Today we’d like to introduce you to De’erika Watson
De’Erika, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
From a young age, I’ve been drawn to real estate—it started with weekend trips to model homes with my mother, where I admired the beautifully staged spaces and the welcoming presence of the sales agents. My fascination grew even stronger when I watched my parents build their home. I vividly remember changing schools to be closer to our soon-to-be new house and spending afternoons in the model home, soaking in the experience. Those early moments planted the seed for my future career.
I was born in DeLand, FL, but as a military dependent, I had the opportunity to experience different places before my family eventually settled in Tampa when my father was stationed at MacDill Air Force Base. I left for my senior year to finish high school in my hometown but returned to Tampa, where I’ve now lived for over 20 years.
I attended Florida A&M University, Florida’s #1 HBCU, where I balanced the demands of being a full-time student and a mother after giving birth to my amazing daughter. For the first three years of her life, she was raised on campus with me, surrounded by a supportive community that reinforced my drive to succeed. I later earned my Master of Science in Human Resource Management from Strayer University, which further refined my skills in business, finance, and leadership.
Before real estate, I worked in Human Resources as a Financial Analyst, where I honed my analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and keen business acumen. However, after the company I worked for was bought out and I faced the possibility of being laid off, I saw an opportunity to finally step into the career I had always dreamed of—real estate.
Now, nearly eight years into this journey, I can confidently say it was the best decision I ever made. My passion for serving others has allowed me to help countless families build wealth through homeownership, and my background in finance and HR has equipped me to provide a seamless and informed experience for my clients. I believe that real estate is not just about buying and selling homes—it’s about creating opportunities, securing futures, and making dreams a reality.
Beyond real estate, I love traveling, spending time with family and friends, exploring new restaurants, enjoying the beach, and finding new adventures around Tampa. Whether I’m biking, boating, or attempting (and usually failing) to stay on a jet ski, I make the most of every moment.
Today, I continue to grow and evolve in this industry, mentoring other professionals, championing diversity and inclusion as a Regional Lead for BLK at Compass Tampa Chapter, and working to make a lasting impact on the community. My journey is a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of stepping into one’s purpose—and I can’t wait to see what’s next.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Real estate is an ever-changing industry—there are highs, lows, and everything in between. Success in this business requires resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to ride the waves. My journey has been no different.
When I first got my license, I had no idea where to start. I didn’t know which brokerage to join, how to find clients, or what steps to take to build a sustainable career. The first brokerage I joined simply told me to “go out and find buyers,” but they didn’t teach me how to do that. I quickly realized that friends and family weren’t ready to trust me with their real estate needs just yet—I was brand new, and to them, I was still figuring things out myself.
Feeling lost, I turned to a family friend, a successful entrepreneur, for advice. She not only gave me valuable guidance but also introduced me to someone in the title industry. That connection led me to a real estate professional who would become my mentor—the turning point in my career. Through mentorship, I learned the foundational skills that no one teaches you in real estate school: how to market myself, generate leads, and build genuine relationships with clients.
Eventually, our team moved brokerages, but I decided to stay behind as a single agent. While I had gained knowledge and experience, I still struggled with confidence—especially when it came to talking to strangers and putting myself out there. I decided to push past my fears by attending networking events, hosting vendor tables, and immersing myself in the community. That’s how I met my first two clients, who not only trusted me with their home purchases but have since become lifelong friends. That experience taught me that I didn’t need to be anyone but myself. The right clients—people who align with my values and energy—would naturally gravitate toward me.
Another challenge I faced was learning how to manage my time and delegate tasks. As a perfectionist, I wanted to handle everything myself. But I soon realized that in order to grow and be more impactful, I had to trust the right people to help me with administrative tasks and processes. Letting go was difficult, but it allowed me to focus on what I do best—serving my clients and building meaningful connections.
Looking back, every challenge I faced helped shape the agent and businesswoman I am today. The struggles were necessary lessons, and the setbacks were stepping stones. I now embrace the unpredictability of this industry, knowing that perseverance, authenticity, and a willingness to learn will always keep me moving forward.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The DW Collective powered by COMPASS?
We are a dynamic real estate team, united by diversity and fueled by expertise. Our group of professionals collaborates to provide innovative solutions for our clients. With a rich tapestry of experiences and skills, we deliver unparalleled results in the world of real estate. Each member of our team is driven by passion and committed to exceeding boundaries, ensuring our clients receive exceptional service and unmatched value in every transaction.
Our team consists of experts in various fields. Each team member brings a unique set of skills and knowledge to the table, allowing us to tackle complex challenges from multiple angles and deliver comprehensive solutions.
Our Mission Statement is:
“We are in the business of changing the quality of people’s lives.”
How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happy is:
1. Helping Others Succeed – Whether I’m guiding clients to find their dream home, mentoring fellow real estate professionals, or leading BLK at Compass initiatives, I find joy in seeing others grow and thrive.
2. Creating Meaningful Connections – I value relationships, whether it’s fostering inclusion in the real estate industry, spending time with loved ones, or building a supportive community for agents of color.
3. Personal Growth & Achievement – My journey from financial analyst and HR professional to a successful luxury real estate broker shows that I’m driven by continuous learning, setting goals, and reaching new heights.
4. Quality Time with Family & Friends – Raising my daughter, traveling, exercising, and simply enjoying life with loved ones brings me fulfillment.
5. Making an Impact – I’m passionate about not just selling homes but also educating and empowering people in their real estate journeys. The ability to make a lasting difference fuels my happiness.
At the end of the day, my happiness comes from purpose, connection, and making a meaningful impact in both my personal and professional life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dwcollectivehomes.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deerikawatson/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deerika.watson
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/de-erika-watson-21937923
- Other: https://g.co/kgs/4iSJXb5
