MIAMI REALTORS® and South Florida real estate poised for robust 2024

It’s an incredible honor to lead the nation’s largest local Realtor group. I’ve been a proud member of the MIAMI Association of REALTORS® since 1987, and I can tell you there is no other board in the U.S. that is more forward-thinking, member-centric and member-driven.

MIAMI REALTORS® does so much more than just provide MLS access. We provide our members with award-winning advocacy, cutting-edge education, commercial resources, market intel and more. We are honored to serve our members and our South Florida communities for 104 years.

I’d like to share our 2024 priorities and illustrate some of the many ways we are making our members more knowledgeable and profitable.

Forward focus

Our theme for 2024 is Forward Focus. With emerging technologies and the evolving market, it’s imperative for Realtors to be innovative and always be at the front of our craft so we can serve our clients with unparalleled professionalism.

2024 top priorities

· REALTOR® Value/Miami’s Value: MIAMI REALTORS® have the best value proposition in the U.S. We are in a market that is outperforming the nation. We are multilingual, wealth builders, market leaders and more. Let’s show our value to the world!

· Advocacy: Continue our industry-leading advocacy efforts to further strengthen the ability of South Floridians to own, buy and sell property.

· Next phase of education in an evolving market: Let’s leverage all the new technologies such as A.I. to become leaders in the market.

New MIAMI Global Headquarters to open

After several years of planning and construction, MIAMI REALTORS® is set to open its new Global Headquarters later this year. I’m a key member of the MIAMI Building Advisory Committee, and I can tell you so many people, led by our CEO Teresa King Kinney, have tirelessly worked to make this dream a reality.

Our new modern, five-story building will serve our members with state-of-the-art technology, the ability to host major global conferences and events, conduct cutting-edge member education and classes and more.

MIAMI had been renting its HQ for more than 20 years; and now we have a headquarters building that befits our global association. This new Global HQ is located at 1800 Oakwood Drive.

Commercial resources

As a commercial practitioner, I can tell you MIAMI’s commercial resources are second to none with the largest Commercial Association in Florida and our own Commercial MLS. Did you know?: MIAMI does 80% of the Commercial MLS business in Miami-Dade and Broward counties?

Changing communities

MIAMI leverages NAR grant dollars to change and improve South Florida communities. Did you know?: MIAMI has invested more than $495,000 in South Florida communities since 2017 with 45 local community projects.

Advocacy

Our award-winning advocacy team pushes for federal, state and local policy initiatives that strengthen the ability of South Floridians to own, buy and sell property. MIAMI annually travels to Tallahassee for Great American Realtor Days (held in January) to meet with lawmakers on bills to help South Florida real estate.

Some advocacy victories include:

· Massive sales tax reduction on commercial leases, from 5.5 to 2%, effective June 2024. This change will result in about $1 billion in annual savings for taxpayers!

· Deemed real estate essential during COVID and solved a huge problem when condo associations tried to block Realtors from accessing units and common areas to serve our buyers and sellers.

· New Miami-Dade HOA database: After MIAMI REALTORS® advocated for more transparency and accountability for South Florida residents for years, Miami-Dade County commissioners passed an ordinance in March 2022 requiring condominium, co-operative and homeowner associations to file financial and governing documents into a public online directory. Access it here: Community Associations Registry.

Education and igniting others

MIAMI REALTORS® hosted more than 2,000 educational seminars for its members in 2023. About 90% of MIAMI members attended at least one MIAMI class in 2023. Did you know?: MIAMI gave $15.1 million in education credits back to its members in 2023.

MIAMI is a strong proponent of NAR’s Ignite Others program that is lighting the way to financial literacy, homeownership and career opportunities. Learn more: nar.realtor/ignite-others

Chief economist

MIAMI REALTORS® Chief Economist Gay Cororaton, formerly of NAR, provides regular economic and research updates so our members have the latest market intel.

Legal-fair housing

MIAMI REALTORS® has its own chief legal counsel helping members stay on top of legal updates and fair housing.

Leadership

MIAMI REALTORS® has 112 elected leaders every year representing every market in South Florida and real estate specialty. We are volunteers who donate our time for the betterment of the local industry.

Every year brings new challenges and MIAMI REALTORS® is ready to innovate and set the example for the rest of the country.

For 104 years, the MIAMI Association of REALTORS® has always been about the members. We plan to continue the legacy of all the leaders who preceded us and continue to empower our members to become more knowledgeable and profitable.

Gus Fonte is the 2024 MIAMI REALTORS® chairman.