By Martine St. Hilaire + Photos by Mackinley Madhere
In the heart of Miami’s Little Haiti, a young girl was growing up surrounded by vibrant culture, strong family values, and a community that taught her resilience. Today, that girl is Niva Telfort—a proud Haitian-American woman, wife, mother, and the CEO and broker-owner of NTD 1st Class Realty.
She is not just selling homes. She’s building legacies.
“I’m driven by faith, purpose, and the belief that homeownership can change the trajectory of a family’s future,” Telfort says. She ultimately does this work to help people create stability, wealth, and legacy.
With over eight years in the real estate industry, Niva has grown NTD 1st Class Realty into a powerhouse brokerage serving clients in Florida and Georgia, while also launching NTD Mortgage Dream Team, Branch 678—making her the first Haitian-American woman to own a PRMG mortgage branch. By offering both real estate and mortgage services under one roof, she delivers something rare in today’s market: seamless, first-class service from start to finish.
Building More Than a Brokerage
Niva’s transition from real estate agent to broker-owner wasn’t just a career move; it was a calling. “I saw talented agents struggling without the right mentorship and systems. I wanted to create a space where agents could thrive, grow, and reach their full potential,” she recalls. That’s when NTD 1st Class Realty was born.
Her leadership style is deeply personal. She invests in her agents’ growth, not just their production numbers, fostering an environment where education, support, and collaboration come first. This philosophy has helped NTD 1st Class Realty close multi-million-dollar transactions while also guiding first-time homebuyers toward their dreams.
Luxury Service with a Haitian Heart
The brokerage specializes in residential sales and rentals, luxury real estate, commercial properties, new construction, and investment guidance. They also offer credit repair, financial literacy programs, and relocation services. But for Niva, the mission goes beyond transactions.
Niva started NTD 1st Class Realty on October 10, 2019, with a mission to serve, educate, and empower clients from all walks of life—especially in underserved communities. “Our clients get first-class service with a personal touch,” she says.
Her Haitian heritage is not just a background detail—it’s a driving force in her business. She actively markets to the Haitian community through cultural events, Creole-language outreach, and partnerships with Haitian-owned businesses and media. This connection has built trust and opened doors for many who once thought homeownership was out of reach.
Overcoming Barriers and Breaking Ceilings
Launching a brokerage as a minority woman in a competitive market presented challenges, including limited resources, industry biases, and the challenging task of building brand trust. But Niva met those obstacles with determination.
“Resilience is key, because challenges will come,” she advises young entrepreneurs. “Adaptability keeps you moving forward, and vision allows you to see opportunities before others do.”
Her marketing approach is equally strategic, using professional photography, targeted digital advertising, open houses, and direct outreach to showcase each property in its best light. This high-touch, customized strategy ensures homes sell quickly and at top value.
A Commitment to Giving Back
Beyond her role as a business leader, Niva is deeply involved in community service. NTD 1st Class Realty hosts back-to-school drives, Thanksgiving food giveaways, homebuyer workshops, and financial literacy programs. “We are more than a brokerage—we are a community,” she says.
Her passion for empowerment extends beyond real estate. Through NTD Powerhouse Productions, she creates real estate-focused TV and animated series, with plans to expand into children’s educational publishing.
Vision for the Future
In the next three to five years, Niva envisions expanding NTD 1st Class Realty through franchising, growing the mortgage division, and increasing market share across Florida, Georgia, and beyond—all while keeping her community-focused mission intact.
Niva wants to be known as someone who not only sells homes but also builds communities, inspires future leaders, and creates opportunities for others to win. What is her advice to those who are just starting in real estate? “Invest in your education, find a mentor, and stay consistent.” She strongly believes the industry rewards those who put in the work and build relationships over time.
From her beginnings in Little Haiti to leading one of the region’s most dynamic real estate brokerages, Niva Telfort’s journey is a testament to what’s possible when vision meets action. She is proof that with resilience, adaptability, and a heart for service, you can not only break barriers—you can build bridges for others to cross.
Follow Niva Telfort and NTD 1st Class Realty on social media @nivathediva_thebroker to see how she and her business are transforming lives, one home and one family at a time.
