How to Choose the Best Realtor in Tampa (2026)
Updated
The short answer
The best realtor in Tampa for you is the one with recent closed sales in your neighborhood and price range, verified third-party rankings, detailed reviews from real clients, and a clear written plan and fee. Check all four before you sign anything. Below is how to check each one, the questions to ask, and how our own team measures up so you can compare.
What separates a great Tampa agent from the rest
- 01
Recent sales where you’re buying or selling
Tampa Bay is a collection of very different markets. Ask for closed sales from the last 12 to 24 months in your neighborhood and price range, not a career total. An agent who has recently sold homes on your side of town knows the comparable sales, the builders, the flood zones and the buyers.
Ask: “Which homes like mine have you sold nearby in the last two years?”
- 02
Verified, third-party performance data
Self-reported numbers are hard to compare. Independent rankings such as RealTrends Verified are built from transaction data, and portals like Zillow and Homes.com show an agent’s recorded sales. Look for numbers you can check.
Ask: “Where can I verify your sales volume and rankings?”
- 03
Reviews from real clients
Read reviews on Google, Zillow and the agent’s brokerage profile. Look for detail: how the agent communicated, handled problems, and negotiated. A handful of specific reviews says more than a high star rating with no comments.
Ask: “Can I speak with a recent client in a similar situation?”
- 04
A clear plan and a clear fee
Since August 17, 2024, agents working with buyers through the MLS must have a written buyer agreement before touring a home, and compensation is negotiable and not set by law. The best agents explain their services and fee in writing before you commit.
Ask: “What exactly is included, what does it cost, and how long is the agreement?”
- 05
The right specialty
Luxury waterfront, new construction, first-time buyers and out-of-state relocation each call for different skills. Choose someone whose recent work matches your situation.
Ask: “How many clients like me have you helped this year?”
- 06
An active Florida license
Every Florida sales associate and broker is licensed by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). You can confirm any agent’s license status online in under a minute.
Check: search the agent’s name on the DBPR license lookup.
Sources: National Association of REALTORS®, Consumer Guide to Written Buyer Agreements; Florida DBPR license lookup; RealTrends Verified.
The best realtor depends on where you’re buying
Each part of Tampa Bay rewards different expertise. Here’s what to look for in each.
Six questions to ask any Tampa realtor
Ask every agent you interview the same questions, including us, and compare the answers side by side.
- Which homes like mine have you sold nearby in the last two years?
- Where can I verify your sales, rankings and reviews?
- What is included in your service, and what is your fee?
- How would you price or negotiate in today’s market?
- Who will I hear from day to day, and how quickly?
- Can I speak with a recent client in a similar situation?
Our answers, with sources
We’re a family owned and operated team at Compass that has called Tampa home since 1997 and served Tampa Bay buyers and sellers since 2000. Here is how we answer the checklist above, with links so you can verify each one.
- Verified ranking: #17 among Tampa teams by both volume and sides in RealTrends Verified 2026 (2025 sales: $27.11M, 41 sides).
- Reviews: 4.9 out of 5 from 48 reviews on Google and 4.9 from 54 team reviews on Zillow, plus client testimonials on Compass.
- Recent local sales: see our notable sales and David Wertz’s sales history, including a $4.25M closing in 2026.
- Specialties: luxury properties, first-time buyers, relocation and new construction.
- License: David Wertz, Florida license #3310525. Verify with DBPR.
What clients and independent rankings say
Every figure below links to the independent source it comes from.
- From Google reviews
- “Their whole team made this experience a breeze and it sold quickly.”
- “Extremely professional, fast and super friendly service.”
- “Each time I work with them, I know I'm in good hands.”
“True Pros. Family to Family, they did more than expected from the initial experience to the selling of the Property we bought with their help. Quick and easy, nothing left to chance. Highly recommend this Team”
Ratings and rankings as shown on each source, checked October 27, 2026. Choosing an agent? Read our guide: How to choose the best realtor in Tampa.
Choosing a Tampa realtor: common questions
Who is the best realtor in Tampa?
There is no single best realtor in Tampa for everyone. The best agent for you has recent closed sales in your neighborhood and price range, verified third-party rankings, detailed client reviews, and a clear written plan and fee. Wertz Group at Compass is a family-owned Tampa team serving Tampa Bay since 2000, ranked #17 among Tampa teams by both volume and sides in RealTrends Verified 2026 (2025 sales), with a 4.9-star rating from 54 team reviews on Zillow.
Who are the top real estate teams in Tampa?
Independent rankings such as RealTrends Verified list Tampa’s top teams by sales volume and number of transactions each year. In the 2026 RealTrends Verified rankings, based on 2025 sales, Wertz Group at Compass ranked #17 among Tampa teams by both volume ($27.11M) and sides (41).
How do I check a Florida real estate agent’s license?
Use the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) license lookup at myfloridalicense.com and search by the agent’s name or license number. It shows whether the license is active and which brokerage holds it.
How much does a realtor cost in Tampa?
Real estate commissions are not set by law and are fully negotiable. Buyers working with an agent through the MLS sign a written buyer agreement before touring homes that states exactly how the agent will be paid. Sellers agree on fees in the listing agreement.
Should I choose an individual agent or a team?
Either can be the right fit. A team can offer more availability and specialized help, such as new construction or relocation, while you should still know exactly who will be your main point of contact.
What should I ask a Tampa realtor before hiring them?
Ask which similar homes they have sold nearby in the last two years, where you can verify their numbers and reviews, what is included in their services and fee, how they will price or negotiate in the current market, and who you will hear from day to day.
Interviewing agents?
We’re happy to be one of them. Tell us about your plans and David will follow up with recent sales near you and straight answers to the questions above.
Thank you. We have your request.
David will be in touch soon, usually the same day. Need us sooner? Call 813-951-6151.