Palm Beach Perspective

Few markets invite as much conversation as South Florida — and few brokers are as well-positioned to lead it as Elizabeth DeWoody of Compass. One of the Palm Beaches’ most accomplished luxury brokers, DeWoody brings rare market command and design sensibility to every conversation. We sat down with her to find out what makes the Palm Beaches unlike anywhere else.

HRES: Tell us about one of your current listings that you’re particularly excited about. And what do you think will resonate most with luxury buyers?

Elizabeth DeWoody: Right now, the most discerning luxury buyers are focused on ‘LandMaxxing’—the pursuit of expansive acreage and ultimate privacy. On Palm Beach Island, where land is the ultimate scarcity, 6 La Costa Way is a true anomaly. Set on a rare .78-acre cul-de-sac lot, this residence is a masterclass in organic elegance.

What resonates most is the home’s soulful connection to its environment. It feels less like a traditional estate and more like a private sanctuary in Bali. The architecture is defined by breathtaking 22-foot redwood ceilings and disappearing glass walls that blur the line between the interior and the lush gardens. The piece de résistance is the primary suite’s ‘moon window’—a poetic, triangular architectural marvel precisely angled to frame the night sky. It’s a residence that prioritizes light, volume, and an artistic harmony with nature, offering a level of quiet sophistication that is increasingly hard to find.”

What are today’s luxury buyers prioritizing most when searching for a home in South Florida, and has their definition of “luxury” changed any?

In the current South Florida landscape, the definition of luxury has undergone a significant shift. While high-end finishes and prestigious zip codes remain staples, today’s buyers are prioritizing one asset above all else: time.

We are seeing a profound move toward ‘immediate gratification’ real estate. The traditional path of purchasing a lot and building a custom dream home has become a daunting prospect, with the timeline from initial design and Architectural Review Board approvals to final completion often stretching up to four years. For the modern luxury buyer, waiting nearly half a decade to enjoy a lifestyle is no longer an attractive option.

As a result, the market is seeing an intense demand for move-in ready homes or properties that require only light renovations. Homes situated on expansive, private lots that offer the ability to update and occupy within a short window are commanding significant premiums. The goal is to bypass the logistical hurdles of ground-up construction without sacrificing the modern comforts of a bespoke estate.

This focus on lifestyle efficiency is also reshaping the amenities list. The ‘wellness suite’ has transitioned from a bonus feature to a non-negotiable requirement. Today’s buyers are looking for integrated health environments that include lap pools, dedicated fitness rooms, saunas, and cold plunges. Furthermore, the evolution of the professional landscape has made sophisticated home offices a top priority. Ultimately, luxury in South Florida is no longer just about the square footage and more about how quickly and seamlessly a buyer can begin living their best life.”

What do you love most about living in South Florida, and what are a few of your favorite spots or things to do when you have a day to yourself?

I am a proud Floridian through and through. I was born in Miami, raised in Central Florida, and after graduating from Florida State University, I began my career with Procter and Gamble right here in West Palm Beach. Even during the decade I spent traveling the country for work, my heart was always set on coming home to the Palm Beaches. 

Our best-kept secret is out! While the tax advantages and tropical weather have always been a draw, the conversation has shifted. My clients could truly live anywhere in the world, and they are choosing this area because of the lifestyle pro business, pro growth, positive forward thinking infrastructure. We’re seeing a massive influx of people drawn to the sense of freedom and the world-class amenities that define our community today. From top-tier hospitals and schools to a culinary and shopping scene that rivals anything you’d find in New York City, we truly have it all—just with a better quality of life.

When I have a day to myself, I love everything that makes this coastal lifestyle so special. I enjoy morning group exercise classes at our local gym minutes from my house, walks on Flagler Drive, or boating with my husband.  I’ve also been indulging in the sophisticated side of South Florida with friends; we now have access to world-class spas and a dining scene that is second to none. It’s an incredible life here in an amazing community of great people.

When it comes to your own home, what is one thing you could never live without—whether it’s a favorite room, piece of art, design element, or something completely unexpected? 

My husband and I love everything outdoors in South Florida. We wanted a property with green space where we could create indoor/outdoor living close to the water, have easy access to our boat, restaurants, shopping, schools and in a neighborhood close to our friends. Thus, chose the South End  neighborhood of West Palm Beach.  We designed our home to ensure indoor/ outdoor living. We could not live without our covered loggia!
We have a beautiful covered logia overlooking our pool and gardens with plenty of space for trampoline and football games in the backyard for our boys! Our home opens to the backyard, has intracoastal views and natural light throughout.  Walks on South Flagler drive, easy beautiful drives to our children’s school, our work and play in an incredible community is what makes our lifestyle a dream.  

My husband and I love everything about the outdoor lifestyle in South Florida. When we were looking for a home, we wanted a property with enough green space to create a true indoor/outdoor flow while staying close to the water, our boat, and the restaurants and schools we love. We chose the South End neighborhood of West Palm Beach because it offered that perfect community feel where we could raise our family close to our friends.

We designed and built our home specifically to embrace that lifestyle, and we truly could not live without our covered loggia! It overlooks the pool and gardens, and there is still plenty of space in the backyard for a trampoline and football games with our boys. The house is filled with natural light, opens completely to the outdoors, and even has Intracoastal views. Between the morning walks on South Flagler Drive and the easy drives to school and work, living in this community really is a dream.