Tampa Bay Real Producers

"Growing up, I thought I was going to be a football player," shares Eric. He excelled in football in high school, being part of back-to-back state championships at Plant High School in Tampa before attending college at the University of Oregon where he earned a degree in Sociology.

"After college, I moved back to Tampa and was encouraged to get my real estate license, which I did. I was figuring out the business and what I wanted to do. I thought of the niche of working with athletes, especially coming from an athletic background," he says.

Eric, who got his real estate license five years ago, met his business partner Jon Fincher, and joined Compass. Together, they have a synergy between them. Why Compass? "They have a Sports and Entertainment Division with a national network of agents who all have experience working with entertainers." The fit was perfect for Eric.

The Best of Both Worlds

Eric's appreciation for homes and love for sports merged beautifully in real estate. In December, he was named the Official Luxury REALTOR for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It's an honor that Eric doesn't take lightly. 

"I work with anybody and everybody from high-end athletes to buddies from high school who are buying their first house," says Eric. He works with Bucs players, Tampa Bay Rays players, and athletes who want to live in Tampa Bay during their off-season.

With his experience and expertise, Eric caters to athletes. He understands their lifestyle, looks out for their best interests, and thinks about things that might not even cross their minds, including having an exit strategy.

"Every player thinks that they will have a 20-year career and make a billion dollars," he jokes. "Realistically, it's much shorter. I want to make sure they are buying a property that they can feasibly get out of by renting it out later or selling."

As a former athlete, Eric understands the day-to-day needs of competitive athletes, what makes them click, and appreciates his clientele. He comments, "It's a combination of treating them like everyone else yet treating them differently."

Going above and beyond, Eric is accessible on weekends for his clients. He comments, "I understand their careers. I am flexible with athletes' sports agents or business managers. 

"I like to anticipate issues before they come up. I hate going to people with a problem. I like to have the solution and be proactive," he comments. 

Secrets to Success

There is no substitute for working hard. Eric prides himself on his availability and work ethic.

"I pick up the phone when people call. I get in the car when they want to see houses," he says. "A little hustle goes a long way."

Why real estate? "I like the ability to help people," smiles Eric. "Real estate is a big transaction, and it's really rewarding." He also appreciates the lifestyle that being a REALTOR gives him. Going to lunch with clients, attending games, and being out on the road gives Eric the variety that he craves.

"I'm not in the office every day or doing the same thing over and over again," he reasons. "I like the variety and uniqueness of real estate." With his ability to connect with people, he can help others reach their goals, develop a friendship or a rapport with them, and connect with others. 

With a career volume topping 50 million, Eric has tasted sweet success in real estate.

Outside Interests

Outside of work, Eric enjoys connecting with others on his podcast (@insidethehead), bike riding, and being active. He comments, "My parents are big into biking, and my mom does triathlons. I got that from them."

To relax and unwind, Eric enjoys reading books, watching Netflix, and eating good food. He says, "I work a ton, so when I'm not working, I have to have that 'me time'."

A self-described introvert, Eric has a small circle of close friends. He says, "As much as I love real estate, I love alone time and quiet time." It gives him a chance to relax and recharge.

One of 11 children, Eric's parents adopted eight children who were younger than he was. He jokes, "My parents' home can get pretty chaotic." Currently, he lives alone with his German Shepherd, Bastian.

When he goes on vacation, you can find Eric in the Bahamas, where he has a close friend who is Bahamian. He says, "I've had a lot of good times on the island through the years, not the touristy stuff."

Living the Dream

"I'm just so excited to be in Tampa right now," says Eric, "especially having grown up here and seen an area that has been so untapped for so long. I've seen the development over the last few years, and the perception of Tampa is changing from outsiders."

Seeing the revitalization of Tampa firsthand is like a piece of history. Eric concludes, "I don't know where it can go, but it has so much .potential."

From playing football to serving football players with their real estate needs, Eric Dungy is making a name for himself in Tampa Bay real estate.

Source: Tampa Bay Real Producers