Miami's High-Flying Broker: How Cristiano Piquet Finds Opportunities From the Sky
In Miami’s luxury real estate market, differentiation is everything. While many brokers tout their market knowledge or networking capabilities, Cristiano Piquet, founder of Piquet Realty, has carved out a distinctive niche by combining his passion for adventure sport with strategic real estate development.
Since founding his boutique brokerage in 2005, Piquet has grown the firm into an international luxury real estate powerhouse, with operations spanning from Miami and Orlando to New York and across the Atlantic to Portugal’s premium markets in Lisbon and Cascais. What began as a personal interest in extreme sports and aviation has evolved into an innovative approach to luxury real estate marketing and property analysis, while building a thriving team of 80 agents specializing in high-end residential and commercial properties.
A Brazilian native, Piquet moved to the U.S. in 2000 and has since developed expertise in various aircraft – from paramotors and seaplanes to helicopters and gyrocopters. This aerial perspective has proven particularly valuable in Miami’s ultra-luxury market, where waterfront properties and high-rise developments dominate the landscape. “There are so many properties and neighborhoods that a real estate agent driving a car will never be able to see,” Piquet explains, highlighting how aerial views can reveal property features and neighborhood characteristics that might be missed from ground level. “Sometimes I get penthouse listings where no realtor would understand what a beautiful property is up there – I fly next to the penthouse, look at the pool, then find that property.”
Beyond real estate, Piquet has expanded his influence through The Piquet Group, which encompasses nine companies providing comprehensive services to high-net-worth clients. His passion for luxury extends to the racetrack, where he competes with prestigious brands like Porsche, Lamborghini, and Ferrari – experience that adds another dimension to his understanding of luxury brand partnerships and high-end clientele.
His innovative marketing approach has caught the attention of major developers, leading to strategic partnerships with luxury brands and prestigious developments including the Turnberry Ocean Club and the Estates at Acqualina. A recent collaboration with Bentley Residences showcased this unique approach, combining traditional luxury real estate marketing with aviation-themed promotions that garnered significant attention in the high-end market.
Gil Dezer, one of the biggest developers in Florida, the man behind iconic projects including the Porsche Design Tower and Bentley Residences, acknowledges Piquet’s unique position in the market. “Nobody knows Miami like we do,” Piquet states, a claim he backs up with decades of aerial documentation spanning from Key West to the heart of Miami’s luxury corridors. This comprehensive market knowledge has helped him build strong connections with key players in Miami’s development community.
Beyond the marketing appeal, Piquet’s aerial experience provides practical advantages in property analysis and market research. His team utilizes this comprehensive perspective to better understand property locations, views, and neighborhood dynamics – information that proves particularly valuable when serving their international clientele, especially those from Brazil and other global markets.
While maintaining his passion for aviation and extreme sports, including skydiving and wingsuit flying, Piquet has successfully translated these interests into a unique value proposition for his real estate clients. His approach demonstrates how personal passion, when strategically aligned with business objectives, can create meaningful differentiation in a crowded market.
As Miami’s luxury real estate landscape continues to evolve, Piquet Realty’s combination of traditional market expertise and innovative perspective positions the firm to capitalize on new opportunities while maintaining its distinctive presence in the South Florida market.
