In a quick but smooth merger, Miami-Dade’s two largest real estate associations became one. With more than 23,000 members onboard, the newly-formed alliance took the No. 1 spot as the country’s largest realty association.

Jack H. Levine is steering the ship as the merged association’s chairman, a post he is to fill until December 2011.

In this role, Mr. Levine said his main priorities are to lead the association in this new chapter and provide members will all the tools, education and resources they need to succeed in a still-challenging housing market.

Because with the merger the association grew, most of the personnel from both groups are to remain in place, and now there are five locations in Miami-Dade and Broward.

Based on market activity and Realtor feedback, Mr. Levine said the local residential market has hit bottom, but challenges remain with the number of foreclosures and short sales taking place.

More transactions are happening today and, in many cases, multiple offers are coming in for those properties.

The strengthening of the market, he said, is likely to happen on a neighborhood-by-neighborhood basis because some areas have been affected more than others.

Despite these hurdles, he said South Florida’s appeal and location is still a big advantage for the housing market, particularly with international homebuyers.

“I mean, over 50% of buyers in many locations are foreign buyers and many of them are paying cash because financing is still a big challenge,” he said.

Mr. Levine discussed the recent merger and plans ahead with Miami Today reporter Yudislaidy Fernandez at the association’s headquarters in Miami Springs.