At the pinnacle of the South Florida luxury real estate market is one woman who knows how to walk the walk. You'll want to follow her lead.
Views from the pool at the energy-independent, waterfront estate at 508 W. Dilido
At Dora Puig’s Miami Beach property lounges—one on Lincoln Road, the other South of Fifth—you are immediately drawn into the world of luxury living and high design. The Alison Antrobus-designed workspaces are a reflection of the lifestyle—and properties—that Puig and her team of over 35 agents sell so well. “I’ve sort of wrapped myself in it,” says the founder of Luxe Living Realty. “Both clients and friends love to meet us at our lounges." As she jokingly says, “especially on Fridays,"—but more on that in a minute. First, Puig shares her insight on future trends, design wins and the most valuable amenity on the market today.
Dora Puig
On trends in the market…
“The market right now is fueled by tax reform buyers coming from high income tax states such as CEOs, tech executives, hedge fund managers, etc. who are establishing their primary residence in South Florida. If the dollar weakens, we will see our market become even stronger because, while the Americans are here to stay, we are also going to get a big portion of the foreign buyer. It will go back to a 50% U.S. market, 50% international.”
On amenities that appeal…
“Ultimate privacy and security—in regards to single-family homes—is underrated. It is so much more important than we give it credit. Certain waterfront estates on the most expensive islands are on the path of these tour boats that are constantly invading their privacy. Not enough emphasis has been given to the invasion of privacy and noise the tour boats cause to the homeowners. I think that on the condominium side, Fisher Island is really going to increase in value due to the privacy it offers, especially for affluent overseas buyers who are concerned with security. It is the only place that I can think of, in Miami-Dade County, that homeowners can still live with their doors unlocked. There is a 0% crime rate on the island. This yields peace, tranquility and serenity. Designwise, ceiling height, luxury finishes, and huge dressing rooms are still very appealing. In single-family homes, the idea of indoor-outdoor living with huge telescopic doors is also highly sought after. Much more so than rooftop decks, which do not get used.”
The 508 W. Dilido estate also offers indoor-outdoor living and 60 feet of waterfrontage.
And those that don’t…
“In condos, I would say that huge party rooms and salons are becoming less vital. You have the advent of condominiums with large residences, like Palazzo Della Luna, Apogee, the Four Seasons at the Surf Club, Mansions at Acqualina. People tend to entertain more in their homes. There are other amenities, like large pool decks with service bars or building Aperitivo bars that get used much more. The party salons should be converted into more amenities for children and teenagers. With the transportation revolution of Uber and people buying fewer cars, parking is going to become an overrated amenity.”
On architecture in demand…
“The Miami residential market is full of art collectors and influenced by the art world, so clean modern architecture is in demand. I do think that there is an underlying shift of interest in Classic Deco and Mediterranean luxury homes with modernized interiors. We call it the Med-Mod movement.”
The living room of 2555 Lake Ave., an artfully restored classic deco waterfront estate.
On mentoring and motivation…
“I love what I do, so it’s innate in me to be motivated daily. As I always say in jest…I work eight days a week! I love architecture and design, and love to work with people from all walks of life. It all comes together when I’m negotiating the sale of a home. My job is to put the two pieces of the puzzle together which results in a happy seller and a happy buyer who’s found their new home. That journey to get them there is something I really enjoy. My charity of choice is Women of Tomorrow, and the first thing I say when I am mentoring high school girls is: Find something you love doing because then it isn’t work. It’s just something you love doing…most of the time!”
On the best way to celebrate closing a big deal…
“We celebrate by toasting with Don Julio 1942 tequila on Fridays with my team, husband and friends at my Lincoln Road Property Lounge. One of my agents just launched her own tequila, Tequila Encantadora, so I hope to celebrate with that moving forward.”
The deco home was built in 1941, but the renovated eat-in chef’s kitchen of 2555 Lake Ave. on Miami Beach is all modern.
Photography by: courtesy of Luxe Living Realty
