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!

Why Today’s High Mortgage Rates Matter More Than Ever for the Housing Market

A growing share of American homeowners now carry mortgage rates above 5%—a dramatic shift that’s reshaping refinancing, inventory, and buyer behavior nationwide. With more than 30% of borrowers locked into rates over 5% and 20% above 6%, the market is split between owners holding on to low pandemic‑era loans and new buyers taking on higher‑rate mortgages. Federal efforts to push rates down could unlock millions of refinancing opportunities, while buyers see only modest monthly savings. For real estate professionals, understanding these rate dynamics is crucial as they increasingly drive inventory levels, affordability, and market activity.

CRE Deal Volume Dips in December, but Office Sector Stages an Unexpected Comeback

New Moody’s data shows commercial real estate deal volume slipped 20% in December, marking a second monthly decline. Yet the full year tells a different story: 2025 ended with a 17% gain, signaling a quiet but resilient recovery. The biggest surprise came from the office sector, which posted a 21% jump in activity as return‑to‑office trends and AI‑driven job growth boosted demand. Multifamily, retail, and alternative assets like data centers also saw strong momentum, giving real estate professionals a market full of fresh opportunities heading into 2026.

Florida Kicks Off 2026 With Major Auto Insurance Rate Cuts and Market Stability

Florida drivers and industry professionals are heading into 2026 with good news: auto insurance rates are dropping across the state as the market shows strong signs of stabilization. USAA leads the latest wave with a 7% average rate decrease expected in May 2026, saving members more than $125 million annually. They join several major insurers — including State Farm, Progressive, AAA, Allstate, and Florida Farm Bureau — all approving significant reductions. Officials credit recent legislative reforms, especially tort reform, for the improved loss ratios and renewed insurer confidence. With both auto and home insurance markets strengthening, Florida’s real estate, mortgage, and insurance professionals can expect more consumer confidence, smoother transactions, and expanding career opportunities.

The 2024 Housing Shortage: Why America Is Still 1.2 Million Homes Behind

New data from Eye On Housing and the NAHB shows the U.S. remains short more than 1.2 million housing units, keeping pressure on both rents and home prices. Record‑low vacancy rates, slow single‑family construction, and restrictive zoning continue to fuel intense competition in 2024. Major metros like Chicago, New York, and Atlanta face some of the deepest deficits, and the true nationwide shortfall may be even higher when accounting for overcrowding and aging homes. For real estate professionals, the ongoing shortage means sustained demand, tighter inventory, and major opportunities for those who understand the evolving market.

AI Isn’t the Shiny Object Anymore — It’s the New System Driving Real Estate Success

Top real estate coach Jason Pantana says the divide between agents today isn’t about who has “tried” AI — it’s about who is immersed in it. In a new HousingWire interview, he explains why AI isn’t a gimmick but a full business system that amplifies output, improves authenticity, and reshapes how clients search for agents. From prompt mastery to AI‑driven visibility on Google, Pantana reveals how agents who commit even 15 minutes a day to learning AI are already outperforming those who hesitate.

DFW Commercial Real Estate 2025: Industrial Surges, Retail Shines, Office Struggles

Dallas–Fort Worth’s commercial real estate market closed 2025 with a split personality. Industrial dominated with massive new deliveries and soaring leasing demand, retail held steady with some of the market’s strongest fundamentals in years, and office continued to falter under remote‑work pressures. High vacancies, weak absorption, and rising demand for top‑tier space show the sector’s ongoing reset. Meanwhile, industrial and retail strength position the Metroplex for another powerhouse year heading into 2026.