MASTER BROKERS NEWS
Miami Chapter
April 2009
March 2009 Dinner (Sponsored by Infinity At Brickell) Explores "New Dynamics of Property Taxes, Appraisals and Insurance"
More than 100 Miami Master Brokers attended the most recent Forum Dinner, hosted by Infinity at Brickell. Guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the Infinity’s scenic 11th floor pool deck lounge. The remarkable panel discussion, entitled “The New Dynamics of Property Taxes, Appraisals and Insurance”, delivered one of the most enlightening and interactive presentations in the chapter’s history. The panel included Pedro J. Garcia, Jr., Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser; Robert D. Reynolds, president and CEO of Morris & Reynolds Insurance; and Britt J. Rosen, principal of Brittex Appraisal Services, with Master Broker Christopher Zoller moderating.
Infinity at Brickell is a 56-story luxury condominium that is changing the way residents live, work and play in Miami's prestigious Brickell financial district. The award-winning design features the unique loft concept within 459 residences and incorporates more than 42,000 square feet of office-condominium space and 6,000 square feet of high-end retail space. For more information, visit www.infinityatbrickell.com.
Andres Asion, Britt Rosen, Pat Klock Parker, Pedro Garcia, Christopher Zoller, Emilio Palomo, and Robert Reynolds
 
LEFT: Wendy Levy-Jackson and Lizzie Padro/RIGHT: Donna Bloom and Jo-Ann Forster
Master Brokers taking in the panel discussion
Moderator Christopher Zoller introduces the panelists
Guests enjoying a buffet-style catered dinner in the Infinity pool lounge
 Emilio Palomo - New Miami MBF chair
Miami Chapter Appoints New Chair and Executive Committee
The chapter recently appointed the following advisory board members to its Executive Committee:
• Emilio Palomo, Chair: Broker-owner of Riteway Properties III. Emilio served as treasurer of the chapter from 2004 to 2008, and as vice chair for 2008.
• Carlos Garcia, Vice Chair: Broker-vice president with The Keyes Company/Realtors Sunset Branch. Carlos served as communications chair of the chapter from 2004 to 2008, and will continue to serve in that role.
• Iliana Abella, Treasurer: Vice president and agent for Greater Miami Investments, Inc. Iliana began serving as treasurer in 2008.
• Donna Bloom, Secretary: Sales agent for Majestic Properties. Donna served as vice chair from 2004 to 2008.
• Minnie Lauderdale, Membership Chair: Sales agent with Esslinger Wooten Maxwell. Minnie has served as membership chair since 2004.
• Alicia Cervera Lamadrid, who concluded a four-year tenure as chair in December 2008, will retain the title of Honorary Chair of the Miami MBF chapter.
• Helen Jeanne Nicastri, founder of the Master Brokers Forum, retains her position as chair of MBF, Inc.
Old Spanish Village Hosts Spectacular 2008 Holiday Party
In December, the chapter was treated to an extraordinary 2008 Holiday Party at Old Spanish Village. Located in the heart of Coral Gables and inspired by the vision of Coral Gables founder George Merrick, Old Spanish Village welcomed more than 150 of South Florida’s elite real estate agents at this remarkable event, which was chaired by Penni Chasens, Darlene Dale, and Carole Smith.
The evening was highlighted by the formal dedication and lighting of Coral Gables’ first new bridge entrance since the 1920s, located on the perimeter of the pre-constructed community. Inspired by that unique era of Miami history, the lavish affair featured antique automobiles at the entrance to Old Spanish Village, as well as costumed valet drivers. Master Brokers and other special guests enjoyed a lively and festive cocktail hour in the sales center, and were then escorted to the viewing area for the dedication.
After comments from Arva Moore Parks, celebrated Miami historian, the Honorable Don Slesnick, mayor of Coral Gables; and Ralph Sanchez, developer of Old Spanish Village; the new bridge was dedicated with fanfare and distinctive lighting. Following the dedication, guests enjoyed a delicious holiday dinner, and a special tribute to Alicia Cervera Lamadrid, who concluded her spectacular four-year tenure as chair of the Miami MBF at this event.
Antique automobiles on display at the Old Spanish Village sales center
Claudia Lewis, Penni Chasens, Nancy Iliffe, and Al Arostegui
 
LEFT: Coral Gables Mayor Don Slesnick, with Helen Jeanne Nicastri, chair of MBF, Inc./RIGHT: Alicia Cervera Lamadrid, chair of the Miami MBF; with Ralph Sanchez, president of Ponce Circle Developers LLC
The first formal lighting of the new bridge
5 Ways the MBF Web Site Can Improve Your Marketing NOW!
1. WORK THAT LOGO!
As a Master Broker, you have the opportunity to feature the organization's distinctive "MBF" logo on your advertisements, web site, business cards, and other promotional materials. To save the logo below to your computer, simply move your mouse over it, "right click" your mouse, and select "Save Picture As...". (For a high resolution version of the logo, click here.)
2. EXPLAIN WHAT THAT LOGO MEANS!
Believe it or not, some people may see and know the MBF logo but not have any understanding what it means to be a Master Broker. We have created a one-page flyer that explains what it means, how special it is to be a member, and why a buyer or seller should only work with Master Brokers like you. Click here to see the flyer (in .pdf or Adobe Reader format) and then print it out and include in your presentation/new client materials.
3. ANNOUNCE OPEN HOUSES!
Many of you have been receiving e-mail notices from your fellow Master Brokers regarding new listings and open houses. Have you wondered if you could also send mass e-mails to the entire membership, and how to do so?
It’s EASY! Just follow these simple steps to reach your fellow members:
a. Visit the Master Brokers Forum web site at
www.masterbrokersforum.com
b. Scroll to the bottom of the main page and click on
“Member Login”
c. On the next page, type in your e-mail address (the one on file with the MBF) and your password. (Hint: if you STILL have not created your password, the default is “mbf”. Make sure to CHANGE your password under “Edit My Profile” once you’ve logged on with the default.)
d. On the left side of the next page, click on “Member Communications”.
e. On the Member Communications page, you will notice there are two “pull-down” menus. On “By Chapter...” you can select one or all chapters for your message. On “Select Membership Type”, you can choose all types, individuals, partnerships, working or non-working managers, or Sponsor/Developers.
f. After making these selections, simply type your Subject and the body of the message. You can format your copy using the word processing tools on the page. (Hint: you may want to write your copy in Microsoft Word BEFORE logging onto the web site, so you can “copy and paste” once you reach the page.)
g. If you’d like to add an attachment to your mailing, scroll down to the Upload Attachments area, click “browse” and navigate your way to the attachment.
h. When your message is ready, click “Send Email”. That’s it!
4. UPDATE YOUR PROFILE - LICENSE NUMBER
When your license number is properly entered, every
listing you have on the MLS is automatically included on
the "MBF Exclusive Property Search" found on the web
site. This search can be accessed by anyone at any time.
a. Follow steps a - c above.
b. On the left side of the next page, click on “Edit My Profile”.
c. Make sure your license number is properly entered
in the appropriate field.
d. Scroll to the bottom of the page, click "Save
Changes".
5. UPDATE YOUR PROFILE - CONTACT INFO
Have you changed offices or phone numbers lately? Are
you about to get a new e-mail address? It's very
important to make sure this information is updated on the
MBF web site so you don't miss out on the latest news
and events.
a. Follow steps a - c above.
b. On the left side of the next page, click on “Edit My Profile”.
c. Make sure your contact information is properly entered in the appropriate fields.
Miami Master Brokers Forum Board of Directors |