With winter in full swing, South Florida is the ideal destination for those wanting to escape the cold. Besides the amazing weather, places like Palm Beach and Miami make the perfect getaway destination because of their abundant cultural attractions, sensational nightlife, and relaxing beaches. Florian Jouin is an international expert in luxury real estate who can guide you on your next destination investment. We discuss why South Florida is the place you should be right now.

Photo by IUSE Photography

Maison Benjamin: With more than 15 years of top-tier realty experience, can you tell us a bit about your background and how you developed your expertise in the luxury real estate industry?

Florian Jouin: My dream was always to be a hotel manager for a luxury hotel, so I went to school to study this, which led me to move to the U.S. in 2007. I opened the W South Beach in 2009 and became the residential manager. I was in charge of the services for the owners of the W South Beach and, after that, I decided to transition to real estate. I think my success comes from the fact that I take care of my clients, the same way we take care of a client for a luxury property.

MB: What are the main factors to take into consideration when looking for the perfect rental property in South Florida? Are there particular amenities or characteristics in a home that are currently more desirable than others?

FJ: For me, the main characteristic [when looking for the perfect property] is time because everything goes super-fast. Everybody is in a frenzy to buy and rent right now. Time is most important because, when you look for a property, it could have something you don't like, but if it has something you like, just take it. At the end of the day, most of the luxury properties for rent, have similar amenities. I know I'm very drastic in my answer, but so many times people tell me, Florian, I don't like the closet space, I don't like view, or I don't like pool and then, after they come back to me six months later, they say I wish I took it.

MB: For those looking to invest in property, is the South Florida real estate market the right place to buy currently? What is the real estate market outlook for luxury homes in this area?

FJ: We had tremendous growth last year due to COVID and because Florida State has almost no restrictions compared to other states in America. I saw a lot of people moving from out of state like New York, but also California and Chicago as well. People move because of the weather, of course, but they also move because of tax reasons. That's number one and with COVID [moving] has increased even more. I'm not worried about the market, because we are still less expensive than most feeder markets [markets of origin for potential new clients]. Florida is still not more expensive than New York or California [real estate]. So, places like Miami still have gross potential for the real estate market.

MB: What are your thoughts about the new, ultra-luxurious condos that are currently breaking ground in areas like Miami? Does it feel like “Deja Vu” in comparison to cities like Shanghai and Dubai, which have unfortunately dealt with low occupancy rates?

FJ: I just came back from Dubai and I've been to Shanghai before. These [new condos] have nothing to do with Dubai and Shanghai in my opinion, because I believe that Dubai and Shanghai were inspired by Miami, and it's not the other way around. For me, I'm super excited about luxury buildings, because of the Aston Martin Residences, 1000 Museum, the Armani Building, the Missoni Building, even some of these other boutique buildings are amazing. It’s amazing to have even more of these offerings because there's a lot of demand.

MB: Your clients have dubbed you the “Miami dot connector.” Is that true and can you relate to this title?

FJ: Yes, because I always do that. Connecting the dots is not about financial gain, it's just a pleasure for me. For example, I'm at lunch or dinner with a friend or client, and they say something to me; I'm like, I know this person and, of course, I'm going to introduce them. To see how that relationship blossoms or that I can help somebody is amazing for me. People reach out to me to connect the dots somehow and that’s how I’ve been successful in real estate. People trust me and they know that, if they come to me, they will be in good hands.

MB: With an expansive client list located in South Florida who often look to invest in properties, how can the Maison Benjamin team collaborate with someone like you to help our clients find the best homes?

FJ: I often refer my clients to Maison Benjamin because they are the epitome of French services and cuisine. Not only the cooking, but the concierge service is something that is needed and most of my clients are looking for this. When you have such busy lives, if you can find somebody that you can trust and can simplify your life, it’s golden. To go back to connecting the dots, for me, if I can help them, then at some point it will come back to me.

Maison Benjamin and Florian Jouin are excited to help you find your next vacation home. Contact the Maison Benjamin team here to book your next exclusive South Florida getaway today.

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