Growing up as one of four children in a Midwestern town in Wisconsin, Shayla Twit was taught a strong work ethic from a very young age that she still adheres to today. “Even though my dad is a very successful doctor, my parents never spoiled us. We still had to work hard for what we wanted,” says Shayla. After graduating from University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point with a degree in Business Administration, emphasizing in French and International Studies, Shayla relocated to Florida where she found herself intrigued by the real estate industry. She obtained her license in 2002 and went to work, although it wasn’t as easy as she thought it would be. “When I started, it was a booming market, then the recession hit and I lost everything,” recalls Shayla. “During that time many people asked if I was sure this is what I wanted to do and I never wavered.”

Shayla admits she made a few mistakes in the beginning but had some great mentors along the way who helped steer her in the right direction. Today, as an agent with RE/MAX Alliance Group serving Sarasota and surrounding areas – such as Siesta Key Beach, Longboat Key and Lakewood Ranch – top real estate agent in Florida Shayla Twit has seen her business flourish. “I love what I do and I think that’s important, but investing in several key sites as far as marketing is concerned has been really helpful in putting the focus of my business on luxury and waterfront properties.”

Shayla’s clients have come to rely on her for superior customer service, thorough communication, intense focus and drive. “I try to listen more than I speak and I stay one step ahead in order to make it a very pleasant experience for my clients,” says Shayla. “Because I have a smaller territory focused on the islands and waterfront, I really am an area expert. I’ve mastered working with out-of-state clients by taking care of every detail from contract to closing when they’re not here. Keeping them informed is so important.” It’s also just one of the reasons Shayla has more 5-star reviews on Zillow than anyone in her competing market.

Although she has been the recipient of numerous awards such as the 5 Star Best in Client Satisfaction award every year since 2008, and achieved the RE/MAX 100% Club and Gold Club awards, Shayla is most rewarded by her clients’ happiness. “I love seeing their reaction when I get a good price for them or when I hand over the keys to their new home.” Equally rewarding is the respect she’s earned from her colleagues, as well as building and maintaining her successful career.

As her way of giving back, Shayla supports cancer awareness and fundraising, animal-related organizations and the Children’s Miracle Network. She enjoys boating, time on the beach, hanging out with her dog and “little assistant”, Leroy, and is into fitness and weight training. Shayla recently competed in Europa, a national qualifying fitness bikini competition in Orlando, FL, and placed 5th out of 13 competitors.

As for the future of her business, Shayla intends to keep her team on the smaller side, focusing on quality agents versus quantity. “Our ultimate goal is to help people achieve their real estate goals, so even though I specialize in waterfront and luxury properties, my team and I are happy to help anyone – whether they’re a first-time buyer or an investor,” says Shayla. Because she considers a referral to be one of the greatest compliments, she will always go out of her way to take care of someone she was recommended to. “A referral can turn a bad day into a good one,” says Shayla. “It’s very humbling and I’m never too busy to take care of someone who was sent my way.”

For more information about Shayla Twit of RE/MAX Alliance Group, please visit www.sarasotarealproperty.com call 941-544-7690 or email shaylatwit@gmail.com