Top Producers
PHOTO BY MADI ELIZABETH, JON SIERRA AND NOELLE GARDINER
There are more realtors in Florida than any state in the country—but you need only one, the right one, to help you buy, sell or rent a home.
So where do you begin? Massive global listing sites? Seeing which faces are on benches when you're at a traffic light on South Florida Avenue? Google Reviews plus word-of-mouth multiplied by a compelling presence on social media?
There's no perfect answer, but history and experience are generally a reliable indicator of who some of your best option are locally.
Our Featured Top Producers are all among the Top 100 local realtors in sales so far this year, and they are each deeply devoted to successfully guiding you through the complex and emotional journey of buying or selling real estate.
The Hubberts
"Adhering to each clients’ particular tastes can be challenging, but handing the keys to a satisfied customer is exhilarating each and every time."
Christine and John Hubbert have become a real estate tag-team to be reckoned with thanks to the unique lenses they have seen real estate through over the years and their driving passion to make a difference for Lakelanders.
Christine first acquired her real estate license in 2015 when she was a regional property manager for Publix, overseeing more than 100 of the grocery giant’s shopping centers. She also developed a thorough understanding and appreciation of finance during her time working at MidFlorida Credit Union.
Her husband John earned his chops working in sales for a Lakeland contractor, where he gained a passion for helping commercial and residential customers achieve their dreams.
He obtained his real estate license in 2019, when the couple launched Team Hubbert, which has now grown to a team of 16 agents, renown throughout Central Florida for utilizing trusted local connections to ensure every client’s needs are met in a timely and professional manner.
“Our connections and ties to the community guarantees that we have the marketing, lending and contracting professionals available to our buyers and sellers when it’s business as usual or when the unexpected occurs,” Christine says.
Team Hubbert’s recent transition in brokerage to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices - Florida Properties Group has granted them access to some of the most advanced real estate technologies available, making the process as simple and personal as possible for their clients, no matter their level of experience.
What’s the difference between what being a real estate agent is really like and what you thought it was going to be like?
The world of real estate is fast paced, but rewarding. For those who expect a standard work schedule, the task may seem daunting. Meeting future homeowners’ needs requires flexible hours and an open line of communication throughout the process of home showing, inspection, and finalization of a purchase or sale. Adhering to each clients’ particular tastes can be challenging, but handing the keys to a satisfied customer is exhilarating each and every time.
The Hubberts’ Top Tips for Buyers in Today’s Market:
1 - Find a realtor you are confident in.
This is the person that will fight for your best interests and give trusted recommendations to best handle each task. Experience is paramount, as each home presents its own unique obstacles to navigate.
2 - Get pre-approved with a local mortgage lender.
This gives the best insight into your purchase power, with consideration of a down payment and monthly payment that you’re most comfortable with.
3 - Don’t be discouraged by the rapidly-changing market.
New homes are available every day; for every deal that doesn’t pan out, there will always come a property that you’re sure to love even more.
Regal Real Estate
"It is so important for me to keep up with all of the changes and updates that occur all the time so I can keep my clients up to date and to be able to advise them properly"
When someone hires an agent from Regal Real Estate they get not only an advocate, but a teacher.
Cyleste McClintock-Goodson, Debbie Ward-Terry and Tammy Storie have all lived and worked in Lakeland for decades, and the trio—whose boutique office is located in the heart of Lakeland, across from the library and a few steps away from Mr. Fish—are eager to share data and market trends with clients to help them make wise, informed decisions.
“I was a nurse for 30+ years and love serving people and helping them reach their goals,” Cyleste says. “Much of what a nurse does is educate, and I find that this is true with real estate.”
Tammy, a 20-year real estate veteran, said staying on top of the changes to the market and the profession are paramount.
“It is so important for me to keep up with all of the changes and updates that occur all the time so I can keep my clients up to date and to be able to advise them properly,” she says.
Debbie is well cross-trained in the real estate profession, having managed four real estate offices over the years and coached and trained hundreds of agents. She says that clients of Regal Real Estate benefit not only from the trio’s collective wisdom, but have access to digital marketing tools and technology that give them a competitive advantage.
Cyleste says they let clients set the pace and they are “not aggressive” in their approach, but will always advocate for what a client wants.
“What most people need to feel a level of comfort is to know that they are heard and that you care,” Cyleste says.
The longtime Lakelander has a heart for active-duty military, veterans and first responders as her family has a deep military history. She has earned a VA Mortgage Specialist designation to help VA buyers navigate the sometimes confusing process.
What’s the difference between what being a real estate agent is really like and what you thought it was going to be like?
Cyleste: In many ways, it is exactly what I thought it would be like, only better! [As a nurse] I used to see patients in their home environment where they were most vulnerable. Now I take sensitive, personal information from clients and put them in a home or out of a home. Client success is the goal, and that makes me happy.
The Trios Top Tips for Buyers in Today’s Market:
1 - Consult a professional.
You could do it alone, but tapping into a professional’s ability to negotiate will serve your needs and potentially save you money. (Debbie)
2 - Prepare financially.
Save your money and pay down debt to be prepared to make strong offers. (Tammy)
3 - Remain goal oriented.
Focus on the goal, not the details. (Cyleste)
Jennifer Conner
“I take pride in educating my clients on the process and helping them understand each stage of a transaction."
Jennifer Conner grew up in Lakeland and raised her children in the Swan City, providing her a distinct perspective on the housing market and a strong emotional connection to helping locals make some of the most important decisions of their lives.
“Some people have to make very emotional decisions, and that is tough. Others find it is like making any other business decision,” she says. “When our family sold our home and bought a new one about 10 years ago, it was something we wanted to do, but it was very emotional for me.”
Years ago, Jennifer worked in real estate appraisals, and then she worked for a custom home builder. She jokes she “loves the smell of a home under construction,” but ultimately she realized she wanted to be involved with people on a more personal level to make the greatest impact.
The Xcellence Realty veteran says she closely follows the trends and movements within real estate to ultimately do what’s best for each client, treating the process as if she was looking to buy or sell a home for her family.
“I consider myself an exceptional trouble shooter and negotiator,” Jennifer says. “You have to anticipate hurdles before they happen in order to be prepared. I take pride in educating my clients on the process and helping them understand each stage of a transaction.”
She is able to help clients navigate the often arduous process of buying or selling a home in part because of a pipeline she has cultivated to highly recommended local lenders, insurance companies, inspectors and contractors.
Once she equips clients with the latest and greatest information during their search she highly recommends they heavily weigh the pros and cons and “sleep on it” for a night to make the wisest decision for their future.
“I love listening to what people want and making it happen for them!” she says. “You have to have some stamina in this business, it is not as easy as many people think. If I make it look easy, then I have done my job.”
What’s the difference between what being a real estate agent is really like and what you thought it was going to be like?
I honestly don't remember what I thought being a realtor would be like—I just knew I wanted to do it. It was very challenging early on...I started in real estate as the housing market was crashing, but each year I found favor and was blessed with more business year after year. You definitely have to find a balance between being an aggressive agent for your clients, listening, being compassionate and being able to adapt and work well with everyone involved in a transaction from beginning to end.
Jennifer’s Top Tips for Buyers in Today’s Market:
1 - Choose a reputable and experienced realtor.
Our goal is to keep the bumps in the road to a minimum...hopefully you don't even feel the bumps.
2 - Start the conversation with your realtor and lender early.
We will educate you on how to get ready for buying or selling and get you in the right "starting position" to achieve your goals.
3 - Be flexible!
Market conditions change, showings get canceled, you get short notice requests, inspection issues come up, changes happen. Understanding this will help you get through the process easier.
Jen Lay
“I genuinely care about helping my clients achieve their goals, regardless of the financial outcome for me.”
Every time The Lay Group sells a home, it’s a win not only for the buyer or seller, it’s a win for the community.
This real estate team—led by 20-year real estate veteran Jen Lay—sold nearly 100 homes last year, and every time a deal closed, 10 percent of the commissions went to Lay Legacy, a local non-profit dedicated to helping single parents buy their first home and funding local projects to enhance educational opportunities for youth.
“Community service is a core value. Supporting organizations like One More Child, Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine, United Way of Central Florida and Polk County School Board has strengthened my community ties,” says Lay, a Leadership Lakeland and Leadership Polk alum. “This dedication enhances my empathy and understanding when working with clients.”
Lay marries her love for people with confidence in her ability to negotiate, constantly analyze the market and provide sound wisdom for her clients
“I genuinely care about helping my clients achieve their goals, regardless of the financial outcome for me,” Lay says. “My only goal in this career—and in life—is to give everyone the best life possible. I live every day like it's the best day ever and believe you can overcome any challenge by being proactive and creative in your craft.”
The Kathleen High School graduate is an eXp Icon Agent and Certified Mentor.
“Over the years, I’ve built a respectable reputation as a straight shooter and this honesty and tenacity ensures my clients' best interests are always prioritized.”
What’s the difference between what being a real estate agent is really like and what you thought it was going to be like?
I thought being a real estate agent would involve writing contracts and showing houses, but it's much more about building relationships, understanding clients' needs, and constantly adapting to market changes. The emotional aspect of helping clients find their dream homes or sell cherished properties, all while helping generations of families, has been incredibly rewarding in ways I never expected.
Jen’s Top Tips for Buyers in Today’s Market:
1 - Interview several local agents.
Finding the right real estate agent is crucial. Interview multiple agents to find someone with expertise in your desired area and who can guide you in this competitive market.
2 - Get pre-approved.
Having a pre-approval letter from a lender strengthens your offer and demonstrates your seriousness as a buyer.
3 - Be flexible!
Stay open-minded about property features and neighborhoods. Being flexible can increase your options and help you find the right home in a tight market.
Paige Wagner
“For me, homes are more than structures; they're the embodiment of our community's spirit and a reflection of who we are.”
As Paige Wagner casts a vision for what a space could be to a potential buyer it becomes clear that buying and selling homes is not a science for her—rather it’s an art.
For the past 10 years, Paige Wagner Homes Realty has made a name for itself by providing high level customer service and expertise and a keen design eye that can rejuvenate a tired home listing or call out the potential of a home to a wide array of buyers.
Paige is naturally creative, as evidenced by producing the Lakeland documentary and art book “The People Who Live There” and her success in leading local home renovations.
“Each property is a canvas, with countless variables shaping its unique narrative,” she says. “For me, homes are more than structures; they're the embodiment of our community's spirit and a reflection of who we are.”
PWH Realty employs distinctive staging techniques and innovative marketing strategies to put homes at the top of potential buyers’ lists. It’s no surprise that this boutique brokerage nestled in the heart of Lakeland is revered for its knowledge and expertise related to historic homes.
At the end of the day, Wagner says it’s all about meeting the specific needs of each client.
Above all, we prioritize our clients. We understand the significance of this decision in their lives, and it's our unwavering commitment to put their needs first.
“Guided by a profound sense of responsibility, we navigate each step of the journey with integrity and empathy, ensuring that every individual we serve is guided from where they are to where they aspire to be,” she says.
What’s the difference between what being a real estate agent is really like and what you thought it was going to be like?
Being a real estate agent is less about beautiful homes and more about managing the diverse personalities of people. As a broker, my primary role is to facilitate understanding and agreement among people from different backgrounds and with varied real estate experiences, guiding them toward their shared goals. While the homes are indeed pretty and fun to walk through, I’ve learned that real estate is fundamentally about empathy, communication, and creative problem-solving. I also believed I'd still enjoy watching HGTV shows, but that quickly became a thing of the past!
Paige’s Top Tips for Buyers in Today’s Market:
1 - Prioritize location.
Remember, you can renovate a house, but you can't relocate it. In today's market, placing value on location ensures long-term satisfaction with your investment.
2 - Don't fear interest rates.
In a fluctuating market, don't let higher interest rates deter you. Rates can be adjusted later, but seizing opportunities in a lower-priced market may not always be available to you.
3 - Invest in inspections.
Whether purchasing a pre-owned home or new construction, never skip a thorough home inspection. This small investment can provide substantial returns by identifying potential issues and minimizing risks down the road.
Kristin Kellin
"I practice real estate like your doctor practices medicine. I pride myself on being educated on the market."
In the fast paced world of real estate, Kristin Kellin is equipped for the fight and ready to utilize techniques and strategies she has developed throughout her life to help clients win every time.
Before going all in on real estate eight years ago, Kristin ran the family business, Champions Mixed Martial Arts, an experience she calls key to her sustained success buying and selling homes and managing rental properties as Team Leader of The Kellin Group.
She learned the ins and outs of selling at a micro-level, she became personally connected with countless Lakelanders who enjoy the sport and she developed the personal and professional characteristics she needs to excel as an agent.
“Being honest, having integrity, and being educated—I think that those are the three biggest things that you can ask for,” the University of South Florida alum says.
“Having integrity is absolutely the most important thing for me because that goes into every single deal that we do.”
Kristin points out there is so much false information and “propaganda” related to real estate, and she works tirelessly to combat it by studying the facts of the Central Florida market to equip her clients to navigate a complex and ever changing market.
“There are a lot of [agents] out there,” she says. “And I practice real estate like your doctor practices medicine. I pride myself on being educated on the market…and with decades of experience working with people, I have also developed a keen understanding of consumer needs.”
Early on in her career, Kristin had the opportunity to work with investors, which eventually led her to opening the rental and property management side of her businesses. The dual focus allows her to not only assist investors, but to help everyday people find ways to build long-term wealth.
“I never imagined all the possibilities when I first started, but I feel incredibly blessed to have embraced them and excel in my role,” she says.”
What’s the difference between what being a real estate agent is really like and what you thought it was going to be like?
When I was getting licensed, I didn't fully grasp how integral real estate is to everyday life. However, it quickly became clear, and I eagerly dove into it! I became obsessed with educating myself to fully understand the industry, and my passion for real estate has only grown since those early days. I love helping my clients understand concepts like equity and leverage, and showing them how they can build generational wealth for their families.
Kristin’s Top Tips for Buyers in Today’s Market:
1 - Hire the right agent!
Find the person you can trust fully with helping you make some of life's biggest decisions. Look for experience, authenticity and a passion for the job at hand.
2 - There are no stupid questions, ask them all!
I love to answer questions because it helps me see where a buyer or seller is at and provides the opportunity to be honest and give them more confidence in the process.
3 - Stay informed; don't fall for propaganda. There's a lot of misinformation out there.
Do your homework and rely on facts and current data to guide your decision making.
Jody Ciavardone & Jeri Thom
“Customers are trusting you with one of the most important purchases or sales in their life, so it’s our job to be well versed in our craft."
If knowledge is power, then clients of Jeri Thom and Jody Ciavardone of Premier Realty Network should feel fully qualified to buy or sell a home.
Jeri, a 26-year real estate veteran, is a straight shooter who welcomes wearing the many hats demanded in the profession because every lesson and piece of information she has can be an asset to a buyer or seller.
“One thing I always stress to buyers is not to be blinded by the dolled-up home in a bad location because location is the one thing you cannot renovate or redecorate,” she says. “And with sellers, I help them understand that often a small investment in prepping the home will pay big dividends and reduce the stress of having their home on the market.”
Jody emphasizes the importance of building a deep personal connection with clients so she can truly work with them and for them. She said it’s ideal for a first meeting with a client to be in-person, and right off the bat she creates an expectation of how communication will take place.
“I love my craft and dedicate myself to every detail of every transaction, and my clientele believe in the expertise I provide,” she says.
At Premier Realty Network each agent is responsible for understanding the complete transaction process, meaning they work together to be able to answer all of their client’s questions in a quick and expert fashion.
“Customers are trusting you with one of the most important purchases or sales in their life, so it’s our job to be well versed in our craft,” Jody says.
What’s the difference between what being a real estate agent is really like and what you thought it was going to be like?
Jody: At PRN this is something we talk about all the time in our office! Often the public has no true understanding of how a real estate professional works or receives compensation. Successful agents work tirelessly to provide exceptional service and value for the compensation we receive. The typical real estate transaction has countless “little” things that require monitoring and agent involvement allowing our clients to attend to the business of their family and careers.
The Duo’s Top Tips for Buyers in Today’s Market:
1 - Age matters.
Older homes can be charming but understand that such homes in the more established areas often come with challenges related to insurability. Roof age is now a major issue for buyers due to the insurance industry’s efforts to curtail fraud. (Jeri)
2 - Know your credit.
Having stellar credit is imperative in order to avoid any extra cost associated with a purchase. (Jody)
3 - Buyers, be realistic.
The industry is about to undergo a major shift, so now, more than ever, it is important for buyers to be realistic about their criteria for a home as it relates to their needs and wants. (Jeri)
Yolanda Floyd
"I always want to find a way for my clients to get what they want as much as possible, while being honest and realistic..."
Spend five minutes with Yolanda Floyd and you’ll likely be sold. Not necessarily on a house she is showing you or her vision for staging a home you’re trying to sell, but you’ll be sold that the team lead for The Flourish Group at PWH Realty has what it takes to make any deal happen and work through any adversity you might encounter.
A proud Mexican-American and Bartow High graduate, Floyd is a mother to five children who leans on her firm faith in God and her own testimony of overcoming to see each client as a person with a story, not just a means to a transaction.
“Just watching my parents work for us as hard as they did...we used to pick fruits and would travel from Michigan to Florida as migrants,” she recalls. “So I just feel like I adapt well in any situation for sure.”
Her journey to real estate started in early 2020 primarily out of necessity. She and her husband, Frankie, had just resigned from the church they planted, the pandemic lockdown had just started, she was pregnant with the couple’s daughter—and suddenly they were trying to figure out how to live on one part-time income.
Yolanda was selling health and beauty products as a consultant, and Frankie—who had past experience in the mortgage industry more than a decade earlier—said: “You sell hundreds of lipsticks, why can’t you sell a house?”
Yolanda didn’t have the confidence she would be able to make the jump, but with the help of her husband’s support, her kids cheering her on and the dear friendships they developed at a new church home, Grace City, she earned her real estate license at the end of 2020. In 2021, as a first year agent, she closed 24 deals, more than five times the national average for a rookie.
“As we were in the process of healing, Frankie and I wrote down on a marker board the number we want to make and this is what we want to give to the church, and God exceeded the number…and it’s a reminder to other people and can inspire them that God sees them.”
When it comes to seeing people who are ready to buy or sell a home, flexibility is one thing Yolanda is very intentional about. As a mother to four sons and a daughter she is always managing a calendar chalked full with sports, school activities and church functions.
“I think if you're not flexible in real estate, you're not gonna be a good agent,” she says. “People need to know that if they can be available at 7 o’clock, then you have to find a way for someone to be there.”
Yolanda considers herself a specialist of sorts for Bartow real estate, but she buys and sells across Central Florida, including commercial properties.
She credits her team at The Flourish Group—including her transaction coordinator, and sister, Joanna Angeles—for being an amazing group of collaborators whose sole focus is intently listening to clients to help make their dreams come true.
“I always want to find a way for them to get what they want as much as possible, while being honest and realistic throughout the process,” she says.
What’s the difference between what being a real estate agent is really like and what you thought it was going to be like?
I would say it is a lot like ministry. I know I give God the credit a lot, but it's because He deserves it; my story is that even though we lost everything and thought I would never be able to do ministry, this is a lot like ministry, taking care of my clients. I think that's what really surprised me is I'm not just selling houses, I actually am making a difference in someone's life.
Yolanda’s Top Tips for Buyers in Today’s Market:
1 - Have faith.
Know that God is ultimately in control of the entire process. There will be challenges along the way, but there is nothing that He cannot overcome.
2 - Seek wisdom.
Choose an experienced and insightful team who will lead you not only into what to do, but how to do it, and most importantly, why to do it.
3 - Find someone you trust.
Find an agent you can trust wholeheartedly. I would never advise a client to make a decision that I wouldn't advise my own mother or sister to make. I have turned away deals that I could tell clients might one day regret.
Jordan Prais
Forgive Jordan Prais if he says a deal appears to be a “slam dunk” or if he uses a shot clock analogy to describe how a client has limited time to put in an offer on a hotly contested property.
The 6-foot-7 Lakeland High School graduate and St. Leo University’s men’s basketball Hall of Fame inductee played professional basketball in France —and he loves to share his game plan to help people buy and sell homes through 54 Realty.
He said sports taught him two key principles that he applies every day in real estate.
“First is to be competitive: I strive to get my clients the best deal possible and try to help as many families as I can with their real estate goals,” he says. “Second, nothing is permanent: you might go out one game and score 30 points and the next week you can't buy a basket. Markets are like games; they go up and down, but if you're using the correct principles you will always be able to find success as long as you stay in the market.”
He illustrates that principle by noting that if someone bought a home in 2006 they would have been upside down by 2008, but if they still owned that same home today it would likely be worth at least double the amount they purchased it for.
Prais’s competitive nature comes in handy when he’s negotiating deals for clients—an art he believes has been somewhat lost.
“I have strived to get better at negotiating each year of my career. I believe when you’re hiring an agent, the biggest thing they can do for you is get you the best deal possible, whether you are on the buying or selling side.”
The devoted husband and father of two attended college in Tampa Bay, and prides himself on having a deep knowledge of the Central Florida real estate market.
What’s the difference between what being a real estate agent is really like and what you thought it was going to be like?
I was so young when I started I really didn't even have any expectations. I thought it was just an interesting career that had a competitive aspect like sports. If it didn't work out I could use my college degree to fall back or go back to playing professional basketball again. When I started at 24 years old I had never been in the real estate market as even a buyer.
Jordan’s Top Tips for Buyers in Today’s Market:
1 - Focus on the payment, not the rate.
Rates aren't great right now, but with a fixed mortgage your payments won't change significantly until you refinance into a lower rate.
2 - Be selfish.
Find the home that works and checks your boxes and needs for yourself and your family. Don't compromise because you're tired of looking.
3 - Take advantage of the slower market.
Let’s negotiate hard while we still can. This market will change—don't miss the opportunity that is here now.