By: Robert Lovi By: Robert Lovi | May 3, 2022 | Home & Real Estate,
The Assouline Team, led by Ethan and Ruthie Assouline, is a top-producing real estate team in New York and Miami specializing in luxury and collector property sales with a track record of success. The team's record-breaking and headline-making deals include the sale of Sarah Jessica Parker's Manhattan condominium and the largest recorded sale on North Bay Road in Miami, totaling $130 million in 2020 alone.
See Also: The Raleigh Returns With Fabulous Restoration And Revival Underway
Ruthie and Ethan's combined strengths create an unrivaled force in the industry, setting the standard for quality service and results-driven tactics. They offer a diversified blend of financial acumen, in-depth industry knowledge, and exceptional marketing prowess. Their international experience and commitment to providing excellent service have allowed them to establish a vast global network of trustworthy contacts.
The team thrives on being an all-encompassing and dependable resource for their clients, guiding them through each transaction with energizing energy, a personalized approach, and concierge-style attention – always putting the client first.
The Assouline Team is known for its integrity and discretion. They take pride in being dedicated champions for their clients, capable of successfully brokering whole deals off-market. They use their exclusive industry network, including deep connections and market-specific expertise, to provide customized and seamless solutions, connecting a wide variety of vendors to assist each client in realizing their vision for their house. Ethan and Ruthie divide their time between their Upper East Side and Miami Beach residences.
They live at one of Bal Harbour's most exclusive addresses, Oceana, where they have closed numerous record-breaking deals. Oceana is the pinnacle destination for contemporary luxury living, located on the site of the former Bal Harbour Beach Club in South Florida. Life here is a 360-degree picture of carefree beauty, located less than a mile from Bal Harbour Shops, directly on Bal Harbour beach, and just seconds from Haulover Park and the inlet.
The residences rise 28 floors above the sea, featuring amenities that allow residents to build a 5-star lifestyle without ever leaving their house. A 24-hour concierge, poolside restaurant, a world-class spa, cabanas, and huge pools cater to their needs and want. The crew at Oceana attends to every last detail to transform the property into a luxurious hideaway.
Oceana is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece thanks to the infusion of art into the building's fabric. The residence team has turned the project into a world-class museum and a site where artwork can engage with residents' daily lives, including sculptures by Jeff Koons, by combining architecture with worldwide contemporary art.
Tell me about your career together as husband and wife in the real estate industry in Miami.
Ruthie: Ethan and I have a very special dynamic where our contrasting personalities work to our advantage. While many couples might find it difficult to work together, we find it natural to play our strengths and weaknesses off one another. The competition in Miami is at an all-time high and we use our combined strengths as an asset to source off-market properties, close deals and earn the trust of our clients.
How do you think the industry has changed since the pandemic started, and where do you see the industry going in the coming months?
Ethan: The industry has become more cut throat and it’s during trying times that people's true colors are shown. One thing we can agree on is that pre-covid prices are a thing of the past. While no one can predict the future, the inventory shortage is still weighing on the luxury Miami market, so we don’t see demand slowing down over the coming months.
What is the best thing about living in Oceana? And what has been the success behind selling multiple condos in that building? Tell us your secret.
Ruthie: Oceana is one of the most sought-after buildings in South Florida for a reason - it’s not just a condo, it’s a lifestyle and a community. The secret to our success is staying tuned in. It has been a long time in the making to learn the ins and outs of the building. Knowing how to navigate and secure opportunities for buyers and sellers is key and we’ve mastered the tricks of the trade. We just closed an off-market deal for a record $11 million for a non-furnished residence. The owner gave us one shot and allowed us to bring only one potential buyer to view the unit. Utilizing our in-depth knowledge of the building and the buyer pool, we sold it one showing.
What is your favorite amenity at Oceana?
Ethan: The pool has brought us so much joy and is something you have to experience to understand. The weekly pizza night has become our family tradition and something we look forward to every week.
What design tips would you give to those you helped find a home in Oceana?
Ruthie: Pick materials and finishes that are the perfect combination of luxury and durability. If you plan to hire a team, make sure you research and choose the right one from the get go - even if they are more expensive.
Do you think the Miami market boom has benefited the city and its residents?
Ruthie: Yes and no. I was born and raised in Miami and my family has been here for over 40 years. There is a local community who are so deeply rooted here and are now being priced out - it’s hard to see them go through these difficult and stressful situations. That said, it has also been tremendously positive for many residents who have had their lives changed by this. Whether it’s owners who sold for a high amount and retired, or those who feel the city is enriched by the flurry of new culture and restaurants.
Could you give our readers some tips about how to land an off-market deal? Where can they start looking for these deals?
Ruthie: Pair yourself with a broker who is entrenched in the market you are looking for a deal in. It is important to align yourself with the right relationship where the commitment to each other is mutual so that the agent feels secure with you as a buyer and will invest the significant time and resources necessary to find an off-market deal.
What is your favorite restaurant to have a romantic dinner in Miami?
Both: Casa Tua.
What does Miami need to be on par with New York in terms of attractions and the hospitality scene?
Both: Miami will never be New York and vice versa, and that is okay. They each have qualities that make them special and desirable in their own way. Major Food Group expanding to Miami has been a game changer for the restaurant scene.
What has been your success as a power couple in real estate, and what are some goals you want to achieve together?
Both: Establishing ourselves at the highest level of luxury in the most competitive markets. We have a strong presence in NYC and Miami but our goal is to expand our team even further. We’d also love to break into the Aspen and the Hamptons markets. We are always looking for talented agents to grow with us as a team.
Any exciting projects and anything else you’d like to add?
Both: We just listed a stunning turnkey corner unit at Oceana in the most desirable line in the building, with impeccable design and panoramic views in every direction. 10201 Collins Avenue Unit 1701 is listed for $12.995 million.
To stay up to date with the team, follow its Instagram @assoulineteam or visit the website.
Photography by: Courtesy The Assouline Team