Recent shifts in buyer behavior are revealing key trends in Miami’s real estate market, according to Joey Waknin, Realtor Associate at United Realty Group, Inc. In a recent interview, Waknin shared insights on how evolving consumer demands and financial realities are shaping the local housing landscape.
Market Overview
“I’m seeing the entire cycle from initial renters to buyers, and then from buyers to we need to upgrade to sellers, and from sellers, oh, well, we need an investment property,” said Waknin, who has nearly 11 years of experience in the Miami market and a psychology background from McGill University.
The Miami housing market has experienced significant changes in buyer behavior over the past few years, with clients moving through various stages of real estate ownership as market conditions shift.
Waknin noted that buyer behavior in Miami’s real estate market is being shaped by evolving expectations around trust, education, and long-term relationships. Rather than responding to traditional advertising, many clients now prefer working with agents through personal referrals and word-of-mouth recommendations, an approach that fosters credibility and personalized service.
At the same time, buyers—particularly international ones—are prioritizing agents who can offer educational support throughout the purchasing process, from understanding local regulations to navigating financing. This emphasis on transparency and guidance has helped agents cultivate lasting partnerships, as repeat and referral clients increasingly drive business in Miami’s competitive property landscape.
Waknin noted that buyers are focusing more on value and practical considerations rather than speculative buying, which was more common during the pandemic. “My goal is really to be of service to you and to really guide you in the transaction and in the process,” he explained. Today’s buyers want comprehensive support, not just access to listings.
The preferences of international buyers, especially from Canada and other countries, are shaping the current market, according to Waknin. These clients require specialized knowledge about tax implications and legal considerations.
“If you’re, for example, like Canadian buyer, and eventually you want to sell your property. Well, there’s the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act (FIRPTA). So there’s going to be withholding with the IRS,” he noted.
This demographic has needs that go beyond the basics of a transaction, requiring agents who understand cross-border issues and can structure deals to minimize tax consequences. Waknin’s diverse background enables him to serve clients drawing on his Canadian, Israeli, and American experiences.
For those aiming to appeal to today’s buyers in Miami, Waknin recommended focusing on education and service. “My goal really is to just bring as much knowledge and information and guidance to my clients so they don’t fall into the pits,” he emphasized.
Rather than relying on high-volume marketing, successful agents need to demonstrate expertise in handling complex transactions, particularly for international clients who face regulatory hurdles. The focus should be on simplifying processes and providing clear guidance throughout what can be a stressful experience.
Looking ahead, Waknin expects that buyer preferences will continue to favor agents who provide comprehensive, educational support throughout the real estate process.
“Where do I come in into the picture is with my expertise, is with the guidance, is to really help you with that process, and there’s a lot of caveats and things that you need to take into consideration when purchasing a property or selling a property,” he said, suggesting that the future belongs to agents who can deliver real value beyond simple market access.
