Photography by James Woodley
Shot on location at Rooftop in downtown Fort Lauderdale
Creative director: Melanie Geronemus Smit
Art director: Evelyn Suarez
Special thanks to the team at Rooftop (1 W. Las Olas; rooftop1wlo.com) and Susan Penrod PR for opening the doors to the open-air bar/lounge that overlooks downtown Lauderdale and the New River. Visit lmgfl.com for the complete interviews with our real estate experts.
Andrew Ziffer
Title:Co-owner and luxury specialist
Company: LauderdaleONE Luxury Real Estate
Why are you good at what you do?
When it comes to the profession of luxury real estate, it’s a given that market knowledge, natural talent and negotiating skills are imperative. However, there’s no substitute for experience. Whether it’s developing, remodeling, land banking, investing, or sales and marketing, all of which I’ve been immersed in for 28-plus years, I love sharing my experiences with clients.
What’s the most valuable business lesson you’ve learned from being in the real estate industry?
The three Ls—listen, listen, listen. The process of guiding my clients, both sellers and buyers, begins with carefully listening to their requirements, concerns and goals.
What’s the most important truth you can impart to people looking to buy or sell a home?
Reality. I work hard with sellers to properly position their property for the maximum realistic sales price. As a result, I have set the bar with numerous record highs in neighborhoods, both in east and west Broward County. For my buyers, it’s important they recognize an opportunity when presented to them.
Adam Levy
Title: President
Company: The Levy Group at EWM Realty International
Why are you good at what you do?
Homes are my passion. Ever since I was a young boy, I marveled at beautiful homes. I followed that passion and graduated from the University of Florida’s School of Building Construction and went on to build homes for five years. Real estate came later, when I joined forces with my partner and mom. My background and education give me a strong foundation when working with buyers and sellers.
What real estate trends should people be on the lookout for this year?
Less is more. Quality and completeness are top trends. Super-large square footage is only for the super-wealthy. “Redone” and “picture perfect” are the buzzwords for 2018.
What can you tell readers about the South Florida real estate market, based on your expertise, that they might not know?
What happens in Nevada, Iowa and Georgia has virtually no relation to South Florida. South Americans, Canadians, Mexicans, European and Asia-Pacific businesses and families want to be in this exploding [region]. We have a small bubble that shields us from most of the standard worries [about real estate] in the rest of the United States.
Josh Dotoli
Title: President, Josh Dotoli Group
Company: ONE Sotheby’s International Realty
Why are you good at what you do?
My clients would mention three things. 1) I’m honest and follow through on my promises. 2) I have intricate knowledge of the local and national real estate markets. 3) I strategically use social media and video to achieve the most exposure for my listings.
What real estate trends should people be on the lookout for this year?
The role of the real estate agent will continue to change from gatekeeper of information to trusted advisor who interprets, packages and presents concise information to the client; agents who do not understand this will become less relevant. 2018 will be a year of asset relocation for many consumers; [expect] further cashing out of securities at market highs and moving into hard assets like real estate in beautiful places suchas Fort Lauderdale, which will cause an increase in prices. Luxury real estate will continue to be the other gold, a secure store of value. The demand for modern, contemporary, coastal and transitional design will lead the resale and new home/condo market. And, finally, the demand for Mediterranean design will continue to decline, causing longer days on the market and lower sale prices.
What’s the most important truth you can impart to people looking to buy or sell a home?
The agent you select during your home buying or selling process matters greatly. The South Florida real estate market is complex and competitive, and it takes expert advice, tact and skill to buy and sell successfully.
Ari Albinder
Title: Broker/owner
Company: Mizner Grande Realty
What’s the most valuable business lesson you’ve learned from being in the real estate industry?
You must be on your toes 24/7, and you have to be persistent, determined and maintain a positive attitude. Also, you have to dress for success.
What can you tell readers about the South Florida real estate market, based on your expertise, that they might not know?
The South Florida real estate market is still a great value, and I can see values increasing a lot in the next few years.
Why are you good at what you do?
I focus every day on knowing the [real estate] inventory and keeping current with all the new listings trends and marketing ideas.
