2025 has been another year with high interest rates and uncertainty, neither of which is good for the real estate market. However, we are seeing deals getting done and some movement on policies and legislation that can either help or hinder our market. In this episode, Fernando gives us an update on his legislative meetings in Washington D.C.

Underwriting commercial real estate, whether as an investor or lender, involves telling the story of both the property and the investor. An investor who underwrites their deals as a lender would has a better chance of getting the loan. Tune in as Fernando and I go back and forth with how I, as an investor underwrite deals, and how Fernando, with his lending background looks at underwriting a deal.

Everyone is talking about AI, so the topic wasn't top on my list as a podcast episode However, after Fernando and I attended an Inman conference and got a great takeaway from Phil Stringer, I was convinced this episode was worth doing. He said "AI is to your time what compound interest is to your money." The cost of running AI models is dropping, it is here to stay, and it can make us more productive. Phils 3 recommendations: Notebook LM.google, buyerprediction.com and gamma ai. Happy prompting!

In this episode we look at the Counselors of Real Estate 2025 Predictions for the Commercial Real Estate Market and how they are affecting Miami half way through the year.

From Aon's first quarter insurance report, to Trepp's loan loss predictions and interest rates, we do a dive how the Greater Miami market is performing so far in 2025. You will be glad we aren't Boston! Tune in for a cautionary tax tale and more insights on our SE Florida market.

May is Teacher Appreciation Month. Here at Between 2 Chairs, we appreciate teachers all year long. They are educating our kids, grandkids, current and future employees, service providers, bosses and everyone else your path may or may not cross. We also have a soft spot for teachers as real estate agents, and not just because Fernando was a high school teacher and we have a lot of current and former educators in our brokerage.

Teachers possess a unique set of traits that translate seamlessly into commercial real estate success. In this episode, we explore how skills like communication, organization, adaptability, and a passion for helping others give educators a competitive edge in CRE. Whether you’re a broker looking to recruit former teachers or an agent looking to develop these qualities yourself, we’ll break down what makes these traits valuable—and how to actively nurture them for long-term success.

What happens in Tallahassee doesn’t stay in Tallahassee — especially when it comes to real estate. In this episode, we unpack Florida’s 2025 legislative session, spotlighting the top priorities championed by Realtors across the state and the major wins that made it into law. From tweaks to the Live Local Act to bills making it easier to remove squatters from commercial properties, we explore how these new laws will shape the business landscape for developers, investors, and brokers across the state. Tune in for expert insight on what passed, what didn’t, and what it means for the future of doing business in Florida.

In this episode, we break down the complex — and often misunderstood — building recertification process in South Florida. From the tragic events that led to heightened scrutiny to the new 30-year and 10-year milestone requirements, we explore how property owners, engineers, and local governments are navigating this evolving landscape. Learn about what’s required, what’s at stake, and how these regulations are reshaping the region’s commercial and residential real estate markets. Whether you’re an investor, a building manager, or just curious about what’s behind the walls of South Florida’s skyline, this episode sheds light on the crucial systems keeping our buildings — and communities — safe.

In this episode of our Kindergarten series, we revisit the timeless children's book The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton — a beautifully illustrated tale of transformation, resilience, and the slow march of urbanization. Originally published in 1942, the story offers surprising parallels to the evolution of Miami-Dade County. From the strawberry fields of Kendall to the developments rising across Homestead and the Redland, host [Your Name] reflects on over three decades of change in South Florida.

We explore how once-rural landscapes have been shaped by waves of development, the rise of Transit Oriented communities, and the holdouts — those properties that, like the little house, stood firm as the city grew around them. This episode is a thoughtful look at growth, place, and the choices we face as Miami continues to expand.

Whether you're a buyer, investor, or simply a longtime resident curious about the county's past and future, this episode is your invitation to reflect on how far we’ve come — and where we’re going next.

In this episode, we sit down with Andres del Corral and Juan Ruiz, Vice Chairmen at Blanca Commercial Real Estate, to dive into their journey in commercial real estate—from getting their start in #CRE to helping build one of Miami’s leading boutique brokerages.

How many times have you heard, “You’ll never get institutional clients if you work for a small brokerage”? Andres and Juan prove that wrong. They share how Blanca broke through industry skepticism to compete with—and win against—the biggest names in the business.

We explore how the firm’s foundation in storytelling, trust, and relationship-building has driven their success in Miami’s evolving office market. Whether you're starting out or scaling up, this conversation offers powerful insights into building a brand that punches above its weight.

In this episode we highlight the first quarter of 2025 CRE for Miami-Dade, Broward, & Palm Beach counties and go over the Miami Association of Realtors First Quarter Commercial Report and what a strong first quarter it was. The economic fundamentals in SE Florida are still outperforming most of the nation. This overview will set the stage for the next two episodes, where we do a deep dive into the office market