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St. Petersburg

Gay

He/Him/His

1997

Real Estate Broker & Brokerage Owner, Florida Real Estate Instructor

Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos

“My Fight for Equality”

Spending time with my husband and our dogs; updating/remodeling our home; taking in nature

individuals who are making a positive impact on the LGBTQ community in Tampa Bay and Central Florida.

This issue, we check in with Nick Acosta, Downtown Expert Realty broker and owner. Learn more by visiting Downtown. Expert and keep an eye on this space to learn more about the movers and shakers in your community.

WHAT DO YOU DO PROFESSIONALLY?

I’m a real estate broker and own Downtown Expert Realty, a brokerage based in St. Pete. I currently have 11 agents on the team, myself included. I also own an online real estate school, Downtown Expert School of Real Estate, where I serve as the head instructor. I teach Florida real estate pre-licensure courses for sales associates and broker associates. I’m also proud to be the Tampa Bay chapter president for NAGLREP, the National Association of Gay and Lesbian Real Estate Professionals. professional spaces where everyone – team-members and clients alike – feels included, welcomed and cared for. At my brokerage, we’re not just checking boxes or merely talking about diversity: inclusion is a part of our value system 24/7. In my work at NAGLREP, I’m dedicated to increasing homeownership opportunities for the LGBTQ community by fighting housing discrimination and advocating for equal rights for all.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO READ IN WATERMARK?

Out + About, to see what’s going on in my community!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL LGBTQ EVENT?

St Pete Pride! I was born and raised in St. Pete, and after attending Pride events around the world, I can say that St. Pete’s is one of the very best.

HOW DO YOU CHAMPION FOR THE LOCAL LGBTQ COMMUNITY?

I started my real estate company with a commitment to equality and inclusion. As a business owner, my mission statement is to create

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR LOCAL LGBTQ COMMUNITY?

I love that St. Pete is a progressive city and is so vocal with its support of LGBTQ residents. I think St. Pete is a place where everyone can feel at home.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IMPROVED IN YOUR LOCAL LGBTQ COMMUNITY?

I’d like to see more community outreach for at-risk LGTBQ+ youth. Too many young people are still living in homes with families who don’t accept them.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE OUR READERS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

My father, Dr. Anthony Acosta, was a pillar of the St. Pete community and one of my personal heroes. He was the medical director of the ER at Bayfront Health for 46 years and instilled in me his passion for equity and justice. I strive to honor his legacy by working to make our community more inclusive and diverse.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

To get involved in the real estate industry a lot sooner and to start teaching Florida real estate licensing – that part of my career has been really fulfilling.

WHAT LED YOU TO LAUNCH DOWNTOWN EXPERT REALTY LLC AND ITS REAL ESTATE SCHOOL?

From the beginning of my business, I wanted to do something different. I sought to create a truly inclusive and equitable environment for my associates, as well as our clients, vendors and everyone in the community we connect with through our work. People always talk about their commitment to inclusivity and diversity, but in my earlier years in the real estate industry, I was often frustrated by the lack of follow-through. I created Downtown Expert Realty – and then later launched the real estate school – so that I could really walk the walk in creating genuine diversity and inclusion in my own business.

WHAT SETS IT APART?

Our team puts the reward of finding the right home for the client above the size of the commission. We never turn anyone away or make an excuse not to work with someone. Every client gets the same expert service, regardless of the price point of the transaction. Buying a home is a big investment. I love waking up every day and helping my clients make the best choice for them and their families. It’s not about getting the biggest commission; it’s about getting someone in the right home. It’s about making sure it’s a space they love and can afford financially, so they can call it home for the long-term. I love seeing the smile on someone’s face when we are at the closing table, knowing that I helped to make their home ownership dreams come true.