On the latest episode of the 239 Real Estate Roundtable Podcast, I had the chance to sit down with Chris Haynes, a real estate agent from Frank Albert Realty in Tampa.
His story is one that truly captures the essence of transitioning careers, leveraging personal networks, and understanding diverse markets.
From working in the fast-paced world of the casino industry to building a successful real estate career, Chris shared the challenges, rewards, and lessons he’s learned along the way.
Let me walk you through some of the highlights from our conversation.
Tune in to our full conversation:
Moving from Casino Jobs to Real Estate Ventures
One of the first things that struck me during our conversation was Chris’s bold decision to leave the casino industry after 20 years. The pandemic made many people rethink their lives, and Chris was no exception.
He realized that working in the service industry had its limitations and left him feeling expendable. It was during that time that he decided to take control of his future and dive into real estate.
He explained how his time working in the gaming industry wasn’t all that different from real estate, in terms of the service aspect. Both fields are about people and relationships. His background in hospitality provided the perfect foundation for working with clients in real estate.
Choosing the Right Brokerage: Why Frank Albert Realty?
When it came time to choose a brokerage, Chris could have gone to a big name like Keller Williams or Coldwell Banker. But instead, he decided to join Frank Albert Realty, a boutique firm in Tampa. Chris’s decision was driven by trust.
He’s known Frank Albert for over 20 years from their days working together at the casino, and that personal connection was more valuable to him than a bigger corporate name.
Chris shared how working with Frank allowed him to have a more personal relationship with his broker. It wasn’t about commission splits or being just another agent in a large firm.
For Chris, it was all about trust and a good fit, and that’s exactly what Frank Albert Realty offered.
How Social Media Fueled Chris’s Success
As we continued the conversation, Chris emphasized the role of social media in his real estate success. His very first deal came from a social media connection—someone he had worked with at the casino saw his posts and reached out.
That initial deal snowballed into more opportunities, many of which also came through social media.
Chris dedicates a lot of time to marketing and content creation, setting aside two days a week just to focus on social media. He uses TikTok, posts on various platforms, and creates videos to engage with potential clients.
This focus on marketing has helped him grow his business quickly. But like most agents, he struggles to find the time for it all, especially with three kids and a busy schedule.
Building Business Through Connections and Hobbies
One of the things that stood out was how Chris leverages his network and hobbies to fuel his business. It turns out that even playing Call of Duty opened doors for him in real estate!
He met a connection through the game who later helped him land multiple deals, including working with a builder to purchase land for spec homes. This connection continues to provide him with listings today.
Chris’s story shows just how important it is to tap into your existing network and personal interests. Whether it’s gaming or former colleagues, you never know where the next business opportunity might come from. That connection has become a major part of his business and growth.
In addition to leveraging his network, Chris also emphasizes the importance of getting help from a mortgage broker. Partnering with a knowledgeable broker has enabled him to secure favorable financing for clients, streamlining the buying process. This collaboration enhances his services and builds trust, contributing to business growth.
Tampa vs. Southwest Florida: Navigating Two Markets
Chris has experience working in two very different markets—Tampa and Southwest Florida. During the podcast, he highlighted the distinct characteristics of each area.
Tampa is a fast-paced, tech-forward city constantly in the spotlight, with booming neighborhoods like Seminole Heights attracting young families and entrepreneurs. The high demand coupled with scarce supply continues to drive prices up.
In contrast, Southwest Florida is more laid-back. Markets like Port Charlotte and North Port offer plenty of housing options, but that abundance can sometimes overwhelm buyers. Chris explained how too many choices can cause hesitation.
However, for buyers who are ready to act, Southwest Florida offers great deals, with homes often going under the asking price and sellers covering closing costs.
One of the most effective ways to navigate these distinct real estate markets is by listening to relevant podcasts. Podcasts offer valuable insights from experts about Tampa and Southwest Florida, covering market trends, emerging neighborhoods, and investment opportunities.
Market Challenges: What Buyers and Sellers Face
Chris and I discussed some of the challenges that buyers and sellers face in today’s market. In Tampa, the biggest issue is the shortage of homes in popular areas, which makes it tough for buyers to find what they want.
Meanwhile, in Southwest Florida, the oversupply of homes can make it difficult for buyers to narrow down their choices.
For sellers, the uncertainty in the market—ranging from interest rates to changes like the NAR lawsuit—has created hesitation.
As Chris mentioned, affordability is key, and if interest rates continue to drop, more buyers will enter the market, creating an ideal opportunity for sellers.
Chris’s Vision for the Future
When I asked Chris about his long-term goals, he had some big ideas. His dream is to bring more business back to the Lakeland and Tampa markets, where he lives.
One of his top ambitions is to help a builder develop an entire subdivision. Right now, he’s working on smaller projects, but he’s eager to take on something larger, whether it’s a five-acre or even a 100-acre development.
Lakeland, in particular, excites him because it reminds him of Tampa’s historic neighborhoods, like Seminole Heights, with charming bungalows and plenty of untapped potentials.
Lakeland’s central location between Tampa and Orlando makes it a prime spot for development, and Chris is ready to be part of that growth.
Ready to Explore Your Real Estate Options?
Talking with Chris reminded me of why so many people are drawn to real estate—it’s about building relationships and helping people find the right home or investment.
Chris’s journey from the casino industry to real estate success is proof that hard work, leveraging your network, and staying focused can lead to big rewards.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling in Tampa or Southwest Florida, now is the perfect time to take the next step.
Tune in to the 239 Real Estate Roundtable Podcast
We feature inspiring stories, expert insights, and practical advice from real estate professionals like Chris. Let’s help you make your next move a success!
Whether you’re looking for a vibrant city market or a peaceful retreat, I’m here to guide you through the process and make your real estate dreams a reality.
