HORSE COUNTRY SOUTH

Longtime top real estate brokers in Barrington and throughout the Chicago area, Julie Harron of JH Group Real Estate have joined Florida- based Cervera Real Estate to open an office in Palm Beach. The office, which opened this past February, is the first Palm Beach location for Cervera, which has a strong presence across South Florida.

Harron had connections in Florida before she relocated there with her team just before the pandemic. When she was younger, she often visited her grandparents. As she built her real estate practice, the similarities between Wellington, a world-class winter equestrian destination located just 14 miles from Palm Beach, and Barrington became front and center. Harron says the timing for opening the new office is just right, with an influx of people moving to the region.

“It’s really simple. West Palm Beach is exploding,” Harron says. “And they’re very happy to have somebody who understands Midwestern values. I’ve done my homework down here to be able to connect them with the right lifestyle.”

Harron observes that, while there had always been a trickle of people moving to South Florida, once the pandemic hit and companies such as Citadel Securities started migrating to Miami, the market grew exponentially.

Several large, luxury condo buildings are in the works, including Ritz-Carlton residences, so opportunities to buy exist. Yet, with Michelin Star restaurants and other luxury amenities being added to the mix, the market is sure to tighten up even after a post-COVID slowdown.

Transportation infrastructure is another plus. The Brightline fast rail service from Orlando to Miami has contributed to the area’s appeal, and the private airport in West Palm Beach tends to have more air traffic than Palm Beach International.

“I was at a Chamber of Commerce breakfast the other day and they are really thinking about infrastructure,” she says. “It’s amazing to watch the infrastructure change around here and now is a good time to get in as the prices continue to rise.”

The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in downtown West Palm Beach serves as a cultural anchor in the region, offering theater and musicals, comedy shows, concerts, and other attractions.

Harron says about half of her clients are looking for winter homes and the other half are seeking to relocate. A lot of those coming down from Barrington are interested in Wellington because of the horse connection.

“Wellington is to Palm Beach what Barrington is to Chicago in some ways,” says Harron.

While the weather is wonderful, Harron’s favorite aspect about South Florida is that it is easy to live a healthy lifestyle.

Harron is also enjoying her work life. Cervera is one of South Florida’s largest brokers and has a five-decade history of success and a strong network of people in the industry in South Florida and internationally.

“Cervera is a three-generation-owned firm founded by Alicia Cervera Sr. and now run by her daughters. They have been at the forefront of real estate development in South Florida since the 1960s. They know everyone and everything about the area and love to share their knowledge with their clientele,” Harron says. “I’m honored to represent them in Palm Beach County.”

For more information about Cervera Real Estate, visit Cervera.com.