How One Realtor Put Tampa on Brazil’s Radar

Years before she became a real estate agent, Corina Lessa worked as a travel agent helping Brazilians book flights between Tampa and Brazil. Back then, Tampa’s Brazilian community was so small she knew nearly everyone by name because she personally handled their airline reservations.

Today, Lessa is a global real estate broker and founder of Tampa Bay Key Real Estate in Tampa. She estimates Tampa is home to roughly 20,000 Brazilians, and she believes real estate professionals played an important role in helping grow that community.

When Lessa entered real estate 10 years ago, she noticed Brazilian buyers were heavily focused on Miami and Orlando. Tampa rarely entered the conversation, despite its strong economy, lifestyle appeal and growing opportunities. The problem, she realized, was visibility.

“No one was telling the Tampa story,” she explained during a keynote session at HousingWire’s Women of Influence day at The Gathering in 2026. So, Lessa decided to tell it herself.

She began creating videos, educating Brazilian consumers online and building relationships through the Brazilian Consulate in Miami. Over time, she became a trusted resource for families looking to relocate, invest and build new lives in Tampa. Her story offers valuable lessons for Realtors® hoping to grow their own international or niche business.

Become the local storyteller

International buyers often know only the markets they see consistently promoted. Lessa recognized that Tampa was being overlooked simply because no one was marketing it directly to Brazilian consumers.

Agents looking to attract out-of-state or international buyers should consistently create content that explains why their market stands out. That includes discussing schools, lifestyle, business opportunities and community growth—not just listings.

Focus on trust before transactions

Many of Lessa’s clients made major relocation decisions from abroad, some without ever visiting Tampa beforehand. They relied on her videos, insights and perspective to help guide those decisions.

That trust was built long before a transaction occurred.

For agents, this is an important reminder that relationships often begin months or even years before a buyer is ready to move. Educational content, consistency and visibility can establish credibility well in advance of a first conversation.

Solve problems beyond real estate

Lessa said she helped clients do far more than purchase homes. She assisted families with relocating businesses, enrolling children in school and navigating life in a new city.

The most successful agents, especially in relocation and international business, understand they are helping clients transition lifestyles—not simply complete transactions.

That may mean connecting clients with attorneys, lenders, schools, contractors or local business owners. The broader the support system, the more valuable the agent becomes.

Visibility matters

Lessa’s experience highlights a growing reality in real estate: Buyers often trust the professionals they see and hear from consistently. By positioning herself publicly as an advocate for Tampa and a resource for Brazilian consumers, she helped create demand where little previously existed.

For Florida Realtors, the lesson is simple. Whether targeting international buyers, retirees or local move-up clients, visibility matters. The agents who consistently educate, communicate and tell their market’s story are often the ones who shape where consumers choose to invest and relocate.

This article was adapted from Corina Lessa's keynote session at HousingWire’s Women of Influence session at The Gathering in 2026.