Agent Spotlight: Burt Minkoff, Building New Communities

Elliman Insider sat down with agent Burt Minkoff to find out how his love for building communities led him to Florida real estate. Burt explains everything from why he left his former marketing company to his advice for new agents. Elliman Insider: When did you know that real estate was your calling? Burt Minkoff: I ran a marketing company in New York which I loved. Everything we produced was in film. There were two issues which always bothered me: After you finish a project, you’re always looking for the next one. Everybody in film wants to do or be something else. The writer wants to be the producer, the producer wants to be the director and the hairdresser wants to be the actoractress. It’s exhausting. After 17 years I decided to do something I wanted to do. While looking at different options a client said, “Why don’t you do what you’ve done with your apartments and houses, buying, renovating and selling?” I love the idea of building community. I said I’d never do it in NY or the Hamptons because everybody knows what they want, but I’d do it in Florida because it was a new frontier. The marketer in me knew that the baby boomer generation would change Florida like we did in New York City and the Hamptons. EI: What’s your biggest challenge as an agent? BM: Not unlike my marketing business—looking for my next meal. What is the next listing? Who is the next buyer? What’s closing next? EI: Do you live by a personal mantra or favorite saying? BM: Mantra: Life happens in a second. Be mindful and be grateful. As for favorite saying? Shut up and listen. EI: Why did you choose Elliman? BM: I had worked with Scott Durkin when he was at Corcoran and just felt he has a great deal of integrity. I knew Howard. It was a great fit. EI: How has Elliman changed your business plan? BM: Elliman offers a much greater opportunity to collaborate and refer business with other Elliman agents in very appropriate markets for our client base. They give us more tools for online support and corporately there is far more interest and support, both locally and on a national level. EI: How has Elliman upped your real estate game? BM: Due to the cross pollination between offices around the region and the country, I travel more, meeting other agents and seeing other markets. Both in the US and overseas. Knight Frank has added an entire new dimension to marketing my listings. EI: Any advice for new agents? BM: Learn the inventory. Align your interests, your passions and your social life with your professional life. I don’t care if it’s golf, tennis, dressage or art collecting. It’s a very fulfilling way to live. EI: Where can we find you when you’re not working? BM: I’m always working. I love what I do and if I am not scouring for Real Estate I am searching for art and design. So, galleries, museums, out for dinner, and shopping—it’s cultural and social anthropology. I’m also a news junkie. Burt’s Listings: 6717 S Flagler Drive | $17,750,000 6717 S Flagler Dr is one of the most distinctive properties ever built in Palm Beach County. Designed by developer Steve Bendat of the Aquantis Group and architect David Lawrence, 6717 S. Flagler Dr is an estate compound that maximizes the tropical nature of South Florida and the spectacular views of the Intracoastal waterway and the ocean beyond.Facing the estates on Billionaire’s Row, 6717 S Flagler Drive offers an unobstructed eastern view of the island of Palm Beach. Sunrises are spectacular. Sunsets are even better. As the sun goes down, it casts an amazing glow across the entire island. Nights are magical as the moon rises and reflects on the Intracoastal. 361 Crescent Drive | $5,795,000 Chic 1940’s Colonial. Think Beverly Hills, think Cole Porter and Dorothy Draper. Sophisticated renovation executed in 2014. 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths. The formal foyer, living room, dining room and office all feature the original applied plaster moldings. There is a large garden room which faces the pool and formal garden. The gourmet kitchen features Wolf, Sub Zero and a large butler’s pantry. Extra-large master is separated from the other bedrooms. Great location. Walking distance to town, the beach and the Lake Trail. 126 Beverly Road | $4,400,000 Spectacular new modern home under construction designed by Steve Bendat and David Lawrence. CBS block construction with poured cells, balconies and rooftop, this house has been built the care and detail that goes into other Bendat Homes. The house features a 24′ high living room with 11′ ceilings throughout the first floor, 10′ ceilings on the 2nd floor and glass balconies with water views. The house was designed for maximum flexibility with 6 en-suite bedroomsbaths, two of which are convertible to an office and media room. house is pre-wired for speakers and electric shades throughout.The Gourmet kitchen includes a Thermador appliance package includes a 36” refrigerator, 24” Freezer, Double ovens, microwave, 36” 6-burner cooktop, dishwasher and wine cooler. 151 Grace Trail, 4 | $3,495,000 Bienestar, Palm Beach’s hidden gem.The moment you enter the courtyard of Bienestar you are transported to the tropical paradise of old Palm Beach. One of only two grand mansions which have been converted to a condominium, Bienestar is a 1924 Marion Sims Wyeth home, located at the end of a private road behind the St Edwards Parish Center. Renovated and expanded in the mid 1980’s, the structure is landmarked. Unit 4 is the largest of the 6 units with 2,701 SF of living space. Featuring 3 bedrooms and 3 baths with full-run front and rear loggias, the property offers expansive interior and exterior entertaining spaces. The Sellers undertook an extensive renovation in 2014 to bring the space up to current code including, replacing the AC, hot water heater, all electrical and wiring. Contact Burt today for all your real estate needs.