Miami Real Estate Investing Podcast With Peter Zalewski

Check out this clip from the latest episode of The Peter Zalewski Show podcast featuring Oshrat Carmiel, publisher of the Highest-and-Best.beehiiv.com newsletter and a former real estate reporter with Bloomberg.

Watch the latest episode: https://peterzalewski.substack.com/p/can-new-yorkers-still-afford-to-retire

Miami Condo Mondays™ is a live podcast hosted by Peter Zalewski of the Miami Condo Investing Club™ and veteran broker Jenny Huertas of CVRRealty.com providing an in-depth look at the latest residential real estate trends in South Florida.

Recorded weekly in Greater Downtown Miami, the podcast offers a one-hour discussion on various real estate topics, including preconstruction condos, market trends and investment strategies.

Tune in every Monday at 4 PM (EST) on the social media accounts of Peter Zalewski and Jenny Huertas for insights on the latest trends in the South Florida condo market.

In the latest episode, Zalewski and Huertas detailed a confluence of factors creating uncertainty for buyers and prompting some sellers to slash prices to exit the South Florida condo market.

The episode’s core finding frames the subsequent analysis: a significant 33 percent drop in the average resale price for a South Florida condo during Q3 2025.

The hosts focused on the practical implications of this decline for buyers, sellers and real estate agents, rather than on the dramatics of a shifting market in the tricounty region of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach.

Seasonality was identified as a key theme with the discussion emphasizing the cyclical nature of the South Florida market from the hot, humid and hurricane prone Summer Buying Season to the Winter Buying Season that features great weather, numerous events and a Carnival-like atmosphere.

The conversation immediately addressed the U.S. government shutdown and its ripple effects on real estate transactions throughout the tricounty region.

The hosts examined how the halt in federal operations directly disrupts the issuance of crucial flood insurance policies and slows mortgage processing, creating significant delays and uncertainty.

Huertas provided a ground-level view, explaining how these bureaucratic interruptions can leave both buyers and current owners financially exposed in a region where proper insurance is a necessity.

The podcast then moved to the broader economic environment with Zalewski noting the paradox of the Federal Reserve lowering interest rates while consumers face rising mortgage costs.

This disconnect was attributed to the risk perceptions of investors who purchase mortgages on the secondary market, combined with a concurrent softening of the U.S. job market.

Historical context was used to frame the current situation, with the hosts recalling the aftermath of Hurricane Wilma in 2005 and drawing parallels between past and present moments of market stall.

The concept of market momentum was explored as a real force, with the hosts cautioning that when a significant number of deals stall, the entire market can shift from active to stalled in a small amount of time.

Looking ahead to the upcoming Winter Buying Season that begins in November, the annual influx of tourists and event-goers is expected to influence cash-strapped sellers to adjust their asking prices, prompting the hosts to advise prospective buyers to prepare now.

The Miami Condo Investing Club™ was presented as a key resource for data-driven insights, utilizing its proprietary Miami Condo Cliff Index™ to track market shifts in real time.

This Index, created in response to post-Surfside legislation, provides a granular look at 23 distinct coastal markets by tracking active listings and pending sales - a leading indicator - rather than waiting for lagging closed sales data that could be as long as 120 days after the fact.

The analysis segmented the market by county and, critically, by building age, with Vintage condos - those projects at least 30 years old - scrutinized for their unique challenges and opportunities.

The hosts argued that the age of a building is now as important as its location in evaluating a property, as the cost of ownership in older buildings is rising due to new safety requirements, special assessments and insurance premiums following the Surfside condo collapse.

Welcome to Buy, Sell, Hold Miami weekly podcast for a no-nonsense perspective on South Florida real estate from a pair of locals with differing opinions.

Each week, real estate advisor Daniel Hernandez of Compass Real Estate and longtime analyst Peter Zalewski of the Miami Condo Investing Club™ break down the housing market headlines, unpack policy changes and provide unfiltered analysis on everything from condo terminations to Vintage unit fire sales, luxury speculative homes to developer strategies.

Episode Overview

In this episode of Buy, Sell, Hold Miami podcast, Hernandez and Zalewski provide a thorough analysis of the financial and cultural shifts impacting South Florida.

The episode opened with a discussion on the recent U.S. government shutdown and its severe ripple-effects across the real estate industry.

The hosts highlighted how the lack of key economic data - such as the monthly jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics - creates an immediate void.

This data void leaves critical decision-makers - primarily the Federal Reserve - in a difficult position when setting interest rates.

Without reliable labor numbers, the Fed’s dual-mandate to maximize employment and contain inflation becomes a guessing-game.

Hernandez and Zalewski debated whether the Fed should attempt to act or simply hold steady.

The conversation shifted to the disconnect between the Federal Funds rate and mortgage rates.

Even when the Fed cuts official rates, mortgage rates can rise due to other powerful market forces, such as the 10-year Treasury yield.

The hosts noted that despite recent rate cuts, many South Florida buyers are still facing mortgage rates of about 6.34 percent, adding another layer of complexity to the tricounty market.

Stagflation - a scenario where jobs are scarce and prices are high - entered the chat as a primary threat.

Meanwhile, Wall Street celebrates cost-cutting measures while Main Street residents feel a persistent financial pinch.

Consumer debt and credit scores became a focal point as the hosts dissected the rise of “buy now, pay later” services.

They noted this new debt carries hidden risks for market stability.

The podcast discussed the growing use of alternative credit scoring models, such as VantageScore.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s acceptance of this model could significantly shake up the mortgage approval process for renters and first-time buyers.

Money laundering and the history of Miami’s skyline come under scrutiny.

The hosts recounted how preconstruction condos have been used to move large sums of money, referencing both past scandals and ongoing regulatory efforts to track cash buyers that began in Miami-Dade County and Manhattan.

The government shutdown’s effect on the National Flood Insurance Program is a hot topic.

In a city where flood risk is ever-present, the lapse in federal insurance threatens to stall closings and force buyers into expensive private policies, potentially derailing deals and cooling the market.

This lapse forces buyers into expensive private policies, potentially derailing deals in the high-stakes Miami market.

They stressed how delays in insurance or paperwork can kill deals, reminding listeners that in Miami, time truly is money.

The South Florida development scene was spotlighted with a discussion of the controversial giveaway of prime land in Greater Downtown Miami for a potential Trump Presidential Library.

The hosts questioned the economic logic of gifting land worth hundreds of millions.

The discussion took a detour to Virginia Key and the Miami Seaquarium, where a Coconut Grove developer is poised to take over a massive waterfront site.

Herandez and Zalewski concluded the podcast with a discussion about how billionaire Ken Griffin of the hedge fund Citadel failed to launch construction of his long-proposed $1 billion Miami office tower in Q3 2025 as he had announced.

Check out this clip from the latest episode of The Peter Zalewski Show podcast featuring Oshrat Carmiel, publisher of the Highest-and-Best.beehiiv.com newsletter and a former real estate reporter with Bloomberg.

Watch the latest episode: https://peterzalewski.substack.com/p/can-new-yorkers-still-afford-to-retire

Check out this clip from the latest episode of the Miami Condo Mondays™ podcast hosted by Peter Zalewski of the MiamiCondo.Club and veteran broker Jenny Huertas of CVRRealty.com

The podcast is broadcast live on Mondays at 4 PM EST on MiamiCondo.Club

Watch full episode: https://peterzalewski.substack.com/p/is-miami-really-worlds-most-overvalued

Check out this clip from the latest episode of Buy, Sell, Hold Miami real estate podcast featuring local real estate advisor Daniel Hernandez of Compass Real Estate and market analyst Peter Zalewski of MiamiCondo.Club.

Watch full episode: https://peterzalewski.substack.com/p/buy-sell-hold-miami-real-estate-podcast-de6

Check out this clip from the latest episode of the Miami Condo Mondays™ podcast hosted by Peter Zalewski of the MiamiCondo.Club and veteran broker Jenny Huertas of CVRRealty.com

The podcast is broadcast live on Mondays at 4 PM EST on MiamiCondo.Club

Watch full episode: https://peterzalewski.substack.com/p/is-miami-really-worlds-most-overvalued

Check out this clip from the latest episode of Buy, Sell, Hold Miami real estate podcast featuring local real estate advisor Daniel Hernandez of Compass Real Estate and market analyst Peter Zalewski of MiamiCondo.Club.

Watch full episode: https://peterzalewski.substack.com/p/buy-sell-hold-miami-real-estate-podcast-de6

Introducing the new weekly podcast The Peter Zalewski Show that features interviews with South Florida business leaders focused on real estate, finance and the economy.

The program - hosted by Peter Zalewski of the Miami Condo Investing Club™ - is broadcast live every Wednesday at 4 pm (Miami time) at MiamiCondo.Club and on social media sites.

Episode Overview

In the Oct. 1, 2025, episode of The Peter Zalewski Show podcast, host Peter Zalewski - an analyst who has tracked the South Florida condo market for more than 30 years - speaks Oshrat Carmiel, publisher of the Highest-and-Best.beehiiv.com and a former Bloomberg real estate reporter in New York City.

During the 55-minute podcast, Zalewski and Carmiel dove deep into the evolving landscape of South Florida real estate and migration trends that accelerated following the pandemic.

Zalewski opened the episode with a vibrant introduction, setting the stage for an informative and entertaining conversation that he noted has been years in the making as technology now allows the program to share these stories directly with listeners.

Carmiel’s move to Florida in 2022 epitomized the larger pandemic migration wave, as remote work became the norm and many New Yorkers and Californians flocked to Miami and its suburbs seeking better weather more space and a new lifestyle.

The influx of new residents led to a nearly 70 percent rise in condo prices in less than five years, prompting developers to rush to meet demand with new preconstruction condo projects.

However, as companies like Amazon and J.P. Morgan began calling employees back to the office, some recent buyers faced tough decisions now impacting the local housing market - whether to keep their South Florida homes, rent them out or sell and return north.

Carmiel shared her personal acclimation story, moving from the excitement of palm trees to the challenges of aggressive drivers, observing that moving with children made settling in easier as schools and sports teams quickly created a sense of community.

She noted that Boca Raton - which once had a reputation as a retiree haven - is now attracting younger families and professionals that are contributing to making the community in Southeast Palm Beach County more vibrant and diverse.

These observations were coupled with anecdotes on the quirky realities of South Florida living, including the shock of seeing frozen iguanas and the ever-present alligators in local waterways.

Both Zalewski and Carmiel recommended renting before buying in South Florida, stating that the fast-moving rental market can help newcomers get a feel for different neighborhoods and avoid costly mistakes, especially with fluctuating home prices and rising maintenance fees.

Carmiel praised the Brightline train for its comfort and convenience but acknowledged that daily life still revolves around driving-a big change from Manhattan’s subways.

The conversation explored the growing trend of dual-city living, suggesting that while the initial migration wave has slowed, remote work flexibility continues to make this lifestyle appealing.

Carmiel provided a nuanced view of the current market - luxury properties are still fetching high prices but the frenzy has cooled, with homes sitting longer and buyers having more negotiating power than during the peak of the boom.

Her “Highest and Best” newsletter offers a humorous take on these trends, highlighting quirky realities like the rise of condos designed for Airbnb rentals.

Carmiel’s ultimate advice for newcomers was clear-do their homework rent before buying and be prepared for surprises.

Zalewski and Carmiel also discussed the unique social scene of South Florida, where networking at condo launch parties offers a window into the region’s culture and economy.

The episode closed with reflections on the future, with Carmiel suggesting South Florida is well on its way to becoming a legitimate co-headquarters for many industries, ensuring the tricounty region’s appeal endures.

Miami Condo Mondays™ is a live podcast hosted by Peter Zalewski of the Miami Condo Investing Club™ and veteran broker Jenny Huertas of CVRRealty.com providing an in-depth look at the latest residential real estate trends in South Florida.

Recorded weekly in Greater Downtown Miami, the podcast offers a one-hour discussion on various real estate topics, including preconstruction condos, market trends and investment strategies.

The hosts share their expertise, with Zalewski focusing on macro perspectives and Huertas offering micro insights from her on-the-ground experience.

Tune in every Monday at 4 PM (EST) on the social media accounts of Peter Zalewski and Jenny Huertas for insights on the latest trends in the South Florida condo market.

In this episode of the Miami Condo Mondays™ podcast, Zalewski and Huertas discuss why Miami has been ranked as the world’s most overvalued residential real estate market for a second consecutive year.

This UBS Global Real Estate Bubble Index 2025 comes as Miami’s market shows signs of slowing, with rising inventory and a sharp divergence between property prices and local incomes or rents.

Miami’s real estate market has the highest bubble risk of any of the 21 global cities analyzed in the recent UBS report, with its index score of 1.73 indicating a sustained mispricing of assets.

The city’s risk level surpasses that of the only other financial hubs in the “high-risk” category: Tokyo (1.59) and Zurich (1.55).

The “elevated-risk” category consists of four cities: Los Angeles (1.11), Dubai (1.09), Amsterdam (1.06), and Geneva (1.05).

Zalewski noted that Miami’s unique situation is driven by a high volume of second-home buyers and corporate investors who use units for short-term rentals or hold them as assets rather than housing for local residents.

The report highlights that renting is now significantly cheaper than owning in Miami.

This is compounded by rising maintenance fees, hefty special assessments and pricey insurance premiums that are putting financial pressure on condo owners.

“Regulatory changes are forcing costly repairs on older buildings, and many owners are feeling the pinch,” Huertas said.

The UBS index warns that while a sharp correction is unlikely without a major external shock - a black swan event - price growth is expected to turn negative.

Huertas pointed out that Miami’s appeal to wealthy international buyers especially from Latin America provides a stabilizing factor that differentiates it from past cycles.

Contrast Miami’s high-risk designation with other international cities. Sao Paulo is considered undervalued while major centers like Milan, Paris and New York are rated as fairly priced.

“Those cities are expensive for locals, but their markets are not as disconnected from their economies as Miami’s is,” Zalewski said.

As the hosts concluded the nearly 75-minute discussion, they held differing views on the market’s future.

Zalewski expressed skepticism that international buyers alone could sustain current valuations, predicting a correction is likely, especially for mid-range properties.

Huertas argued the luxury segment will prove more resilient.

Both advised listeners to stay informed and prepare for opportunities that may arise from a shifting market.

“Global demand for luxury properties in Miami isn’t going away,” Huertas said. “That segment of the market operates by its own rules.”