About Us – DeBianchi Real Estate

Nationally recognized for her market expertise, Sam delivers strategic guidance backed by proven results and a deep understanding of luxury real estate.

A Realtor since 2009, Samantha (Sam) DeBianchi LaViola is a globally recognized real estate entrepreneur and brand builder with more than $500 million in closed sales. She founded DeBianchi Real Estate in 2012 and is widely regarded for her hospitality-driven approach—blending sharp market intelligence, elite negotiation skills, and an unwavering commitment to delivering highly personalized, best-in-class service to a national and international clientele.

Sam’s instinct for sales, branding, and leadership began early. Her first “business” launched in elementary school, where she famously sold toys—and occasionally her parents’ possessions—to classmates. That early hustle evolved into a powerhouse career, including becoming the first female cast member on Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing franchise (Million Dollar Listing Miami). By age 25, Sam had already created a college-level course and was invited to serve as an adjunct professor, further cementing her reputation as both a practitioner and educator in business and real estate.

Today, her luxury real estate expertise and market insight make her a sought-after voice across major media, with regular appearances on CNBC, Fox News, Fox Business, Bloomberg, and CNBC World, and features in Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, Yahoo Finance, Money, and The Huffington Post. Her global reach includes speaking to sold-out audiences of 4,500+ at conferences from New York City to Australia.

Beyond real estate transactions, Sam is a real estate investor, entrepreneur, influencer, and thought leader with a six-figure social media following, where she shares insights on business, branding, entrepreneurship, and lifestyle. A South Florida native, Sam holds a degree in Communications from Florida Atlantic University and an MBA from Nova Southeastern University. She lives in South Florida with her husband, Tony, and their sons, Luca and Domenic.

Speaking Engagements

Sam is a sought-after speaker known for her dynamic presence and real-world insight. She has spoken at high-profile events around the world, including conferences in Australia and major U.S. markets. Whether addressing topics such as real estate trends, entrepreneurship, or building a personal brand, Sam brings clarity, energy, and valuable perspective to every stage she steps on.

As Featured In

Featured in Leading Publications

With a trusted voice in the real estate industry, Sam DeBianchi LaViola has been featured in top national outlets like The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, CNBC, HuffPost, and Fox Business. Her insights, backed by experience and sharp market analysis, help buyers, sellers, and investors make smarter decisions every day.

Bringing Real Estate expertise to the national stage

The DeBianchi Team

Behind Sam DeBianchi LaViola is a dedicated team that helps bring her elevated real estate experience to life. Each team member contributes specialized knowledge, local insight, and client-first service to ensure every detail is handled with care. From research and marketing to logistics and client communication, the team is committed to supporting Sam’s vision and delivering the seamless, high-touch experience her clients expect.

Interested in being part of the DeBianchi Network?

Send us a message with your information and let’s connect!

Buying in January Could Save You $23,000—Here’s Why

By Joy Dumandan / January 12, 2026

Realtor.com/Getty Images

Mortgage interest rates hovering close to the 6% range are encouraging buyers to come off the sidelines, but January may have an added incentive.

Buyers who snag a 1,500-square-foot home in the first month of the year could save an average of $23,000 compared with those who purchase one in May, according to a LendingTree study.

“I’ve tracked markets for that past 15 years and my clients who get the best prices have purchased in December or January,” Matt van Winkle, real estate agent with Compass, tells Realtor.com®. “During those months, sellers who are still on the market are more motivated and usually there is less competition.”

“By purchasing in January, often buyers are still getting the previous year’s pricing,” van Winkle adds.

LendingTree analyzed 2024 home prices throughout all 12 months, and found that May was the priciest month for homebuyers—at a median of $194.20 per square foot. January’s median was 8% lower at $178.60, while February’s was 5.4% lower at $183.70.

“January is often considered one of the best times to buy because the market is quieter and buyers typically have more leverage,” Neil Brooks, president of NewDay Home, tells Realtor.com.

“Many people pause their search during the holidays and wait for the spring rush, so buyers are often competing against fewer offers. That can translate into real savings through price negotiations, seller concessions, repair credits, or help with closing costs,” Brooks says.

Buyers may be more inclined to make a purchase especially as December median home prices fell 0.6% to $399,950, according to the Realtor.com December 2025 Monthly Housing Market Trends report.

In 2025, Realtor.com data found that December closed out a slow and challenging year for the U.S. housing market. Supply is steadily improving, but demand remains soft. Active listings in December rose 12.1% year over year, but fell 8.9% month over month, as expected during December.

When should you buy?

South Florida real estate agent Samantha LaViola, with DeBianchi Real Estate, tells Realtor.com that the right time to buy depends on a variety of factors.

“The end of November and December can be great for buyers who connect with sellers interested in getting their home sold and start with a clean slate for the new year,” LaViola explains. “The same goes with January where buyers can take advantage of the same thinking process of a seller if the property has been sitting since the previous year.”

Home inventory has dropped month to month. Active listings fell below 1 million homes for the first time since April 2025.

Nationwide inventory in December was 12.5% below typical 2017–2019 levels, a similar level to each of the last several months.

“The new year can actually be a strategic time to buy,” Dan O’Brien, real estate agent with Trueblood Real Estate in Indianapolis, tells Realtor.com. “It’s still a slower time of year where listings are sitting a little longer and sellers may be more willing to negotiate, but we do start to see an uptick in the number of listings compared to the end of the year.

“So you start to see more options on the market, you could have more negotiating power, and all the spring and summer competition hasn’t popped yet.”

LaViola notes that “buyers during January have a fresh start and readiness to them.”

But once buyers and sellers get through the winter months, spring will see a surge of activity, so whether you’re buying now or later, experts advise to start planning.

“In South Florida, May can be a great time for buyers to take advantage and get properties for a discount as it’s the start of a summer slowdown,” says LaViola. “But in areas with better weather conditions or in areas with great school districts, buyers may find these properties to be pricier.”

O’Brien sees a different market in the Midwest. “May tends to be the most expensive month to buy because that’s when we see the most transactions throughout the year,” he says. “Whether you have kids or not, a lot of our selling season revolves around the school year. The weather warms up in the summer and so do home sales. When the demand and competition increase, the prices increase too.

Realtor: 3 key signs you shouldn’t buy a home, even with falling mortgage rates

By Gabrielle Olya / Published December 11, 2025

Mortgage rates have dipped to their lowest point in over a year, tempting many buyers back into the market. But before you rush to lock in a deal, one expert warns that lower rates don’t always mean it’s the right time to buy.

According to Sam DeBianchi LaViola, a Florida-based Realtor and former “Million Dollar Listing Miami” star, here are three signs you should wait.

Earning passive income doesn’t need to be difficult. You can start this week.

You Lack Job Stability or Savings

Buying a home is a major expense, so you need to be financially prepared before making the move.

“If you’re considering changing career paths or feeling unstable with job security, then buying a home may need to be on the low end of the priority list,” DeBianchi LaViola said.

“Maybe you’ve got a solid job, but you like splurging and treating yourself — are you open to changing your lifestyle in order to put more money down or money towards a mortgage payment and homeownership expenses?”

If the answer is no, now is not the right time to buy.

You Don’t Have a Financial Backup Plan

In today’s economy, your financial circumstances can change quickly. If you lost your job or lost money in a market downswing, would you still be able to afford your mortgage? If not, you should create a financial backup plan before committing to buying a home.

“Homebuying is like marriage, whereas renting is like dating,” DeBianchi LaViola said.

She recommended having six months’ worth of living expenses stashed in a high-yield savings account before even thinking about buying a home.

“These expenses include, but are not limited to, your monthly mortgage, taxes, insurance, groceries, property maintenance and your overall living expenses that keep you going,” DeBianchi LaViola said. “Nobody wants a worst-case scenario, but everyone needs to be prepared for it.”

Renting Still Makes More Financial Sense for You

Homeownership is often seen as a milestone that everyone should achieve, but the truth is that for some people, renting just makes more financial sense.

“Between a down payment of around 20% and closing costs between 2% and 5%, this can be a large out-of-pocket cost that puts you in a tight position — and this doesn’t include taxes, insurance, maintenance, etc.,” DeBianchi LaViola said. “Renting doesn’t have as many surprises, and there’s something to be said for consistency and predictability.”

Then there are factors that go beyond the finances.

“Homeownership doesn’t simply come down to whether you’re able to afford it or not,” DeBianchi LaViola said, “It also comes down to if you are truly ready to own a property and handle everything that comes with it, from the work and effort of owning a home to the expenses behind it.”

Even if you can afford to maintain a home, you may not want that extra responsibility. Bottom line: A lower mortgage rate can save you money, but only if you’re financially and personally ready for the responsibility of homeownership.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Realtor: 3 Key Signs You Shouldn’t Buy a Home, Even With Falling Mortgage Rates

Thriving As A Woman In a Male-Dominated Industry: Sam DeBianchi LaViola Of DeBianchi Real Estate On The Five Things You Need To Thrive and Succeed as a Woman In a Male-Dominated Industry

An Interview With Kelly Reeves
Sep 25, 2025

Thick skin: I think when a woman enters a male-dominated industry, there will always be an intimidation factor, and it’s necessary to have thick skin. When you’re a trailblazer, some people will fight to bring you down, and it’s important not to let them faze or bother you. Being on television and having a decent social media following means more visibility and, of course, more opinions. While many people are kind and positive, there are also those who are mean and negative. I’ve been told terrible things like I’m ugly, I’m stupid, I’m a tramp, and I’ve even been told I should go kill myself. These are awful comments to read from people I’ve never met and who don’t know me at all. I don’t let them faze me because they simply aren’t worth my time.

In the United States, fields such as Aircraft piloting, Agriculture, Architecture, Construction, Finance, and Information technology, are still male-dominated industries. For a woman who is working in a male-dominated environment, what exactly does it take to thrive and succeed? In this interview series, we are talking to successful women who work in a Male-Dominated Industry who can share their stories and experiences about navigating work and life as strong women in a male-dominated industry. As a part of this series, we had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Sam DeBianchi LaViola.

Sam DeBianchi LaViola is a dynamic, powerhouse entrepreneur and real estate mogul with a career spanning over a decade and more than $500 million in sales. Her sales ingenuity was displayed on Million Dollar Listing Miami, where she made history as the franchise’s first female realtor. In 2012, she founded DeBianchi Real Estate and built a team known for providing world-class service to a diverse, global clientele. Sam is also a savvy investor with a proven track record in purchasing, renting, and flipping properties. With over 100,000 loyal social media followers, she has built a strong personal brand, engaging audiences with insightful content on real estate, business strategy, personal development, and entrepreneurship. Sam is a sought-after keynote speaker who has addressed global audiences of up to 5,000 on topics ranging from real estate to entrepreneurship.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood “backstory”?

Ever since first grade, I’ve had a business. Back then, I sold my toys and some of my parents’ possessions, like figurines and colorful notepads. Every year after that, I had a different business. From baking cookies to washing cars to landscaping, I’ve done it all. Hustling was my life. On weekends, my dad and I would go to garage sales, where I learned firsthand the art of negotiating, understanding the value of things, and recognizing how some people see value where others do not. I have always loved dealmaking, and when I finally got my real estate license, I knew I wanted to create my own unique path in the industry.

Can you tell us the story about what led you to this particular career path?

Interestingly, my parents always urged me to get my real estate license because ‘it’s always good to have.’ But in the same breath, they’d also say real estate agents were snakes, vultures, and con artists, which put me off and made me procrastinate getting my license. Before real estate, I was managing nightclubs and teaching a college course on Nightclub Management as an adjunct professor. I knew nightlife wasn’t the profession I wanted to stay in, nor did it offer much longevity career-wise. I was at a bit of a crossroads, and I decided it was the right time to get my real estate license.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?

In 2012, after three years of having a real estate license, I wanted to take my business to the next level. I had three specific goals in mind:

I wanted to have a real estate column in my local newspaper. I felt it would showcase me as an expert in my field while keeping me connected to my community.
I wanted to be a ‘talking head’ on national television and discuss the housing market, since I knew my stuff, had an MBA, and felt qualified to discuss my industry (plus, the exposure would be amazing).
I wanted to be on a real estate reality show, like Million Dollar Listing.

I consulted with a number of professionals I trusted about these three goals that I was determined to make my reality. All of them tore me apart, claiming they were simply giving me a reality check by telling me each goal was impossible. Instead of letting the naysayers get to me, I used their doubts to fuel my fire tenfold. I personally reached out to the editor of the newspaper and sold him on my idea of writing a column. Before he could give me the official ‘yes,’ he first had to ask everyone who advertised with the paper. Within a week, I had the column. Everyone was happier paying to advertise and get a small square with their name and info on it. No one wanted to write 500 words and put in the work that gave me a half-page in the real estate section. It was then I learned that hard work pays off, but identifying a void and providing a solution in someone’s business (in this case, the newspaper) is most important.

I knew that I wanted to be on national TV, but I wasn’t sure how to set myself up for success in that capacity or exactly what it all entailed. I researched who I knew who could potentially help me in this endeavor, and after going through a long list of contacts, I realized a friend of mine was speaking on a variety of news channels. I reached out to him for help, and he happily connected me with a media trainer who helped me get ‘TV ready.’ After getting booked once and doing a great job, I was consistently asked to appear on stations like FOX Business and CNBC. I learned the power of asking and never being afraid to do so. If I was told no, I would ask someone else, and continue asking until I got the help I needed. People sometimes forget to simply ask for what they want. In my case, I asked my friend if he could connect me to the right people to accomplish my goal — and he did.

After getting my real estate column and TV exposure, there was only one item left on the list to cross off — getting a reality show position. Around 2012, I saw an ad on Facebook mentioning that a hit real estate reality show was coming to several cities including Miami. I applied and was immediately told ‘no’ because I wasn’t luxurious enough, I didn’t have the sales, and I didn’t have the typical qualities they always looked for. Instead of accepting ‘no’ as an answer, I thought long and hard about how I could stand out. Rather than giving them what they expected, I gave them something entirely different. I created a PowerPoint presentation explaining why I should be on the show. I outlined what made me unique: I had my own brokerage, I was already a figure on television, and I spent my commission money doing crazy things like cage diving with great whites in South Africa. Soon after my submission, I received a call saying the PowerPoint I sent was absolutely hilarious (which was NOT my intention) and that they wanted me in the next round of picks. I ended up getting the position and became the first female ever on the Million Dollar Listing franchise. The lesson? Always be yourself and show people how you shine.

I am one of the most persistent people you’ll ever meet, especially when it comes to my goals. While many goals can seem lofty or unreachable, I believe there’s a way to break even the craziest ideas down to their simplest form, giving you a sort of guide to connect the dots and execute your vision and plan.

You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?

Heart. I am very passionate about what I do, and I take things personally. I truly want to help people achieve their goals of buying and selling a home. I don’t see my clients as a number or a transaction. People say to separate business and personal life, but real estate is the biggest investment most people will ever make in their lifetime, and I play a vital role in that process. My clients don’t simply look to me for real estate advice, but also for overall guidance in their current life and future, and I like to be there every step of the way.

Hard Work. There is a difference between wanting success and putting in the work to be successful. I am not afraid to put in the work on anything I set my mind to. When I had a vision and mission to get myself on Million Dollar Listing, I could have easily been deterred by every single person telling me it wasn’t going to happen — including the first person I spoke with at casting. But instead of letting this bring me down, it pushed me to work harder to prove myself and get what I wanted.

Hustle. I will do whatever it takes to make things happen. One of my clients was considering a preconstruction property but wasn’t sure about the view. To give him absolute confidence in his purchase, I chartered a helicopter and had us lowered to the exact level of his potential condo so he could see the view for himself.

Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. Can you help articulate a few of the biggest obstacles or challenges you’ve had to overcome while working in a male-dominated industry?

Growing up, no one ever told me I would face challenges as a woman in business. I think that naïveté shaped who I am. I didn’t see barriers because I never knew they existed — my parents just always stressed to work hard and try my best at everything I did. However, when I became the GM of a nightclub at 22, I started to realize things were different. When I was firm, I was a ‘bitch.’ When a man was firm, he was ‘strong.’ I developed thick skin in that business because I knew that to do my job well, I had to hold my ground. But doing so also led to some nastiness behind my back. That experience taught me that people are going to talk either way, so you might as well stay true to yourself.

When it comes to real estate, I’m aware that some buyers and sellers simply want to work with a man. For whatever reason, they feel a man is a better fit. Instead of spending time and energy trying to change their mind or ‘win them over,’ I simply move on to the next client. I believe I am interviewing the client just as much as they are interviewing me, and I want to make sure we’re a good match for doing business together. I am not afraid to turn business down. Over the past few years, I’ve easily turned down $75 million worth of buyers and sellers simply because I didn’t see a good working relationship. By not taking on the wrong people, I free myself up for the right ones.

Being a female entrepreneur and owning my brokerage sets me apart from most brokerages in South Florida. It’s impossible to be everything to everyone. Instead, I focus on staying true to myself rather than worrying about what the competition is doing.

Can you share a few of the things you have done to gain acceptance among your male peers and the general work community? What did your female co-workers do? Can you share some stories or examples?

As competitive as I am, I think it’s more important to work collaboratively. I support both male and female real estate agents by going to their broker opens and showing up. A simple gesture of support can go a long way and level the playing field. I also believe in the importance of positive relationships with work peers. I don’t have to like everyone, but that shouldn’t change who I am as a person — someone who follows through on what I say and shows up when it counts.

What do you think male-oriented organizations can do to enhance their recruiting efforts to attract more women?

I believe what you put out is what you’ll get back. Including women on social media, the website, speaking panels, and in the overall branding of the organization will be beneficial and attract more women.

Based on your opinion and experience, what are the “Five Things You Need To Thrive and Succeed as a Woman In a Male-Dominated Industry?”

Adaptability: Most successful women are extremely adaptable and fluid in what they do while still maintaining their integrity. They’re able to multitask, interchange roles, and find their place in the moment they are needed. If you can identify a void in your industry and adapt to create your own way, you’ll become invaluable.

Tenacity: Persistence gets you places, and commitment keeps you there. I cannot tell you how many times I was told ‘no’ or how many obstacles and barriers were thrown in my path, but I remained persistent and committed to accomplishing my goals, using every single ‘no’ as fuel to fire me up and create my path to success. Every major business achievement I’ve had started from a place of ‘no.’ Whether it was creating a college course (Nightclub Management, HFT3271) at a top hospitality university, pitching the idea for a real estate column to a major local newspaper, or trying to be on television, I was always told ‘no.’ I’m tenacious as hell and fully committed to my goals and vision for what I want in life.

Confidence: Confidence directly affects success. If you’re not confident, you will abandon ideas and goals. Without confidence, you’ll remain stuck in the same position and experience a ‘failure to launch.’ Confidence isn’t about ‘faking it ’till you make it,’ but rather truly and deeply believing in yourself. When I had the ‘crazy’ idea of throwing myself into the mix as the first female on the male-dominated Million Dollar Listing franchise, it wasn’t my sales or experience that got me the role (because I didn’t really have that). It was my confidence in myself and my abilities. I knew I didn’t fit the mold and was incredibly different from everyone else on the show. Instead of letting that discourage me, I used it as leverage, and through my confidence, I was able to emphasize other unique aspects of myself — owning my own brokerage, speaking on national TV about the housing market, and having a real estate column in an established newspaper — which ultimately got the deal done. Confidence is your overall presence: how you want to be perceived. With the right presence comes the ability to command attention rather than demand it, which allows you to thrive in business.

Foresight: The ability to see ahead and understand when and how to position yourself for the best possible outcome. I’ve always tried to anticipate trends, whether related to a real estate transaction or building my business for long-term success. Timing is everything, and having a calculated approach increases the likelihood of achieving success.

If you had a close woman friend who came to you with a choice of entering a field that is male-dominated or female-dominated, what would you advise her? Would you advise a woman friend to start a career in a field or industry that’s traditionally been mostly men? Can you explain what you mean?

I would advise my female friend to enter the field she wants to be in. If it happens to be male-dominated, I would tell her to be the change. I think once we put in our minds that there’s a barrier or obstacle, it becomes a reality — so why allow that to exist? If you want to enter an industry, do it. If you want a specific job or role, go for it. The job or role only had males in the past? Go for it anyway. The only person in your way is yourself.

When I wanted the role of being the first female on Million Dollar Listing, I was told multiple times by multiple people that I would never get it. I could have easily agreed with everyone and just given up, but instead, my scrappiness kicked in, and I figured out a way to stand out and get what I wanted.

Just because we don’t get an invitation doesn’t mean we’re not invited.

Have you seen things change for women working in male-dominated industries, over the past ten years? How do you anticipate that it might improve in the future? Can you please explain what you mean?

It’s interesting — I’ve noticed women coming out of the woodwork and no longer holding back like they once did. I’m seeing more and more women in high-level positions being featured front and center in organizations. Ten years ago, being a strong female was something to hide. We were always told we’re too much, too strong, too confident, too smart, too outspoken — all things I was told ten years ago. Now, these traits are accepted and even celebrated. Instead of describing myself as an ‘A-type’ personality, I now refer to it as a ‘strong personality’ — something I am proud of and refuse to change. Women should not only be comfortable saying they’re strong, but also confident in expressing themselves this way. I believe the future for women is brighter than ever.

We are very blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.

Joanna Gaines. I think she is the epitome of a strong, well-rounded female and someone I relate to. She created a successful brand and empire, all while being a mother and wife. The most admirable part is that she makes it look effortless, even though we know it’s far from reality.

Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this.

About The Interviewer: Kelly Reeves is a published writer, copy editor, speaker, and certified entrepreneurship and personal growth coach. She is passionate about working with entrepreneurs and executives over 50 to help them discover their life’s purpose, unlock their full potential, and thrive in the second half of life. As an award-winning public relations professional with multi-industry knowledge Kelly worked with global brands, startups and media personalities including the Tony Hawk Foundation, Barrett-Jackson, Targus, Kingston, WD, and Howard Stern. Kelly successfully launched a variety of consumer electronics and B2B brands and executed highly successful PR and social media campaigns. With an average track record of generating more than 50 million media impressions on a monthly basis, she placed clients in leading media outlets such as InStyle, the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, CNet, TechCrunch, AllThingsD and Mashable; and landed spots on high profile programs such as Extra, the Today Show, ABC News, CNN and Good Morning America. She also played an integral role in helping clients increase sales revenue by over 350%. Her community service includes mentoring students in the Masters of Entrepreneurship Program at the Paul Merage School of Business at the University of California, Irvine. She also mentors students in the College of Communications at California State University, Fullerton. Kelly serves as the Co-Founder and President of Paw Prints in the Sand Animal Rescue, a 501c3 animal welfare organization where she oversees the operations, donor relations, and marketing and PR strategy.

Samantha DeBianchi LaViola said she learned the art of negotiation while watching her dad shop at garage sales when she was a child. (Chris Headshots)

Four questions to an agent: Garage sales and playground deals gone wrong
Samantha DeBianchi LaViola of TV’s ‘Million Dollar Lising Miami’ got an early start in sales

By Khristopher J. Brooks / May 8, 2025 / 6:08 PM ET

Samantha DeBianchi LaViola scored her first valuable lesson in business as a second grader growing up in South Florida.

She was selling her toys and trinkets to classmates to earn money to spend at garage sales. Her hustle was going well for a while — until one of her classmates blabbed about her enterprise to a teacher. LaViola said she still remembers the day her young company crumbled within hours.

“We were all at recess and I was sitting at the hopscotch field, and I see my parents and teachers talking far away at the door,” she said in an interview.

The teacher told LaViola’s parents about their daughter’s entrepreneurial activities, and they arrived at school to dish out her punishment.

But being caught wasn’t the most shameful part, LaViola said.

“I had to give everyone’s money back,” she said, and they got to keep her stuff.

‘I just didn’t have many friends that understood my brain’

Looking back, LaViola said, that day on the playground she realized, “I have to be picky about my clientele.”

Her father gave a master class in negotiation

Long before LaViola became a real estate agent and a TV personality, she learned a second pivotal lesson while spending time with her father.

LaViola’s dad took her to garage sales on weekends, and she watched him haggle. LaViola said listening to her dad became a master class in negotiation.

“I learned you never pay sticker price, and you always negotiate,” she said. “I always enjoyed negotiating. You feel like you’ve won something. You bought it for what you wanted instead of what that seller demanded.”

LaViola’s business mind carried her into college, where she graduated with a communications degree from Florida Atlantic University. After college, she began working the door at nightclubs across South Florida. She eventually became a manager.

LaViola said working in nightclubs taught her how to create an environment where people would be comfortable and happy spending money. But by age 25, LaViola found herself physically and emotionally burned out. Her parents urged her to switch careers and join the real estate industry.

LaViola said it took her four tries to pass the real estate exam, but she finally earned her license and has been happy ever since.

Four questions

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

For people moving to Florida, what should they know about the Sunshine State?

“It’s a state that has something for everyone. You can find your world, your group — find everything that you’re looking for — whether it’s sports or the arts. It’s a melting pot. The west coast — like Naples and Fort Myers — is completely different than the east coast. That’s the quieter side of the state.”

What’s the main difference between selling luxury homes to high-income buyers and selling to the typical American?

“Luxury buyers tend to be more interested in how certain fixtures and appliances were manufactured, but they are also more likely to purchase a home that’s not going to be their primary residence. It’s really understanding the materials used. Understanding the craftsmanship. For these clients, it might be their third, fourth or fifth home. It might just be a vacation home. Other than that, there’s not much of a difference. They want prompt responses. They expect you to make things happen quickly and for you to accommodate their schedule.”

What made you finally realize that you wanted to leave nightclub work and go into real estate?

“I worked 24-7. I worked 20-hour days many, many days. All the operations are during the day, and then you’re running it at night.”

What skills, if any, were transferable from working at nightclubs to selling real estate?

“In nightclubs, you have to be very creative and really quick in problem solving and know how to stand out. It’s marketing and PR. The same thing goes into real estate. Why is someone buying your property instead of your neighbors? It’s all about the show and all about how it’s presented.”

Opinion: Why real estate agents shouldn’t worry about commission changes

The recent multi-billion-dollar lawsuit outcome is both a complete game changer, yet changes nothing at all.

March 27, 2024, 12:38pm by Samantha DeBianchi LaViola

Snakes. Vultures. Con artists. Liars. These are all untrue and offensive words that come up when searching “Realtors” or “Real estate agents.” And before getting my real estate license in 2009, I had the same opinion, too.

But even with all the negative nouns used to describe some real estate agents, the majority of real estate agents are professional and valuable. The National Association of Realtors has provided these facts:

86% of buyers purchased their home through a real estate agent or broker.
89% of buyers would use their agent again or recommend their agent to others
51% of buyers found their home on the internet, while 29% of buyers found their home through an agent
FSBOs accounted for 10% of home sales in 2021 with the most difficult task listed by them was getting the right price (16%).

The recent multi-billion-dollar lawsuit outcome is both a complete game changer, yet changes nothing at all. The main takeaways from the case: (1) compensation offers will no longer be shown on the MLS. Listing agents may no longer offer co-broker commissions/compensation to buyer agents on the MLS but may still negotiate commissions/compensation between them privately and (2) written agreements for MLS participants acting for buyers.

My take on the case

First and foremost, this case may cause many real estate agents to bail from the industry, but with NAR reporting over 3 million people having a real estate license (due to an extremely low barrier to entry), is that necessarily a bad thing?

Most buyers find their homes without a real estate agent, but they still feel the need to buy their home with one because they prefer to have a professional run comps (especially in non-disclosure states), offer information to help set thehome price, negotiate, have a strategy in place for getting the home (for example, in cases of a bidding war), guide them through the process of the transaction, and so on. I’ve had clients who have family members as real estate agents and still decide to work with me because they understand the value and knowledge I provide.

There will always be people who don’t see the value in a real estate agent because there are so many people with a license who don’t know anything about real estate.

“Bad real estate agents” are the people who sadly get the most recognition by their lack of knowledge and abilities and bring the industry and its reputation down as a whole. With that said, I don’t spend time arguing with those who don’t value what I do for a living, because so many people do value my expertise and guidance.

My advice to real estate agents

Don’t spend time and effort with people who don’t respect and appreciate your craft – especially when you’re great at what you do. Instead, focus on people who do want to work with you versus debating with the ones who don’t. While this seems obvious, I hear time and time again how agents are trying to “convince” people to work with them. Based on NAR’s stats, there are quite a few people who value us as long as we provide value to them.

Next, the discussion of real estate agent commissions has been longstanding. To set the record straight: There has never been a “set/standard” commission. Agents/Brokerages have fees and/or commission structures. A seller and agent/brokerage either agrees to the terms and compensation or they don’t.

When I go to listing appointments a seller asks what my commission is. I state it is “X” and the seller either agrees or disagrees. They may try to negotiate, and we either come to an agreement together or we don’t. If they do not want to pay my fee, they are entitled and open to work with anyone else, including listing it on their own.

If I want to work with a high-profile experienced lawyer, they are generally more expensive than someone just out of law school. While someone right out of school may still be great, I’d rather take my chances and pay to work with someone who has years of experience and knowledge behind them. Both lawyers will get hired; one is just more expensive than the other. How is this any different when hiring a real estate agent who handles one of the most expensive purchases the majority of people will ever make in their lifetime?

Will sellers pay less?

For sellers thinking that the lawsuit outcome will now allow them to pay less of a commission, that’s not entirely accurate. Everything in real estate is negotiable—including who is paying commissions. So even if a listing agent/seller is stating they are not paying cooperating brokers, a buyer could still make their offer contingent on a seller paying their real estate agent, which I expect to see happen.

A second layer to the listing agreement and commission structure is the compensation to a cooperating broker (aka buyer agent). It seems the consumer media is not explaining how our commission structures work and consumers are confused. When I take on a listing we agree to “x” commission. “We” includes myself as the real estate agent and the seller. We also agree that from that commission I am offering a co-broker compensation. There’s no further or additional compensation being paid by the seller to a buyer’s agent. The commission is the commission. If there’s no buyer agent, I get paid the commission and if there is a buyer agent, I pay them compensation (which again, the seller agreed on from the get go). For years, we’ve had discount brokerages, MLS flat-fee listing companies and the option to list FSBO. Plain and simple, there have always been options.

Buyer representation agreements shouldn’t scare anyone. Full transparency shouldn’t scare anyone. But working for free should.

The reality is, most buyers are aware that real estate agents are getting paid (generally from the seller). While the terms of the Buyer Agreement are still developing, this form will state what role the real estate agent is playing in the transaction, with who they are working with, how much they are getting paid, and who is paying them. The benefit is this agreement can protect real estate agents with their buyers so that another agent can’t swoop in and try to steal the deal—whether it be the listing agent themselves or another person posing as the buyer agent (sadly we all know that happens).

The negative of buyer agreements is, if a co-broker commission/compensation isn’t getting paid out, it would be assumed that a buyer would pay their real estate agent directly. Will buyers pay their real estate agents to work for them? It’s time for the good real estate agents to shine by showing value and yes, I do think buyers will—to a certain degree. The question remains—what is fair to real estate agents who’ve been assisting their buyer for months and potentially years to find them a home only to then learn a seller is not paying a commission and a Buyer is not willing to pay directly? How is it right that these hardworking real estate agents work for free and not be protected in some form?

Who will Buyer Agreements potentially hurt the most?

Those who spend money paying for buyer leads. I believe it’s become more difficult for buyers to understand who the listing agent of a property is. They search internet sites and find a real estate agent who they believe is the listing agent only to find out in the driveway of the listing that they are not. They angry when they pay a real estate agent to only meet them at a door and provide no further value. These buyers are also livid over the fact that they could have potentially saved some of that commission money themselves as their intention was always to contact and work directly with the listing agent from the beginning. These are the people googling “real estate agents are vultures” and this is understandable.

Now, with Buyer Representation forms being in the mix, there will be full transparency, making it a requirement to be extremely clear on a real estate agent’s role, how they get paid and who’s responsible for paying them. What is the solution for these agents who rely and depend entirely on paying for buyer leads to have a real estate business? Go back to old school traditions and build relationships with people. Require they sit down and meet you first before you immediately showing them a listing. Set the standard as a professional and explain how the process works including your role as representing the buyer and needing the necessary paperwork to proceed.

Some buyers may feel they could hire a real estate attorney to handle their side and be represented. This is true but can cost thousands of dollars and may not include the same knowledge and expertise a real estate agent has, which can include getting you the best price and terms for your home.

With all this said, nothing may change at all. With so many people wanting and preferring representation (based on NAR stats) things may continue as they always have with sellers still paying “x” commission and a listing agent still offering a co-broker compensation. A buyer agent will now just have documentation showing they are “officially” working with their buyer and fully disclosing their role and their compensation.

The bottom line—now is the time for great agents to show their true value and shine, and for the real estate industry as a whole to level up.

Sam DeBianchi LaViola is the founder of DeBianchi Real Estate and the first woman to star on Bravo’s hit TV show ‘Million Dollar Listing.’

Real estate expert’s advice to homebuyers: ‘Don’t buy’ your American dream home now

Sam DeBianchi, of ‘Million Dollar Listing Miami,’ says to hold off on buying and don’t sell for anything less than a ‘big killing’

By Kristen Altus/ Fox Business / Published February 19, 2024

Sam Debianchi tells homebuyers ‘don’t buy the American Dream home right now’
Former ‘Million Dollar Listing Miami’ star and Debianchi Real Estate’s Sam Debianchi weighs in on popular real estate markets and how to get the seller to lower their price.

Prospective home buyers may want to pull the breaks before thinking about closing a deal, as one former real estate reality star is sounding the alarm over buying your American dream home at this time.

“Because rates are so high or higher in general, people are trying to add all of the bells and whistles into their purchase, naturally, because they want to roll it all in. They want to come out of pocket too much,” former “Million Dollar Listing Miami” realtor Sam DeBianchi said on “Mornings with Maria” Monday.

“I think, as a buyer, you need to maybe put your expectations [aside],” she continued, “Don’t buy the American dream home right now. But, think about that American dream home in the future.”

Last week, the average mortgage interest rate for 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages rose to 6.77%. The previous week sat at 6.64%, and a year ago, 30-year mortgages averaged even lower at 6.32%.

The average interest rate for 15-year mortgages for the week ending on Feb. 16 also rose to 6.12%. Credible reported that as the economy continues to stay strong, it’s unlikely that mortgage rates will drop substantially anytime soon.

DeBianchi argued that potentially higher rates will follow residents into the hottest housing markets of 2024, according to Zillow, which includes places like Buffalo, New York; Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland, Ohio; Atlanta, Georgia; and Orlando and Tampa, Florida.

In cities on the list, the real estate expert further advised: “Buy maybe your second home first. Buy the property that, later on, if you can’t make a big killing when you sell it, maybe you can hold on and you could rent it out and it will cash flow… I like investigating the Airbnb markets, because if it’s popular on a short-term basis, it’s generally popular also on an annual basis. And if it’s popular on both of those bases, it can also sell for that much more of a premium.”

“You have to break crumbs at the table and really understand what is your seller wanting to do and learn the mindset of the seller,” DeBianchi added. “Is it a matter of [if] they’re trying to move out of state? Are they more motivated because they want a bigger home and try to work with the emotions of the seller? Buying and selling real estate is all about strategy.”

However, people may feel persuaded to move to popular housing markets, as those areas are likely to experience stable economies, strong job growth and rising home values, the realtor pointed out.

“It’s a great opportunity for people if they’re looking to relocate, if they already live there, or if you’re also looking as an investment, these could be great places to investigate,” she said.

Despite market volatility and looming rate uncertainty, DeBianchi encouraged those hoping to complete a transaction in 2024 to stay “creative.”

“Seller financing is something that buyers should really go out and try to obtain, especially if they have enough money, but they can’t show enough money. And I’m seeing that more and more often, and I’m seeing a lot more sellers flexible and open to the creativity of providing seller financing.”

Credit : Ana Hinojosa

‘Million Dollar Listing Miami’ Star Samantha DeBianchi Weds Tony LaViola in 2 Beachside Ceremonies

The couple first met in 2017 when DeBianchi lived next door to one of the homes that LaViola owned and rented on Airbnb

By Joelle Goldstein / June 14, 2019 / 10:51PM EDT

Congratulations are in order for Samantha DeBianchi and Anthony “Tony” LaViola!

The Million Dollar Listing Miami star, 34, recently tied the knot with LaViola in two romantic, beachside weddings this past April and May.

“Everything turned out exactly as we wanted,” DeBianchi tells PEOPLE exclusively. “Tony is truly my better half … He’s so ambitious and driven, and we share the same outlook on life. For us, it’s not just a relationship, it’s a partnership, and he’s the best damn partner one could ask for.”

The Florida natives held the first of their wedding celebrations in Fort Lauderdale on April 27, surrounded by their families.

DeBianchi and LaViola opted to include a traditional Catholic church ceremony before hitting the sand for a reception at DUNE at Auberge Beach Residences, where guests were treated to a delicious meal prepared by a Michelin star chef.

For the big day, DeBianchi wore a long-sleeved, floral, lace, sheer Angel Sanchez gown that buttoned up in the back.

The reality star also incorporated “something borrowed” and “something blue”, wearing a pair of light blue, silk, crystalized Jimmy Choo heels underneath her gown and her mother’s floral, pearl veil.

The intimate setting was especially memorable for DeBianchi, as she said it helped them truly embrace the moment with their family members.

Samantha DeBianchi and Tony LaViola in Florida.
Credit: Vincent Hogan, The LXA

“Our Fort Lauderdale wedding was solely family and extremely intimate with just 30 people,” she explains to PEOPLE. “I loved the fact that we were able to actually sit with our family and really make our day special, spending it with them and enjoying every second of it, versus having one very large wedding and never being able to enjoy our guests or ourselves.”

Samantha DeBianchi and Tony LaViola.
Credit: Ana Hinojosa

A few weeks later, the adventure-seeking pair jetted off to Tulum, Mexico — a place that held extra significance to them, as it was the destination of one of their first trips together as a couple.

For their wedding on May 5, DeBianchi and LaViola bought out a Forbes-rated boutique property in the middle of the jungle to host 50 of their closest friends over a four-day, three-night celebration.

“Our wedding in Tulum was very different,” DeBianchi says. “Tony and I love to travel and we wanted to share one of our favorite and most magical places, Jashita Tulum, with all of our friends which is why we decided to buy the hotel out for the entire stay.”

“The first time we stayed there [was] in October of 2017,” she adds. “It was then and there that we fell in love with each other and the property, and told the owner that when we were getting married, we’d want to have it there.”

During their magical evening, guests enjoyed a taste of the local culture with homemade Mexican hors d’oeuvres, Mexican popsicle carts, Cuban cigars and entertainment from a five-piece mariachi band.

Dinner was served in a glass-enclosed, beachside area, where guests were also treated to performances by singer/songwriter Brendan O’Hara and Miami-based DJ Supersede.

Samantha DeBianchi and Tony LaViola in Mexico.
Credit: Ana Hinojosa

The celebratory weekend also included a number of outdoor activities, including watersports, yoga and a rooftop happy hour.

For the wedding in Mexico, DeBianchi opted to wear a stunning gown by Australian designer Emmy Mae.

Samantha DeBianchi.
Credit: Ana Hinojosa

Though both weddings were special, the real estate investor says her reception in Tulum was, by far, the most memorable moment of the whirlwind celebrations.

“I can honestly say our Tulum wedding was the best time we’ve ever had — we had nonstop entertainment and activities,” DeBianchi explains. “When you put everyone you love all in one place, at one of your favorite destinations in the world, it’s awesome.”

“There was truly so much love, you could feel the energy,” she adds.

Following her special days, DeBianchi kept it simple, choosing to only describe the events in one singular word. “Epic,” she captioned photos on Instagram from her wedding celebrations.

The couple first met in 2017 when DeBianchi, the first woman to be cast in Bravo’s real estate series, lived next door to one of the homes that LaViola owned and rented on Airbnb.

As the Million Dollar Listing Miami star previously recalled, the pair originally got off on the wrong foot.

“I met Tony about a year and a half ago in my driveway,” she shared on Instagram in September. “It was a far cry from a romantic meet cute; I was literally ‘the girl next door’ living in the house next to one of his houses that he hosted on #Airbnb.”

“Being that I was constantly woken up by rambunctious guests who enjoyed nocturnal life in the backyard, I was not Tony’s biggest fan and when meeting him for the first time in my driveway and learning the role he played in my sleep deprivation, I was a bit crazy and provided him with a few choice words that needless to say, were not so nice,” she continued.

“Every so often after that, I’d see Tony in my neighborhood waving hello, sending a smile and being so charming, so much so, that my bitchiness and anger from lack of sleep lifted and I saw the person he was, is and continues to be: the most amazing human being on the planet,” DeBianchi finished.

Although it wasn’t love at first sight, DeBianchi tells PEOPLE that she’s confident things worked out exactly how they were supposed to.

“Our love story of how we met in our driveways just shows how fate does exist,” she notes. “I am looking forward to growing together and having a family, but also reaching all of our goals together.”

Samantha DeBianchi – Million Dollar Mindset

By Stacey Alcorn / Feb 13, 2016 / 10:08 AM EST

Samantha DeBianchi is the young, thoughtful, business minded real estate professional who quickly grew her real estate business in front of millions of viewers on Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing Miami. Just five years ago, DeBianchi was making a name for herself working in hospitality for the hot Miami nightlife scene while teaching a class on hospitality for Florida International University. Today she runs one of the most widely sought-after boutique real estate firms in Florida, DeBianchi Real Estate. She is an out-of-the-box thinker, a perfectionist, and a magnet to high net worth clientele including athletes, celebrities, business tycoons, and real estate investors. She’s more than just a celebrity real estate expert, she’s a female entrepreneurial powerhouse who is making her mark in a highly competitive industry. So how has a young thirty-something real estate agent made her mark in the extremely aggressive Miami real estate scene? It’s got everything to do with mindset. Here are Samantha DeBianchi’s rules to adopting a million dollar mindset.

Grow People: Samantha says that one of the greatest insights she’s had as an entrepreneur is that the best businesses are the ones that are committed to growing their people. As such, Samantha says she will always choose to keep her firm on the smaller side, so that she can have a greater amount of impact in growing her team members. She says that real estate is a complicated business and so she only hires full time agents who are coachable. Her goal is to arm each team member with the tools, knowledge, and insight to take exceptional care of every client who walks through her doors. Samantha says that it is impossible to grow a business without an absolute commitment to growing your people.

Go Ahead Judge Me: Samantha says that one of the more difficult lessons she has learned from building her business in front of millions of viewers on Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing Miami is that success comes with critics. She says that the bigger you grow your business, the more haters you attract. She says that when her show premiered, haters came out of the woodwork, or at least that’s how she first saw it. Soon she realized that there were millions of supporters too, it was just that it was easy to concentrate on the negative words of a few rather than the positive reinforcement of millions. Today, Samantha says she no longer cares what people think of her. She has big dreams she is focusing on and she’s going after them whether people like it or not. She says that when it comes to building a business, you must rally your supporters, ignore your haters, and realize that judgment is part of the territory when building a name for yourself.

Work Smart: Samantha says that she goes through the same trials and tribulations that every real estate agent experiences. She says it’s disheartening when you put your heart, soul, and tons of money into working with a client who doesn’t end up buying. Sam shared a story of one client with whom she spent a day delivering an amazing real estate experience which included car service, a helicopter tour, and dinner. After an incredible day of previewing the Miami real estate market, her client disappeared. She says that all you can do in these situations is chalk it up as a lesson on how to work smarter next time. She says she no longer invests in clients who are not invested in her.

Invest In Your Business: In addition to monopolizing the local real estate market, Samantha also monopolizes the share of park bench advertising from Miami to Palm Beach. She says that she invests heavily in old-school real estate advertising like benches so that locals know that she’s never too busy for their business. Samantha says that when you are newer in the business, you need to invest advertising dollars to get your name out there and once you’ve created a name for yourself, you must advertise to let people know that you still want their business. She says that at the beginning of your career you have to educate people to show them how you can help them whereas later in your career people know you can help them, so you then have to educate them as to how you have scaled your team to continue to serve new clients.

Discretion: Samantha’s words of advice for any business looking to attract high net worth buyers and sellers are as follows: Shut Up! She says that so many businesses working with professional athletes and celebrities make the amateur mistake of disclosing the business relationship to the world. Sam says this is the surest way to make sure you will never get additional business from celebrity clientele. Samantha says that she never discloses who she is working with, except in rare situations where the client wants the information disclosed. She says there’s no reason to disclose who you are working with, beyond feeding your own ego. Samantha and her team members adhere to strict confidentiality policies so that the privacy of each client is protected at all times.

She’s a strong female role model with a feisty entrepreneurial spirit. She’s a savvy marketer. She can take a proverbial punch and get back up. And she knows how to fly under the radar for the benefit of her clients. She is Samantha DeBianchi and she’s figured out the art of the million dollar mindset.

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