“Every client becomes our friend,” promises Catherine Benoot of Benoot Realty in St. Petersburg. Now in its fourth generation of a family business, it offers personalized services that go well beyond buying and selling.
Geert Benoot describes the family tradition of selling real estate as “in the blood.” His father and his wife Catherine’s father and grandfather, were all in the business, and today the couple are joined by their son Matthieu. Born and raised in Belgium, the Benoots 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. They love to take advantage of St. Pete’s walkability with so many restaurants, stores, museums, and of course, Belgian beer!
Staying Small and Attentive
“We have no interest in becoming a large firm with hundreds of agents,” Matthieu Benoot reports. “We are very picky about the real estate agents we hire, and all must align with our core company values. And as a small family business, we don’t have to climb up five levels in order to make a decision.”
The Benoots have extensive knowledge of the local markets and speak seven languages: English, Afrikaans, Dutch, Flemish, French, German, and Spanish.
Advice for Current Buyers
For first-time and high-end buyers in the current market, Geert Benoot advises having patience and working with a broker who “knows what they are doing. Choose someone with the expertise and experience who is familiar with all the current listings, and they will help find the property that is right for you.” The Benoots encourage clients to take the time they need.
“Our work is not work for us,” Geert Benoot says. “It’s our lifestyle. It defines us, and we bring to it a lot of passion and knowledge.”
Providing a Personal Touch
“We get a lot of repeat clients and referrals,” Matthieu Benoot says, “as well as people who stop in while strolling by on Beach Drive. And our office feels more like a home than a typical real estate business. My mother’s artwork is displayed all over the office, and we treat you like part of the family.”
Clients are invited to sit down and have a coffee, a drink or even a meal together while discussing their needs and wants for a new home.
The Benoots can also refer you to local vendors such as insurance companies and repair people if their work stands out within the profession. “We have no financial links with them, and if something is not right we tell them,” Matthieu Benoot says. “You’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with.”
The family is active in the art community and are members of the Dali Guild. Benoot Realty is also a big supporter of CASA domestic violence services and its new partnership with the Purple Dot Yoga project for those who have experienced trauma. They also contribute to the Pet Pal animal shelter and buy Thanksgiving turkeys for those in need.
The Benoots are proud that the Belgian consul chose their office to hold passport-renewal services in April for the many Belgians living in the Tampa Bay area. “She chose the best!” Catherine Benoot says. To receive an in-depth, complimentary, no-obligation consultation, call Benoot Realty at (727) 944-4000, send email to [email protected], or stop by the office at 70 Beach Drive NE to view Catherine Benoot’s artwork.
