305.323.6231 / valbyrnerealtor.com
Total Years in the industry: 28
Current Company: Berkshire Hathaway EWM Realty
What neighborhoods do you specialize in?
Coral Gables, Ponce Davis, Coconut Grove, South Miami, Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay, Islamorada
Biggest challenge for sellers:
The biggest challenge for sellers, especially those who have owned their residence a long time, is their plan for the next chapter. The cost of a new home, the increase in property taxes for many purchasing a new home and the capital gains loss from the sale of their existing home is quite daunting. This has very much to do with our shortage of inventory.
Biggest challenge for buyers:
In many neighborhoods, we still see multiple-offer scenarios; so being the “chosen” buyer is a challenge. Finding an affordable home with a palatable commute to work and school in our congested city is a challenge. And four years after the COVID onset, we are still short on inventory in many places. Also, there is the interest rate dilemma: Even though interest rates are coming down, I have buyers who began their home search when the rates were near 3% — and we are still out looking! The extra cash needed for home improvements has melted away.
How do you determine which homes match your client’s needs and wants?
One has to listen very carefully and really understand the big picture. Of course, budget is a key factor; but equally important are school needs and options, social needs and the commute! Commute times for work and school destinations, and what is palatable to a buyer, are really important. Three miles may seem like nothing to an outsider, but throw in a few 10 mph school zones, a detour and heavy traffic and you can quadruple or more the time factor.
What area is still hot right now?
The whole city is hot. I don’t see an “up and coming” neighborhood anymore. They have all evolved, and there is nowhere else to build! Truth is, every time I say that, I learn there is some genius, out-of-the-box-thinking developer who found a new spot.






Deering Estate
Massage Envy South Miami
Calla Blow Dry
My Derma Clinic
Sports Grill
The Healthy Kitchen
Sushi Maki
Golden Rule Seafood
Malanga Cuban Café

Kathleen Ballard
Panter, Panter & Sampedro
Vintage Liquors
The Dog from Ipanema
Rubinstein Family Chiropractic
Your Pet’s Best
Indigo Republic


ATR Luxury Homes


2112 Design Studio
Hamilton Fox & Company
Creative Design Services
Best Pest Professionals
HD Tree Services
Trinity Air Conditioning Company
Cisca Construction & Development
Mosquito Joe
Cutler Bay Solar Solutions


Miami Royal Ballet & Dance
Christopher Columbus
Pineview Preschools
Westminster
Carrollton
Lil’ Jungle
Frost Science Museum
Palmer Trinity School
South Florida Music
Pinecrest Orthodontics
Dr. Bob Pediatric Dentist
d.pediatrics


South Miami Women’s Health

The Spot Barbershop
My Derma Clinic




Miami Dance Project

Rubinstein Family Chiropractic
Indigo Republic

Safes Universe
Vintage Liquors
Evenings Delight





Atchana’s Homegrown Thai
Baptist Health South Florida

Laser Eye Center of Miami
Visiting Angels
OpusCare of South Florida



Your Pet’s Best

HD Tree Services
Hamilton Fox & Company

Creative Design Services


