Michael Thompson on Tampa, St. Pete, Clearwater & Sarasota Real Estate & Luxury Buyer Priorities

How long have you been active in real estate, and what markets do you specialize in?

I have been actively licensed for a little over 10 years now. I mainly focus on the Tampa, St. Petersburg FL markets.

What inspired you to pursue a career in real estate?

The inspiration is and has always been my drive to help others at a high level. Sales was always going to be my path, whether that was in another arena or in real estate, my goal was always to deliver the highest results in a transactional manner.

I consider most days as a personal challenge to break the mold that has been our label for some years. I find that if you are true to your service and true to your customer the results will follow. Real estate has allowed me to work in a space where every day is a new challenge and potentially a new impactful chapter in someone else’s life. “Know your product, know your customer.”

What do you do to maintain long-term relationships with your clients?

I treat all customers honestly and fairly with a high regard to respect and appreciation. I find that if you take care of them, they will take care of you.

How would you describe your approach to real estate in the Tampa Bay area?

My approach to real estate in my area of focus is socialization, brand awareness and local expertise. Everyone knows someone who knows someone else, hardly ever does this translate to an expert on the other side of the table. It is my goal on a day to day basis to have one meaningful conversation, learn something new and share my story. These action items alone will eventually spread like wildfire.

If I can save just one family from a stressful transaction I’m making progress.

What do luxury buyers typically look for in the Tampa, St. Pete, Clearwater, and Sarasota high‑end real estate market?

Luxury buyers tend to hyper focus on trending value, local attractions and school zones for children. If the above mentioned remains in a positive light it usually turns out well for protecting their investment. City growth is crucial to attracting new luxury home buyers.

Finish this sentence your clients use: ‘Choose him because …’

Clients choose me in real estate because I take the time to truly understand their goals and treat each transaction as if it were my own. With over a decade of experience in the Tampa Bay and St. Pete markets, I bring local knowledge, negotiation skills, and a calm approach to what can sometimes feel like a stressful process.

My clients know they can count on me for honesty, clear communication, and results that move them forward with confidence.