Darin Tansey, a well-known real estate agent with Douglas Elliman in Miami Beach, died Tuesday morning at the age of 50. The cause of death has not been released. Tansey was found at his residence in the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Miami Beach.
Tansey began his career in Miami nearly 20 years ago after moving from Iowa, where he was born and raised. He established himself as a prominent figure in the luxury real estate market, working across Miami Beach, Edgewater, Bay Harbor Islands, and nearby neighborhoods.
Jay Parker, CEO of Elliman Florida, and Michael Liebowitz, CEO of Elliman, informed colleagues of Tansey’s passing through an internal memo. “His warmth, sense of humor, professionalism and genuine care for both clients and colleagues made him a true standout at Douglas Elliman and across our industry,” the email reads.
Throughout his career, Tansey closed deals totaling more than $3 billion. He played key roles in sales at several major developments including the Ritz-Carlton Residences in Miami Beach and the planned Edition Residences in Edgewater. Most recently, he led sales efforts for Regency Development Group’s La Maré project in Bay Harbor Islands and Villa17 in Miami Beach.
Industry peers responded to news of his death with tributes recognizing both his professional achievements and personal character. Michael Liebowitz said he had known Tansey for 15 years since Tansey brokered the sale of Liebowitz’s first home in Miami. “Darin brought something special to Douglas Elliman that can’t be replaced,” Liebowitz wrote on social media.
Jay Parker described being devastated by Tansey’s death and called him “a man of integrity, honor, professionalism, respect, commitment, discipline and tenacity.”
Chris Wands from Elliman described Tansey as “the most selfless person” he knew in real estate: “He was one of my best friends. He gave me my first job in real estate. Business-wise, friend-wise, there wasn’t a better person,” Wands said.
Julian Johnston from Corcoran Group recalled working with Tansey about 15 years ago at Calibre International Realty: “one of the most honorable guys” he worked with. Johnston noted that Tansey “really shined” when selling the Ritz-Carlton project completed by Lionheart Capital in 2020.
Nelson Gonzalez from BHHS EWM Realty said news of Tansey’s death was a “gut punch” to the heart: “He’s one of the good guys,” Gonzalez said. “Nobody ever had anything bad to say about him.”
Ashley Holland, who served as his publicist, wrote that he was a “respected force” within real estate circles: “Beyond his remarkable professional accomplishments, Darin will be remembered for his infectious energy, his unwavering loyalty, and the way he made every person feel seen and valued,” she said.
Tansey is survived by extended family members and his dog Vino; funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
