Meet Heather Stotts: Tampa LGBTQ Realtor, Owner of The Hustle & Heart Group with Re/MAX Collective

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Heather Stotts is Team Lead over one of the fastest growing real estate firms in the Tampa Bay Region. Originally with Century 21, and then more recently with Keller Williams, Heather and her Hustle & Heart Group recently partnered with RE/MAX Collective Group in Florida. Heather’s office is based in Seminole, Florida but her territory covers St Petersburg, Clearwater, Dunedin, Bradenton, the entire Tampa Bay Region, and both Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties. Her team of 12 (nearly all women) is collectively referred to as the “Real Estate Queens of the Bay.”

I’m sat down with Heather to learn about her upbringing, real estate career, and dream home, because even realtors have dream homes!

Where did you grow up? Tell us about your upbringing.

I grew up in Fontana California. My mom and dad moved us there from L.A. when I was in second grade. Our very first house was a brand new construction. I still remember going to the meetings with my parents and the builder.
My family also loved horses. I grew up around horses and owned horses prior to the birth of my first son. I guess you could say I was a country girl – boots, wranglers, rodeos – the whole bit.
My dad owned his own business. He had a printing company (I wish he still did). My mom worked in the medical field. My younger brother was into stereotypical boy stuff – baseball, bmx bikes, and skateboards. I used to hang out with the boys and play baseball.
I’ve had a job since I was 15. I worked for a woman who owned a Party Planning company and I was in charge of the ponies.

Favorite childhood memory?

My brother and I used to set up our tent in the backyard. We’d have a campout and then use an extension cord to plug in the TV.

Where did you go to school and what did you study?

I went to school at Crafton Hills College in Yucaipa California where I studied business.

Why did you enter the world of real estate?

I had worked with agents in the past and I never got the level of service I thought I deserved. I knew from a customer service perspective I could do better.

What were you doing before real estate?

I was a store manager for a wholesale beauty supply called SALONCENTRIC for 8 years. After I had my youngest, I stayed home for a year. After that, I entered the Real Estate world.

What is your favorite part about your job?

I love to see a client’s face when they get those keys. I work with a lot of first-time homebuyers and they work so hard to get that first house.

What is your favorite tool for finding new clients?

I get many of my clients as referrals from friends and family. Referrals make up a significant portion of my business.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Have fun, make money and eat cupcakes!

Why is working with LGBTQ clients so important to you?

As a lesbian, I hate the feeling of having to hide who I am or who I’m married to, to my agent. It used to be “oh this is my sister,” just because you never know who you are in front of. I never want someone to feel like that.

Describe your dream home!

My dream home is on the Gulf (Gulf Front to be exact). You know, one of those multi-million dollar Gulf Mansions!

Why should clients work with you versus another realtor?

I am a problem solver. I have a solution before you ever know you have a problem. I have compassion for my clients and I listen. That’s a big one, not all agents listen. I am constantly educating myself to provide a better experience for both of us. I am a great communicator, and as my business partner says, I always have a guy for that!

If you are looking for or selling a home in the Tampa Bay region, contact Heather Stotts.

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Also, while we do our best to highlight LGBTQ-friendly destinations and businesses, info provided is based solely on personal experience and recommendations by community partners. We hope that nobody experiences discrimination or homophobia while visiting Florida, but we make no guarantees. Please inform us if you experience discrimination or homophobia while visiting any destination so we can make updates to our recommendations.

Rachel Covello

Rachel Covello is an award-winning speaker, writer, diversity consultant, and LGBT advocate. She was the Founder of LGBT Equality Alliance, a Chester County, PA nonprofit organization. She is currently the Publisher of OutCoast.com and Producer of the OutCoast TV YouTube Channel, both of which highlight LGBTQ welcoming destinations in Florida.

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