Miami Real Estate Podcast

Miami’s rise is often measured by the development transforming its skyline, but the city’s long-term success will also depend on the people, talent and culture growing within its communities. In this episode of the Miami Real Estate Podcast, Omar De Windt speaks with Sammy Gonzalez Zeira, founder and CEO of Young Musicians Unite, about how access to music education can influence the trajectory of a student, and ultimately, the future of a city. Sammy shares how the organization grew from one local program into a collaborative network serving schools across Miami-Dade, using strategic partnerships and measurable results to expand access where it is needed most. For developers, business leaders and investors committed to Miami’s continued growth, the conversation presents a broader view of investment. Supporting education, creativity and opportunity helps cultivate the future workforce, strengthen local communities and preserve the cultural identity that makes Miami an attractive place to live, work and invest. From developing students’ confidence and professional skills to building a model that other major cities are beginning to study, this episode explores what becomes possible when Miami invests not only in where the city is going, but in the people who will take it there. Guest: Sammy Gonzalez Zeira Host: Omar De Windt Producers: Veronica Paris, Jean Avendano   This episode is brought to you by Cervera Real Estate, one of Miami’s largest independently owned brokerages. With 10 offices across South Florida and more than 50 years of experience, Cervera continues to redefine Miami real estate.   If you’re ready to be recognized for your talent and want the full backing of the Cervera platform to fuel your growth, email [email protected] today for a one-on-one consultation.   To get in touch with our team, call 305.374.3434 or visit www.Cervera.com.

Everyone in Miami has a commute horror story. Omar sits down with Alice Bravo, the engineer who literally wrote Miami-Dade's SMART Plan, to find out why a fully mapped transit expansion has been sitting on a shelf since the 1980s. Alice spent 25+ years building South Florida's biggest infrastructure projects, the Port of Miami Tunnel, the 95 Express Lanes, and as Director of Miami-Dade's Department of Transportation and Public Works, she created the Strategic Miami Area Rapid Transit (SMART) Plan: six corridors designed to finally give Miami a real transit network. In this episode, she breaks down exactly what's built, what's funded but stalled, and why a half-penny sales tax voters approved back in 2002 still hasn't delivered the big-ticket corridors people voted for. Chapters: 0:00 – The 2.5-hour commute nobody talks about 0:31 – Welcome to the show + meet Alice Bravo 1:12 – Alice's 25-year path to writing the SMART Plan 4:03 – State of Miami transit: what's working, what's not 6:58 – Inside the new South Dade Bus Rapid Transit launch 10:49 – The SMART Plan, unpacked: 6 corridors that could change everything 15:29 – The half-penny sales tax: where the money actually goes 19:08 – Why these corridors keep stalling out after 40 years 20:03 – North, Northeast, East-West, Kendall, Beach: every corridor explained 23:59 – Realistic timeline: what could happen in the next 5 years 27:44 – The property tax debate now competing for transit funding 32:53 – The Miami Beach connection: what killed the monorail plan 36:19 – What it takes for Miami to become a true global city 38:52 – How residents can actually make their voice heard 40:00 – Final thoughts: autonomous vehicles and what's next   📍 Follow along for more real talk on the market shaping South Florida. Guest: Alice Bravo Host: Omar De Windt Producers: Veronica Paris, Jean Avendano   This episode is brought to you by Cervera Real Estate, one of Miami’s largest independently owned brokerages. With 10 offices across South Florida and more than 50 years of experience, Cervera continues to redefine Miami real estate. If you’re ready to be recognized for your talent and want the full backing of the Cervera platform to fuel your growth, email [email protected] today for a one-on-one consultation. To get in touch with our team, call 305.374.3434 or visit www.Cervera.com.

In this episode of the Miami Real Estate Podcast, Omar sits down with Alfredo Pujol, Chairman of the Board for the Miami Association of Realtors + RWorld, for a market pulse on where South Florida real estate is headed. Alfredo breaks down how continued migration from New York, California, Chicago, and other high-income markets is fueling demand across Miami, especially in single-family homes, luxury neighborhoods, and well-positioned condo buildings.   The conversation explores Miami’s growing appeal as a global city, the affordability challenges facing locals, the rise of neighborhoods like Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, South Miami, Brickell, and why infrastructure, transit, international investment, and professional real estate guidance will play a major role in the region’s next chapter.   Guest: Alfredo Pujol Host: Omar De Windt Producers: Veronica Paris, Jean Avendano   This episode is brought to you by Cervera Real Estate, one of Miami’s largest independently owned brokerages. With 10 offices across South Florida and more than 50 years of experience, Cervera continues to redefine Miami real estate.   If you’re ready to be recognized for your talent and want the full backing of the Cervera platform to fuel your growth, email [email protected] today for a one-on-one consultation.   To get in touch with our team, call 305.374.3434 or visit www.Cervera.com.

Mattia Cicognani is the co-founder of 84 Magic Hospitality, the group behind four of Miami's most talked-about restaurants: Cotoletta in Coconut Grove and Miami Beach, San Lorenzo in Little River, and Si Papa 3190 back in the Grove. In under 18 months, every single location went viral within days of opening, not just because of marketing, but because of an almost instinctive read on neighborhoods, community, and what Miami was ready for. In this episode, Omar sits down with Mattia and Cervera Real Estate top producer Gingi Beltran to make the case that Miami is now a legitimate world-class gastronomic city and that its food revolution isn't just a lifestyle story. It's a real estate story. Where serious restaurateurs plant flags, neighborhoods follow. Where neighborhoods follow, property values move. And the people who see it first are the ones eating at the right tables. Guest: Mattia Cicognani, Gingi Beltran Host: Omar De Windt Producers: Veronica Paris, Jean Avendano This episode is brought to you by Cervera Real Estate, one of Miami’s largest independently owned brokerages. With 10 offices across South Florida and more than 50 years of experience, Cervera continues to redefine Miami real estate. If you’re ready to be recognized for your talent and want the full backing of the Cervera platform to fuel your growth, email [email protected] today for a one-on-one consultation. To get in touch with our team, call 305.374.3434 or visit www.Cervera.com.

What does it take to bring a luxury residential development from foreclosure to completion in one of Miami's most sought-after neighborhoods? In this episode of the Miami Real Estate Podcast, Omar De Windt sits down with Camilla Kodsi, Developer of Arbor Coconut Grove, to discuss the remarkable journey behind one of the most distinctive luxury condominium developments in Coconut Grove, Miami. Camilla shares her personal path into real estate development, the lessons learned working alongside her father, and the responsibility of carrying forward a family legacy that has helped shape South Florida's residential landscape. From navigating market challenges to reaching Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) and surpassing 75% sales, she provides an inside look at what it takes to successfully deliver a luxury development in today's evolving Miami real estate market. The conversation explores the vision behind Arbor Coconut Grove, the design elements that set the project apart, the growing demand for boutique luxury residences, and why buyers continue to be drawn to Coconut Grove's unique blend of lifestyle, walkability, and long-term value. Whether you're a real estate professional, investor, developer, homebuyer, or simply interested in the future of Miami luxury real estate, this episode offers valuable insights into development strategy, buyer trends, market resilience, and the next chapter of South Florida's growth.   Topics Covered: • Arbor Coconut Grove's journey from foreclosure to completion • Luxury condominium development in Miami • Alta Developers' vision and growth • The evolution of Coconut Grove real estate • Buyer trends in South Florida's luxury market • Building a legacy in real estate development • Design, architecture, and lifestyle-driven communities • The future of Miami luxury housing   Guest: Camilla Kodsi Host: Omar De Windt  Producers: Veronica Paris, Jean Avendano This episode is brought to you by Cervera Real Estate, one of Miami’s largest independently owned brokerages. With 10 offices across South Florida and more than 50 years of experience, Cervera continues to redefine Miami real estate. If you’re ready to be recognized for your talent and want the full backing of the Cervera platform to fuel your growth, email [email protected] today for a one-on-one consultation. To get in touch with our team, call 305.374.3434 or visit www.Cervera.com.    

In a market flooded with headlines about inventory shifts, slowing sales, and changing buyer behavior, one question matters more than ever: where is the money actually going? In this episode of the Miami Real Estate Podcast, Omar De Windt sits down with Zack Simkins, Managing Partner of Vaster, a Miami-based private lender financing some of South Florida’s most significant residential transactions. From waterfront spec construction in Coral Gables and Indian Creek to condo bridge loans and foreign national financing, Zack has a front-row seat to the real flow of capital shaping the market. Together, they unpack what today’s borrowers look like, how ultra-high-net-worth buyers are structuring deals, and why the story unfolding at the top of the market may be very different from what’s happening below the million-dollar price point. They also explore the migration narrative fueling South Florida’s growth, the role of international capital, and the risks lenders are watching most closely in today’s environment. If you’ve wondered whether Miami’s transformation is a temporary cycle or a lasting shift in where global wealth is being parked, this conversation offers an insider’s perspective grounded not in headlines, but in actual deal flow. Whether you’re a real estate professional, investor, developer, or simply fascinated by the forces shaping South Florida’s future, this episode provides a rare look behind the curtain at how the market really works. Guest:  Zack Simkins Host: Omar De Windt  Producers: Veronica Paris, Jean Avendano This episode is brought to you by Cervera Real Estate, one of Miami’s largest independently owned brokerages. With 10 offices across South Florida and more than 50 years of experience, Cervera continues to redefine Miami real estate. If you’re ready to be recognized for your talent and want the full backing of the Cervera platform to fuel your growth, email [email protected] today for a one-on-one consultation. To get in touch with our team, call 305.374.3434 or visit www.Cervera.com.  

In this episode of the Miami Real Estate Podcast, Omar De Windt sits down with Elliott Lee, Assistant Sales Director at The Residences at 1428 Brickell, to break down how he rose to become a top producer in one of the most competitive luxury markets in the country. From early career decisions to high-stakes deals, Elliott shares what actually drives success and where most agents fall short. Elliot unpacks the conversation into the habits, mindset, and discipline required to perform at the highest level, unpacking what truly separates top producers from the rest. The discussion goes beyond surface-level advice, focusing on consistency, positioning, and building a business that sustains over time. The episode also takes listeners inside 1428 Brickell, with Elliott offering a behind-the-scenes look at selling non-branded luxury and what today’s high-net-worth buyers expect. It’s a clear, unfiltered perspective on what it takes to earn your place at the top of Miami real estate. Guest: Elliot Lee  Host: Omar De Windt  Producers: Veronica Paris, Jean Avendano This episode is brought to you by Cervera Real Estate, one of Miami’s largest independently owned brokerages. With 10 offices across South Florida and more than 50 years of experience, Cervera continues to redefine Miami real estate. If you’re ready to be recognized for your talent and want the full backing of the Cervera platform to fuel your growth, email [email protected] today for a one-on-one consultation. To get in touch with our team, call 305.374.3434 or visit www.Cervera.com.  

Host Omar De Windt sits down with Ignacio Montes of Alta Developers and the property management group Nomada Destination Residences to unpack the strategy behind marketing short-term-rental-friendly residences in today’s Miami market, and what owners and investors need to know about managing their properties. The conversation explores how developments like Cassia Residences Coral Gables are designed around hospitality: turnkey ownership, white-glove service, and professional rental management that allow owners to participate in Miami’s booming visitor economy seamlessly. From tourism and airport connectivity to migration trends and the lifestyle appeal of Coral Gables, the episode explains why Miami has become a must-stop destination, and how developers market properties to capture that demand. Guest: Ignacio Montes Host: Omar De Windt  Producer: Veronica Paris  A/V: Jean Avendano This episode is brought to you by Cervera Real Estate, one of Miami’s largest independently owned brokerages. With 10 offices across South Florida and more than 50 years of experience, Cervera continues to redefine Miami real estate. If you’re ready to be recognized for your talent and want the full backing of the Cervera platform to fuel your growth, email [email protected] today for a one-on-one consultation. To get in touch with our team, call 305.374.3434 or visit www.Cervera.com.

In this episode of the Miami Real Estate Podcast, we sit down with Colin McMahon, Senior Vice President at Milo, to explore how crypto-backed lending is reshaping the way buyers approach real estate. Milo is pioneering a new lending model that allows purchasers to buy property without selling their cryptocurrency—specifically Bitcoin and Ethereum—unlocking liquidity while maintaining long-term exposure to their digital assets. Colin breaks down how crypto-backed mortgages work, who this financing solution is designed for, and why traditional lending often falls short for high-net-worth crypto holders. We also dive into the mindset of crypto investors—their conviction, long-term outlook, and how their relationship with digital assets directly influences real estate decision-making. Host: Omar De Windt Guest: Colin McMahon Producers: Jean Sebastien Avendano This episode is brought to you by Cervera Real Estate, one of Miami’s largest independently owned brokerages. With 10 offices across South Florida and more than 55 years of experience, Cervera continues to redefine Miami real estate. If you’re ready to be recognized for your talent and want the full backing of the Cervera platform to fuel your growth, email [email protected] today for a one-on-one consultation.

In this episode of the Miami Real Estate Podcast, Omar sits down with Alicia Cervera Lamadrid — Managing Partner and Principal of Cervera Real Estate, and one of the most influential leaders in Miami real estate. Alicia shares her perspective on why Miami continues to rank among the world’s most desirable destinations for investment, lifestyle, and business growth.   They dive into Miami’s strategic global location, sitting at the crossroads of North America, Latin America, and Europe, making it a natural hub for international business and connectivity. Alicia breaks down the city’s economic drivers and pro-business climate, highlighting how favorable tax structures, entrepreneur-friendly governance, and private-sector momentum continue to attract global capital, Fortune-grade companies, and visionary developers.   The conversation also explores Miami’s world-class lifestyle — from culture and culinary to outdoor living and wellness — and how this unique lifestyle + value proposition differentiates Miami from other gateway cities. Alicia explains why, even with rapid growth and an increasingly sophisticated skyline, Miami still offers compelling value compared to other global metros.   Whether you’re an investor evaluating opportunities, a professional looking for a new market, or simply curious about the forces shaping Miami’s rise, this episode delivers insights directly from one of the architects of Miami’s evolution.   Host: Omar De Windt Guest: Alicia Cervera Lamadrid Producers: Vero Paris; Jean Sebastien Avendano   This episode is brought to you by Cervera Real Estate, one of Miami’s largest independently owned brokerages. With 10 offices across South Florida and more than 50 years of experience, Cervera continues to redefine Miami real estate.   If you’re ready to be recognized for your talent and want the full backing of the Cervera platform to fuel your growth, email [email protected] today for a one-on-one consultation.   To get in touch with our team, call www.Cervera.com.