Today we’d like to introduce you to Tabi Deas...

Hi Tabi, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?

Thank you! I’m honored to have been selected to share my story with the readers of Voyage Tampa! I am a Florida native, born to Florida natives. Born in Miami, raised in Ocala, have lived here in Tampa Bay since 1993. After college, I started working in graphic design and marketing, then kitchen and bath design and eventually became an Installation Manager and Trainer for The Home Depot. Taking what I learned from advertising, marketing and retail installation sales, I decided to take my two-week vacation and get my real estate license in February 2003. A couple of months later, I started selling new construction for local builders, all over the Tampa Bay area, from Riverview to Wesley Chapel to Land O’Lakes and Spring Hill. Then in 2008, the housing bubble busted, I lost everything and had to take a step back, evaluate and re-invent myself. In 2009, I started working for my stepfather, a civil engineer, specializing in a process called value engineering and owned one of the top consulting firms in the industry in the application of value methodology for infrastructure projects, including water and wastewater treatment, pipeline, airports, highways, bridges, and housing projects. In 2013, I achieved the federally-recognized “Certified Value Specialist” (CVS®) designation. While not directly real-estate related, the function-based value engineering process brings a special skill set to every part of the real estate process for me, from the discovery part of the Buyer or Seller consultation, original property search, pricing and comparative sales and market analysis to the offer and negotiation process. My brother's family still lives in Ocala, my mother and stepfather live in Treasure Island, and my nephew recently joined the Army. I love to travel, listen to all genres of music, enjoy beach days, kayaking, sailing, and scuba diving (although its been a while).

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

No, not a smooth road, at all. I’ve changed careers a couple times, and learned how to make a living again after losing everything during the real estate market crash in 2008. The other thing was transitioning from selling for builders to working for myself and learning to generate my own business by using social media and networking to cultivate stronger relationships with my friends, family and my “sphere of influence” – those people in my life who know, like and trust me. I’ve learned that their trust in me is what continues to make me successful and I am extremely grateful.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

Since 1993, I have lived in Tampa, Oldsmar, Gulfport, Riverview, Wesley Chapel, Palmetto Beach, Ybor City, St. Pete, Safety Harbor, Treasure Island, Apollo Beach, Bradenton… I have literally lived all over the Tampa Bay area – point being, I know the entire Tampa Bay very well. In addition, I have sold homes as far north as Spring Hill, as far south as Sarasota, and as far east as Valrico and Lithia; from 1920s historic bungalows to brand-new construction; from $300k townhomes to $800k condos to $2M waterfront homes. When I got back into real estate in 2016, I started working for both buyers and sellers – directly – all over the Tampa Bay area. I specialize in the luxury market (waterfront homes, historic bungalows, beachfront and downtown condos, and new construction homes). I have been gay my entire life, so I also specialize in helping LGBTQ+ buyers and sellers, especially those moving to the Tampa Bay area from other parts of the country.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?

Being different. Many people have an idea of what they imagine a Realtor® is or isn’t. I’m not the stereotypical real estate agent. I have tattoos, don’t drive a fancy car, and wear shorts & flip flops. But don’t let that fool you… I know the local real estate market like the back of my hand! The other thing is being accessible to my clients – past, current and future. One of the things I hear from people is that they have a difficult time getting a hold of their agent, and I experience that myself when trying to communicate with other agents. Everyone I work with has my personal cell number, and I always have time to answer them or at least reply with a quick text with when I will be able to respond. I pride myself on the fact that most of my clients turn into lifelong friends!