Miami Native Brings Local Expertise to Luxury Pre-Construction Market

In a city known for its transient nature, Sari Shapiro stands out as a rare Miami Beach native who has transformed her lifelong connection to the area into a flourishing career in luxury pre-construction real estate. As she prepares to launch her own brand under “Sari Real Estate” in early 2025, Shapiro reflects on how her deep roots in the community have contributed to her success in Miami’s evolving luxury market.

“I’ve always loved seeing my city transform throughout the years,” Shapiro shares. “From when Biscayne Boulevard was considered unsafe to now seeing all this luxury and retail – I’ve experienced living in all the cities or pockets and communities that I now sell. It’s almost like a first-hand experience.”

This intimate knowledge of Miami’s transformation has proven invaluable in the pre-construction space, where Shapiro has established herself as a leading figure since 2017. Her track record includes the successful launch of Mr. C Residences in Coconut Grove, which broke records as the fastest-selling luxury pre-construction project of its time, achieving some of the highest price per square foot figures in the Coconut Grove condo market.

Evolution of Luxury Demands

The ultra-luxury market has evolved significantly, with buyers becoming increasingly sophisticated in their demands. “They really value discretion, privacy, and convenience,” Shapiro explains. “The amenities really matter, the services and the staff that we deliver. That brand that you bring in for hospitality really needs to match the level of luxury of the homes they’re purchasing.”

This evolution is evident in her current project, Villa Miami, which launched a year ago and has already achieved 50% sales, with entry prices starting at $5 million. The project, which broke ground in December, exemplifies the new standard in luxury development, featuring 3,000 to 6,000 square foot waterfront homes.

The Art of Pre-Construction Sales

Shapiro’s success in pre-construction sales comes from what she describes as a unique skill set: “You’re really selling paper. You’re selling a vision through storytelling and imagery. It’s much different than just walking someone through a house. There’s a lot of skill in communication that you have to use to paint a picture of what is going to exist one day.”

Her approach has garnered recognition, including placement on the 2022 REALTrends + Tom Ferry America’s Best List, which recognizes the top 1.5% of real estate professionals nationwide. She also received the Pinnacle Award in 2023, placing her in the top 3% nationwide.

Looking Ahead: The Luxury of Local

As Shapiro prepares to launch her expanded brand in early 2025, she’s introducing a new slogan: “The luxury of local.” The concept carries a dual meaning, as she explains: “It’s an advantage for people, and I think it is a luxury to be able to have someone represent you who has lived firsthand in almost every part of this city.” The second meaning speaks to the privilege of living in Miami itself: “If you get to live in one of the greatest cities in the world… it’s a luxury in itself to be able to live in such an incredible city.”

With her new venture, Shapiro aims to maintain her pre-construction expertise while expanding into general real estate services, supported by a carefully assembled team. In a market increasingly defined by rapid growth and transformation, her combination of deep local knowledge and proven luxury development expertise positions her to help shape the next chapter of Miami’s real estate evolution.