Walter Hackett

Walter Hackett is one of the bay area's most knowledgeable and experienced REALTORS® and businessmen. His “southern gentleman” approach to the real estate business makes him unique to the industry and especially to his many satisfied customers. In an industry where too often the pursuit to close is paramount, Walter believes strongly that people and values come before the deal. That philosophy, coupled with a cunning savvy for the market, allows him to represent both integrity and trueness in all of his associations.

With over 30 years of experience in the industry, his credentials are certainly noteworthy: He is a member of the REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee, Florida Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®. He is also a Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE); Resort and Second-Home Property Specialist (RSPS); former Longboat Key planning and zoning board member (2004-2015); and member of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and responsible for bringing ULI to Longboat Key to provide expertise for land use and practice.

Walter is an expert – specifically in the Sarasota and barrier islands real estate market – in terms of identification, planning, analysis, estimating, marketing and facilitating opportunities for acquisition, development and redevelopment of moderate and high-end primary and secondary homes.

Walter's background is deep in the service industry from four generations of hotel and motel developers and owners in Rome, Georgia. This experience led him to open his own brokerage, which he brought to Longboat Key in real estate development, management and sales. As a Gunwale Lane native at his parent's second home since 1973 and a permanent resident with his wife, Grace, since 1999, Walter has observed decades of gyrations in Longboat Key real estate and understands the market.

Walter's experience and associations run deep and he prides himself on providing a deliberate, purposeful, thoughtful and logical approach to his customers' needs. “My customers become my friends. Their desires, needs and circumstances are my analytic palate. My mission is their 100% satisfaction and comfort level, whether it be their first home or their retirement escape.”

An avid philanthropist, Walter enjoys greatly his community involvement and endeavors. He loves to play tennis, golf, read, fish and hunt. He is a real Longboater and Sarasotian.