Hi! I have lived in SW Florida since 1985. I moved here from Michigan right out of school and never looked back!

I started my career in the title insurance industry and worked for the nation's largest title insurer as a Closing officer.

There is a lot of behind the scenes work that a title insurance company and closing agents does. They are the ones that research the property and owners and make sure you are getting clear title and policy to back it up. From the customer stand point, I was the one that they met on closing day and signed all of the paper work with. It was definately a learning experience! I often saw transations falling apart at the closing table due to misunderstandings and poor contracts.

I always wanted to "be my own boss" and "set my own schedule" which led me to Mortgage Lending. I worked very successfully in that industry for several years focusing mostly on new purchases and refi's for past clients. Again, seeing the importance of a good real estate agent and a properly written contract, I decided that with all of this experience rattling around in my head I should move on to the next logical step. Real Estate Agent.

I quickly obtained my real estate license and then my Real Estate Broker's license. (needed to own or run a real estate company).

Most agents became a real estate agent after working in a completely unrelated industry. I can only begin to imagine the learning curve! Without my many years in this one industry working in the two most closely related fields, I cannot imagine how I could service my clients with the knowledge needed.

I have owned and operated my own Real Estate Company since 2004 and have helped many great people navigate the real estate process. This should be a fun experience! It is too often stressfull and confusing. Choosing the right agent can make all the difference!

Franziska Smith
Broker/Owner
Coastal Elite Properties
239-940-2995 cell
franziskasmith@gmail.com