Smith & Associates adds top St. Petersburg agent Helle Hartley

Smith & Associates Real Estate has hired Helle Hartley, a 32-year St. Petersburg and Gulf Beaches agent who closed more than $55 million in sales in 2025. The move strengthens the Tampa Bay brokerage’s push to attract high-performing local agents.

Why it matters: - Hartley adds proven production and local market depth to Smith & Associates Real Estate’s St. Petersburg office. - The hire reinforces Smith & Associates’ strategy of recruiting established agents who want broader marketing, support and brand reach. - Hartley’s track record in St. Petersburg, Treasure Island and the Gulf Beaches gives Smith & Associates another experienced producer in a competitive luxury market.

What happened: - Smith & Associates Real Estate announced that Helle Hartley has joined the firm. - Hartley is a top-producing real estate professional with 32 years of experience in St. Petersburg and Gulf Beaches markets. - In 2025, Hartley closed more than $55 million in sales volume across 72 transaction sides. - Hartley ranked among the top-producing agents in Treasure Island last year.

The details: - Smith & Associates said Hartley will work from its St. Petersburg office. - Hartley has represented buyers and sellers throughout St. Petersburg, Treasure Island and nearby Gulf Beaches communities. - Hartley was born in Herning, Denmark and moved to the United States more than 25 years ago. - Hartley has earned CENTURY 21 CENTURION® honors and other recognition for production and client service. - Smith & Associates Real Estate was founded in 1969 and is Tampa Bay’s largest independent, locally owned brokerage. - The company says it operates five offices in the Tampa Bay area and leads the region in luxury properties and new condominium developments. - Smith & Associates directs readers to more information. - The company’s social accounts are Facebook, Instagram and X.

Between the lines: - Smith & Associates is signaling that established, high-producing agents remain a core growth focus. - Hartley’s comments point to the value agents place on marketing support, local ownership and brokerage resources. - The move also underscores how Tampa Bay brokerages are competing on both reputation and operational support, not just commission splits.

What's next: - Hartley is expected to continue serving buyers and sellers across St. Petersburg and Gulf Beaches under the Smith & Associates brand. - Smith & Associates will likely keep emphasizing agent recruitment as a way to expand its luxury and development business. - Hartley said the added support should allow her to spend more time serving clients.