The End of an Era: Teresa King Kinney Retires After 33 Years Leading the MIAMI Association of Realtors
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!
The recent settlement agreements between Anywhere Real Estate and RE/MAX have brought significant changes to the real estate industry. These agreements mark a turning point in buyer broker compensation and have far-reaching implications for agents and brokers alike. With the removal of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) membership requirement and the Code of Ethics, agents now have more flexibility in conducting their business. This shift has sparked both optimism and concerns within the industry. Join us as we navigate through the changes brought about by these settlement agreements and uncover their potential effects on professionalism, competition, and the overall landscape of the real estate market.
The mortgage market is currently facing significant challenges, with mortgage rates nearing 8%, low housing inventory, and rising home prices. In this article, we explore the strategies employed by wholesale lenders and brokers to navigate these conditions and adapt to the changing market landscape. One key strategy is the implementation of down-payment assistance programs, providing financial support to potential homebuyers. Another is the option to buy down mortgage rates, offering more affordable monthly payments. With limited housing inventory, many potential homebuyers are turning to fixer-upper properties, and lenders are capitalizing on this trend by offering renovation loans. Brokerage firm owners are also diligently managing their cost structures to remain profitable. Looking ahead, industry professionals are closely monitoring the potential impact of the Federal Reserve's tightening monetary policy and political instability on the mortgage market.
Two innovative startups in Texas, Hive3D and Icon, are leveraging 3D printing technology to combat housing inventory shortages and climate change. They're constructing eco-friendly homes, offering a groundbreaking approach to sustainable housing. Houston-based Hive3D uses "green cement," reducing waste and contributing positively to the environment. Icon's efficient construction methods enable them to construct an entire subdivision of homes in less time, meeting the growing demand for housing and reducing resource consumption. These 3D-printed homes are more cost-effective due to reduced labor costs and minimized material waste, offering more affordable housing options.
In the midst of the continued climb of 30-year fixed mortgage rates, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) has issued a call to the Federal Reserve (Fed) to bring much-needed certainty to the financial markets. The MBA believes that the Fed must make clear statements regarding the end of its rate hikes and its intentions with its mortgage-backed securities (MBS) holdings. The MBA, represented by its president and CEO, Bob Broeksmit, has emphasized the urgency of the Fed's communication. Broeksmit asserts that the Fed needs to clearly state that it has reached the end of its rate hikes and that it will refrain from selling its MBS holdings until the housing finance market stabilizes and mortgage-to-Treasury spreads normalize.
Despite a decline in mortgage application fraud, New York and Florida continue to face the highest mortgage fraud risks in the nation. The primary drivers of fraud risk in these states are fraudulent income misrepresentation and undisclosed real estate liabilities. High-risk metropolitan areas include New York City, Miami, Tampa, and Orlando. To combat mortgage fraud risks, it is crucial to maintain vigilance and take proactive actions. Stay ahead of the game and protect yourself from mortgage fraud risks in New York and Florida. Sign up for our mortgage fraud prevention course today.
Significant changes may be on the horizon for the United States housing market if new legislation is passed. Bills introduced in both the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives propose the requirement of title insurance on mortgages purchased by government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs). Known collectively as The Protecting America's Property Rights Act, these bills are currently under consideration and have not yet been voted on. If passed, the proposed amendments to the charters of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac would make primary-lien title insurance mandatory for conventional mortgages on one- to four-unit properties. Title insurance plays a critical role in the mortgage industry by protecting lenders and homeowners. It offers financial loss protection in the event of property title defects, ensuring that property ownership is free from any legal disputes or claims. Lawmakers aim to enhance the integrity of the mortgage market and provide additional safeguards for lenders and borrowers by requiring title insurance on GSE-backed loans.
