Q&A: The A Team

Photography by Seth Browarnik on April 1st, 2021 in Editorials, Lifestyle

Tal & Oren Alexander

Miami Beach, FL – April 1, 2021 – Luxury real-estate is in their DNA… literally. Meet brothers Oren and Tal Alexander, the powerhouse duo behind The Alexander Team at Douglas Elliman. Headed by the two brothers, and supported by ten talented, tenacious professionals, The Alexander Team sets the standard in results-driven real estate, with unprecedented sales achievements in Manhattan, the Hamptons and South Florida. White-glove client service, ingenious marketing strategies, scrupulous business practices and record-breaking sales deals make The Alexander Team one of the top-producing and most recognized real estate names in the U.S., with over two-and a half billion in sales to date.

World Red Eye caught up with the two on their boat to take a stroll along Miami’s most coveted waterfront properties and get an exclusive look at the one-of-kind homes The Alexander Team has helped broker throughout South Florida. Read the full Q&A below.

By Gaby Cuevas

Oren & Tal Alexander

WRE: You both have been recognized as some of the top real-estate agents in the country. How did you get your start in such a competitive field?

Oren Alexander: We began working in this industry over a decade ago during a recession, and it seemed like there was no positive outlook in sight. We pushed to find people homes that made them happy and opportunities that would make them money. We hit the pavement trying everything. When you start in a tough market, you’re forced to play the hand you’re dealt. Most other agents were used to easier times and had a more difficult time adapting.

WRE: The markets you focus on include Miami, The Hamptons, and New York City. What about these markets stands out to you compared to others?

Tal Alexander: These markets are where we like to spend our time, and so do our friends, which happen to make up most of our clients. We also continue to participate in the Aspen market – recently sold a $30M property – and expanding our footprint there.

Oren & Tal Alexander

WRE: What has it been like conducting business amid a global pandemic? How has it affected the real-estate market overall?

TA: We’ve seen a major impact in South Florida where the market has boomed like no other. During this time, our team was able to meet the response with all hands-on deck to finish 2020 as the number one team for Douglas Elliman in Florida, two years in a row. For New York, we’ve seen a good uptick in the market given the significant opportunities we have been able to find and secure for our clients in the challenging market.

Oren & Tal Alexander

We began working in this industry over a decade ago during a recession… When you start in a tough market, you’re forced to play the hand you’re dealt.

Oren Alexander

Oren Alexander with property sold by The Alexander Team for $10.75 million

OA: The Alexander Team brokers some of the most exclusive and coveted properties in the world. What has been your biggest deal to date?

OA: In New York, our biggest deal was the largest sale in US history at 220 Central Park South for New York. We also managed to sell the most expensive townhouse in US history. For Miami, we’ve managed to sell the most expensive single-family house in Indian Creek – still the most expensive house to sell in Miami-Dade county. We also managed to sell (or were part of the sales team) for three of the most expensive penthouses on Miami Beach in 2020 – $37M, $35M, $33M.

Tal & Oren Alexander

WRE: Tal, you have a home in NYC, while Oren lives here in Miami. What made you decide to move away from your hometown?

TA: I went to University in New York, so it was a natural next step for me. There’s no better place in the world to start a business amidst the hustle and energy of the city, where you’re working alongside some of the hardest working people in the business.

WRE: Oren, why did you decide to call Miami your home base?

OA: I came back to Miami to launch the Faena House project in 2013, which was a huge success where we managed to sell out the building in under 6 months, at an average of $3k sf. At the time, it was over a one-hundred-percent premium for the market. Through that experience, I managed to really get to know the different players and brokers in the market, helping me to launch our resale business in Miami.

Oren & Tal Alexander

Oren & Tal Alexander with property sold by The Alexander Team for $22.5 million in 2017

WRE: When buying or selling a property, what are some of the most important things that you look for?

TA: Firstly, we want to make sure our clients are making a good investment. This ties into location, quality, and design – all things we are experts in given our backgrounds in developing some of the finest residences; we have a higher level of understanding these things.

WRE: Real-estate is all about identifying and understanding trends. What are some trends you’ve noticed in the market recently?

OA: Specific amenities, once considered luxuries, are now necessities – people want a home that offers an array of personal amenities, without ever having to leave.

Oren Alexander with property sold twice within 30 days

Oren & Tal Alexander

WRE: The Alexander Team was founded by you two at Douglas Elliman and is one of the most recognized names in real-estate. What would you say is The Alexander Team’s greatest strength?

TA: Our ability to connect with clients and enhance our clients’ lifestyles through their real estate.

WRE: Miami has recently seen a large influx of companies relocating their operations to the city from other major places like California and New York City. What effect will this have on the South Florida market, specifically?

OA: During the pandemic, South Florida has seen a big boost – and Miami has grown from a city in the minor leagues to the major leagues – it’s no longer a secondary or third home market. People have enrolled their kids in school, opened their businesses and offices and have made this their primary home.