Originally from NYC, Alan has always been drawn to Miami’s incredible energy, beautiful weather, and global inspiration. Helping people make changes in their personal lives and making those stressful moments into easy, stress-free moments is what inspired Alan to start in real estate. He moved to Miami sixteen years ago and was inspired by the move to begin his real estate career. 

Currently, Alan is an agent for Douglas Elliman and focuses on the Metro Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, and Boca Raton / Delray Beach area. By understanding, every one of his client’s specific needs Alan has been incredibly successful at building a network of happy clients.  Alan’s communication skills help him bring both parties to understand each of their goals and needs, bringing them to a happy compromise in the middle.

What do you love most about Miami?         

The amazing weather allows me to be outdoors all year long. It brings an energy that has transformed Miami into a major international city. It has brought phenomenal job growth. Companies from all industries are beginning to realize that people are attracted to the year-long warm weather and low taxes.

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

Definitely, interior design!  I studied design because it has always been something I enjoyed. I always find ways to incorporate it into my professional life and still utilize it in my real estate business. Whether it’s preparing a house to sell or assisting my buyers with visualizing the potential of a particular property they are interested in purchasing; having a design background has been very useful.

Who has been your biggest inspiration?    

I would have to say my Grandmother, Sally. She was a single mother back in the 1930s. She came from Europe and got married. My grandfather died when he was very young and she was left alone. My grandmother never remarried, worked full time, raised my mother, saw her other daughter die at a young age, and continued to care for her mother, all in a 1 bedroom apartment in the Bronx. She taught me the lesson of listening to others, understanding their needs, and that compromise is necessary.

Top 3 places to take out clients that are new to Miami?      

I would recommend Wynwood to see all the amazing wall murals. Brickell to experience the new transformation of Miami and see how it has become the 2nd densest, urban core in the USA outside of Manhattan. Miami Beach to visit the historic Art Deco District which is the largest concentration of Art Deco architecture in America. 

Recently sold by Alan Gabay for 8,000,000

Highest recent sale?    

$8,000,000.00 for a single-family home on the Venetian Island in Miami

What is your most proud deal of 2021?

There isn’t one deal that is more important to me than any other.  I appreciate it the most when I have helped a client achieve the goal they wanted.  After each transaction, when I hear “Thank You” it makes it all worthwhile.                                          

What is the biggest challenge you see buyers nowadays facing?           

Right now it’s the lack of available properties as a direct consequence of the influx of people moving to Florida. It’s the largest growth cycle that has ever occurred.  I am always reminding my clients that if they see a property they like they should put in an offer. Most properties do not last long, and many buyers get upset with how quickly they are sold.

What features are you seeing buyers showing more interest in?

Today smart homes are definitely what people are looking for. My clients all want easy and simple electronics to be able to function in their house, both on-site and remote.

How do you think the market will change in 2022?      

Miami specifically, and Florida in general, will continue to see monumental growth. Because of the repositioning of this market from a vacation / second home market to a full-time year-long destination. With the growth of tech, finance, healthcare, and hospitality moving here, and more companies allowing flexible virtual workspaces, we will continue to see exponential growth in Florida.    

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

Social media has allowed me to stay connected with my past, present, and future clients. It is a great way to continue to engage with them on their own schedule. It also gives me the opportunity to keep them informed of the current market conditions and what is new and exciting here in the Metro Miami area.

Is there a non-profit or cause that you are involved in and is close to your heart?

 I am involved in numerous non-profits, each of which has affected someone in my personal life. Whether it’s feeding the homeless, raising money for Aids research, participating in clinical studies for Alzheimer’s, or donating to the Jewish National Fund. They all have a special place in my heart.

Who is your favorite architect?   

I‘ve worked with many, each having a specific area of expertise.  My 3 favorites would be Jean Nouvel,  Arquitectonica, and Choeff Levy Fischman.

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

This is easy. It’s when the buyer has a price they won’t go over and settle for a property that wasn’t their first choice. Inevitably they want their original choice and now it’s at a higher price.

Are you seeing more local or out-of-town buyers?               

Definitely more out-of-town buyers, as this market has become a desirable year-long place to live.  However, there are many local buyers as well. I would say it’s 70/30 out of town vs local. 

What’s your favorite property currently on the market and why?       

 There are two. The first property that comes to mind is Mr. C Residences in Coconut Grove. It is an amazing property in a beautiful small town, similar to the lifestyle of the Hamptons in NY. It offers the luxury and quality of services that can only be accomplished with the Cipriani brand. The second would be the Aston Martin in Miami. It is the ultimate project located on the last piece of waterfront buildable land in Brickell. Its location allows fit residence to have the luxury of being within walking distance to everything Brickell has to offer. The design on each property opens each unit to breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

Name an agent you closed a deal with that was incredible to work with?       

Most recently it would have to be Dario Stoka, Oiva Lloyd & Mariana Lima. Each agent was very professional and understanding. They were problem-solvers, not looking for excuses just ways to ensure that the sale went through as easily as possible for our clients.