One of Miami’s top producing brokerages, Re/Max Advance Realty (RMA) was recently named ChamberSOUTH’s 2016 “Business Champion,” an award that recognizes outstanding business achievement.
The 168-agent brokerage entered this year having closed more than $485 million in sales volume during 2015, making the firm the fifth top-producing brokerage in Florida and the 461st most productive in the nation. That volume was spread between 1,762 transactions.
One of its agents, South Miami-based Janet Medina, closed more than $53 million last year, while the brokerage’s Fred Viener Team completed 116 transactions in 2015, according to data from Real Trends.
“We only take producers, not beginners,” said Anthony Askowitz, broker/owner of RMA, adding the brokerage’s production ceiling is high, which serves as motivation to all its agents. “If you play at a high level you want to attain that (ceiling).”
Size limits at Re/Max Advance Realty
Unlike some nearby brokerages that added a sizable amount of agents in 2015, but also lost a similar amount of agents, RMA is “very selective” when it comes to growth and only adds several agents a year.
“Once you get to a certain number you become just a corporation company that is dry,” Askowitz said, adding he takes pride in knowing the names of all his agents along with their spouses and kids.
Maintaining a stable of experienced, producing agents has equated to the brokerage becoming the top listing office for a number of Miami submarkets including Kendall, southwest Miami and Cutler Bay.
RMA maintains two offices that feature 75 to 80 agents a piece. One office is “unit-based,” while the other focuses on Miami’s luxury market, homes priced at more than $3 million. Within the luxury sector Askowitz has noticed significant inventory growth of late.
Donating commissions
The brokerage received recognition from ChamberSOUTH not only for production but for its contributions to local causes.
According to Askowitz, the brokerage donates roughly $16,000 to $17,000 yearly to the Children’s Miracle Network. These donations aid in the funding of treatments, medical equipment and research at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. All agents are required to donate a minimum of $5 per closed transaction.
