Education • September 22, 2025

Rock the Market: What It Means for You

by Kristine Olson

I recently attended the Miami Association of Realtors’ Rock the Market Conference, where some of the industry’s top voices shared their insights on the future of real estate. While the event was designed for agents, many of the lessons directly impact how I serve you.

Here are a few key takeaways:

1. Certainty in the Process
Buying or selling a home can feel overwhelming. The number one reason clients hire an agent is for peace of mind—someone who can make the process smooth and stress-free from start to finish.

2. Opportunities Across Every Price Point
Experts reminded us that real estate isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re exploring your first home, upgrading, or looking into luxury and investment properties, having a clear strategy across different price points ensures you’re making the right move at the right time.

3. Blending Technology with a Human Touch
With tools like real-time property reports and digital marketing platforms, technology makes information more accessible than ever. But it’s the human connection and local expertise that truly guide smart decisions. I combine both to make sure you have the data—and the confidence—you need.

4. South Florida Remains a Magnet for Wealth and Opportunity
One of the strongest themes of the day? The flow of wealth and entrepreneurship into South Florida shows no signs of slowing down. From international buyers to U.S. relocations, Miami continues to stand out as a hub for lifestyle, business, and investment. I had the opportunity to meet speaker Christopher Kai, author of “Big Game Hunting” for insight on networking and positioning yourself in the market. I read the book and recommend regardless of the industry you are in. Big Game Hunting on Amazon

5. Building a Team Around You
A successful transaction isn’t just about the property—it’s about the support system. Having trusted referrals for attorneys, accountants, designers, and other professionals ensures you’re covered at every step.

The Bottom Line
The conference confirmed what I see daily: Miami and South Florida continue to be among the most exciting, opportunity-rich markets in the country. Whether you’re planning your next move soon or simply exploring possibilities, I’m here to provide certainty, insight, and a trusted path forward.

Community • September 18, 2025

Junior League: Find the Good Day

by Kristine Olson

Find the Good Day

Today is all about pausing to celebrate the good—in ourselves, in others, and in the communities we love.

As a proud Sustaining Member of the Junior League, I’m excited to celebrate this day by recognizing the good I’ve found through service, leadership, and meaningful connections. I have had the opportunity to be a member and volunteer of the Junior League since 2009 – across chapters in Minneapolis, Manhattan, Palm Beach, and now Miami. Each time I’ve moved to a new city, the Junior League has been a constant thread that provided a network of women committed to service and leadership. Joining a new League means walking into a room where people shared common values, offered local insight, and made me feel connected right away. By focusing on fundraising and special events the League has allowed me to build valuable skills — engaging sponsors and creating memorable experiences.

Those experiences strengthened my professional background, giving me confidence in leadership, project management, and community engagement. More than anything, they showed me how service and skill-building can go hand in hand, and how every move became less about “starting over” and more about “building on.”

Today, I choose to Find the Good in an organization that has helped me build lasting relationships and discover the incredible impact we can make when we come together with purpose. It’s a space where passion meets action, and where collective impact creates real, lasting change. We don’t just serve—we uplift.

Take a moment today to Find the Good—whether it’s in a kind word, a small act of service, or the people who inspire you to lead with heart.

About the Junior League

The Association of Junior Leagues International is an organization of women whose mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training.

Learn More

To learn more about The Junior League visit, https://thejuniorleagueinternational.org and the Junior League of Miami https://www.jlmiami.org.

Tools • September 17, 2025

Real Estate AI Use Case: Virtual Staging

by Kristine Olson

In today’s competitive real estate market, presentation is everything. Buyers often make judgments based on photos before ever stepping inside a property. That’s why staging has always been a powerful tool to help homes sell faster and at higher prices. Now thanks to artificial intelligence, staging has become faster, cost effective, and more versatile than ever.

A few AI benefits:

Faster Turnaround: What once took days can be done in minutes.
Style Flexibility: Multiple versions of the same room can be curated to different buyer preferences (modern, coastal, traditional)
Ideal for Vacant Homes: AI staging transforms empty rooms into warm, livable spaces helping buyers envision themselves living there.

The ethics behind leveraging AI are critical – transparency is key. Realtors should disclose when photos have been virtually staged to manage buyer expectations.

Economics • September 10, 2025

The Rise of Gen X and Women in Luxury Real Estate

by Kristine Olson

The Rise of Gen X and Women in Luxury Real Estate

Luxury real estate is experiencing a generational and cultural shift. Once dominated by Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation, today’s market shows new momentum from Gen X and women buyers, both of whom are redefining what prestige property ownership looks like.

Gen X Steps Into the Spotlight

According to recent data, Gen X has more than doubled its share of high-net-worth (HNW) property ownership—jumping from 9.2% in 2019 to 19.2% in 2024. That’s a 10% increase in just five years, making Gen X the fastest-growing demographic in the luxury real estate segment. Unlike previous generations, Gen X buyers are balancing ambition with practicality. They value:

Functional luxury – homes designed for both beauty and everyday living
Multi-generational housing – spaces that accommodate family at different life stages
Investment potential – properties positioned as both lifestyle choices and wealth-building assets

The Rise of Women Buyers

Alongside Gen X, women are playing a more powerful role in luxury homeownership. Increasingly, women are not only joint decision-makers but also primary buyers and investors. Their preferences are reshaping the market by prioritizing:

Privacy and wellness amenities
Smart home technology for convenience and security
Sustainability features that align with long-term values

This growing influence reflects broader economic trends, as women continue to drive wealth creation, business ownership, and investment decisions globally.

Quality Over Quantity

What unites both Gen X and women in luxury real estate is an emphasis on quality over quantity. Instead of seeking the largest property, they are drawn to residences offering:

Prime locations with strong investment value
Homes designed around lifestyle and wellness
Discreet sophistication—quiet luxury rather than excess

Looking Ahead

With Gen X buyers quickly expanding their share and women emerging as key decision-makers, the luxury real estate market is entering a new era—one defined less by status symbols and more by purposeful, refined living. For Miami and other global luxury hubs, this means properties that combine timeless design, innovation, and lifestyle amenities will remain in highest demand.

Tools • September 8, 2025

Moving Made Smarter: Comparing Miami with your Current City Using Coldwell Banker’s Move Meter®

by Kristine Olson

Thinking about a move? Whether you’re relocating for work, lifestyle, or simply curiosity, understanding how Miami stacks up against other cities is key. Thanks to Coldwell Banker’s Move Meter®, comparing cost of living, housing affordability, and quality of life has never been easier.

What is the Move Meter®?

Coldwell Banker created the Move Meter® as a complimentary tool that helps you compare two U.S. cities side by side. By analyzing cost of living, average home prices, job market trends, and lifestyle data, it provides an overall “Move Score” to help you weigh your options with confidence.
For Miami residents or anyone considering South Florida, the tool is especially valuable. With Miami’s vibrant culture, strong real estate market, and growing job base, how does it really compare to other destinations?

Step 1: Select Your City
The Move Meter® compares two cities at a time.
Each result shows how the cities differ across:
• Overall cost-of-living index
• Housing affordability
• Grocery, healthcare, and transportation costs
• Employment and job market data
• Lifestyle and quality-of-life factors

Step 2: Analyze the Results
Let’s say you’re deciding between Miami, New York, Austin, and Los Angeles. You can run comparisons and easily spot the trade-offs.
For example, New York may offer a deeper job market but at a higher cost, while Austin provides affordability but a different pace of life.

Step 3: Weigh What Matters Most
The real power of the Move Meter® is personal. If your priority is housing affordability, the tool highlights where your dollar goes further. If you value career opportunities, you’ll see which cities have stronger job markets. And if lifestyle is your deciding factor, Miami’s beaches, international culture, and year-round sunshine may tip the scales in its favor.

Why It Matters for Miami
Miami continues to attract buyers and renters from across the U.S. and abroad. By using the Move Meter®, individuals considering a move can clearly see why Miami is competitive: strong cultural amenities, a thriving luxury market, and a lifestyle that blends business with leisure.
For homeowners and investors, these comparisons also underline Miami’s relative value—especially when stacked against other coastal metros like Los Angeles or New York.

✅ Bottom Line: Coldwell Banker’s Move Meter® makes relocation decisions smarter. Whether you’re deciding on Miami or simply curious about how far your money goes, this tool gives clarity where it matters most.

Discover more: https://makemovesmiami.com/move-meter-2

Economics • September 4, 2025

From the Fed to the 305 – What Waller’s Miami Remarks Mean for Interest Rates and Real Estate

by Kristine Olson

From the Fed to the 305: What Waller’s Miami Remarks Mean for Interest Rates and Real Estate

On Thursday, August 28th, the Economic Club of Miami welcomed Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller. He delivered one of the strongest signals this year that interest rate cuts may be coming soon. His message — “Let’s get on with it” — suggests the Fed is ready to ease policy.

Waller’s Call for Action

Governor Waller warned that waiting too long to cut rates could leave the Fed “behind the curve.” Inflation is now close to the 2% target, and the job market is showing signs of cooling. As a result, he supports a quarter-point rate cut in September, with the possibility of more to follow.

This message matters not only for Wall Street, but also for Miami. So, what does this mean for Miami’s real estate market?

Why It Matters for Miami Real Estate

If interest rate cuts arrive, Miami could be one of the biggest winners.

Lower borrowing costs → Cheaper mortgages make homes more affordable. This could unlock demand in both luxury and mid-market segments.
More foreign buyers → A weaker dollar makes Miami real estate more attractive to investors from Europe, Latin America, and beyond.
The wealth effect → When markets rise under easier policy, wealthy buyers often move into real estate. Expect stronger demand for prime addresses in Miami Beach, Brickell, and Coral Gables.
Supply dynamics → Building costs remain high due to tariffs and material shortages. Even with lower financing costs, limited supply should keep existing home values strong.

The Bigger Picture

Waller’s bold stance is not only about national policy. It also highlights how closely Miami’s fortunes are tied to decisions made in Washington. Interest rate cuts could support growth, attract more global capital, and keep pressure on home values in the city.

What’s Next

All eyes now turn to the September jobs report and the Fed’s meeting that follows. Whether the cut is 25 basis points or more, Miami will feel the ripple effects.

Join the Conversation

The Economic Club of Miami brings global leaders like Governor Waller directly to our city. Members gain access to premier events, thought leadership, and unparalleled networking.

Learn more: www.econclubmiami.org