The End of an Era: Teresa King Kinney Retires After 33 Years Leading the MIAMI Association of Realtors

Miami realtors logo

After more than three decades at the helm of the nation’s largest local Realtor association, Teresa King Kinney—one of the most influential figures in modern real estate—has announced her retirement as CEO of the MIAMI Association of Realtors. Her departure marks the close of a remarkable 55-year career in real estate leadership, leaving behind a legacy few can match.

The MIAMI Association of Realtors confirmed that Kinney will officially step down at the end of the year, transitioning into the role of CEO Emeritus while supporting the organization for an additional year through a consulting agreement. A national search firm has already been retained to identify her successor.

A Legacy Built on Vision, Innovation, and Global Reach

When Kinney arrived in Miami in 1993, the association had just 5,000 members and a single office. Today, thanks to her relentless drive and bold leadership, MIAMI now serves 60,000 members, making it larger than 44 state Realtor associations. It also operates the fourth-largest MLS in the country—and the largest association-owned MLS.

Her leadership transformed Miami into a global real estate powerhouse. Kinney championed the Miami lifestyle on the world stage, presenting at major international conferences and establishing business connections across 77 countries. Because of this international push, Miami grew into one of the most recognized and sought-after global real estate brands.

View the Original Announcement

Tap to read the official press release on PR Newswire.

A Career Defined by “Begin With the End in Mind”

Under Kinney’s leadership, MIAMI became the first large market to post listings on Realtor.com, oversaw one of the largest mergers in NAR history, launched global partnerships, and established itself as a national leader in advocacy, innovation, education, and community impact. Her philosophy—never accepting limits and always looking ahead—allowed MIAMI to stay agile through major industry shifts, market downturns, and global disruptions.

During the 2008 crash, Kinney guided Miami’s recovery faster than any other U.S. market. During COVID-19, she moved the association to full virtual operations within a single business day. And after the landmark NAR settlement of 2024, MIAMI was one of the first associations in the nation to launch new educational programs, toolkits, and broker resources to help Realtors adapt.

Leading Miami’s Global Identity

Kinney founded MIAMI Global in 1996, initiating the association’s first international agreement with SECOVI-SP in Brazil. Now, nearly 300 global partnerships later, MIAMI provides its members with access to over two million real estate professionals worldwide through its referral networks. Its Global Real Estate Congresses and international exhibitions have helped solidify Miami as the unrivaled gateway between the Americas and the world.

Celebrating a Real Estate Icon

Awards have followed Kinney throughout her career—more than 50 of them—including the prestigious NAR William R. Magel Award of Excellence. She has been named one of the most powerful people in real estate, one of the top MLS executives in the country, and one of the major influencers in South Florida’s property market.

Yet industry peers consistently highlight her work ethic, passion, and willingness to mentor as the true heart of her leadership. As MIAMI Chairman Alfredo Pujol said, “Miami and the real estate profession is better thanks to TK.”

The Next Chapter

With Kinney’s retirement approaching, MIAMI is positioned for unprecedented growth. The association’s state-of-the-art global headquarters, award-winning MLS innovations, and commitment to world-class education continue to make it a model for real estate organizations nationwide.

Her successor will inherit an organization built on strength—and a legacy that has shaped the real estate landscape of an entire region.

For the Next Generation of Industry Leaders

Teresa King Kinney’s career reminds us that education, adaptability, and leadership drive success. If you’re pursuing a real estate license or advancing your professional skills, Cameron Academy is here to help shape your next steps—just as leaders like Kinney shaped the future of our industry.

Source: MIAMI Association of Realtors via PR Newswire

More Articles

Getting licensed or staying ahead in your career can be a journey—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grab your favorite coffee or tea, take a moment to relax, and browse through our articles. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your expertise, we’ve got tips, insights, and advice to keep you moving forward. Here’s to your success—one sip and one step at a time!

Florida’s Treasure Coast Kicks Off 2026 With a Wave of New Listings and Big Market Shifts

The Florida Treasure Coast started the new year with a surge of 1,905 new home listings—up 22 percent from last January—signaling one of the strongest inventory jumps in years. While Martin County saw its median home price drop by nearly $100,000, nearby St. Lucie and Indian River counties continued to rise, creating a uniquely mixed market. With sales climbing and inventory levels shifting toward a more buyer-friendly landscape, 2026 is shaping up to be an active and opportunity-rich year for both seasoned agents and those entering the real estate field.

Florida’s New Transparency Bill Could Reshape the Insurance Landscape

A unanimously passed House bill, HB 767, aims to require insurers to publicly disclose rate and premium data—giving Floridians long‑awaited clarity on rising costs. If approved by the Senate, the measure could significantly impact homeowners, real estate agents, mortgage professionals, and insurance specialists by increasing consumer trust and revealing how insurers calculate premiums.

U.S. Mortgage Rates Fall Below 6 Percent, Sparking New Energy in the Spring Housing Market

U.S. mortgage rates have dipped to 5.98 percent, breaking below the 6 percent mark for the first time since 2022 and giving the spring home-buying season a fresh boost. With rates falling for the third straight week and buyer interest rising, experts say this shift could encourage more market activity—though many homeowners with ultra‑low pandemic-era rates may still hesitate to sell.

AI and Real Estate Data: Who Is Making the Rules?

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming real estate, from listing creation to MLS infrastructure, forcing the industry to rethink how data is used, altered and protected. With AI tools making it easier than ever to modify photos, automate marketing and process sensitive documents, MLSs and state regulators are racing to establish new guardrails that ensure accuracy, privacy and consumer protection without slowing innovation.

AI for Real Estate Agents: How Smart Tools Help You Work Smarter, Close Faster, and Stay Ahead

Today’s real estate pros juggle nonstop client demands, constant marketing, and mountains of paperwork—but AI is stepping in as the ultimate assistant. From instant lead responses and personalized follow-up messages to predictive pricing tools and automated transaction support, agents are using AI to save hours, boost production, and stay competitive. The future of real estate belongs to professionals who combine their human touch with smart technology, and the shift is already happening.

Supreme Court Tariff Ruling Reshapes Global Trade and Surprises Markets

A landmark US Supreme Court decision striking down the use of emergency powers to impose broad tariffs has upended global trade expectations, lifted equity markets, and sent businesses scrambling to understand what comes next. While GDP slowed and inflation rose, markets reacted positively as the ruling removed a major source of uncertainty for importers, exporters, and investors. With the old tariff framework dismantled and new targeted measures on the horizon, industries from real estate to finance are bracing for shifting economic conditions that could influence everything from consumer spending to investment strategy.