Haute Residence member Paola Marulanda is a South Florida real estate expert, the founder, and CEO of Luxury Home Connect, and one of Miami’s top realtors. Using her expertise, passion for real estate, and commitment to outstanding service, she has successfully brokered transactions for a wide array of prominent clients and made record-breaking eight-figure sales. Recently, she talked with Haute Living about the effects of Covid, current market trends, and the secrets to her success.

Haute Residence: How has the market changed since Covid?

Paola Marulanda: In early 2018, new laws came into effect that eliminated the individual state income tax in Florida, making Miami an increasingly attractive home base for America’s wealthiest. Shortly after this migration of affluence ensued, Covid-19 forced every individual and every business to reevaluate their priorities for the long haul. Suddenly, the appreciation for home space — especially horizontal space, versus vertical space in homes and condos — surged at an incredible rate. Although at first condos were at a standstill while the single-family home market experienced a frenzy, the seemingly endless oversupply of condo inventory was absorbed by those drawn to the climate, taxes, and lifestyle South Florida has to offer. Furthermore, affordability compared to other major metropolitan areas and record-low interest rates opened the floodgates. Now, with headquarters and satellite offices opening all over, it makes sense for people of every level of wealth, education, and business to move here.

HR: What are the current trends in your market?

PM: The current trend in Miami is the quintessential example of a supply and demand imbalance. The combination of record-high demand and a finite supply of inventory created the perfect storm for a surge in prices, making it a very strong seller’s market. Miami-Dade County’s total home sales increased 142 percent year-over-year while existing condo sales increased 240 percent. Median prices on single-family homes rose 32 percent, from $380,000 to $500,000, and median prices for condos rose 26 percent year-over-year, from $262,250 to $330,000. The monthly supply of inventory for single-family homes has decreased 54 percent. In September 2021 alone, the total dollar volume for single-family homes in Miami was approximately $1.2 billion, compared with $975 million in September 2020. Active inventory in the same period has fallen to 2,957 homes in September 2021 from 4,039 in September 2020. Adding to the velocity of sales transactions is the expectation of a rising interest rate environment on the heels of a 6.2 percent CPI print, a measure of inflation. Heading into 2021, the Federal Reserve forecasted a CPI figure of 1.8 percent. Why does this matter? Now that inflation is not seemingly transitory, the market is anticipating higher rates. This translates to a potential 16 percent higher cost of borrowing over the life of the mortgage next year as compared to this year.

HR: How do you continue to offer optimal service in the current climate?

PM: It is crucial for buyers to work with a local expert who can match their desires with the reality of the market. This requires tapping into local contacts to obtain off-market properties and educating buyers about the myriad geographical boundaries that now extend into new and upcoming neighborhoods outside of the more popularly known ones, such as Miami Beach and Coral Gables. Now we can talk about areas like Surfside, Pinecrest, and South Miami, which were overlooked and undervalued before. On the seller’s side, the recipe for success was once network, reach, and marketing. Today’s market conditions call for a more extensive set of criteria in order to keep sellers safe from fraudulent buyers and scams. Taking deals from start to close and optimizing deal terms is of the utmost importance. Backed by the most renowned and leading agency in the luxury real estate world, Sotheby’s International Realty, I can ensure that the most extensive and appropriate set of tools is employed to gain maximum exposure, while my own company, Luxury Homes Connect, offers an additional layer of legal support and negotiation expertise.

HR: What are some past successes, and how do you plan to continue to be successful?

PM: My latest successes involve record-breaking eight-figure sales in multiple neighborhoods, such as South of Fifth, Key Biscayne, Coral Gables, and Brickell. I am truly passionate about matching buyers with their dream home and sellers with their dream offer. I am currently closing on my own dream home, which serves as a testament to the strength and positive trajectory of the Miami real estate market!

Paola Marulanda is the exclusive agent representing the Key Biscayne/Miami Beach Islands real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. For more information, call 305-496-0359 or email paola@paolamarulanda.com.

The post First-Class Connections – Luxury Realtor Paola Marulanda Talks Real Estate and Her Secrets To Success appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Through the pathway of real estate, Cindy Shearin, Founder of The Shearin Group in Manhattan Beach, California, has fashioned an amazing career. During her 30 years in the South Bay market, Shearin’s position as an acclaimed Realtor, Developer, and Interior Designer has been achieved through a combination of skill and sheer determination and steadfastness in how she does business. These qualities have found Cindy great success, respect, and an unmatched store of knowledge.

In an exclusive interview with Haute Residence, Shearin takes us inside the world of being a ‘generational realtor’ and how she develops trust and life-long relationships.

Photo Credit: www.shutterstock.com

Trust is key in growing your client base in real estate.  How are some ways you have achieved this with your clients? 

To achieve success in the real estate business you must always have your client’s best interest at heart. I will recommend that my clients walk away from a contract or negotiation that does not adequately serve his or her needs. 

My reputation for putting my client first has earned me the moniker as the ‘generational realtor’; I have earned the trust of many men and women whom I have represented throughout their lives, from property to property, even into retirement. This natural process extends into my clients family members and close friends.  I am the ‘family’ realtor to many of my clients. As a result, after three decades, my network is immense.

You are well known for masterfully selling many of your properties ‘off-market’. How did you achieve this gifted ability, and what are some reasons why clients want to sell off-market?

This really circles back to my previous answer about winning a client's trust. Building such a massive network of clients, and selling to multiple generations in individual families adds to my success in being able to buy and sell properties off-market for clients. On numerous occasions over the years, I have sold the same home or income property multiple times. I am so grateful that clients for decades have put their trust in me, which is always earned.  I care about my clients and their well being is important to me.

Regarding the motivation for clients wanting to sell off-market, we have a lot of high-profile clients that simply don’t want droves of people walking through their homes on weekends during an Open House. They trust in my proven network and my diligence to work tirelessly to find them the right buyer without going to market.

Photo Credit: www.shutterstock.com

How are some ways you save your clients money?

My unique combination of skills provides numerous opportunities for me to save my clients money and also maximize their returns. I have four areas of expertise that I have developed through many years of experience and market study … Interior and Exterior Design, Real Estate Marketing, Ground-up Construction, and Real Estate Development and Financing. Each area has its own set of complexities that can be employed to maximize a client’s return, depending upon the unique characteristics of the situation.

One situation in which these skills can significantly affect cost is in preparing a home for sale. When I work with a new property/client, I practice a sort of ‘A to Z’ exercise where I assess and create a timeline of what is needed to come to market. My construction knowledge allows me to evaluate the cost versus return of any upgrades; my marketing background lets me assess the best marketing vehicles to employ, and my interior design knowledge assists me in effective staging decisions. Often, clients are advised to hire expensive staging companies to help prepare a home for market, but I can save my clients time and money by staging with the minimum amount of expenditure. We bring in some fresh new accessories/pieces and repurpose where needed to be most effective. Starting with eye-appealing existing home pieces and adding “the new” transforms a home from good to fabulous! 

Much like the staging process, I have an eye for evaluating the pros and cons that are key when a client is buying a home. Helping a buyer visualize a home's potential comes very natural to me, where others can easily overlook relatively simple design solutions. I have subs and contractors that are available to assist with small to large rehabs that can help a client see the potential in a contemplated purchase.

I have also sold homes that are under construction and negotiated with the builders to agree to allow my clients to make the final selections. It’s a win-win for all; and with my expertise, I can assist both parties in the completion process.

Photo Credit: www.shutterstock.com

You are known as a South Bay real estate expert.  How did you get this reputation?  

Being a South Bay real estate expert is comprehensive. Living here, and practicing real estate for 30 years, I know the ins-and-outs of the South Bay. I raised my family in the South Bay and know the school system, youth organizations and opportunities, and sports platforms.  I also appreciate the unique characteristics of each of the South Bay communities. In addition, I have spent years acquiring the micro-information about each individual neighborhood, from block to block. No algorithm could ever pick up this type of tangible and value-influencing knowledge.  

The Shearin Group continues to be ranked in the Top 1% of Realtors in the nation, while I locally was ranked #2 in transactions for the past several years through the parent firm Strand Hill Christie’s International. Through Christie’s, our global reach is vast, with representation in 47 countries and across 1350 offices around the world.  

My firm, The Shearin Group, not only has a powerful affiliate network, but also generates staggering numbers on social media. We are proud to be the exclusive South Bay real estate firm for mega social platforms Haute Residence, Haute Living, The Fourhundred, and Luxury Realtor. Through these affiliate platforms, we boost monthly viewership and exposure to upwards of Three Million Viewers/Subscribers, providing an outstanding reach on social media.

We design the most effective marketing programs for all the homes we represent, including, but not limited to, very effective marketing methods uniquely available to The Shearin Group. We are known for creating a big push in advertising via print and online in the appropriate platforms for the type of property we are marketing. 

The post Cindy Shearin On How To Capture And Retain Real Estate Clients And Their Trust appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Dezer Platinum Realty LLC

Realtors, brokers, developers, and industry insiders will gather for a busy day filled with talks and panels on how the luxury real estate market throughout the country is shaping up for the new decade. The Haute Residence 2020 Miami Real Estate Summit connects buyers with access to the minds behind some of the most exquisite properties in the world, as well as leaders in the real estate market.

The unmistakable South Florida landscape once again welcomes luxury real estate investors and members of the real estate industry to the Haute Residence 2020 Luxury Miami Real Estate Summit.

To purchase tickets to the event, click HERE.

Schedule of Events:

11:00am – 11:30am: Welcome and Registration

11:45am – 1:15pm: Titans of Miami - "East Coast Kings"

Masters of the Miami skyline sound off on where they see the luxury market heading and its evolution.

Developer Panelists: Gil Dezer, Louis Birdman, Dan Kodsi, Shahab Karmely, Marcelo Kingston, Edgardo Defortuna, Ricardo Tabet

1:30pm – 2:30pm: Lunch – Residences by Armani/Casa

Network with the greatest minds of development and brokerage in the luxury real estate market.

2:45pm – 3:45pm: International Power Brokers Panel

Top broker/agents from key international real estate meccas such as Miami Beach, Los Angeles, New York City and Cayman Islands sound off on the latest in market conditions and development.

Panelists: Dolly Lenz and Jenny Lenz (NYC), Mary Ann Osborn (LA), Richard Steinberg (NYC), Cody Vichinsky (NYC) Olivia Hsu Decker (San Francisco) Jay Parker (Miami), Ben Bacal (Hollywood Hills), Michael Goldstein (Miami), Sue Nickason (Cayman Islands)

4:00pm – 5:00pm: Miami Power Brokers

Top South Florida brokers share their knowledge on the evolution and direction of the luxury market today.

Panelists: Maria Eugenia Alvarez Vitale, Jeff Miller, Lourdes Alatriste, Steve Solomon, Crista Ryan, Sebastian Tettamanti, Christian Martinez

5:00pm: Summit Closing Remarks

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Dezer Platinum Realty LLC

The post Attend The Real Estate Event Of The Season: The Haute Residence 2020 Luxury Miami Real Estate Summit appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

What do you see as your company’s greatest success in 2012?

My company's greatest success this year is how busy we have been. We had one of our best years yet. Across the board between closed transactions, volume and being the top listing and selling broker for the past 5 consecutive years.

What do you see as some of the biggest opportunities in the coming year ahead?

The biggest opportunities that I see for The Joseph Bograd Team in 2013 are the agents that have joined us. We have a great team here and can't wait for this team to grow and build upon what we have achieved in 2012. Our Team is Joseph Bograd, Jasmine Williams, Anthony Paul Pinto, Yan Korol and Julia Brenton.

What changing market aspects will have the greatest impact on the way you conduct business in 2013?

The lack of inventory that is presently for sale will be have the greatest impact on the way we conduct business in 2013. The market is great and the volume of Clients out there looking if phenomenal. However, we need more homes to sell!! We have the buyers that are ready to buy!!

What is it about you and your company that sets you apart from the rest?

Hungry!! That's our motto. Everyone on The Joseph Bograd Team is hungry, persistent and aggressive. We don't sleep and we want to be on top.

What are the most important questions a client should ask themselves before selecting an agent in your market?

The Most important questions a consumer should ask themselves before selecting a Realtor should be; "Is this Realtor going to go above and beyond to make this experience non-problematic?" I believe that the home buying or selling experience should be a pleasant one, an experience that you can tell your friends and family about. I have remarks and compliments from my clients that can attest to this. We want you to feel comfortable and confident when you deal with "The Joseph Bograd Team"

To Learn More: Visit Joseph B Bograd's Haute Real Estate Profile

The post Realtor Joseph B Bograd Predicts New Homes For The New Year in Bucks County appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.