Since 2012, Miami has kept Christopher Wands intrigued with its energetic lifestyle, incredible weather, all with the perk of no income tax.  “Miami is the land of opportunity – it is one of the few major cities in the world that still has so much room for growth and potential.” 

Inspired by his successful family line of realtors and developers, Christopher decided to start his path in real estate in 2016. He immediately won “Rookie of the Year” for Douglas Elliman and his career has been on fire ever since.

What is a deal you did in 2021 that you are proud of and why?

1000 Museum 5801 – this was my first major deal on my own. I represented the buyer of the LPH at 1000 Museum. Not only was it my first big deal, but it happened to be in one of the most architecturally significant buildings in our city.

Top 3 places to take friends or clients that are new to Miami?

My favorite spots are in Wynwood , Design District, Miami Beach.

What do you believe your biggest strength is as an entrepreneur? 

Work ethic and my follow up are very important to being an entrepreneur.

What is the biggest challenge you see buyers nowadays facing? 

Understanding the market, and working with an agent who truly understands the market situation. Many buyers are are misinformed and it comes down to the agent who is representing them. 

What is the biggest lesson you learned from a mistake?

I’ve learned to always follow up. Early in my career I lost a 16M dollar sale because I did not answer a Zillow lead. I then showed the same buyer the home, but he did not buy the property I was listing. He ended up buying a home with a different agent.

What is the best piece of advice you received?

Treat every deal as your last deal. You’re only as good as your last closing.

Who has been your biggest inspiration?

My father, he is self made – coming from nothing and built his life from there. 

What is a personal habit that contributes the most to your success?

I am an early riser. It allows me to get ahead of the competition, stay up to date on market trends, as well as checking my emails and following up with clients or leads. 

What book had the greatest impact on your life?

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones.

What are some design and feature trends you see forward thinking developers implementing?

Developers are focusing on lifestyle. We are seeing more functional amenities as well as more health focused attributes being added to developments.

How do you think the market will change in 2022?

I think it will still increase and stabilize at some point. I do not feel we will have a dip . Miami compared to the other prime markets has always been far less expensive, which is why we are seeing the price increasing so fast.

How has social media contributed to your success as a realtor?

Social media has allowed me to showcase my success to my network more then anything.  It also has allowed me to connect with friends I had lost touch with over the years which has resulted in a huge referral source of business.

Is there a non-profit or cause that is close to your heart?

The Make a Wish foundation. I interned in college and have always really loved supporting the foundation.

What is an app or tool that you could not live without?

My customer relationship management app – Follow Up Boss. Also my assistant Kathy is always very helpful for me. 

What neighborhoods do you specialize in?

Upper East Side, Coconut Grove, and Miami Beach. 

Favorite architect would like to work with?

Kobi Karp. He is a class act and I love his designs.

What is the biggest mistake you have seen luxury buyers make when purchasing a residential property?

Not looking at what the future could bring. 

Are you seeing more local or out of town buyers?

This is a loaded question – mostly out of town buyers. Although many people are upgrading as the market has increased in value,  there are Miami locals in the market to buy as well as they are trading up.

What is your favorite property currently on the market?

 1380 Biscaya in Surfside It is a property I am listing. It is one of the best waterfront properties on the market currently.

If you were not working in Real Estate, what would you most likely be doing?

I would likely be an attorney.

What is your highest recent sale?

$18 Million – 5801 at 1000 Museum. The Zaha Hadid building Downtown. 

Let’s give a shoutout to one of your favorite agents to work with!

Anna Sherill, she is a no nonsense type of woman. She also works for the deal and not against it. Many agents in this industry are very combative. At the end of the day egos need to be removed and we all need to work together.