Realtors Jill Hertzberg and Jill Eber, who are also known as The Jills, have long reigned supreme in Miami Beach. The two Coldwell Banker agents often find themselves at the top of the rankings of Florida brokers, representing celebrities and business moguls on their homes in the Sunshine State—from Bal Harbour to Miami Beach to Star Island.
We caught up with the Miami natives to talk about the popularity of fully automated homes, Fort Lauderdale’s potential and much more.
Mansion Global: Describe your dream property.
Jill Hertzberg: My dream property would be in an amazing location—it would be on Miami Beach on the wide open bay or Golden Beach directly on the ocean. I love rooms that have views of gardens or water, a smart home that makes everyday life easy, furniture that is comfortable and somewhere that you feel you are living in a true treasure.
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MG: Do you have a real estate property that got away?
Jill Eber: Sure, we have those in our shopping cart. You cannot get them all. But there is plenty for everyone so you love the one you’re with!
MG: What does luxury mean to you?
JH: Luxury is a feeling. It is a combination of multiple factors, which include high-end brands, quality material and finishes and décor that really stands out and makes the total look and feels very high end. Whether it is jewelry, a car, a property or even clothing, the attention to detail and materials is readily apparent.
MG: What area do you think is the next hub for luxury properties?
JE: Fort Lauderdale is really coming on strong for both affordability and lifestyle. With so much water from the intercostal to the ocean, it gives a lot of opportunity for upgrading existing housing and taking advantage of the beautiful views.
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MG: What’s the biggest surprise in the luxury real estate market now?
JH: Luxury real estate keeps evolving from condos with private pools for the unit to custom items on the property such as a sound studio or off-the-charts media rooms. As properties continue to have smart home elements incorporated and possible "bots" that can perform duties, there is really no limit to what an owner may choose to add to their homes.
MG: Where are the best luxury homes in the world and why?
JE: The best homes are here in Miami Beach. I have traveled around the world and constantly get amazed at beautiful properties with breathtaking views and unbelievable amenities, but I always return home with an appreciation for all we have here on the Beach. It’s not just the grand estate and palatial amenities that make the area so special, it is the "you can have it all" splendor of our area. We have culture, dining, sports, entertainment, celebrity, fashion, world class events, boating and the list goes on. Very often, it is within walking distance or a short hop from where you live. We truly have it all.
MG: What is your favorite part of your home?
JE: It has to be the outdoor living. We seamlessly combine our indoor space with our outdoor space and the balcony of my condo on Fisher Island is just a tropical extension of my property. I never tire of the beautiful water, open sky and the healthy ocean air steps from every room in my home.
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MG: What best describes the theme to your home and why?
JE: I love finishes and have the most extraordinary stone in various places in my home. In addition, I have high-quality personally crafted furnishings that were done by my father. I think you can describe my property as personal elegance. It has a private personal feel surrounded by wonderful finishings and loving memories of my dad.
MG: What’s the most valuable thing in your home?
JE: Well…that would be my husband and my two doggies! Aside from them, it is the personal crafted furniture that was created and built by my father.
MG: What’s the most valuable amenity to have in a home right now?
JH: Bathrooms and kitchens are always the key. You can have a beautiful foyer, grand entrance and staircase, upscale finishes and lose the interest with a buyer due to outdated bathrooms and kitchen.
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MG: What’s your best piece of real estate advice?
JH: Make sure your real estate professional demonstrates their expertise and knowledge of the local market. Nothing replaces knowing everything that has sold, did not sell, sold years ago, updated/renovated and the movement in the neighborhood. It’s not just about the house itself, it is also important to know everything that has gone on or will be going on around the property. You cannot underestimate the value of a realtor who knows the inventory extremely well, both on and off the market. If you’re a buyer, you don’t want to find out you missed the best property and if you are a seller, you want to get the best price obtainable.
MG: What’s going on in the news that will have the biggest impact on the luxury real estate market?
JE: The new administration in the White House, of course. Policies that are made can affect real estate: the stock market (which affects real estate), immigration, foreign investment, EB-5’s and the list goes on. Everything in the U.S. is affected by real estate and so much that goes on that affects consumer outlook affects our business.
What area currently has the best resale value?
JH: Waterfront is always your best bet. Some views are just priceless and if you can get one of those on a good piece of land, you will always be in a good position.