We recently had the chance to connect with Joey Waknin and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Joey, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
The most surprising thing I’ve learned about my customers (and I’m reminded of it in every real estate transaction) is how deeply emotional their real estate decisions are — even at the luxury level. Behind every transaction lies a personal story: a dream, a milestone, or a sense of belonging they’re searching for. With my background in psychology, I’ve realized that truly serving clients isn’t just about market expertise or negotiation skills — it’s about empathy. It’s about building trust and putting yourself in their shoes. When I started focusing not just on what clients wanted, but why they wanted it, everything changed — the conversations became deeper, the relationships stronger, and the results far more meaningful.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Joey Waknin, a South Florida real estate professional who’s spent the past decade helping people find not just properties, but a sense of homeownership. I have a deep passion for connection; I’ve built my approach (and business) around understanding every client’s need and desire. And my brand was born from that philosophy: it’s about creating experiences that blend lifestyle, emotion, and design — every property has a story to tell. Right now, I’m focused on expanding that vision: building deeper community relations, showcasing Miami’s evolving luxury scene, and continuing to redefine what a modern real estate experience can be.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
That’s a powerful and introspective question… The people who saw me clearly before I could see myself were my childhood friends from Canada, who reminded me, “You don’t just sell homes — you help create future memories.” When I first joined the industry, I was focused on numbers, performance, and proving myself in a fast-moving market. But they recognized something in me that I hadn’t yet understood: that my strength was connection. That completely reframed how I approached my work — how I connected with clients, how I built relationships, and how I saw my role in their stories. It helped me embrace the idea that real estate, at its core, is about understanding people.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
For sure; it’s never a smooth sail. But I learned that success is about how quickly you get up when you fall. There was a time early in my career when I almost walked away — deals were collapsing, the pressure (to succeed or to close) was intense, and I started doubting if I truly belonged in this business. You also compare your business with “the life of a luxury real estate professional on a reality TV show”… and that’s never healthy. But those moments became the greatest lessons. They forced me to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with my purpose. I realized that real estate isn’t about the easy wins; it’s about consistency, showing up even when no one’s watching, as cliché as it can sound. Once I embraced that mindset, the challenges didn’t disappear, but my confidence and clarity grew stronger.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the real estate industry tells itself is that success is all about numbers — how many deals you close, how much commission you make, or how fast you move properties. And brokers base themselves on that too before onboarding you in their brokerage. The truth is, the work that lasts and truly matters is the human work: understanding clients and their needs, helping them make decisions that shape their lives and future, and guiding them through one of the most personal decisions they’ll ever make. The industry often glamorizes the flashy wins, but the real mastery comes from patience, empathy, and consistency.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely—I’ve learned that the real measure of who you are and what you do isn’t in the applause, but in the integrity of the work itself. Early in my career, there were countless moments where I gave my all and no one noticed, or even acknowledged it (especially since my approach is to go above and beyond for my clients’ needs). But over time, I realized nothing was in vain; those efforts built trust, and set the foundation for the results that eventually came. Excellence isn’t about recognition—it’s about showing up fully, even when no one is watching, and letting the work speak for itself. After all, the best thank you you can get is a referral.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.estateofliving.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/estateofliving
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/estateofliving
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstateOfLiving
Image Credits
2025. Joey Waknin. All rights reserved. (PC @EstateofLiving)
