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

Inside The Estates at Acqualina's Newly Revealed Masterpiece Penthouse 'Palazzo di Paradiso' With 2 Private Pools

Palazzo di Paradiso is a singular, two-story bespoke masterpiece perched on the top two floors - 51 and 52 - of The Estates at Acqualina, the $1.8 billion residential development opening later this year in Sunny Isles Beach. Completely customizable by the buyer, Palazzo di Paradiso is unique in the luxury space, says President of Sales Michael Goldstein.

“We haven’t created the floor plan; we’ve created the canvas.” says Goldstein, “It’s the world’s finest penthouse in the world’s finest residence, and because it’s so unique and rare, we didn’t want to design it ourselves; we wanted to sit down with the buyer and create what they need,” he says.

The sky is the limit underneath 20-foot ceilings, a staircase that rises 38 feet, and two private terrace pools, one ingeniously cantilevered over the building with a glass-bottom rising 646 feet above the sand. Though the penthouse has the capacity for nine bedrooms and 10.5 bathrooms, with a one-bedroom guest suite and kitchen, it’s the owners who will decide how they want to tailor-make their new home. For the ultimate in privacy, an air-conditioned four-car garage attaches to an equally cool 458-square foot, oceanfront, Fendi Casa-furnished cabana, complete with shower, kitchen, and direct pool access.

Offered at $59 million, it is the most expensive penthouse currently on the market. From opulent rugs to chandeliers and accessories, buyers have $3.2 million to use within Miami’s Luxury Living Group showroom on Fendi Casa, Paul Mathieu, Trussardi Casa, and other Made in Italy collections to furnish their new palatial home with panache. Their designers will space-plan the home for effortless design precision. At the same time, Todd and Isabel Tragash of STA Architectural Group will work with owners to curate the finest stone, appliances, and cabinets.

“This is a house in the sky,” says Goldstein, “It’s ideal for someone who’s been thinking about a house but wants two pools, space, and maximum privacy with services and amenities where everything is maintained for them,” he says. 

Sales Gallery Address: 17895 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles Beach, Florida

Telephone: 305.933.6666

Website: www.EstatesAtAcqualina.com

This article was produced in partnership with The Estates at Acqualina

Master Brokers Forum Listing: Tour A Lavish Coral Gables Waterfront Estate Asking $19.5 Million

Master Brokers Forum: Master Brokers Forum board member Dennis Carvajal presents this incredible Coral Gables home, where inspiration meets sophistication. Custom-built for the current owners with top-of-the-line materials and exquisite finish, the property includes a remarkable 200 feet of waterfront, with easy access to Biscayne Bay. Impressive marble pillars greet you as you enter the home, with outdoor spaces that blend organically with the gallery walls, cohesive wall-to-wall marble floors, tray ceilings with stunning gold and silver brushed metallic, and elegant venetian plaster walls. Also features an immaculate chef's kitchen with emerald quartz countertop, waterfall island, two elevators, and service quarters. Bay breezes from the covered terraces and the second level gazebo with entertaining in mind. Glass mosaic tile infinity-edge pool coincides with the coral rock wall that lines the waterway. Complete with a three-car, air-conditioned garage.

A truly awe-inspiring home, 6901 Granada Blvd, Coral Gables is currently listed for $19,500,000 with Dennis Carvajal, who can be reached at 786-255-3334 and/or dcarvajal@onesothebysrealty.com.

The Master Brokers Forum is a local network comprised of South Florida's elite real estate professionals. Learn more at www.MasterBrokersForum.com.

Images via Master Brokers Forum/ ONE Sotheby’s International Realty

This article was produced in partnership with Master Brokers Forum

Alco International Group Hits $75 Million Sellout Of Adagio Fort Lauderdale

Alco International Group has achieved a $75 million sellout of Adagio Fort Lauderdale at the luxury condominium along Fort Lauderdale’s Intracoastal waterway. Sales and marketing were led by ONE Sotheby’s International Realty’s Development Division.

The 10-story boutique building features spacious, flow-through, three-bedroom, three-and-one-half bath residences ranging from 2,383 SF to 4,085 SF. Positioned along the widest stretch of Fort Lauderdale’s Intracoastal waterway, Adagio Fort Lauderdale Beach features panoramic waterfront views and a private marina with six dock slips and direct access to the ocean.

In addition to the private marina, amenities include a scenic roof-top pool and a second ground-level pool overlooking the Intracoastal waterway, private cabanas, fitness center with a cardio and yoga studio, clubroom with coffee bar, pet-friendly atmosphere with grooming station and ample private storage.

Images via Adagio Fort Lauderdale, One Sotheby’s International Realty

The Brooklyn-Based LivWrk Acquires Wynwood Assemblage For $38.86 Million

The Brooklyn-based developer LivWrk has made a splash in Wynwood with the acquisition of a 2.45 acre assemblage for $38.86 million. The acquisition was financed with a $28.44 million mortgage provided by the Los Angeles-based Thorofare Asset Based Lending REIT Fund V. LivWrk is led by Asher Abehsera who founded the firm in 2013.

LivWrk acquired a 1.16 acre site from East End Capital where they had planned to develop the Foyer, a mixed us project with residential, office and retail components. LivWrk acquired the site at 2400-2418 N Miami Ave. and 29 NW 24th St. from East End Capital for $18.51 million and in a separate deal East End Capital also sold LivWrk 2500 N Miami Ave. and 33 NW 25th St. for $6.5 million. To complete the assemblage LivWrk also acquired 48 NW 25th St. from 3 CI Holdings for $13.85 million.

East End Capital had acquired the 2400-2418 N Miami Ave. site for $6.25 million in 2015 and the 2500 N Miami Ave. site in 2014 for $4 million. 3 CI Holdings had paid $17 million for the 48 NW 25th St. property.

Miami’s Wynwood Arts District neighborhood has been one of South Florida’s hottest real estate markets. Several big-name companies have made Wynwood their home, such as Spotify, Live Nation and Founders Fund; additionally, new zoning has attracted many multifamily developers. AMLI Residential recently broke ground on AMLI Wynwood, one of the largest mixed-use multifamily developments to ever break ground in Wynwood. A development partnership led by David Edelstein’s TriStar Capital and RAL Development just closed on the final piece of their 72,000 SF Wynwood assemblage where an office campus is planned. A development partnership between L&L Holding Company, CARPE Real Estate Partners, and Fortis Design + Build also recently revealed 29N, a mixed-use project which feature rental apartments, office space, ground floor retail and micro retail. Earlier this summer the Los Angeles-based Black Lion Investment Group acquired the class A retail property Wynwood Arcade from East End Capital for $13.25 million. The Kobi Karp-designed The Gateway at Wynwood class A office building is also nearing delivery and has begun signing leases.

Icon of Palm Beach Shores Locks Down $25.16 Million Construction Loan

Icon Realty Capital, led by Anthony Shafer, has locked down a $25.16 million construction loan for Icon of Palm Beach Shores, an approved condo building coming to the north side of the Palm Beach inlet. The financing was arranged by the Washington-based Construction Loan Services II. Icon of Palm Beach Shores is located at 150-206 Inlet Way. Icon Realty Capital acquired the property in May 2021 for $6.27 million and plans to demolish the 70-year-old residential buildings which currently sits on the site.

Icon of Palm Beach Shores will feature 15 condo units which are expected to start at $2 million. Units feature direct water views from the living areas, modern design, high-end finishes and expansive balconies. Icon of Palm Beach Shores will be listed and marketed by Lauren Matthews of Douglas Elliman and Greg Forest of Sotheby’s International Realty.

For more information about Icon of Palm Beach Shores, private showings or purchasing/ leasing information please fill out the form below:

Mediterranean-Asian Dining Concept KAORI Miami Opens In SLS Lux Brickell

KAORI Miami, a brand-new two-story Mediterranean-Asian-inspired culinary concept, has opened in the very heart of downtown Brickell in SLS Lux Brickell. Helmed at the culinary hands of renowned Chef Fabrizio Garofolin, the all-expansive dining destination is Umai Group’s first food and hospitality venture, bringing two levels of unparalleled indulgence and entertainment to the neighborhood. KAORI offers a welcoming environment that embraces a naturalistic style, where every detail is thoughtfully curated to create a singular guest experience. From the delicately warm-toned interior, to the exceptional food and beverage programming, to the synergetic entertainment component, every extension of KAORI naturally blends to create a harmonic likeness throughout.

“We are beyond excited to finally be able to share this truly exceptional experience we’ve created at KAORI Miami, with all our guests,” says Diego Pagola, Creative Director of Umai Group & KAORI Miami. “Intention has been a very important factor in our conception of the brand, in creating an environment where our guests can feel welcome and at home. Every pillar put into this project lends to KAORI’s harmonic journey through the senses, led through gastronomy, music, and design.”

Upon arrival, guests will find the entrance to the 4,500 SF restaurant at the ground level of SLS LUX Brickell, where they will be greeted by KAORI’s signature bar and lounge area. Appealing to those looking for an inviting neighborhood spot with an authentic evening-time vibe, the bar and lounge area also brings an inspired mixture of entertainment, live music, and exotic instrumentals from a wide range of cultures. The music component of the space plays a fundamental role in establishing the identity of KAORI as a whole, lending to the curation of the venue’s full-sensory guest experience. A signature KAORI playlist is also available for anyone to follow, offering guests a unique KAORI takeaway experience that alternates bi-weekly.

Beyond the bar and lounge space, guests will come across a dimly lit staircase, which elegantly links to KAORI’s spacious upstairs dining area. Here, Chef Fabrizio Garofolin serves as the heartbeat of the restaurant, creating a beautiful balance between modern and time-honored techniques while combining the two worlds of Mediterranean and Asian cuisine. Chef Fabrizio unleashes his culinary artistry with a menu that exudes a diverse and sophisticated fusion of flavors, colorful and texturally rich ingredients. Highlighting Chef’s farm-to-table practices, and the sourcing of local ingredients and quality fresh fish, KAORI’s menu offers an eclectic culinary journey through land and sea. Guests can look forward to signature menu items such as authentic cuts of A5 Japanese Miyazaki Kobe Strip Loin with Shiso Chimichurri, Furikake Chicharron with Yuzu Mojo, Yellow Fin Tuna with Charred Avocado and Miso Sweet Potato Puree, home-made Short Rib Dumplings with Manchego Foam, and Kabayaki Glazed Seabass.

“Food is the purest reflection of the soul of a chef. It’s the way we show our passion for innovation and creativity in our menu,” says Chef Fabrizio Garofolin, Executive Chef of KAORI Miami. “Apart from our uniquely different Mediterranean-Asian style cuisine, KAORI’s menu offers a genuine culinary experience that lets our guest’s tastebuds travel around the world without ever having to leave their table.”

Aside from an incredible culinary focus, guests can also expect a sublime cocktail, wine, and sake programming. Prominent local bartender, James Mcleenes, serves as KAORI’s lead Bar Manager, where he incorporates a variety of innovative ingredients from different cuisines into the signature cocktail menu. Pulling influence from his residencies in Sydney, New York City, and Miami’s bar scene, James’ approach is minimalist, flavor-focused, with a notable emphasis on execution and elegant presentation. KAORI’s wine and sake offerings are spearheaded by two powerhouse women, Macarena Carrillo and Mariel Dalmau, who double as the founders of the natural wine social club, Grape Crush Miami. Their method creates a sustainable and innovative program, blending classics while simultaneously pushing boundaries.

Esteban Bressan’s vision was brought to life as a collaborative initiative between critically-acclaimed Miami-based design firm Spazio/Bressan and Interior Image Group (IIG), every space within the two-story concept was designed to offer an authentic, harmonic ambiance to enhance the guest’s overall experience, that is: the KAORI experience. Bressan’s multi-disciplinary vision for KAORI entwines both Mediterranean and Asian-influenced design elements with a natural and minimalist undertone. The bright, open, airy space exudes a balance between sophistication and casual comfort that celebrates simplicity through a modest palette of organic materials. Light-toned wall finishes and flooring contrasts with darker design elements, giving the venue a sense of inviting warmth. Lush greenery enlivens the space and adds another layer to the natural look and feel, building onto the connection between the location’s urban setting and nature.

“The best interiors evoke a mood. They're an extension of our lifestyle. They entertain, provide solace, bring us closer together, and welcome us home,” says Esteban Bressan, Founder of Miami-based design firm Spazio/Bressan.

Images via Sofia Barroso FIID Agency

Images via Sofia Barroso FIID Agency

Boxing Legend Floyd Mayweather Buys Palm Island Waterfront Mansion For $18 Million

Boxing legend Floyd Mayweather has dropped $18 million on a waterfront mansion on Miami Beach’s prestigious Palm Island. Mayweather closed on 288 South Coconut Lane on Palm Island nearly one year after he sold his home on Miami Beach’s Pine Tree Drive in October 2020 for $6.3 million. 288 South Coconut Lane was listed for $19.9 million with Dina Goldentayer of Douglas Elliman and Tanasha Pettigrew of Galleria International Realty represented Mayweather.

288 South Coconut Lane was developed in 2011 and offers 9-bedrooms, 10.5 bathrooms spread over 10,853 SF. The home was designed by Ramon Pacheco of Pacheco Architecture and features a gym, chef’s kitchen, dining room, master-suite with views of Biscayne Bay and parking for up to 10-cars. The lavish home also features a landscaped roof deck, private dock, pool and unobstructed views of Downtown Miami’s skyline and Port Miami.

Miami’s ultra-luxury waterfront real estate market has been on fire lately. Recently Dreampact Ventures co-founder Fued Sadala purchased 9814 West Broadview Drive in the Bay Harbor Islands for $12 million, a record for a waterfront sale in the neighborhood; famed musician and producer partners Emilio and Gloria Estefan sold their Star Island “guest estate”for $35 million; real estate investor Andrew Mirmelli recently closed on a Hibiscus Island home for $21 million before immediately listing it for $30 million; spec home developer James Curnin sold his Modern Farmhouse on Allison Island for $13,875,000; and the Miami-Dade record for most expensive home was broken with the currently under construction 3488 Saint Gaudens Road in Coconut Grove selling for a record $65 million.

Images via Douglas Elliman

Master Brokers Forum Listing: Step Inside An Oceanfront Art Deco Masterpiece Penthouse At Faena House

Master Brokers Forum: Master Brokers Forum member Dora Puig presents this impeccably designed Faena House penthouse - an Art Deco masterpiece by Wetzels Brown Partners. Faena House is one of the most exclusive boutique towers in Miami Beach, created by Foster + Partners. Penthouse A is a mansion in the sky with 270-degree views of ocean, city, and bay. The residence offers six beds and 6.5 baths in 6,400 square feet of living space and nearly 4,000 square feet of exterior space. The unit also features a private elevator foyer arrival into a fine art gallery, Nanz ebony handles, Italian terrazzo floors throughout entertaining areas with dining for 14 guests, high-gloss ebony bookcase by Metrica and LED lighting, Molteni gourmet eat-in kitchen and Miele appliances, an oceanfront master suite with custom-built ebony furnishings, rare textured and hand-painted walls in all bedrooms, and all baths equipped with Dornbracht and Duravit fixtures.

Faena House 3315 Collins Ave. Penthouse A, Miami Beach is currently listed for $34,950,000 with Dora Puig of Luxe Living Realty, who can be reached at 305-613-2118 and/or dora@dorapuig.com.

The Master Brokers Forum is a local network comprised of South Florida's elite real estate professionals. Learn more at www.MasterBrokersForum.com.

Images via Luxe Living Realty

This article was produced in partnership with Master Brokers Forum

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