Top Realtor: David Marder sells Level Realty – Takes his team Marder Group to COMPASS Fort Lauderdale office

David Marder, Principal Broker of The Marder Group at Compass, recently sat down with Inman to discuss his successful career in real estate, his recent strategic move to Compass, and what it takes to thrive in the highly competitive Fort Lauderdale luxury market.

The Start of a Real Estate Journey

When asked how he first started in real estate, David explained to Inman that his journey began with a clear goal: to reshape the way properties were bought and sold. In 2020, he founded Level Realty, where he took on the dual role of owner and managing broker. “Under my leadership, we grew rapidly, generating between $250 million and $300 million annually, with total revenue surpassing $1 billion in just four years,” Marder shared. His success was rooted in his commitment to exceptional client service and leading a highly motivated team.

A Strategic Move to Compass

Inman was curious about how David transitioned his business from Level Realty to Compass. Marder explained that the decision was driven by the rapidly evolving Fort Lauderdale real estate market, known for its exclusive luxury homes, beachfront condos, and prime waterfront properties. “Joining Compass was not about leaving Level Realty behind; it was a strategic transition,” Marder said. “I sold my share of the company to my partner, ensuring its continued success while focusing on growing my residential business.”

The move to Compass was seamless, spanning three months, and Marder ensured that his clients and team members experienced uninterrupted service during the transition. “What drew me to Compass was their state-of-the-art technology, marketing solutions, and data analytics, which are essential in serving high-demand areas here in South Florida,” he explained. “With Compass, we now have access to the best tools to serve our clients in the luxury real estate market.”

The Key to Strong Leadership

Inman next asked Marder about his approach to leadership, particularly in a dynamic market like Fort Lauderdale. “A good leader embodies vision, integrity, and adaptability,” Marder said confidently. “The real estate market in Broward County is constantly shifting, and as a leader, it’s crucial to stay ahead of these changes.” He shared that his leadership style focuses on setting a clear vision that inspires his team to strive for excellence, while always maintaining the highest levels of integrity. “Honesty and trust are essential in this business, especially when you’re dealing with high-value transactions in the luxury market.”

Adaptability, according to Marder, is the cornerstone of success in a fast-paced market. “At Compass, we’re always prepared to pivot based on market trends,” he explained. “I believe in empowering my team with the right training and tools, creating an environment where everyone can thrive.” This approach has allowed Marder and his team to consistently deliver results in an ever-changing landscape.

Pricing and the Market Reality

Inman asked what advice Marder wished more agents would follow, particularly in today’s market. Marder didn’t hesitate: “I wish more agents understood the importance of advising sellers on the true market value of their properties.” He explained that pricing homes accurately from the start is critical in markets like Fort Lauderdale, where overpriced listings can distort the market. “Taking on listings at unrealistic prices not only sets false expectations for clients, but it also leads to price reductions and expired listings, which impacts the entire industry.”

Marder stressed the importance of educating clients about the current market conditions in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties. “We’re seeing median home prices increase year over year, but when agents take overpriced listings, it creates confusion,” he said. “Buyers think the market is declining when in fact, it’s the opposite,” Marder advises agents to provide clients with accurate data upfront to ensure better outcomes for both buyers and sellers.

The Reality of Real Estate Work

Inman also asked Marder what he wished more people understood about working in real estate. “There’s a misconception that real estate is easy or a part-time job,” Marder explained. “In reality, it’s a 24/7 business that requires a tremendous amount of dedication.” He shared that being successful in real estate, especially in high-demand areas like Fort Lauderdale, requires an agent to be detail-oriented, knowledgeable about both sides of a transaction, and adept at problem-solving.

“If you’re truly good at what you do, you can make a significant difference in whether a deal closes or not,” Marder said. “There’s great satisfaction in helping families find their dream home or assisting clients in selling their properties for top value.” With over $31 million in sales this year and nearly $250 million in the last five years, Marder has built a reputation for delivering outstanding results.

Looking Ahead

As the conversation with Inman wrapped up, David Marder reflected on the success of The Marder Group at Compass and the future of real estate in Fort Lauderdale. “The Fort Lauderdale market is competitive, but with the right tools, vision, and adaptability, my team and I are well-positioned to continue delivering exceptional service to our clients.” He concluded with a message for anyone considering buying or selling in the area: “When you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.”