In addition, for the second time in three years, Pettingell achieved the top honors in the regional MLS with the highest closed sales volume among his peers in the combined market of Sarasota and Manatee counties. Last year, he sold 36 properties for a total of $40.5 million in sales volume — $14 million more than the next top producer involved in non-distressed properties. Over the course of his 25 year real estate career Pettingell has sold an impressive $975 million plus in real estate transactions.

In addition, for the second time in three years, Pettingell achieved the top honors in the regional MLS with the highest closed sales volume among his peers in the combined market of Sarasota and Manatee counties. Last year, he sold 36 properties for a total of $40.5 million in sales volume — $14 million more than the next top producer involved in non-distressed properties. Over the course of his 25 year real estate career Pettingell has sold an impressive $975 million plus in real estate transactions.

Although short sales and foreclosures make up a substantial percentage of homes for sale, Pettingell participated in just two short sales in 2010. He concentrates primarily on luxury waterfront properties saying that nearly 20 percent of his buyers are foreign and a large portion of his clients are cash buyers.

Pettingell, a Coldwell Banker Legends Society award recipient, maintains his impressive sales record by continually reinvesting in his business, doubling his listing inventory over the past couple of years. "When other Realtors® were pulling back on advertising and marketing, I stepped in and was able to capture more of the market share."

Pettingell says another reason for his success is his frankness during listing presentations. He tells his clients who are trying to sell their home that their expectations need to be real.

"I am familiar with most homes on Longboat, Lido and Bird Keys because I have sold many of them in past years — I know what the values are and what they will sell for," says Pettingell. "I am very upfront when I go on a listing presentation, and I want sellers to understand the true market value of their homes."

Pettingell, who carries an average of 40 listings at any given time, says that his operation works like a well-oiled machine. He and his supporting staff have a routine and don’t try to "recreate the wheel" with every new listing taken. They provide each property with its own website, and sellers receive constant contact on their homes through updates and automated market reports.

Although real estate keeps him busy, Pettingell still finds time to be an active member of the Sarasota community. He sits on the Board of Directors for West Coast Black Theatre Troupe, Ringling Museum and Southeastern Guide Dogs. He is a big supporter of Girls Inc., and was awarded the 2010 Father of the Year Award by the organization.

"I know many Realtors® who drive potential homebuyers past the beaches and never mention the thriving art scene we have in Sarasota. We tend to take the arts for granted but we need to continue to support the culture that makes Sarasota a great community and entices people to move here."

Pettingell says that he doesn’t try to get business from his philanthropic work, but believes it’s important to give back.

He says, "People ask me how I find the time to do all of these things. I have a full-time real estate career, a beautiful wife and two young children and I spend a lot of time doing philanthropic work." He continues, "I believe that people create their own normal, and my hectic daily schedule is normal — I find time to do everything that is important to me."