Best South Florida Real Estate Agents for Pre-Construction and New Developments
Quick Summary
- Top agents for new South Florida towers
- Why pre-construction requires specialists
- How leading brokers add value to buyers
- Examples of branded Oceanfront projects
The new development landscape in South Florida
South Florida has matured into a true global capital, where lifestyle, tax advantages and a resilient luxury market converge. From Miami Beach and Brickell to Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and Palm Beach, cranes now frame the horizon as new towers rise over the Intracoastal and Atlantic. For affluent buyers, the most compelling opportunities are often not resale condominiums, but carefully curated pre-construction offerings that combine architecture, amenities and service at a level previously reserved for five star hotels.
In this environment, timing and access are everything. Many of the best residences are reserved or assigned quietly in advance of broad public launches, especially in branded or limited edition buildings. A small cadre of development-focused agents sits at the center of this ecosystem. They translate architectural drawings into lifestyle, evaluate developers’ track records, and help clients compare one Oceanfront tower versus another long before any model residence opens. For buyers building a South Florida portfolio or relocating families, aligning with the right advisor is less about a single transaction and more about securing a long term partner in an increasingly competitive market.
Why specialized pre-construction agents matter
Buying into a new development is very different from touring a finished residence and making an offer. Floor plans can evolve, timelines shift and contract language is weighted heavily in favor of the developer. A seasoned pre-construction agent anticipates these nuances and approaches each opportunity as both a lifestyle play and an investment decision, ensuring that a client’s expectations for design, views and daily living are realistically aligned with what will ultimately be delivered.
Insider access is the first differentiator. Top agents maintain direct relationships with development teams, sales directors and private wealth advisors, allowing them to place clients in preferred stacks or lines before sales galleries become crowded. They know which buildings are genuinely scarce, which may add subsequent phases, and when a buyer can negotiate for upgrades or more favorable deposit schedules. When a new flagship tower launches in areas such as Brickell or along Collins Avenue, these advisors are already briefing their clients on which exposure, floor elevation and unit type best match their brief.
Equally critical is mastery of complex contracts. Pre-construction purchases typically require deposits in stages, detailed disclosure statements and association documents that run to hundreds of pages. An experienced agent walks through how the homeowners association will operate, what is covered in common charges, and how escalation clauses, construction delays or design changes are handled. They coordinate closely with attorneys and tax advisors, so that buyers understand exactly what they are committing to across a multi year timeline.
Finally, the best development agents operate as true lifestyle concierges. Their work does not end when the reservation agreement is signed. They are sourcing interior designers, curating art consultants, introducing yacht brokers and private school admissions teams, and advising on household staffing. This Boutique level of service ensures that a client’s move into a new building feels seamless, whether that residence is a seasonal escape or the centerpiece of a broader relocation strategy.
Spotlight: leading South Florida agents for new developments
Across Miami and the wider region, several high profile agents have become synonymous with new development sales at the very top of the market. While each has a distinct style and geographic focus, all share a deep command of South Florida’s luxury inventory and a quiet, highly personalized approach to client service.
The Jills Zeder Group, led by Jill Hertzberg, Jill Eber and Judy Zeder, has long been the benchmark for high end sales in Miami-Dade. Known for record setting trades in Coral Gables, Miami Beach and the barrier islands, the team also plays an influential role in pre-construction. Their historical database of comparable sales allows them to analyze new tower pricing with unusual precision, and their relationships with developers mean clients often receive first call on special penthouse or combined residence opportunities. For buyers who want a single advisor capable of navigating both gated estates and the newest glass towers, the Jills Zeder Group offers generational perspective and an institutional level of market intelligence.
Dina Goldentayer has quickly become one of Miami’s most visible and effective agents for ultra luxury property. With a portfolio that spans waterfront mansions in Star Island and Indian Creek to trophy condominiums in cutting edge towers, she is particularly adept at translating design driven projects to a global digital audience. Dina’s work on major pre-construction offerings, including headline making island estates, showcases her ability to sell not just square footage but a holistic lifestyle. Her approach combines aggressive, data informed marketing with meticulous one to one service, making her an ideal partner for buyers who expect both speed and discretion when pursuing rare inventory.
In Miami Beach’s high rise world, few names carry as much weight as Dora Puig. Over a career that has surpassed several billion dollars in sales, she has worn both hats: directing sales and marketing for iconic condominium projects and then representing private clients seeking the best residences within them. Her experience leading sellouts in early landmark towers gives her a highly pragmatic perspective on what will have enduring value in the next generation of buildings. For a buyer comparing multiple new developments along the coast, Dora’s counsel on construction quality, floor plan livability and long term resale prospects can be decisive.
Eloy Carmenate, now at the helm of the Carmenate & Duchon Team, is closely associated with some of Miami’s most design forward towers and sky high penthouse assemblages. His track record includes marketing at properties that have reset pricing benchmarks for the entire region, as well as orchestrating complex multi unit acquisitions to create sprawling “mansions in the sky.” Eloy’s clients rely on him to have candid views on which architects, developers and management companies deliver on their promises, and to negotiate quietly but firmly in competitive launch phases.
Farther north, Senada Adzem has become a trusted guide to the affluent corridor stretching from Fort Lauderdale through Boca Raton to Palm Beach. Her background in development marketing, including training on site sales teams, means she sees projects from the inside out. Today she applies that expertise on behalf of buyers seeking new towers along Las Olas, the beaches of Highland Beach and Boca Raton, as well as gated golf and lakefront communities. Senada is particularly attuned to the needs of relocating families and executives, weaving together real estate advisory with introductions to schools, clubs and professional networks.
Beyond these headline names, South Florida’s luxury ecosystem includes other notable figures whose practices complement the pre-construction landscape. Agents with deep ties to Latin American, European and Northeastern buyer pools bring cultural fluency and cross border experience, while specialist teams focus on specific submarkets such as waterfront townhomes or trophy penthouses. For many clients, the optimal approach is to work with one primary advisor who can coordinate with these specialists as needed, ensuring a cohesive strategy across multiple cities and product types.
Where top agents are opening doors next
The next chapter of South Florida’s skyline is being written in a series of branded and design led buildings that blur the line between private residence and five star resort. Along the sands of Collins Avenue, projects such as 57 Ocean Miami Beach distill a pure Oceanfront lifestyle with expansive terraces, wellness centric amenities and low density, human scaled design. In Sunny Isles, Armani Casa Sunny Isles Beach brings haute couture sensibilities to tower living, with interiors that feel more like a private members club than a traditional condominium.
In Downtown Miami, the skyline is being reimagined by statement towers that serve as global address markers. Waldorf Astoria Residences Downtown Miami, for example, encapsulates the city’s evolution into a true international hub, with services, amenities and views calibrated for buyers who might split time between multiple financial centers. Development focused agents help clients evaluate how these offerings compare to established neighborhoods like Brickell, where dense, walkable living and immediate access to offices and dining remain key draws.
For any of these opportunities, the through line is informed guidance. The right advisor will not only know which line offers the best Waterview or which floor plan maximizes privacy, but will also have a clear view of construction timelines, future competing inventory and likely exit scenarios. Whether your priority is a primary residence, a lock and leave pied a terre or a legacy property for the next generation, aligning with a specialist allows you to move confidently as South Florida’s new development market continues to evolve.
FAQs
What is the main advantage of buying pre-construction in South Florida?
The primary advantage is access. Pre-construction purchases allow you to secure a residence in a building that may be fully spoken for by the time it opens, often with the ability to choose ideal exposures and finishes. In a market where truly prime Oceanfront or skyline views are finite, that early positioning can be invaluable.
How do I choose the best pre-construction agent for my needs?
Start by asking about their recent sales in new developments, which neighborhoods they specialize in and which developers they work with most frequently. A strong agent should be able to explain how they evaluate projects, walk you through deposit structures and connect you with trusted legal and tax advisors. Look for clear communication, discretion and a thoughtful understanding of your lifestyle, not just your budget.
What should I expect in terms of deposits and timelines for luxury new developments?
Most high end condominium projects require deposits in stages that can total between 30 and 50 percent of the purchase price by the time the building tops off, with the balance due at closing. Timelines can stretch over several years, particularly for larger or more complex towers. A seasoned agent will review the schedule with you, discuss contingencies and help you plan liquidity so that the process feels structured rather than stressful.
Is a resale residence ever a better option than a new development?
Yes. In some cases an existing residence in a well managed building may offer larger layouts, immediate occupancy or a more established community than a just launched tower. The best advisors present both options side by side, highlighting differences in carrying costs, renovation needs and appreciation potential. For a balanced view of pre-construction versus resale tailored to your portfolio, it is wise to work closely with a specialist and the team at MILLION Luxury.
Million Luxury
Million Luxury
Welcome to MILLION, an exclusive luxury real estate boutique nestled in the heart of South Florida’s most desirable locations. Specializing in high-end properties, we provide a sanctuary for discerning clients including top Fortune 500 executives, affluent families, celebrities, and professional athletes from across the globe. At MILLION, we understand the unique demands of our elite clientele and offer a seamless blend of confidentiality and personalized attention. Our commitment to privacy is unwavering; we ensure that every transaction and interaction is handled with the utmost discretion and according to stringent confidentiality protocols. Our concierge service embodies the pinnacle of white-glove care, offering tailored assistance that transcends traditional real estate support.
