, Bellini, St Tropez and Brickell Ten. With yearly sales in excess of $100 Million, the brokerage’s long-standing success includes record-breaking deals in Golden Beach and Bal Harbour.

“We were approached by multiple big-name brokerages, but it wasn’t until we met with ONE Sotheby’s that we decided this transition was the perfect fit,” said Marta Waserstein, co-founder of Harding Realty. “It was important for us to align with a company that has the same core values and family touch as our office.”

“The ONE Sotheby’s brand recognition and reach across international and domestic markets is unlike any other,” added Harding Realty co-founder Anita Bigelman. “Mayi and Daniel have managed to build a brand with a local footprint as strong as its global presence, and a culture that makes you feel like family—that is extremely rare.”

As part of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty’s aggressive growth strategy aimed at attracting leading industry talent, the brokerage will onboard Harding Realty’s 34 agents to their network of more than 1,000 consummate real estate professionals. The addition of Harding Realty is the firm’s sixth recent acquisition and brings the brokerage’s total number of offices to 21 locations spanning from Miami to Cocoa Village.

Images via ONE Sotheby’s International Realty

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.

PROFILE Exclusive Podcast Season 1 Episode 4 Featuring Oren Alexander of The Alexander Team

Season 1 Episode 4 of the PROFILE Exclusive Podcast by PROFILEmiami features Oren Alexander of The Alexander Team. Oren is the co-founder of The Alexander Team, an internationally recognized, record-breaking luxury real estate sales team with over $5 billion in total sales and $1.5 billion in sales to date in 2021. Oren runs The Alexander Team with his brother Tal, operating in Miami, New York, Hamptons and Aspen. Oren has broken the records for highest sale price for single-family home and condo in Miami, and facilitated the #1 sale in Miami for 2019. Oren also has a proven track record of representing world-renowned developers for their pre-construction condo sales including Alan Faena and Len Blavatnik with Faena House, and David Martin’s Terra Group at Eighty Seven Park. Oren is also co-founder of The Alexander Group, one of Miami’s leading ultra-luxury spec home developers, having developed homes with his father Shlomy Alexander in Miami’s Indian Creek and Bal Harbour neighborhoods including the record breaking 3 Indian Creek and 252 Bal Bay Drive.

The PROFILE Exclusive Podcast by PROFILEmiami, the leader in South Florida residential and commercial real estate news and content, profiles and gets intimate with the movers and shakers in the South Florida real estate industry. Throughout the series we will interview and get inside the minds of South Florida's top developers, investors, brokers, architects, designers, etc. The PROFILE Exclusive Podcast is hosted by Demetri Demascus Co-Founder of PROFILEmiami and Director of Business Development at private equity group Galium Capital as well as Katya Demina, Co-Founder of PROFILEmiami and Development Associate at development firm Royal Palm Companies.

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.”