Choosing the Best Real Estate Agent in St. Petersburg, Florida

Published on 08/05/23:

Our Area is Complex, Choose your Realtor Wisely

Florida is famous for its magnificent beaches, sunny weather, and vibrant lifestyle, and St. Petersburg is no exception. If you’re planning to buy or sell a property in this beautiful city, you need an experienced and trustworthy real estate agent who knows the area well. After all, your home is likely to be one of your most significant investments, and you want someone who can help you navigate the complex market and get the best value for your money. Plus, you have flood insurance, seawalls, storm drainage easements, bridge height restrictions, FEMA limitations, storm windows and much more to think about. In this post, Mike Braswell shares some tips on how to choose the right St. Petersburg real estate agent for your needs.

Look for an Agent with Strong Marketing Skills

When it comes to selling real estate, marketing is everything, and you want a real estate agent who can effectively promote your property and attract potential buyers. Look for an agent who is skilled in online and offline marketing, knows how to create compelling listings, and has experience in using social media and other advertising channels. Check out their website and social media profiles to see how they present themselves and their listings. You should also ask for samples of their previous marketing campaigns and ask them about their approach to marketing your property.

Mike Braswell’s Marketing Background

Mike has 48K+ people following along his @LovingStPete Tampa Bay guide across social media platforms. He also founded, developed and operated a vacation rental marketing company for 13 years before selling it to VRBO/HomeAway.  Mike believes in using top notch photographers, a great listing write-up, high quality drone videos where appropriate, and then pushing your property to as many people as possible, in addition to the MLS network.

Find a Realtor who is a Skilled Negotiator

Negotiation is a crucial skill in real estate, and you want an agent who can represent your interests and sell your property for the highest price possible, with favorable terms. And then on the other side, someone who will negotiate your purchase to a price that sets you up for a solid investment. Look for an agent who has a track record of successfully negotiating deals and knows how to create win-win situations. Ask them about their negotiation approach and how they can help you achieve your goals. You can also ask for references from previous clients and see how satisfied they were with their negotiation skills.

Mike Braswell’s Negotiation Experience

Mike has operated in the corporate world for 25+ years, owning his own companies for the majority of those years. He’s negotiated contracts with many different personality types and prides himself in being able to negotiate favorable terms for his clients. Mike doesn’t simply want to close the home purchase; he wants to earn your future business and your referrals. This doesn’t happen unless you’re 100% satisfied with his real estate services. He’ll work tirelessly to ensure you’re pleased and feel you achieved the best outcome possible with your purchase or sale.

Look for an agent with a Strong Network and Connections

A great real estate agent in St Petersburg should have an extensive network of contacts and connections in the industry. This can help you find potential buyers or properties that are not on the market yet. Look for an agent who is well-connected and has relationships with other agents, brokers, lenders, and other professionals in the industry. You can also ask them about their involvement in the local community and how they can leverage their network to help you achieve your goals.

Mike’s Network and Connections

While Mike has 48K+ followers on his social media channels, he’s also president of his college alumni Affiliate here in the St. Pete-Clearwater Area! He is one of the founding members and has been president since inception. In addition to many connections in the real estate industry, he is connected in one way or another, to 48K+ people.

Choose a Realtor Who Knows the Area Well

St. Petersburg is a diverse and dynamic city, and you want an agent who knows the area well and can provide valuable insights into each neighborhood’s unique characteristics. Look for an agent who has experience in the St. Petersburg market and knows the local real estate trends, prices, and regulations. They should also be familiar with the schools, amenities, and attractions in the area and be able to provide you with a comprehensive overview of your options. Additionally, if you’re planning to purchase waterfront property, your Realtor should have a much longer list of questions. From bridges, draft, flood insurance, sea wall age, and so much more. You need to be well informed before purchasing a home along the Tampa Bay waterfront or our Gulf Beaches.

Mike Braswell is a Boater, Has Lived in St Pete Beach and Lived in Multiple Homes Directly on Tampa Bay

Mike knows waterfront living and also knows our St Petersburg and Clearwater area well. He’s maintained his own seawalls, paid flood insurance, navigated the bridge system when purchasing a home and boat, and much more. If you’re looking for waterfront property in our area, Mike will ask the right questions and ensure you are fully aware of what you’re getting into with your purchase. The goal is to ensure you’re 100% satisfied, not simply close the transaction.

Hire Who You’re Comfortable Working With….

Last but not least, you want to hire an agent you feel comfortable working with and can trust to represent your best interests. Real estate transactions can be stressful and challenging, and you want someone who can guide you through the process and provide you with honest and transparent advice. Look for an agent who is responsive, attentive, communicative, and can address your questions and concerns promptly. You should also feel comfortable expressing your needs and expectations and be confident that they are actively working to achieve your goals.

In Conclusion

Choosing the right real estate agent is a critical step in buying or selling a property in St. Petersburg, Florida. You need someone who can guide you through the complex market, represent your interests, and provide you with valuable insights into the area’s unique characteristics. Look for an agent with strong marketing skills, negotiation abilities, network and connections, and local expertise. Don’t forget to choose someone you feel comfortable working with and can trust to have your back. By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to finding the perfect real estate agent for your needs in St. Petersburg, Florida.

As to why You Should Consider Moving to the Sunshine City

If you’re looking for a place to call home that’s got plenty of culture, lively events, beautiful weather, and crystal-clear, inviting Gulf waters, then look no further than St. Petersburg, Florida. For years now, this thriving metropolis and its environs have been an attraction for vacationers, retirees, and families, who come to enjoy its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife.

The Sun, Sand, and Sea

St. Petersburg is well known for its warm climate, with temperatures typically varying from 56 degrees to 89 degrees, rarely below 46°F or above 93°F. With an impressive 361 days of sunshine each year, it’s easy to see why many people choose to call St. Pete home and call it the “Sunshine City”. The Gulf of Mexico provides a stunning coastline where locals can swim, kayak, paddleboard, or simply laze on one of the many sandy beaches. You can also take a sunset cruise or go dolphin-spotting. It’s a water-lover’s paradise!

The Arts Scene

St. Pete’s thriving arts scene is something else that sets it apart from other Florida towns. From the Museum of Fine Arts to the Salvador Dali Museum, there is no shortage of opportunities to experience fantastic art. The Morean Arts Center is also located downtown and offers art classes, workshops, and events. The Mahaffey Theater hosts touring productions, operas, orchestral concerts, and ballets while venues like Jannus Live bring in national and international musicians and comics.

The Delicious Food Scene

If you’re a food lover and looking for some new eateries to explore, then you’ll find plenty in St. Pete. The town has become a haven for foodies, with cuisines from around the world available in its many restaurants. Pizza, Mexican food, Itallian, seafood, Thai, fusion, and so much more around St Petersburg for foodies.

The Pier and Downtown St. Petersburg

Downtown St. Petersburg offers a wide array of shops, art galleries, theaters, and restaurants, with the waterfront and marina as its backdrop. The new St. Pete Pier and its nearby park also provide plenty of green spaces and spots to relax. Visitors can take a stroll on the pier while basking in the sun with their families. The pier is home to shops, dining options, and a rooftop bar that provides the splendid view of the bay. It also includes a sprayground, green space, fishing options, and a small beach adjacent to the pier.

Local Sports and Fitness

With the outdoor-friendly weather that St. Pete has to offer, this region also provides abundant sports and fitness activities to keep you active, healthy, and happy, including top-rated golf courses, cycling trails, and various sports facilities like Tropicana Field. The city is also home to the Al Lang Stadium used for soccer games, baseball games, among others. You can even participate in local favorites like the weekly ‘Yoga in the park’ program in North Straub Park.

To Wrap Up…

St. Petersburg is undoubtedly one of the most vibrant, fun-loving, and down-to-earth cities to live in Florida. The beautiful climate, breathtaking beaches, and magnificent lifestyle attract people from all walks of life, whether they’re seeking an active retirement or a young family looking for a new adventure. If you decide to make St. Pete your home, the only thing you’ll regret is that you didn’t start living here sooner! If you’re looking for a St Pete real estate agent or realtor, I’d love to interview for the job!

I’m a local St Petersburg realtor with over 48K people following my LovingStPete Guide on Social Media. Let’s work out a commission structure that works best for you! Whether you are buying or selling Tampa Bay Area Real Estate, contact me first. My past includes developing a vacation rental advertising business that I ran for more than a decade, then sold to VRBO. I’d love to help you buy or sell a property, simply contact me.