“Live the life you want.”
That’s the motto Madeira Beach-based real estate brokerage, Waterfront Realty, lives and works by.
by Kat Kobzeff
“Our team is passionate about community outreach, open communication and delivering an unmatched level of service that stems from our relational approach to business,” owner Tim Johnson said.
In business since 1991, the firm was acquired by veteran real estate husband and wife team, Tim and Gina Johnson, in 2011. They head a team of associates with more than 80 years of combined experience in relocation, buying and selling. Their company mission is to help locals, and those wishing to relocate to the Barrier Islands, find a home that fits their unique goals and dreams.
The team is comprised of the following people: real estate specialists Gina Johnson, Joanie Parker, Christa Ray, Jill Gentile, Beth Walker, Whitnee Suarez and brokers
Tim Johnson, Scott Ramella, Chris Kelly and staff Gary Salyer, Christian Smith and Amanda Walker. They are always looking for the right people who want to make a difference, according to owners Tim and Gina. “My mission with creating this company was to do real estate different,” Tim said. “I wanted to give our team and this industry a reputation as honest, ethical, community driven and passionate individuals.”
Waterfront Realty clients range from first-time homeowners to couples upgrading into larger homes to Canadians looking for their dream waterfront condo. The team enjoys taking clients out on the water to view properties by boat for a truly unique real estate experience!
“We offer full service to all, from those buying a first home, upsizing or down sizing, and to those looking to find their dream beach house or condo,” said Tim. The Waterfront team specializes in education, offering information and creating opportunities for locals to learn about new developments. They also pride themselves on being the Barrier Island experts and offer real estate advisory services to their impressive client list.
“We live in Kentucky and Joanie Parker was our Realtor for the sale of two homes in Seminole,” said Cheryl, a client. “This was our first experience selling a home from out of state and they made the process as comfortable and easy for us as possible!”
The team announced last month their upcoming move into the Olympic Plaza building located at 15235 Gulf Boulevard, around the corner from Archibald Park and will be hosting a Ribbon Cutting Event sponsored by the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce. Local businesses and the public are invited to come network and take a tour of their new high-tech office space, including a 10-foot beach mural that tells the story of how the team is making a difference.
“Service could not have been better,” said client Kim Huck. “Beth thinks of everything and covers all bases. This was my third time working with her and she makes the process seamless and really goes the extra mile. I would highly recommend her!”
The custom mural that wraps around their new office not only brightens up the once bare building walls, it also represents their desire to make a difference in the community, one life at a time. It’s based on the popular, “Starfish Story,” in which a boy attempts to save thousands of starfish on a beach, despite being told he will never be able to have a big impact working by himself. Eventually his passion and determination inspires everyone on the beach to help and every starfish is saved.
“We believe everyone can make a difference, and work diligently to guide those around us to do the same. Waterfront Realty has a strong company philosophy of impacting and improving the lives of others, one at a time,” said owner Gina Johnson.
Not only does the Waterfront team give back through their client parties, infamous “pop-by” gifts delivered to the community and real estate classes, they also donate a portion of each transaction to local charities.
“Our Waterfront Realty associates all practice working by referral. We find success in deeper relationships, and offer to all our clients access to our exclusive events. When we work with people, we focus on relationships, and great service is the byproduct,” said Tim Johnson.
The improvements made to the new Waterfront Realty office are symbolic of the renaissance happening in Madeira Beach right now. Once a casual beach town, it is getting a facelift with major development projects, including hotels, condos and restaurants. Officials believe these multi-million dollar projects are going to bring more tourists, which means more dollars.
Built by Jack Bennett – Bennett Custom Building, the Waterfront Realty office space and environment pays homage to the laid back fishing village locals know and love, while incorporating the latest technology and updates that fit with the new look coming to Madeira Beach.
On Thursday, May 16th, 2019, the Waterfront Realty team will be holding a Ribbon Cutting Celebration from 5 to 7 pm for the public to attend. Stop by and check out their new space right around the corner from the new Madeira Beach Town Center project, including Harbor Condos. Right behind the New Bronze Lady Home Furnishings.
“I have been in real estate 20+ years and chose to join the Waterfront Team because we are like-minded in that we both truly care about our clients, not just the daily grind of real estate,” Realtor Joanie Parker said. “We both feel that going the extra mile to help clients through the biggest purchasing decision of their lives is really what really matters.”
Their goal is to meet and connect with as many of their neighbors as possible, educate people on the current state of the market and learn how they can serve the community in meaningful ways.
“We selected this location because of its visibility on Gulf Blvd for our community and the tourist who buy properties,” Tim said. “We wanted to be in the heart of Madeira Beach and all the action.” To learn more about the grand opening event visit: starfishrealtor.com or contact Tim Johnson at 727-224-6856.