Meet Joey Waknin | Luxury Real Estate Advisor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joey Waknin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joey, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I’d say that the most important factor behind my success has been authenticity — staying true to who I am and how I work. I don’t try to fit into a mold; instead, I lead with emotional intelligence, creativity, and genuine care for my clients.

Combining my background in psychology with a deep understanding of design, marketing, and human connection allows me to offer a uniquely personalized experience. Clients don’t just feel like a transaction — they feel seen, heard, and supported.

That authenticity builds trust, and trust builds long-term relationships — which, in the end, is the real foundation of any successful brand.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is all about people, not just properties. While I specialize in luxury real estate in Miami, I believe everyone deserves exceptional service — so I work with clients at all price points, from first-time buyers to high-end investors. What sets me apart is my background in psychology and my creative eye. I offer interior design tips, personally stage homes before photoshoots, and tailor every experience to fit each client’s unique needs.

How I got to where I am today: it wasn’t an easy path — breaking into a competitive market took grit, adaptability, and a lot of trust-building. Now, with over a decade of experience serving the same South Florida market, I’ve built a brand grounded in trust, creativity, and genuine connection — all by staying authentic and truly listening to my clients.

What I want the world to know is this: I’m not just here to close deals — I’m here to help people find spaces that reflect who they are and how they want to live.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
That’s a tough question to answer – there’s so much to see, do, taste, experience here! But if my best friend visited me for a week, I’d show them the perfect mix of luxury, culture, and local gems.

We’d kick things off in South Beach with brunch at The Local House and dinner at Carbone or Macchialina, followed by cocktails at The Betsy Hotel (with a live quartet in the background). We’d also explore the Wynwood Walls and the Design District, grab lunch at Mandolin Aegean Bistro and dinner in a hidden gem in Upper Buena Vista.

Midweek, we’d charter a boat from Haulover Marina, then enjoy sunset dinner at Joia Beach. We’d spend another day in Coconut Grove and Coral Gables, with stops at Miracle Mile, Vizcaya, and dinner at LPM as we make our way up in Brickell. Can’t forget a cocktail at Sugar of course.

For local flavor, we’d hit Little Havana, have Cuban bites at Versailles, and catch live music at Ball & Chain. To unwind, a stroll through Bal Harbour Shops followed by a spa day at The Standard for unforgettable sunset views from the Lido Bayside.

It’s the kind of trip that shows off Miami’s soul — sun, style, and unforgettable energy.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First, my family. Their love, support, and belief in me — especially during the early (uncertain) stages of my career — gave me the foundation to push forward with confidence. Their journey, sacrifices, and values laid the groundwork for how I approach life and business — with humility, persistence, and empathy. Watching them come to another country and rebuild from the ground up taught me that success isn’t just about talent — it’s about grit, consistency, and staying grounded.

I also want to give credit to the incredible mentors and colleagues I’ve met in the real estate world. From brokers who gave me opportunities to peers who shared wisdom and guidance, their influence helped shape both my business and mindset.

And finally, my clients – who have become friends and feel like extended family. They’re the reason I do what I do — their trust, feedback, and referrals have not only helped me grow but have also inspired me to constantly improve and evolve.

Website: https://www.estateofliving.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/estateofliving

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/estateofliving

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstateOfLiving

Image Credits
@estateofliving, Joey Waknin