Looking for a reliable realtor in Florida, but don’t know where to start? With so many agents to choose from, finding the right one can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack and finding your way through Florida’s marketplace, especially in lively neighborhoods such as St. Petersburg, alone is hard, and having an expert by your side eases out most of the problems related to purchasing or selling an apartment. Whether one is purchasing their dream home in Kenwood or selling a property in Old Northeast, one might feel lost in the process without an expert’s advice.
In this article, we are going to walk you through everything you need to know about how to find a realtor to discover new real estate trends in St. Petersburg. How do you find a reliable realtor in a competitive market like this? We’ll break it down step-by-step into examples, facts, and the next steps you can take today.
Why Choosing the Right Realtor Matters
Statistics gathered by the National Association of Realtors indicate that 51% of buyers discovered homes through the Internet and 29% through real estate agents. Is buying house a good investment? That 29% represents millions of buyers who chose one-on-one consultation and insight into the market available from agents.
An example of this advice would be when you want to buy a home in Kenwood. One agent might have in mind a vendor who has not yet put his home up for sale, giving you the ability to be a first choice, an indication of the power of local networking.
Not to forget, the right realtor has years of experience in this field, which translates into knowing tricks and tips that a normal person might not know, such as knowing what time to sell a house, since the right timing can increase property value by 10-15%.
What to Look for When Hiring a Realtor
When considering how to select the right realtor for your needs, start by checking
- Experience and Certifications
Try to find an agent that has a good reputation and has proper certifications. If you are looking for a luxury home in Snell Isle, look for an agent who is a luxury home marketing specialist (CLHMS), such as Tammy Campbell McNelis, with years of experience in luxury home marketing.
- Local Market Knowledge
A good real estate agent in St. Petersburg should know the ins and outs of neighborhoods such as Crescent Heights, Jungle Terrace, and Historic Uptown.
- Professionalism and Transparency
A professional real estate agent should clearly explain the buying and selling process of the house at the first consultation and give you realistic expectations and boundaries.
- Negotiation Skills
This is an often overlooked trait, but strong negotiation skills are critical. A good agent doesn’t just get you a home, but they help you make the best financial decisions. Always ask:
- How many deals did you close last year in my ZIP code?
- What is your average Days on the Market (DOM) versus the city average?
- How have you handled bidding wars or appraisal gaps?
- Availability & Team Structure
One of the most common client frustrations? Thinking they’re hiring a specific agent, only to be handed off to someone else on the team. Always ask upfront:
- Will I be working with you directly, or will I be working with someone else on your team?
- How do you handle communication and availability during the process?
If you’re comfortable working with a team, great but make sure you know who your main point of contact will be.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Not every licensed agent is a great agent. Here are a few warning signs:
- Vague answers about pricing strategy or local trends
- Pushy sales tactics or pressure to sign before you’re ready
- Lack of communication, slow replies, or poor follow-up
- No recent local experience in your ZIP code or neighborhood
- Reluctance to provide references or past client results
If something feels off during your first meeting, trust your gut. You deserve a partner, not just a salesperson.
Tips for Finding the Best Real Estate Agent for You
Below are a few steps for how to search for a qualified realtor.
- Ask for Referrals
Talk to relatives and friends who had contact with agents and recently purchased or sold a house. According to statistics provided by NAR, 8% of buyers found their agent through relatives.
- Check online
Sites such as TheCPMTeam offer trusted and verified realtors for first-time and experienced buyers or sellers.
- Interview multiple agents
Don’t settle after one conversation, and don’t be shy to ask questions, such as how many houses they have sold, what their market strategy is, and how they handle competitive offer scenarios. After analyzing various case studies from clients in Kenwood, we noticed that those who interviewed multiple agents ended up with better matches.
- Judge the agent’s communication style.
A good agent needs to have good communication skills to make a good deal.
- Check Licenses and Disciplinary Actions
The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) allows you to verify licenses and see disciplinary history.
Steps to Find an Experienced Realtor Near You
Still, wondering how to find a trusted realtor for home buying or selling in St. Petersburg? Here’s an in-depth guide:
- Set Your Real Estate Goals
Are you buying, selling, or investing? Define your goals before beginning your search. - Conduct research into the local market
Explore local pricing trends and areas like Kenwood and Snell Isle to understand where your needs align with the market. - Use NAR or CPMTeam.
These trusted platforms provide a list of experienced realtors specializing in your area of interest. - Book interviews & compare
Meet with potential agents to discuss your goals, review their strategies, and get a feel for how they work. - Review Contracts Carefully
Before signing anything, ensure you understand all terms and conditions of your agreement with the agent.
Our recommendations are based on verifiable data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), which shows that homes listed by experienced agents tend to sell faster and for a higher price
Tip: If you must sell quickly, opt for an agent who sells homes in 10 days on average within your ZIP code.
How the Right Realtor Makes a Big Difference
When finding the right realtor, the numbers show their impact. Homes sold by experienced agents typically sell faster and for more money, in fact. With over 430,700 agents nationwide, choosing the right one is key. A proven realtor’s track record can ensure you get the best deal, especially in a market with 6.64% mortgage rates as of April 2025.
A top agent brings local market knowledge and negotiation skills, helping you make smart decisions in fluctuating conditions.
Why Real Estate is a Strong Investment. With the Right Realtor
A qualified agent will not just find you a home, they’ll assist you in making a solid financial investment that will rise in value with the passage of time. If you approach the right realtor, you benefit from local knowledge and market experience on your side, and they can lead you to homes that will appreciate in value.
A skilled realtor can spot up-and-coming neighborhoods and investment properties so your property or home will see its value rise and be an asset to own in the long term. Whether investor or first-time buyer, the right realtor will help you maximize your return on your real estate investment.
Where Can You Find a Good Realtor in Your Area?
If you’re buying or selling in Florida, and specifically in St. Petersburg neighborhoods, you need an insider who is familiar with the area. That is where the CPM Team shines; with trusted agents with extensive community ties and unparalleled professionalism, we guide clients through
- Tailored strategies
- Market analysis
- Open communication
And CPM Teams Testimonials also show this: “We met Tammy when she showed us a condo we saw online. We were struck by her friendliness and her knowledge of the area, and her property. Tammy grew up in our area, so she really knew the ins and outs. We were so impressed with her that we engaged her to sell our home…” – Lean R
But our expertise doesn’t end in St. Petersburg; our area of expertise is massive, and we suggest checking them out and finding what meets your style and circumstance.
Final Thoughts
The ideal realtor is more about finding one who will listen to your goals and guide you through to their fulfillment rather than closing deals. Whether you are buying, selling, or investing, your ideal realtor will make all the difference in Florida’s competitive market.
Start your search today, connect with experts who truly understand your goals, and reach out to The CPM Team now to take the first step toward your next real estate success.