Austin St. Jean

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial and personal decisions you’ll ever make, so my advice is to approach it with both preparation and patience: Get Pre-Approved First – Before looking at homes, meet with a lender to understand your budget. A pre-approval not only tells you what you can afford, but also strengthens your offer when you find the right home. Know Your Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves – Write out a clear list of what you truly need in a home (bedrooms, location, schools, commute time) versus features that are flexible. This helps us focus your search and move quickly when the right property hits the market. Act Quickly, But Don’t Rush – In Polk County and the Tampa Bay area, good homes can sell fast. If a property checks your boxes, be ready to make a strong offer — but don’t let urgency push you into a home that isn’t the right fit. Lean on Your Realtor® – My role is to guide you through the process, from identifying homes and analyzing market data, to negotiating the best terms and connecting you with trusted inspectors, lenders, and title companies. Think Long-Term – Beyond just buying a house, consider your future. Will this property meet your needs in 5–7 years? Will it build equity or serve as a good investment, whether as a personal residence or potential rental? By combining preparation with the right guidance, you’ll have confidence in your purchase and avoid costly mistakes.

Selling your home is about more than just putting a sign in the yard — it’s about positioning your property to attract the right buyers and maximize your return. Here are my top tips: Price It Right From the Start – Homes that are priced correctly generate more interest and often sell faster, sometimes even above asking price. I use market data and a proven strategy to help you set a competitive price. Make a Strong First Impression – Curb appeal and clean interiors matter. Small updates like fresh paint, decluttering, or landscaping can make a big difference in how buyers perceive your home. Leverage Professional Marketing – I specialize in digital marketing campaigns (Facebook Ads, Google Ads, and social media content) that put your property in front of thousands of potential buyers online. Professional photos, videos, and compelling property descriptions are key to standing out. Be Ready to Show Your Home – Flexibility with showings helps attract more buyers. The easier it is for people to see your home, the faster it will sell. Work With an Experienced Negotiator – The highest offer isn’t always the best one. I help sellers evaluate offers, negotiate the strongest terms, and ensure the deal makes it to closing without surprises. With the right strategy, many of my listings sell in just days — often above asking price — while giving my sellers peace of mind throughout the process.

I’ve had the privilege of working with a wide range of clients across Central Florida, including: Home Sellers – From first-time sellers to families upgrading or downsizing, I’ve helped clients sell their homes quickly and for top dollar through strategic pricing and digital marketing. Home Buyers – I work with first-time homebuyers, growing families, and individuals relocating to Polk County, Hillsborough County, and surrounding areas. Investors – I specialize in helping short-term rental and Airbnb investors identify profitable opportunities, evaluate cash flow potential, and maximize returns through property management. Real Estate Teams & Professionals – Through my marketing agency, Dippidi, I’ve supported large real estate teams with advanced marketing strategies, lead generation, and brand growth. Because I bring experience in real estate sales, marketing, and property management, I’m able to tailor my approach to meet the unique needs of each client — whether they’re buying their first home, selling a property fast, or building a real estate investment portfolio.

A transaction I’m especially proud of was helping an out-of-state client sell their home in the Lone Palm Golf Community in Lakeland, FL. This property was unique — it even had its own private tennis court — but the sellers decided to liquidate their asset after previously working with me for Airbnb management. The challenge was that there hadn’t been any comparable sales in the area for over a year, which made pricing difficult. By using a data-driven approach to set the right price and launching a targeted social media marketing campaign, I was able to generate strong buyer interest quickly. The result? We secured a buyer faster than the sellers expected, and they were able to exit their investment with confidence. This deal reinforced how powerful the right pricing strategy and digital marketing can be — especially for unique homes that don’t fit the mold of traditional comps.

I first got started in the real estate industry in 2016 working with Curaytor, where I helped real estate agents and teams across the country grow their businesses through digital marketing. That experience gave me a front-row seat to how top-producing agents built their brands, generated leads, and closed deals using smart online strategies. In 2019, I launched my own marketing agency, Dippidi, to take that knowledge further and provide agents and teams with custom digital marketing solutions. Along the way, I also became personally involved in short-term rental investing and Airbnb management, which led me to start HappyHosts in 2021. By 2024, I became a licensed Realtor® with Real Broker LLC so I could combine my marketing expertise, investment knowledge, and property management experience to directly help buyers, sellers, and investors succeed in Central Florida real estate.

Yes — my background combines real estate expertise with specialized marketing and investment training that directly benefits my clients. Digital Marketing & Lead Generation: Since 2016, I’ve worked in real estate marketing, first with Curaytor and later through my own agency, Dippidi, which I launched in 2019. I’ve trained extensively in Facebook Ads, Google Ads, SEO, and social media strategy, giving my sellers maximum exposure and helping buyers stay ahead of market opportunities. Short-Term Rental Management: As the founder of HappyHosts, I’ve gained hands-on training and experience in Airbnb investing, revenue optimization, and property management. This allows me to guide investors on how to analyze deals, boost occupancy, and maximize returns. Negotiation & Sales Training: Through years of working with real estate teams nationwide, I’ve sharpened my negotiation, pricing, and client service skills — ensuring my buyers and sellers get the best possible terms. By combining formal industry training with real-world experience, I bring a unique skill set that helps my clients sell faster, buy smarter, and invest with confidence.