Between Two Chairs - Demystifying Commercial Real Estate

Where will the next Miami commercial real estate opportunities emerge—and what will separate a promising deal from an expensive distraction? In this episode of Between Two Chairs, Fernando Arencibia and Jennifer Wollmann unpack the seventh annual Avanti Report and its accompanying event, connecting national economic forces to local investment decisions.Drawing on their work with buyers, sellers, and tenants, the Avanti Way Commercial hosts examine South East Florida commercial real estate through a practical lens: intentional development, capital allocation, and the forces reshaping demand. Their discussion spans South Miami’s evolving downtown, Sunset Place redevelopment, multifamily supply constraints, and the purchasing power flowing into Florida through migration and remote work.They also explore AI-driven investment, the K-shaped economy, sports-centered real estate, and wealth-building conversations for independent contractors. To close, Fernando and Jennifer spotlight the commercial mortgage maturity wall, the 10-year Treasury yield, and generational property transfers as themes investors should watch.Avanti Way Commercial—The premier commercial real estate brokerage in Miami and South East Florida—brings a deal-level perspective to these market shifts. Listen for grounded questions to guide your next investment conversation, and contact the team for the Avanti Report.KEY TAKEAWAYS· South Miami redevelopment: intentional density in commercial districts, neighborhood preservation, and hotel, meeting-space, and retail opportunities around Sunset Place· Multifamily supply constraints: high building and financing costs delaying projects, with the hosts warning of renewed shortages despite recent deliveries· Sports-centered real estate: investment beyond team ownership into venues, entertainment, and surrounding development—creating opportunities rather than simply finding existing deals· Miami market shift: the mortgage maturity wall, 10-year Treasury yield, and generational property transfers as the hosts’ watchpoints for investment opportunities and pricing

What separates a promising commercial property from an investment that can actually close and perform? In this episode of Between Two Chairs, Avanti Way Commercial market experts Fernando Arencibia and Jennifer Wollmann sit down with Arturo Borges, managing partner of Avanti Way Capital, to unpack the discipline behind successful acquisitions. The conversation explores why a clearly defined buy box, durable in-place cash flow, long-term fixed-rate debt, and adequate reserves matter more than optimistic projections in today’s market. Borges explains how his team reviews hundreds of opportunities, builds evergreen relationships with capital partners, and uses due diligence to test every assumption before committing investor funds. The discussion also examines retail and multifamily underwriting, development yield spreads, rent-growth assumptions, asset management versus property management, and the value of boots-on-the-ground intelligence. Fernando, Jennifer Wollmann and Arturo translate complex capital, underwriting, and risk concepts into practical guidance. Investors will learn why protecting the downside, choosing the right operator, and being willing to walk away may be the strongest indicators of long-term performance. KEY TAKEAWAYS· Cash flow and fixed-rate debt: In-place yield, long-term financing, and adequate reserves create control when markets move against the business plan.· Retail trends: Tenant loyalty, destination traffic, outparcels, and local context can reveal value that spreadsheet-only analysis misses.· Multifamily development: New construction should offer a meaningful return-on-cost premium over buying a comparable existing asset.· Miami market shift: Future returns will depend more on operational excellence, realistic expectations, and active asset management than passive appreciation.

Scary headlines can freeze investors—or reveal where the next opportunities are forming. In this Halloween-themed episode of Between Two Chairs, Avanti Way Commercial leaders Fernando Arencibia and Jennifer Wollmann cut through the noise surrounding the most unsettling commercial real estate stories (so far!) of 2026. They examine what Treasury yields above 5% mean for cap rates, financing, valuations, and the widening bid-ask gap, then unpack the approaching wave of maturing loans—especially in multifamily—and why even borrowers with strong payment histories may face difficult refinancing decisions. The conversation also connects South Florida transportation infrastructure, Brightline’s restructuring, and transit-oriented development to the long-term growth of Miami and neighboring markets. With practical context grounded in South East Florida commercial real estate, Fernando and Jennifer show how experienced brokers distinguish alarming headlines from actionable market signals—and how investors, owners, and advisers can prepare for repricing, capital needs, and emerging acquisition opportunities.Key Takeaways· Treasury yields and cap rates: A 5% risk-free benchmark raises return expectations, pressures values, and complicates deal underwriting.· Multifamily refinancing risk: Maturing debt can force owners to contribute fresh equity, sell, or restructure even after years of timely payments.· Transit-oriented development: Brightline and reliable regional transportation remain critical to density, mobility, and commercial growth across South Florida.

Full disclosure, this is a reposting of an interview we did with Carmen M. Peters, CPA and Concierge Tax Strategist. It was chock-full of year-end tax planning strategies so we decided to post again now, for everyone doing their fourth quarter year-end review and planning for 2027 (which should be everyone!) Additional disclosure: This is for educational content only; consult with qualified tax and legal professionals regarding your individual circumstances.From choosing the right entity and evaluating an S corporation election to using Solo 401(k)s, HSAs, accurate bookkeeping, and estimated-tax reserves, the conversation turns complex tax planning into practical next steps. The discussion also explores how depreciation, cost-segregation studies, real estate professional status, and short-term rentals can affect investment outcomes—plus why documentation, mileage logs, receipts, and coordinated professional advice matter. Grounded in the realities of Miami and the South East Florida commercial real estate market, Fernando Arencibia and Jennifer Wollmann ask the questions investors and brokers need answered before year-end.Key takeaways:· Proactive tax planning creates more options than waiting until tax-return season.· S corporation treatment may reduce self-employment tax for qualifying brokers, subject to reasonable compensation and proper administration.· Solo 401(k) and HSA strategies can pair current deductions with long-term wealth building when eligibility rules are met.· Clean bookkeeping and documentation—including receipts, mileage logs, reconciled records, and tax reserves—help protect deductions and prevent year-end surprises.

How did Miami grow from a strong local real estate market into an internationally recognized industry powerhouse? In this special episode of Between Two Chairs, hosts Fernando Arencibia and Jennifer Wollmann sit down with Teresa “TK” King Kinney, the longtime CEO who helped expand Miami Realtors from fewer than 5,000 members to approximately 96,000 across five Florida counties.TK shares the leadership decisions behind Miami’s global reach, nearly 310 international association partnerships, the Miami Global Congress, and a sustained presence at MIPIM. The conversation also explores what makes Miami’s commercial platform distinctive: integrated residential and commercial membership, a purpose-built commercial MLS, public-facing property search, zoning and development resources, advocacy, and a culture that rewards initiative.For investors, brokers, developers, and business leaders navigating Miami and South East Florida commercial real estate, the episode offers a practical playbook for growth through consistency, collaboration, global relationships, and talent development. Key Takeaways· Miami commercial real estate: Integrated residential and commercial networks can expand deal flow, especially when global buyers enter through residential relationships.· · Commercial advocacy: Dedicated expertise and coordinated local, state, and national relationships help address taxes, codes, zoning, and operating challenges.· Leadership and team culture: Hire talented people, reward initiative, share credit, and involve collaborators early to create stronger outcomes.