Tampa Bay Real Estate · Buyers & Sellers
Real Estate Done
The Right Way.
I've been in Tampa Bay for over 20 years and have spent the last decade working both sides of the deal as a licensed realtor. The realtor you choose changes everything: the price, the stress, whether the deal actually closes.
"I know this market because I live it."
Dawn Fernandes, Tampa Bay Realtor
Before You Hire Anyone
10 Steps to Hiring the
Right Realtor
Whether it ends up being me or not, here's exactly what I'd tell a friend before they chose an agent. This is what actually matters.
01
Get Clear on What You Need
Buying, selling, or both? Do you have a tight timeline? Knowing your situation upfront helps you find the right fit, not just the first name that pops up on Google.
02
Ask Someone You Trust
Skip the random scroll. Ask a friend or neighbor who recently bought or sold in Tampa Bay. A name with a real story behind it beats a hundred anonymous reviews.
03
Match Experience to Your Situation
Has this agent worked with buyers and sellers? Do they know the neighborhoods you care about? Range and depth matter, especially when the market moves fast.
04
Talk to More Than One Agent
A confident agent won't flinch at this. They'll welcome it. Use those conversations to see who actually listens versus who just talks.
05
Watch How They Communicate
Slow to respond before you sign anything? It won't get better when you're under contract and the clock is ticking.
06
Make Sure They Know Tampa Bay
Flood zones, HOA rules, insurance costs, seasonal shifts. This market has layers. Local knowledge isn't a bonus. It's the job.
07
Ask About Money Upfront
A good agent answers this without hesitation. Buyers often don't pay their agent directly. Sellers deserve to know exactly what they're paying and what they're getting.
08
Ask About Their Marketing Plan
Photography, video, pricing strategy, online reach. A yard sign is not a plan. Ask what they're actually going to do.
09
Read Reviews, Look for the Details
Look for stories about tough negotiations and deals that almost fell apart. That's where you see what an agent is really made of.
10
Choose Someone Who Makes You Feel Like You Matter
This is a big financial decision. When you work with me, you get my full attention, from the first conversation to the closing table. Every time.
Ready to talk it through?
Whether you're buying, selling, or just weighing your options, the first conversation is free and always honest.
What Clients Say
Real Stories From
Real People
★★★★★
"
Dawn was upfront about everything from day one. She told us exactly what our home was worth, not what we wanted to hear, and it sold in 9 days. We couldn't have asked for better.
Mike & Sarah T.
Sellers · South Tampa
★★★★★
"
As first-time buyers, we had no idea what we were doing. Dawn walked us through everything, never made us feel rushed, and found us a home we love in a neighborhood we didn't even know to look in.
Jessica M.
First-Time Buyer · Riverview
★★★★★
"
We've worked with three realtors over the years. Dawn is in a different league. She knows the Tampa Bay market inside and out, responds fast, and doesn't let anything fall through the cracks.
Robert & Linda K.
Buyers & Sellers · St. Pete
Ready to Get Started?
Let's Have a
Real Conversation
No pressure. No obligation. Just straight answers about buying or selling in Tampa Bay.
Contact Dawn