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The SunPost 2008 Best
Of South Florida
Best of our Advertisers
ADVERTORIAL
Best Condo Deals, Miami
The
Madison
800 North Miami Ave.,
Miami
305-373-9900
www.themiamicondo.com
For $169,900 and up,
buyers can purchase condominiums with two bedrooms, two baths and a
spacious floor plan that includes private
balconies and a vast array of community amenities that is by far the best
anywhere. Looking for a cozy but spacious one-bedroom condo? Try an
unbelievable deal on the 15th floor for $149,900. The
Madison
is centrally located near
nightclubs, the Miami Design District, Bayside
Marketplace, the Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, AA Arena, great
downtown eateries and South Beach. Amenities include a cyber lounge, a
private poker/billiard room, a party room, a roof-top sports deck with
lighted tennis courts, basketball courts, a beautiful pool, a heated spa
and an adjacent sand volleyball court, barbecue areas, 24-hour gated
security, WiFi
common areas, covered assigned parking and a private movie theater.
BEST NEW LUXURY BEACH HOTEL/CONDO
Mondrian
South Beach
1100 West Ave., Miami Beach
305-672-2662
www.mondriansouthbeach.com
This gorgeously
designed new Miami Beach institution is really something to behold.
The hotel
sits on a prime waterfront location and provides breathtaking views of the
Atlantic and downtown Miami.
Combine that with owners who never do anything other than top-shelf
productions and vast enthusiasm from the marketplace at a time when many
projects are failing, and
Mondrian South Beach has become a new landmark.
BEST AFFORDABLE SOUTH BEACH RENTALS
Southgate
Towers
900 West Ave.,
Miami Beach
305-672-2412
www.southgate-apartments.com
“Affordable” and “South
Beach”
aren’t commonly used in conjunction with one another. That’s what makes
Southgate Towers Apartments so special. It offers affordable apartments in
a pleasant community, and its spacious one- and two-bedroom units offer
scenic views of the Miami bayfront.
BEST QUIET HOTEL-APARTMENTS
Metropole –
South
Beach
635 Collins Ave.,
Miami Beach
305-672-0009
Metropole offers 42
one- and two-bedroom stylishly appointed hotel rooms and apartments with
comfy beds in a quiet environment. This is South Beach Hotel Group’s most
chic South
Beach
property. Fully equipped Italian kitchens will bring out your tastiest
inner chef, and the apartments with hotel amenities and services will help
you relax — for a day, a week, a month or a season. Corporate units,
production suites, offices and meeting spaces are available.
Best South Beach Opening
Bali
South Beach, Andi Greenwald Development Group
1520
and 1526
Michigan Ave.,
Miami
Beach
305-803-8808
www.balisouthbeach.com
Are
you looking for a house on
South
Beach, rather than a cramped shoebox in an overpopulated condo? There are
very few single-family homes left in the area, but Andi Greenwald might
just have what you are looking for. Her exquisite
Bali
South Beach — a restoration of two existing buildings converted into four
deluxe condominium longhouses in a tropical setting — is complete. The
exclusive property boasts a lap pool, Jacuzzi and parking, and is just a
couple of blocks from Lincoln Road and Flamingo Park. Andi is the founder
and president of the Andi Greenwald Development Group, and she’s known in
real estate circles as the person to see about restoring your historic
residential building. She’s won numerous awards to prove it.
BEST DEVELOPMENT TRACK RECORD
Lionstone
Development
605 Lincoln Road,
Fifth Floor,
Miami Beach
305-672-5466
www.Lionstone.net
Under the direction
of founder and Chairman Alfredo Lowenstein and CEO Diego Lowenstein,
Miami-based Lionstone Development has a 30-year track record of owning,
developing and managing hospitality, gaming and residential properties
throughout South Florida and the Caribbean. The company’s mission is to
develop and manage a diversified portfolio of residential and hospitality
ventures in key locations, with a focus on providing world-class
developments while staying true to the culture of the local communities.
The company aims for profitability and long-term value appreciation for
investors, a dynamic work environment for associates and sustained
profitability and long-term value appreciation for its assets. It also has
amassed an impressive collection of luxury resort and residential
developments with leading industry partners. Owner of one of the most
successful properties in South Florida, The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach,
Lionstone Development is responsible for bringing the fourth Ritz-Carlton
product to the area — the purely residential Ritz-Carlton Club and
Residences, South Beach, now under construction. It is also a driving
force in expanding the range of hotel brands in the Miami market.
BEST MANAGEMENT & RENOVATION OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS
Jameck Development
1300 Collins Ave.,
Suite 100,
Miami Beach
305-531-3155
www.jameck.com
It takes
sensitivity, expertise and experience to manage and renovate historic
buildings in South Florida. That’s exactly what Jameck Development brings
to bear on its numerous projects. For more than 20 years, its experience
and concern for projects as well as the entire community have helped
Jameck build its positive reputation.
BEST REAL ESTATE ADVICE
Coral
Shores Realty
1906 Hollywood Blvd.,
Hollywood
305-343-1214
www.ritaregev.com,
www.coralshoresrealty.com
Coral
Shores
Realty prides itself on providing the best advice, service and commitment
to anyone looking to buy, sell and invest in
Florida
real estate. CSR supports its staff with technology, continuing education
and tools to empower them and satisfy their clients, and it gives back to
the community through charitable contributions and participation in
fundraising events.
BEST REAL ESTATE COMPANY WEB SITE
South
Beach
Investment Realty
www.SBIRealty.com
A savvy real estate
buyer is a well-informed real estate buyer, and there is no better place
to educate yourself about all aspects of the local market than at
SBIRealty.com. Easy to access and navigate, up-to-date and informational,
it is a veritable treasure trove of real estate data and opportunities.
Long a leader in the local real estate market and still growing today,
South Beach Investment Realty, led by Diane Lieberman, remains at the top
of the industry as proven by this site.
BEST RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE COMPANY
Coldwell Banker
Residential Real Estate
Regional Office,
1500 San Remo Ave., Suite 135, Coral Gables
786-268-8995
www.floridamoves.com
Coldwell Banker
Residential Real Estate is ranked as the No. 1 real estate company in our
region and in Florida, closing more than $2.2 billion in Miami-Dade
County, more than $1.6 billion in Broward County and $11.2 billion
statewide in 2007. More than 54 percent of its sales force produced higher
home sales results last year than in the previous year. One out of every
three of its homes sells within the first 30 days, and the combined
worldwide audience for all of the Web sites that market their homes now
exceeds 10 million visitors every day.
BEST VARIETY IN LUXURY RENTALS
Bryan Halda, Gray &
Associates Properties, Inc.
3620 N.E. Miami
Place, Miami
305-754-3778
www.bryanhalda.com
It isn’t that there
aren’t terrific rentals still available in the local market. They can just
be difficult to find. Wading through the marketplace can be challenging,
which is where Bryan Halda steps in. He has many, many luxury rentals from
multimillion-dollar waterfront mansions to penthouse lofts high in the
sky. Halda offers more than a service — he offers a chance to make a
lifestyle change.
BEST MEGA REAL ESTATE AGENT
Jack Coden
1680 Meridian Ave.,
Miami Beach
305-742-5225
www.jackcodengroup.com
One of the most
successful real estate agents in the market, Jack Coden continues to set a
high bar by which success is measured in his own work. He closed more than
107 units last year and was the No. 1 Keller Williams Realty producer in
South Florida in 2007.
BEST LUXURY REALTOR
Fabian
Garcia-Diaz
517
Arthur Godfrey Road, Miami Beach
305-935-8050
www.fabianhomes.com
With
more than 24 years of experience in the real estate industry and a proven
track record of more than $700 million in successful closed sales, Fabian
Garcia-Diaz, a senior Realtor associate with Fortune International Realty,
has been a true industry leader in sales and marketing of outstanding
waterfront homes, luxury condominiums and commercial real estate. He has
represented buyers and sellers throughout South Florida and Central and
South America, and attributes his success to his international networking
capabilities, a result of his fluency in English, Spanish, Portuguese and
Italian. He has been successful in developing ties with celebrities,
athletes and heads of state from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Italy, Peru,
Mexico and the United States. Fabian’s professional team puts their
experience, honesty and knowledge to work for all of his clients.
BEST REALTOR FOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Josephine Pampanas
419 Arthur Godfrey
Road, Miami Beach
305-343-0517
www.josephinepampanas.com
A broker-associate
and top producer of Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell, Inc. Realtors with more than
20 years of industry experience, Josephine is knowledgeable in all areas
of South Florida real estate and always willing to go the extra length for
her clients. But she also finds time to demonstrate her deep community
commitment. The mayor of Miami Beach appointed her to the Parking and
Transportation Committee and she is also a member of the Citizens
Leadership Academy and the Police Citizens Academy. She is dedicated to
her clients and her community.
BEST COASTAL REAL
ESTATE CONSULTANT
Ralph De Martino
738 Arthur Godfrey
Road, Miami Beach
305-695-1105
Today South
Florida’s real estate market is about as low as a joke about your sick
grandmother. That means sellers and buyers alike need professional
guidance and counseling more than ever. Ralph De Martino meets that need.
With credentials going back to the mid-80s, De Martino has seen it all.
And, his extensive knowledge and experience give him the edge in obtaining
the best possible results. His clients know exactly what they are facing
and have realistic expectations, and they’re always satisfied. He is a
member of the Master Brokers Forum, Miami-Dade’s top 250 agents and ranks
in the top 2 percent of Realtors nationwide in sales. Basically, he’s the
man.
BEST FRENCH-SPEAKING
TEAM OF REALTORS, MIAMI BEACH
SBI
Realty “The JLDMIAMI Team”
1680 Meridian Ave.,
Miami Beach
305-305-0660
www.jldmiami-realestate.com
Led by Jean Louis
Delbeke, South Beach Investment Realty’s “JLDMiami Team” consists of three
French, English and Spanish-speaking Realtors. They sold more than $20
million in 2007 and have more than 80 potential French buyers looking for
residential and commercial properties. And they expect 2008 to be their
best year of sales in 10 years.
BEST TOP LISTING AGENT AT KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY
Mike Mason
700 N.E. 90th St.,
Miami
305-527-3088
www.mikemason.biz
Mason has been the top individual listing agent since he joined Keller
Williams two years ago, and the company has had 120 to 150 agents. Mason
does residential and commercial properties and carries 40 listings at any
one time, ranging from $200,000 to $9 million. He was on the company’s
board of directors in his first year. Mason is also involved in multiple
charities/groups. He strives to give his clients impeccable service.
BEST REAL ESTATE OFFICE FOR SERVICE
Denise
Rubin Realty
20900 N.E. 30th
Ave., Suite 303, Aventura
305-932-9326
www.deniserubin.com
Known for her
incredible business acumen, Denise Rubin of Denise Rubin Realty LLC has a
stunning record of success. Now, she has a top-of-the-line office in One
Aventura Executive Center, one of the area’s choicest sites, to match her
reputation. The professionally designed space is home to a full-service
company, including mortgage, title services and a real estate attorney,
making it appealing to clients and industry professionals. Rubin is driven
to be the best in the profession, and the many awards she has received are
a reflection of her professional accomplishments. From 2004 to 2007, she
won 14 Best awards from the Builders Association of South Florida,
including Best Real Estate Professional four years in a row.
BEST INTERNATIONAL ICON TEAM, MIAMI BEACH
Claudia Whitechurch
and Laura Curson
305-938-1832
www.floridamoves.com/claudia.whitechurch
claudia.whitechurch@floridamoves.com
The Beach team is a
luxury real estate powerhouse created by two accomplished and effective
luxury Realtors — Claudia Whitechurch and Laura Curson. Together, these
strong, driven women are unbeatable, devoted to the unmitigated
satisfaction of their clients. Claudia and Laura have earned a place in
Coldwell Banker’s prestigious International President’s Elite,
representing the top 1.4 percent of all CB NRT sales associates
nationwide. If you seek a luxury waterfront condominium in Miami Beach,
call Claudia and Laura.
BEST REAL ESTATE PHILOSOPHY
Carl Crawford
1691 Michigan Ave.,
Suite 530, Miami Beach
305-804-6154
www.carlcrawford.net
After the death of a
relative several years ago, Coldwell Banker’s Carl Crawford saw conflict
break out between several family members over properties contained in the
estate. Crawford took an interest in the business because he wanted to
help others avoid those kinds of situations. His approach to real estate
is defined by a sincere desire to assist those who want professional help.
Although he has been involved with $300 million to $400 million in real
estate transactions, including those for luxury homes from Pinecrest to
West Palm Beach, Crawford has focused on condominium units and Miami Beach
properties. He has a proven track record of prosperity and growth, and he
has done it his own way.
BEST REALTOR FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE
Irene Dakota
515 N.E. 96th St.,
Miami
305-972-8860
Irene Dakota of
Douglas Elliman Florida is a relocation specialist with a deep commitment
to clients and the track record to prove it. Her care and concern for
client’s real estate needs is noticeable from the moment one begins
working with her, as is her market savvy and knowledge. The phones are
always answered here, for which there is — most definitely — something to
be said.
BEST REALTOR FOR BUYER & SELLER RELATIONS
Jo-Ann Forster
1500 San Remo Ave.,
Suite 110, Coral Gables
305-778-5555
www.uniquehomesofmiami.com
Jo-Ann Forster
continues to raise the bar for the standard of excellence in real estate.
Every sale is a reflection of her commitment to do the best for her buyers
and sellers. Her award of No. 1 Top Producer 2007 in Florida and
Miami-Dade County for Coldwell Banker is a result of that dedication and
determination. Jo-Ann ranks in the top 25 percent of all agents
nationally. She is a member of the Society of Excellence, has been named
Realtor of the Year by The Builders Association of South Florida numerous
times and was also named one of the Top 100 Agents in the Nation by
Realtor magazine. She chairs the Marketing Committee of the Master
Broker’s Forum, the top 250 agents in South Florida, and is a frequent
speaker for the Real Estate Association of Miami and for Coldwell Banker.
BEST REAL ESTATE ADVERTISING & BRANDING
Nancy Batchelor
550 S. Dixie
Highway, Coral Gables
305-903-2850
www.nancybatchelor.com
EWM’s Nancy
Batchelor has remained a leading force in the industry not just because of
her vast knowledge and experience, but also because of her strong
commitment to serving her clients’ needs. In combination with those traits
and commitment, Batchelor’s intelligent use of advertising and marketing
have consistently impressed those in and outside of the industry.
Best Real Estate Specialist, Surfside
Jennifer Brilliant, Keller Williams Realty
1680 Meridian Ave., Suite 101, Miami Beach
Phone:
305-389-0220
Website:
www.surfsidefloridarealestate.com
Jennifer
Brilliant is a full-time Realtor who specializes in Surfside because she
loves all that the community has to offer. She is known for providing
outstanding customer service and for her local market knowledge. Her goal
in every transaction is to exceed the expectations of her client, and she
uses the latest technologies and market research to help her find
solutions tailored to her clients’ needs, whether they are looking to buy,
sell or rent. Location:
Best Real Estate Guarantee
Roman
Pavlik, the Pavlik Real Estate Group
305-674-4811
Website:
www.luxurylifestylesmiami.com
Whether you are looking to buy or sell a condo or home from Miami and
Miami Beach to Aventura, Fort Lauderdale or Boca Raton, the Pavlik Real
Estate Group’s experienced team is ready to serve. They work with
first-time home buyers, second-home owners, investors and luxury-home
sellers and buyers. For sellers, they guarantee the sale of your home at a
price acceptable to you or they buy it for cash. For buyers, they
guarantee that you will like your home or they will buy it back in the
first 12 months, so that you can shop with confidence. Who says there are
no certainties in real estate?Phone:
Best team for Luxury Oceanfront Vacation Condos
The Golan Team
Phone:
786-333-6200
786-271-1235
Website:
www.golanteam.com
Eyal and Debra Golan
of The Golan Team have long been affiliated with the sales of luxury
high-end condos on the water. Their attention to detail is meticulous as
they take buyers from start to finish and even further to achieve the
goals and create vacation masterpieces. Eyal, with a construction
background, helps clients realize their visions and create homes that are
truly stunning. Their relationships with buyers continue for years. For
sellers, Debra’s background in marketing and advertising helps effectively
promote properties worldwide. This team specializes in Miami Beach, Bal
Harbour, Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach and Hollywood Beach, and is
affiliated with Esslinger Wooten Maxwell Realtors.
Best Lasting Real Estate Team
Bonnie Brooks and
Ilene Tessler
1021 Kane Concourse,
Bay Harbor Islands
305-866-4566
Website:
www.opendoormiami.com
Turnberry
International Realty’s Bonnie Brooks and Ilene Tessler are the rare,
successful friends in local real estate. They have been best friends since
junior high school on Miami Beach. They have shared a friendship for more
than 40 years and a business partnership for more than 25 years, built on
integrity and experience. They are both residents of Miami and hold
record-breaking sales. Brooks and Tessler specialize in high-end
properties, both homes and condominiums, throughout South Florida. Their
work has earned them numerous awards over the years. Having sold upwards
of $75 million in a single year, their record is strong.
Best Boutique Real Estate Office
Bonnie Brooks and
Ilene Tessler
1021 Kane Concourse,
Bay Harbor Islands
Phone:
305-866-4566
Website:
www.opendoormiami.com
With the opening of
a brand-new office in Bay Harbor Islands, this successful real estate team
is now perfectly situated to work in their region of specialty — the
islands. The boutique nature of the office is echoed in the way clients
are personally treated —with care and concern.
Location:
Best Personal Successes by A REALTOR
Ines
Flax, Coldwell Banker
305-672-6300; 786-218-7600
Born
in Nicaragua, Ines Flax has lived in Florida since 1977. She is a 1979
graduate from Florida Atlantic University, where she was on the Dean’s
List and earned honors in international business. In 1999, she moved to
South Beach and joined Temple Emanuel, the Greater Miami Board of Realtors
in 2000 and the Miami Beach Leadership Academy in 2003. She was inducted
into the Legends Society in 2006, which represents the top 25 percent of
all Coldwell Banker NRT associates nationally. She is also in the top 1
percent of Coldwell Banker associates worldwide and was named to the Top
10 for Miami-Dade in 2005. However, she feels her greatest accomplishments
are freeing her father from a communist Nicaraguan jail in 1981; raising
her daughter Nina, a National Merit Scholar finalist and graduate of
Harvard Law School who now practices corporate law in Chicago; raising her
nephew, Ricardo Suarez, a dental graduate from USC with a private practice
in California; and working for numerous local and regional charities.
Best Real Estate Vision
Jeff Morr, Majestic
Properties
305-677-5000
1682
Jefferson Ave., Miami Beach
35
N.E. 40th St., Suite 301, Miami
305-398-7888,
305-677-5000
www.majesticproperties.com
With a visionary’s
ability to anticipate trends, Jeff Morr’s modern aesthetic has helped
transform South Florida’s architectural landscape. The business acumen of
this Majestic Properties’ founder and CEO has shaped the company into one
of the region’s largest privately owned real estate organizations. With
four offices from Miami to Tampa and an extensive list of subsidiaries —
including Genesys Funding mortgage company, Kor Communications marketing
firm and Moooi Miami, the first full-line Moooi showroom in the United
States — it’s no wonder, Majestic Properties is ranked as the
fastest-growing, privately-held, full-service real estate company in the
United States. Morr has made an art of real estate brokering, altering the
paradigm of how the region’s residential and commercial properties are
bought and sold. Since its inception in 1995, Majestic has garnered praise
from residents, developers and civic leaders. Morr is credited with
introducing the loft concept to Miami Beach, and then taking it to the
emerging neighborhoods of North Beach, North Bay Village and the Biscayne
corridor.
Best Top-Selling Agent, Keystone Point & San Souci
Jeff Tomlinson,
Tomlinson Realty Group
305-895-5333
www.jeffrealtor.com
Jeff Tomlinson, CEO
of Tomlinson Realty Group, has been selling luxury waterfront homes for 20
years, with gross sales of more than $550 million placing him in the top 1
percent of Realtors nationwide. Tomlinson, a native son of Keystone Point
and a current resident of Sans Souci Estates, has sold and closed more
than 450 homes in these two neighborhoods, making him the top-selling
agent in that area for nine years. He attributes his success to his
insider knowledge of his key sales area — Northeast Dade, Aventura and the
Biscayne corridor. Jeff has been a pilot since age 21 and shoots aerial
photos of all his clients’ waterfront homes. Jeff advertises aggressively
spending about 1 percent of the listing prices to sell the properties. His
wife Kaitlin, who is also a licensed broker and registered appraiser,
works by his side, hosting more than 100 open houses a year.
Best Real Estate Connection, MIAMI BEACH
Michael Feuling, Carson Realty Group
305-532-0993
www.getcarson.com
Michael Feuling logged 20 years as a marketing, advertising and sales
executive. He uses this vast and diverse experience in his work as a real
estate agent. A condominium owner in the South of Fifth market, Feuling
also brings his local’s knowledge of the South Beach market to bear for
all of his clients’ real estate needs. It’s a great combination of skills,
experience and dedication — and one much appreciated by countless pleased
buyers and sellers.
Best Cool South Beach Spaces
Scott
Robins Companies
230
Fifth St., Miami Beach
305-674-0600
www.robinscompanies.com
Scott
Robins is many things: a developer, a property manager, a general
contractor and one of Miami Beach’s foremost figures. He’s also got some
pretty nifty spaces to lease in several properties all over South Beach,
from retail to office, restaurant and office spaces. Robins has always
been sensitive to the community and it shows in the scale of the work he
does. His commitment to community desires and to preservation sets him
apart from many developers. Robins is easy and pleasant to work with —
another real plus.
Best Green Project Design
T.
Kimberly Rodstein, HJR Properties
444
Brickell Ave., Suite 729, Miami
305-789-9922
The
term “green building” is synonymous with “high-performance building,”
“sustainable design and construction” and anything else that refers to
holistic design and construction. Meeting today’s needs without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs, green
building design balances environmental responsibility, resource
efficiency, comfort and community sensitivity. If you want a return on
your investment without sacrificing the future, call T. Kimberly Rodstein
at HJR properties.
BEST LISTING & SELLING AGENT, UPPER EASTSIDE
Kimberly O’Mahony,
EWM Miami
Beach
419 Arthur
Godfrey Road, Miami Beach
305-970-6000
www.ewm.com
Kimberly O’Mahony, a third-generation Realtor, has been a South Florida
resident for more than 15 years. She has been one of the pioneers of Upper
Eastside real estate, with an impressive record of properties she listed
and sold, from bayfront homes in the multi-million dollar price bracket to
smaller homes. Her commitment to every client and listing has been the
hallmark of her success, and she is always available to listen to her
customers’ needs. Kimberly has focused her business on the waterfront
market in Miami-Dade, since she is a waterfront homeowner. Her impressive
sales record in Sans Souci Estates, Keystone Point, Morningside, Bayside,
Belle Meade, Miami Shores, Eastern Shores, Normandy Shores and Miami Beach
clearly demonstrate her unparalleled knowledge of the area and her ability
to earn client confidence.
BEST LUXURY HOME SALES MAVERICK
Nelson Gonzalez, EWM
Miami Beach
419 Arthur
Godfrey Road, Miami Beach
305-674-4040
www.nelsongonzalez.com
As senior vice
president with EWM Realtors, Nelson Gonzalez has enjoyed more than 19
years of success selling luxury real estate in Miami Beach and other areas
of Miami-Dade County. From 1998 to the present, he has been a top producer
at EWM Realtors and is listed as one of the top 5 percent nationally. In
2006 and 2007, Nelson was awarded the top honors as the EWM Companywide
Top Producer among more than 900 agents. Nelson’s superior knowledge of
the current and past market in luxury real estate enables him to offer the
utmost professional services to those buying or selling. A member of the
Board of Directors of the Miami Beach Police Athletic League Association,
Realtor Association of Greater Miami and the Beaches, Master Brokers
Forum, Chamber of Commerce and the Luxury Home Council Committee for
Realtors proves he is a major power in the real estate industry.
BEST REAL ESTATE TEAM, AVENTURA
Barbara A. Savalli
and Ellie Harovitz
EWM Aventura,
2750
N.E. 185th St.,
Suite 101, Aventura
Barb, 786-325-2225;
Ellie, 954-684-5505
www.southfloridadreamteam.net
Having more than 20 years of experience, leading a team of multilingual
associates — who speak Spanish, Portuguese, French and English — and
working hard has made Barb and Ellie the No. 1 team for many years. They
are experienced in selling luxury real estate along the coast from South
Beach to Fort Lauderdale. The duo has been designated the No. 1 team in
Southeast Florida, the No. 9 team in the state, and has won numerous
awards. Building “clients for life” is a philosophy that Barb and Ellie
clearly dedicate to their clients.
BEST FAST-GROWING REAL ESTATE COMPANY
Weichert Realtors-Best Beach Realtors
7145
Collins Ave., Miami Beach
305-866-0777
With
more than 100 Realtors in Miami Beach alone, Weichert Realtors-Best Beach
Realtors is one of Miami’s fastest growing real estate companies. The
Weichert-Best Beach team has even excelled in the past couple of tenuous
years. They’ve also got more than 10 exclusive condo-conversion projects
under their belt.
BEST
TEAM OF AGENTS
Agents at Gary
Hennes Realtors
1633 Jefferson Ave.,
at The Van Dyke
305-532-1558
www.garyhennesrealtors.com
Gary
Hennes is very proud of his team and feels it is an honor to work with
them every day. They are Alison Kunkel, Brigitte Adams, David
Martinborough, David Pulley, Ernesto Enriquez, Fabio Moscoloni, Frank
Kruszewski, Ilsa Vasquez, Jim Weaver, Jillian Zichelle-Donatelli, Joseph
Schafer, Joseph Zichelle, Julie Gaudenzi-McClay, Lucy Campagna, Martina
Hajkova, Matt Scroggins, Michele Colson, Pamela Diaz de Leon, Ray Reilly,
Ricky DeParamo, Tim Goodale and Vicente Diaz de Leon.
BEST REAL ESTATE
ADVERTISING & MARKETING, CORAL GABLES
Piper Rothan arrived
in Miami from Chicago in 1996 with a master of fine arts degree from the
University of Chicago. She has an inherent and educated love of space and
design. When buying her first home, she found the real estate transaction
intriguing and complex. She received her Realtors license in 2002. It was
a wise choice. She consistently leads The Keyes Company Coral Gables’
office in sales and listings because she applies the same dedication,
focus, passion and commitment she had for her art to real estate.
Creativity plays an enormous part in how Rothan works, especially in her
marketing, which is property- and information-centric. She is creative,
but also analytical, with a wonderful right brain/left brain interplay
that serves her clients well. Her business philosophy is simple –
discipline, accountability and action.
BEST LOFT SPECIALIST
Josh Stein, Majestic
Properties
305-534-1999
www.loftsinmiami.com
In South Florida,
the old adage “location, location, location” typically applies to Miami
Beach, downtown and areas along the Biscayne corridor. Living in these
dynamic neighborhoods is about tapping into the excitement and cultural
opportunities surrounding them and a shorter commute to work. But finding
a place here can mean sacrificing the larger living spaces found in
Miami’s western suburbs. Josh Stein, a Majestic Properties Realtor and
loft specialist, knows that urban dwellers can have it both ways.
Living and
working in lofts utilizes space intelligently and modern design
beautifully — something to which Josh naturally gravitated. In 2006, as
the real estate
market softened, Josh amassed more than $6 million in loft sales and was
named a top producer at Majestic Properties. He currently has numerous
exclusive loft listings in Miami, South Beach and the Arts District,
ranging from $200,000 to $2 million.
BEST PURCHASE OR
RENTAL DEAL
Sean
Stephens
786-347-5438,
305-766-7321
Not only can Sean Stephens work with you to find the best first or second
home, but he can also secure the best loans and options. Sean has a strong
commitment to finding his clients the perfect dwellings. He can work
within any budget, offer low down-payment programs and match you with the
right South Florida rental space.
BEST REALTOR FOR URBAN LIVING IN MIAMI BEACH
Laura Veitia, EWM
Miami Beach
EWM, 419 Arthur
Godfrey Road, Miami Beach
305-798-4646
www.urbanresource.com
Laura Veitia started
Urban Resource at Esslinger Wooten Maxwell Realtors in 2002, along with
her brother Daniel. Urban Resource focuses on the real estate needs of
Miami Beach by providing the community with professional services and
offering support for residents and future residents, particularly those in
the growing neighborhood of North Beach.
Whether purchasing
or investing in a new property, Urban Resource provides a one-stop source
for urban living. Laura assists buyers and sellers, while Daniel has
become increasingly involved in the renaissance of North Beach. Together,
they have a deep understanding and knowledge of the area. Both volunteer
on city boards and have created a nonprofit organization that brings a
variety of events to the neighborhood, including volleyball tournaments,
full-moon kayak tours and, most recently, Xanadu skate nights. These Miami
natives are passionate and deeply rooted in their community, and they have
a pulse on the local market.
BEST RESIDENTIAL AND
COMMERCIAL LENDER
Ross Home Loans
1680
Michigan Ave., Suite 1030, Miami Beach
305-673-4144
www.rosshomeloans.com
Ross
Home Loans helps clients obtain residential and commercial mortgages. It
works with homeowners, first-time buyers, foreign nationals and business
owners who have strong, good and challenged credit, and helps buyers
purchase properties and refinance to consolidate debt and lower monthly
payments. The company believes in providing personal, responsive customer
service.
BEST LOCAL REVERSE LENDER
Value Financial
660 N.W. 116th St.,
Miami
305-588-2693
www.valuefinancial.net
Reverse lending can
be a tricky proposition and is certainly one that calls for working with
an experienced, trustworthy professional. That is exactly what Value
Financial offers. It’s one of the largest and oldest companies of its type
in South Florida and has built a reputation for client services and doing
things right. Its staff often closes reverse mortgages in just three
weeks.
BEST INSURANCE AGENT
South Beach
Insurance
1315 14th St., Miami
Beach
305-532-7623
www.southbeachinsurance.com
This company has
been an industry standard-bearer with deep ties to the community for 15
years. Well-known and respected, South Beach Insurance utilizes its
experience to assist those with any personal property insurance needs,
particularly homeowners insurance because of mortgage mandates. People
looking for the best deals are assisted by the staff’s comprehensive
knowledge of available credits.
BEST CONDO SOLUTIONS
CondoSolutions
305-790-5461
www.thecondosolution.com
CondoSolutions is
the premier boutique condominium management company on the Beach, serving
self-managed condominiums with the care, guidance, support and tools they
need to ensure that their associations are smoothly run. The company
consults with homeowners on their rights and responsibilities to the
communities in which they live. With clients in and around Miami Beach
from eight to 500 units, no association is too big or too small for the
custom solutions these experts offer.
BEST CONDO MANAGEMENT COMPANY
Regatta Real Estate
Management
309 23rd St.,
Suite 300, Miami Beach
305-673-1940
www.regattarealestate.com
Regatta Real Estate
Management has provided professional, responsible property management
since 1994. This team prides itself on its small-business customer service
approach to property management while still being on the cutting edge of
condominium management technology. It also offers guaranteed on-time
payment of association fees for customers.
Best Attention to Detail in Property Management
SBI Realty’s
Cortespatrick Property Specialists
1680 Meridian Ave.,
Suite 102, Miami Beach
Phone:
786-663-8121
Website:
www.cortespatrick.com
SBI Realty’s
Cortespatrick Property Specialists offer the most responsive dedicated
property management on Miami Beach, with close attention paid to all
details. They care and it shows. Location:
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