A World of Their Own: Upfront with the Jills

To say Miami is in a world of its own is not exactly a stretch. The city’s 35 miles of white sand beachfront, turquoise waters, splashy art galleries, celebrity hotels, booming night clubs, sun-touched beauties and lavish waterfront mansions create an almost dreamlike world, often blurring the line between fantasy and reality. For Coldwell Banker® real estate agents Jill Eber and Jill Hertzberg of The Jills^®, however, Miami glamour has been a reality for over 20 years. Their track record speaks for itself. Recently they were named the nation's No. 1 residential real estate team in sales volume for 2012 across all brokerages on the REAL Trends/The Wall Street Journal Top Thousand ranking. Their $480.8 million in closed sales volume in 2012 also set a Coldwell Banker benchmark for highest production on record of any agent-team in the company's nearly 107-year history. It is the reason why the pair has been regularly sought-out by world dignitaries, actors, musicians, celebrities, sports figures and business leaders, who want a taste of the Miami lifestyle right down to the mansion on Fisher Island or the penthouse on Ocean Drive. The Jills cater so much to the international elite that it is not uncommon to overhear one of their associates speaking in Portuguese, Russian, French, Spanish, Hungarian or Italian in their office.

“Miami is a beautiful city offering everything a person could desire,” says Eber, who frequently works with buyers from Brazil, Russia, the Middle East and China. “We have amazing weather, fine cuisine, sporting events, exquisite beaches and great nightlife. It has become a major destination for people worldwide.”

Needless to say, The Jills are perfectly positioned for international travel in Miami—which is why Previews Inside Out chose to profile them for our July Luxury Travel issue. After asking them about their favorite travel memories and destinations, we discovered what we knew all along: they are true international real estate stars.

Jill Eber

Favorite travel destination: Fiji.

My next vacation will be: Turks & Caicos.

My idea of perfect happiness is: To have all the people I love around me (and my pooches Louie and Ziggy) on a beautiful island with modern conveniences, surrounded by a turquoise ocean.

Person I most admire: I have to pick two: my mother and father.

Greatest extravagance: Planning exotic trips. 

Greatest necessity: Cell phone.

If I wasn’t a real estate agent I’d be: A singer.

Best city for food (besides Miami): New York.

Favorite travel memory: Crystal cruising with my mom, dad and husband and his mom, dad, uncle and aunt, in Venice.

Mansion or high-rise: Neither! Mid-rise.

Last stamp in your passport: Fiji.

Jill Hertzberg

Best city for architecture: Chicago. I visit often since my brother lives there. Years back, I ran the Chicago Marathon and was able to experience the city through the soles of my feet. The John Hancock Center, The Auditorium Building, The Sears Tower (now known as Willis Tower), Lake Point Tower and so many others all have a unique design and structure. And yet it seems like they all complement each other so well. It's one of the most magnificent skylines I've ever seen.

If I wasn’t a real estate agent I’d be: A reporter.

Most treasured possession: My family.

If I didn't live in Miami, I would live in: Colorado or New York City.

I can't live without: Fun and laughter.

I feel most inspired when: A deal works out great for everyone involved and all parties walk away happy.

Luxury is: Having choices.

Advice for buying a luxury home in Miami: That's easy. Just call The Jills.

City, mountain or beach? Beach.

My next vacation will be: Aspen. 

Favorite luxury hotel: The Breakers in Palm Beach.

Three things that are always in my carry-on: My phone, a great book and snacks.

Preview the Miami Lifestyle: Casa Casuarina, an iconic masterpiece on world-famous Ocean Drive formerly owned by Gianni Versace.

As the top-ranked sales team worldwide in the Coldwell Banker® system and leading luxury real estate agents in South Florida, The Jills have sold over $1.7 billion in sales since 2005. Further information on Jill Eber can be obtained . Information on Jill Hertzberg can be found here.