With a unique blended background of real estate, business, international law, education, consulting and even spiritual advising, Andrew Tsunis brings a wide variety of skill sets and one-of-a-kind experiences to his career as Broker Associate at Barkett Realty.
Andrew’s unusual and impressive educational background includes five degrees: one Bachelor’s, three Master’s and one J.D. After he completed his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management at Hofstra University, Andrew went on to pursue further study in International Law at the University of London, International Relations and Finance at Columbia University and even Organizational Psychology at the Teachers College of Columbia University, earning a Master’s degree in each. He also attended New York Law School and earned a J.D. in Law, and is a licensed realtor in New York as well as Florida.
A hallmark of the Barkett Realty philosophy, Andrew is most passionate about helping others reach their goals. This, as well as his work ethic, was instilled in Andrew from a young age as he grew up in the hospitality industry with his family. He began working in the family business at age 10 and was promoted to management after college. “We took care of people in the hospitality business, and satisfying others’ needs is second nature to me,” Andrew shared. He credits his parents as his biggest inspiration.
As he reflects on his professional career thus far, Andrew said he even wishes to have started his real estate career earlier, and furthermore, with Barkett Realty from the beginning. “I learn so much more here at Barkett Realty, and the people are fantastic to work with,” he said. Andrew values the close-knit, family-like nature of the brokerage and the easy collaboration and access to his fellow team members. He stated, “It’s a fun place to be and everyone feels valued and appreciated.” He added that Barkett Realty is a unique place because he can work in both commercial and residential real estate, and the two office locations offer great convenience to his clients.
Andrew began his real estate journey as a personal investor in his home state of New York, purchasing homes and apartments to renovate them and sell later. He moved to Florida in 2014, and was excited to continue his real estate career here. He loves the variety of properties in the Tampa Bay area from the “shiny new to the nostalgic classics.” Andrew said, “I love the properties and the clients I get to serve. Clients are from all over the world and this makes it exciting to meet people from various cultures.” He believes that analytical skills, delivery and presentation, research and a great sense of humor are all characteristics that help him succeed in real estate. Andrew is proudly involved in local organizations as well, including the St. Pete Beach Chamber of Commerce, St. Petersburg Yacht Club and the St. Petersburg Lawyers Association.
When it comes to Andrew’s proudest achievement in his career thus far, he looks back fondly on his beachfront estate transaction in Indian Shores back in April of this year. This was the largest estate sale to occur in Indian Shores within the last decade, and was a rare combination of both beachside and dockside—less than one percent of properties in Pinellas County contain both of these characteristics. “This sale was negotiated and closed within 10 days. It was both the quickest to close and the highest sale to date,” Andrew added.
As a well-traveled world explorer, Andrew is passionate about travel and he has sailed around the world. He also loves music, and used to sing in a professional choir at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. Andrew loves to have brunch at Cooper’s Hawk in Tampa, relaxing on the beach with a book and enjoying fine cigars while watching the sunset.
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