It is an incredible honor to lead the largest group of local real estate agents in the country. I have been a proud member of the MIAMI Association of REALTORS® since 1987, and I can tell you that there is no other board in the United States that is more forward-thinking, more member-centered and led by them.
MIAMI REALTORS® does much more than just provide MLS access. We provide our members with award-winning advocacy, industry-leading training, business resources, market intelligence and much more. We are honored to serve our members and our South Florida communities for 104 years.
I’d like to share our priorities for 2024 and illustrate some of the many ways we are making our members more informed and profitable.
Focus forward
Our theme for 2024 is Forward Focus. With emerging technologies and market evolution, it is imperative for real estate agents to be innovative and always at the forefront of our profession so that we can serve our clients with unparalleled professionalism.
Top priorities for 2024
· REALTOR® Value/Miami Value: MIAMI REALTORS® has the best value proposition in the United States. We are in a market that surpasses that of the country. We are multilingual, wealth creators, market leaders and much more. Let’s show our worth to the world!
· Advocacy: Continue our industry-leading advocacy efforts to further strengthen the ability of South Florida residents to own, buy and sell property.
· Next phase of education in a changing market: Let’s leverage all new technologies such as AI to become market leaders.
Opening of the new world headquarters in MIAMI
After several years of planning and construction, MIAMI REALTORS® is expected to open its new global headquarters later this year. I am a key member of the MIAMI Building Advisory Committee and can tell you that many people, led by our CEO Teresa King Kinney, have worked tirelessly to make this dream a reality.
Our new, modern five-story building will offer our members cutting-edge technology, the capacity to host major global conferences and events, host cutting-edge member training and courses, and much more.
MIAMI has been renting its headquarters for more than 20 years; and we now have a headquarters that suits our global association. This new global headquarters is located at 1800 Oakwood Drive.
Business Resources
As a business practitioner, I can tell you that MIAMI’s business resources are second to none with Florida’s largest trade association and our own commercial MLS. Did you know ? : MIAMI carries out 80% of MLS commercial activity in Miami-Dade and Broward counties?
Changing communities
MIAMI leverages NAR grants 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 advocates for federal, state and local policy initiatives that strengthen the ability of South Florida residents to own, buy and sell property. MIAMI travels to Tallahassee each year for Great American Realtor Days (held in January) to meet with legislators on bills to help South Florida real estate.
Here are some advocacy victories:
· Massive reduction in sales tax on commercial leases, from 5.5% to 2%, effective June 2024. This change will result in approximately $1 billion in annual savings for taxpayers!
· We deemed real estate essential during COVID and resolved a huge problem when condo associations attempted to prevent real estate agents from accessing units and common areas to serve our buyers and sellers.
· New Miami-Dade HOA Database: After years of MIAMI REALTORS® advocating for more transparency and accountability for South Florida residents, Miami-Dade County Commissioners passed an ordinance in March 2022 requiring condominium, cooperative and homeowners associations to file financial and governance records. documents in a public online repository. Access it here: Register of community associations.
Education and igniting others
MIAMI REALTORS® hosted more than 2,000 educational seminars for its members in 2023. Approximately 90% of MIAMI members attended at least one MIAMI class in 2023. Did you know? : MIAMI returned $15.1 million in education credits to its members in 2023.
MIAMI is a strong supporter of NAR’s Ignite Others program, which provides pathways to financial literacy, homeownership and career opportunities. Learn more: nar.realtor/ignite-others
Chief Economist
Gay Cororaton, Chief Economist of MIAMI REALTORS®, formerly of NAR, provides regular economic and research updates so our members have the latest market information.
Legally fair housing
MIAMI REALTORS® has its own Chief Legal Counsel who helps its members stay current on legal and fair housing updates.
Direction
MIAMI REALTORS® has 112 elected officers each year representing all South Florida markets and all real estate specialties. We are volunteers who give our time for the good of the local industry.
Every year brings new challenges and MIAMI REALTORS® is ready to innovate and set an example for the rest of the country.
For 104 years, the MIAMI Association of REALTORS® has always been member-driven. We plan to carry on the legacy of all the leaders who came before us and continue to empower our members to become more competent and profitable.
Gus Fonte is the President of MIAMI REALTORS® 2024.
