Many real estate services claim always to put the client first, but at Benoot Realty all agents are expected to treat their clients first and foremost. Now in its fifth generation, Benoot Realty offers personalized real estate services that go well beyond buying and selling.
Geert Benoot and his son Matthieu Benoot were both born and raised in Belgium and started vacationing in Tarpon Springs 30 years ago. They became permanent residents in 1998 and U.S. citizens 10 years later. The avid boaters moved to St. Petersburg in 2012, after discovering the storefront on Beach Drive NE.
At Benoot Realty all agents have extensive knowledge of the local markets. The Benoots speak an amazing seven languages combined: English, Afrikaans, Dutch, Flemish, French, German, and Swiss. The boutique brokerage attracts local residents as well as visitors and markets its services in Europe.
Going the Extra Mile
Here are just a few examples of how Benoot Realty goes well beyond the call of duty:
➢ A client wants to sell their current home but is not ready to buy a new one. The Benoots will find them a property to rent.
➢ After closing on a new home, a client questions the amount of the property tax bill. Benoot Realty will research the value of comparable properties so the homeowner can petition for a lower amount with the city.
➢ A client purchases a home but wants to rent it out. The Benoots will find a tenant, free of charge for the first one.
➢ They take pride in always being present during a home inspection in case any issues arise, and during repairs, appraisal, closing, etc. They are usually aware of problems ahead of time and can arrange to have them fixed.
➢ If staging or design services are needed for a home going on the market, Matthieu Benoot’s fiancée has a background in interior design and offers home staging with free consultations to Benoot Realty clients.
“Basically, we treat others how we would like to be treated,” Geert Benoot says. “And if something is outside of our scope, all of the agents at Benoot Realty are equipped to refer you to local vendors such as insurance companies, title companies, home inspectors and repair people that also put their clients first.”
“We have no financial links with any of them, and if something is not right we tell them. You’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with,” Matthieu Benoot says.
Helping First-Time Buyers
Geert Benoot believes the market is shifting a bit in favor of buyers, as compared with 2021 and 2022. However, finding something affordable is always a challenge. “We present various options to first-time buyers,” Matthieu Benoot says, “such as purchasing a multifamily home where they can rent out one or more units and live in the other. We are happy to suggest different routes to home ownership.”
The Benoots are active in the art community and are members of the Dali Guild to help promote art around St. Pete. They’re also big supporters of the Purple Dot Yoga project and the work it does with local organizations and trauma survivors.
The Belgian consul chose their office to hold passport-renewal services last year for the many Belgians living in the Tampa Bay area. “It was so successful they are coming back again this year,” Matthieu Benoot reports. “We had about 150 people come to our office and about 80 of us went out for drinks afterwards.”
Call Benoot Realty at (727) 944-4000, email at [email protected], or stop by the office at 70 Beach Drive NE to chat or receive an in-depth, complimentary, no-obligation consultation.
