Tomell Johnson

Start with the basics: location, must-haves, like-to-haves, and absolutely don’t want. But be flexible — the market is always changing, and sometimes trade-offs are necessary to find the right fit. That’s where choosing the right agent comes in. The right agent will connect you with a trusted lender to get you preapproved. If the lender is "local", that can be a PLUS. Knowing your "buying power" is crucial in ensuring you get the "most" home possible and just as important, don't sell youself short. The right agent will help you understand how your needs and wants line up with your actual budget and today’s market. Once you’ve got your priorities set, the right agent by your side, and a strong pre-approval in hand, the rest of the process — from touring homes to the closing table — becomes much smoother and less stressful. The right agent should communicate effectively, draft the best offer for the home/market, negotiate effectively, and coordinate inspections and repairs.

This may be an unpopular take, but I’m always going to be honest with you: it all starts with price. Every seller — 100% understandably — wants to get as much as possible, and that’s my goal too. But some agents will agree to any number you suggest just to secure the listing. I call that ‘buying the listing.’ It might feel good at first, but overpricing rarely works out. It limits your exposure to serious buyers online, adds days on market, and usually leads to lower offers over time. The right price gets you in front of the right buyers. From there, presentation is key. First impressions matter — curb appeal, fresh landscaping, and a clean, decluttered interior all help buyers picture themselves in the space. That’s when professional photography and video tours really shine, showcasing your home at its best. I always remind sellers: we only need one ready, qualified buyer — my job is to get your home in front of as many of them as possible until we find the right one. Buyers today are more educated than ever. That’s why I combine smart pricing with strong presentation and a proven marketing plan to attract serious buyers and help you sell for top market value — all while keeping you informed and stress-free throughout the process.

I’ve had the privilege of helping a wide range of clients — from military families relocating to and from Hurlburt Field and Eglin AFB, to first-time buyers navigating the process for the first time, to sellers who want a clear plan to maximize their home’s value. I also work with move-up buyers, retirees, and investors looking for opportunities in Northwest Florida. No matter the situation, I tailor my approach so each client feels supported and confident from start to finish

One of my recent listings really stands out. The sellers had interviewed multiple agents before choosing me to represent them, which was an honor. It was a beautiful golf course view home with a concrete tile roof — a striking feature, but not very common locally. The sellers were fantastic to work with and kept their home immaculate, so staging was easy. We did run into a challenge when the home inspector was unfamiliar with concrete tile roofs. Rather than let it derail the process, I took a solutions-oriented approach: researched options, made the right calls, and found a local expert to complete the repairs that were flagged. The roof passed, the deal closed, and both buyers and sellers were thrilled. I’m especially fond of this transaction because it reflects my philosophy: every deal has unique challenges, but my clients can count on me to bring solutions, keep the process on track, and guide them confidently to the closing table.

My real estate journey actually started as a homeowner. When we built our current home, selling our previous one would have only meant "maybe" breaking even. Instead, We decided to rent it out. I handled everything myself — preparing the home, listing it, and managing the process without a property manager. I was amazed at the response and quickly got hooked on the industry. At first, my plan was to get my license just to access the MLS and find more properties to invest in. But once I got started, I realized how much I enjoyed helping people buy and sell homes, and the relationships I formed with my clients, more than the idea of investing. That’s what ultimately led me to pursue real estate full time — turning that first rental experience into a career focused on serving others.

Before becoming a REALTOR®, I spent years as a store manager with Publix, where I gained extensive experience in customer service, leadership, and problem-solving. That role meant working with a diverse group of customers and associates every day, handling complex situations, and always making service my #1 priority. Those experiences translate directly into my real estate career — listening closely, communicating clearly, and making sure every client feels supported and valued. Combine that with my professional designations like MRP (Military Relocation Professional) and ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Representative), and my clients benefit from both proven real estate expertise and a strong foundation in customer-focused service.