Buying Miami | Life, Love, and Real Estate 

Season 2 – Episode 4 – Sofia Castro

With Host JoAnne Jones @joannejonesmiami

In this episode, JoAnne sits down to talk with long-time friend Sofia Castro about mindset. Sofia, her husband, and their family created and grew a company to a one-billion-dollar valuation before selling their part to focus fully on their real estate portfolio. Today, she oversees a $750 million dollar multifamily real estate portfolio. 

However, nothing was handed to them. Hailing from Hialeah, Florida, she and Bobby, her husband of over 30 years, started from nothing, less than nothing, when they borrowed a couple thousand dollars to start their business lending company back in the nineties. Times were tough! They worked two jobs while raising a young family. However, with grit and perseverance, they grew into millionaires. 

What I admire about Sofia and Bobby is their down-to-earth disposition. They are not flashy; rather, they are elegantly understated. In a society where people love to flaunt what they have, they quietly stack and rack, as she likes to say. 

In this episode, we peek into the mindset of an ultra-successful person to learn that what she has done is possible with the right mindset. 

Find Sofia on Social Media with @officialsofiacastro

Follow me on Social Media; my handle everywhere is @joannejonesmiami

Check out my book on Amazon, "Buying Miami: The Must-Have Guide To Purchasing A Home"

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5CJQLV6/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_3A5S2QV66RR5CW2T0SE3 

Links:

Watch on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJgImDG6MoL1NKF_381W3Vw

Listen on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/3mMHnnBfP8veBULDdbAC6x

Listen on Apple

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/buying-miami-life-love-and-real-estate/id1677024323

In a recent conversation with JoAnne, we explored the exceptional investment opportunities provided by Astor Realty Capital. This company excels in offering investors access to institutional opportunities across a wide range of geographic locations and asset classes, enabling them to construct a well-balanced and diversified portfolio. Astor has a proven track record of consistently surpassing expectations and delivering superior risk-adjusted returns.

JoAnne's conversation with Joe Berko and Marika Dzhindzhikashvili of Astor Realty Capital shed light on how the company provides investors with access to investments that are often exclusive to institutional investors. Astor has developed an investment platform firmly rooted in iron-clad principles, emphasizing the preservation of capital, transparency, and effective risk management.

JoAnne was particularly impressed by the fact that the principals at Astor invest their own money alongside their investors in every transaction. This commitment to alignment of interests is at the core of Astor's mission, which is to be a trusted, collaborative, and long-term partner for their clients. It was this unique aspect that drew JoAnne to the company as she sought alternative investment opportunities outside of the traditional real estate sector.

Astor's distinctive offering allows individuals to invest an amount equivalent to a down payment on a typical real estate transaction into a fund primarily supporting multifamily building projects. These investments typically have a holding period ranging from 2 to 5 years.

Find out more about Astor Realty Capital by visiting (www.astorrealtycapital.com)

Follow me on Social Media; my handle everywhere is @joannejonesmiami

Check out my book on Amazon, "Buying Miami: The Must-Have Guide To Purchasing A Home"

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5CJQLV6/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_3A5S2QV66RR5CW2T0SE3 

Links:

Watch on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJgImDG6MoL1NKF_381W3Vw

Listen on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/3mMHnnBfP8veBULDdbAC6x

Listen on Apple

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/buying-miami-life-love-and-real-estate/id1677024323

In episode two of season two, JoAnne talks to Christopher Tapia, who is a very interesting colleague at Compass who brought an exciting concept to her attention. In this episode, they discuss the retro concept around assumable mortgages. We break down how a buyer can assume a seller’s mortgage at a lower interest rate. Given the current atmosphere of high-interest rates, many buyers are priced out of the game. Acquiring a property with an assumable mortgage could bring buyers off the sidelines and make homeownership possible. But how is this done? Listen on and learn how you can do this with our help. 

Every day JoAnne is looking outside the box for ways to navigate real estate in this ever-changing landscape. How can buyers buy with high-interest rates? Assumable mortgages are a possibility that many people do not know about. In this episode, we break it all down. 

If you are interested in learning more about how to acquire a property with an assumable mortgage reach out to JoAnne. 

Find Christopher Tapia at www.tapiagroupfl.com

Follow me on Social Media; my handle everywhere is @joannejonesmiami

Check out my book on Amazon "Buying Miami: The Must-Have Guide To Purchasing A Home"

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5CJQLV6/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_3A5S2QV66RR5CW2T0SE3 

Links:

Watch on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJgImDG6MoL1NKF_381W3Vw

Listen on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/3mMHnnBfP8veBULDdbAC6x

Listen on Apple

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/buying-miami-life-love-and-real-estate/id1677024323

JoAnne talks to Jacqueline Reeves, longtime friend and colleague, about the side of real estate the public does not hear about—the adventures we find ourselves in on a daily basis. From drunk clients to naked people in showers in this episode, we lit things up with our funny stories and lessons learned on the front lines of Miami real estate. Buckle up for a fun episode of the underbelly of this crazy career!

Jacqueline Reeves is a dear friend who has been successfully working in real estate for two decades and is a broker with Cervera Real Estate. She is seasoned, hilarious, a brilliant agent, and down to earth. JoAnne and Jacqueline have been friends for over fifteen years. Reeves, as JoAnne likes to call her, is a trusted friend and her go-to girl when life in real estate is falling apart.

Find Jacqueline Reeves on social at @jacquelinereevespa

Follow me on Social Media; my handle everywhere is @joannejonesmiami

Check out my book on Amazon "Buying Miami: The Must-Have Guide To Purchasing A Home" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5CJQLV6/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_3A5S2QV66RR5CW2T0SE3

Links:

Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJgImDG6MoL1NKF_381W3Vw

Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3mMHnnBfP8veBULDdbAC6x

Listen on Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/buying-miami-life-love-and-real-estate/id1677024323

Buying Miami | Life, Love, and Real Estate Podcast Episode 16 with Host JoAnne Jones @joannejonesmiami

JoAnne talks to Hopi Noel Morton about the Emotions in Real Estate

They say that there is no place for emotions in business or that we shouldn’t let our emotions cloud our judgment. But guess what, there ARE emotions in business and especially in Real Estate. So, what then? How do we manage ourselves when emotions are running high in a transaction or in business in general? We live in a world where we are not supposed to have emotions, but we do…. then what?

In this episode, I unpack emotions in business with Consultant, Producer, and Professional Evolution Coach, Hopi Noel Morton. We will discuss how to manage emotions, especially as they relate to Real Estate and business in general.

Hopi specializes in capacity building, strategic planning, and development in the areas of media arts, social justice, and well-being. With over 25 years of experience and a focus on culture, creative content, and community, she collaborates with individuals’ groups and businesses to spark transformation.

Follow me on Social Media; my handle everywhere is @joannejonesmiami

Do you want more Hopi? Find her here: https://www.hopiworks.com/ | IG: @hopinoel

Check out my book on Amazon "Buying Miami: The Must-Have Guide To Purchasing A Home"

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5CJQLV6/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_3A5S2QV66RR5CW2T0SE3

Links:

Watch on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJgImDG6MoL1NKF_381W3Vw

Listen on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/3mMHnnBfP8veBULDdbAC6x

Listen on Apple

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/buying-miami-life-love-and-real-estate/id1677024323

Buying Miami | Life, Love, and Real Estate Podcast Episode 15 with Host JoAnne Jones @joannejonesmiami

JoAnne talks to Katy Stoka on living AF (Alcohol Free)

It is a little-known fact about JoAnne but she has been living AF (alcohol-free) for years. It certainly is a lifestyle that more and more people are adopting by choice as the toxicity of alcohol is revealed test after test. In this episode, JoAnne talks to Katy Stoka, host of her own podcast, My Last Drink. They discuss the joy of living AF and how it has changed their lives for the better in every area. Sobriety is my superpower JoAnne says, among many other insights on this lifestyle episode of Buying Miami.

Follow me on Social Media; my handle everywhere is: @joannejonesmiami

Check out my book "Buying Miami: The Must-Have Guide To Purchasing A Home"

Links:

Watch on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJgImDG6MoL1NKF_381W3Vw

Listen on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/3mMHnnBfP8veBULDdbAC6x

Listen on Apple

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/buying-miami-life-love-and-real-estate/id1677024323

Buying Miami on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5CJQLV6/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_3A5S2QV66RR5CW2T0SE3

My Last Drink with Katy Stoka can be found everywhere you look for podcasts and she can be found on social at @thekatystoka

Buying Miami | Life, Love, and Real Estate Podcast Episode 14 with Host JoAnne Jones @joannejonesmiami

JoAnne talks to the CEO of Compass – Robert Reffkin.

Compass CEO Robert Reffkin joins JoAnne from his New York City office to discuss the state of the market on a national level. Robert has become one of the go-to voices on the state of Real Estate on a national level. He is featured on major news outlets discussing trends and market updates. His front-of-the-line knowledge comes from his relentless weekly travel to markets all over the country. He speaks to agents and clients across the country gaining insights from people all over the country.

Robert is also the author of the book, No One Succeeds Alone, out on Amazon and most book retailers. This story details his life and explains how he succeeded through the help of others throughout his life. It is an inspiring story about helping others, a real-life exploration of the old saying, ‘it takes a village”.

For More Visit: www.buyingmiami.net

Follow me on Social Media; my handle everywhere is: @joannejonesmiami

Check out my book "Buying Miami: The Must-Have Guide To Purchasing A Home"

Links:

Watch on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJgImDG6MoL1NKF_381W3Vw

Listen on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/3mMHnnBfP8veBULDdbAC6x

Listen on Apple

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/buying-miami-life-love-and-real-estate/id1677024323

Buying Miami on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5CJQLV6/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_3A5S2QV66RR5CW2T0SE3

No One Succeeds Alone by Robert Reffkin can be found on Amazon

Buying Miami | Life, Love, and Real Estate Podcast Episode 13 with Host JoAnne Jones @joannejonesmiami

JoAnne talks to Javier Gonzalez a recent Buyer who went from Renter to Home Owner.

Recently, a long-time client of JoAnne’s called her to say that he was ready to go from Renter to Home Owner. Together they took that journey in this market and now, as he sits with the keys to his new home in his pockets, we explore from HIS point of view what the journey was like. 

Many people on this podcast are Real Estate professionals. It is interesting to talk to a regular person who took the leap with JoAnne to become a homeowner. What was he surprised by? What did he learn? What fears did he have to overcome, and what were his ah-ha moments?  Listen in as we recap it all in this episode of Buying Miami!

For More Visit: www.buyingmiami.net

Follow me on Social Media; my handle everywhere is: @joannejonesmiami

Javier is @javzgonzalez

Check out my book "Buying Miami: The Must-Have Guide To Purchasing A Home"

Links:

Watch on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJgImDG6MoL1NKF_381W3Vw

Listen on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/3mMHnnBfP8veBULDdbAC6x

Listen on Apple

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/buying-miami-life-love-and-real-estate/id1677024323

Buy the Book on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5CJQLV6/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_3A5S2QV66RR5CW2T0SE3

Buying Miami | Life, Love, and Real Estate Podcast Episode 12 with Host JoAnne Jones @joannejonesmiami

JoAnne talks to Dominique Duque Sales Manager at Compass in this episode. 

It’s the most asked question us agents get, How’s the Market? In this episode, we do a deep dive on how we answer that question. There are macro and micro markets all reflecting different realities so to answer that question depends on where YOUR market is. Dominique Duque is the Sales Manager at the Compass Florida Headquarters in Miami Beach and an expert on market analysis. She is the best person to ask, How’s the Market? She explains how we analyze the market and what it is up to currently as we round out the second quarter of 2023!

For More Visit: www.buyingmiami.net

Follow me on Social Media; my handle everywhere is: @joannejonesmiami

Check out my book "Buying Miami: The Must-Have Guide To Purchasing A Home"

Links:

Watch on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJgImDG6MoL1NKF_381W3Vw 

Listen on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/3mMHnnBfP8veBULDdbAC6x

Listen on Apple

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/buying-miami-life-love-and-real-estate/id1677024323

Buy the Book on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5CJQLV6/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_3A5S2QV66RR5CW2T0SE3

Buying Miami | Life, Love, and Real Estate Podcast Episode 11 with Host JoAnne Jones @joannejonesmiami

JoAnne talks to Melissa Rubin of the MJR Groupe at Compass in this episode. She is a certified Real Estate Collaboration Specialist.

One of Melissa’s specialties, among so many, is working with couples who are going through a divorce. A situation most agents will shy away from, she leans in! She helps people in this tumultuous time of their life to liquidate their biggest asset. Along the way, she has learned a lot from her own experience and through guiding others through it. The big takeaway is communication! Know what you are getting into. Understand what and how to handle owning a property with someone else. In this episode, we discuss it and give you some advice on how to navigate joint property ownership. 

For More Visit: www.buyingmiami.net

Follow me on Social Media; my handle everywhere is: @joannejonesmiami

Check out my book "Buying Miami: The Must-Have Guide To Purchasing A Home"

Find all the details for Melissa Rubin at www.MJRGROUPE.com or on social @mjrgroupe

Contact Melissa directly to get her free book! 

Links:

Watch on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJgImDG6MoL1NKF_381W3Vw

Listen on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/3mMHnnBfP8veBULDdbAC6x

Listen on Apple

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/buying-miami-life-love-and-real-estate/id1677024323 

Buy the Book on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5CJQLV6/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_3A5S2QV66RR5CW2T0SE3