Max Smith, Real Estate Agent

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Client Testimonials

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"Max Smith is an exceptional realtor who made us feel supported and confident throughout the entire sales process. He went above and beyond, and paid close attention to every detail. His extensive knowledge of the 30A real estate market was evident. He kept us informed at every step, answered all questions with patience and clarity, and communicated seamlessly with everyone involved. Whenever a challenge came up, Max never let it slow us down. We are truly grateful for his hard work and guidance, and I would 100 percent recommend him!." -Laurie N

"We had a great experience working with Max Smith to find a vacation home in the Santa Rosa Beach area. He is knowledgeable, patient, and very easy to work with. His background as an attorney was a plus, and even though we live in New York, we felt confident with him acting as our “boots on the ground.” The local resources he shared were excellent, and we never felt pressured. He consistently went the extra mile to help us find the right place. Highly recommend!" - Laura Hamilton

"Max Smith did an outstanding job managing the sale of our house lots in Florida. He guided us through all the pre-sale studies and surveys that needed to be done, helped us negotiate a fair market price and supported us in dealing with the closing attorney. I would recommend Max to anybody who wants a highly knowledgeable pro to help them buy or sell real estate.." - D.Mackay

"Over the years we have bought and sold so many commercial and residential properties I can’t count. Max was by far the best agent we have ever worked with. He not only sold a property that was on and off the market for two years, he did it within two weeks! Also, he never hesitated replying to calls, or text. Max showed us a minimum of 40 homes to assist in our 1031 exchange. We finally found the perfect place, again. We will continue with Max as OUR realtor as long as he puts up with us!." - Judy G

"Max Smith from the Spears Group, was a pleasure to work with. He helped us secure an offer in a very short time. Always available, never heard a “no” from him, he followed up and through, and handled every part of the sale with grace, beginning to end.." -Sharon K

"Max Smith did an incredible job navigating the sale of our existing home and the purchase of our new residence. Today's market is incredibly challenging and you need an agent that will do more than simply list it on the MLS and wait for buyers. Max went above and beyond on multiple occasions for us as we're out of state and we're not able to physically be there to handle a lot of the small details. He even showed us 12 properties over two days to insure that we had a firm grasp of the market. We would highly recommend and would definitely use him again." -Jason S

"Max was extremely diligent and a pleasure to work with. A true professional in every sense- I would highly recommend him and the Spears team!." -Kashe Construction

"Highly recommend Max Smith. Got us 2 full price offers within the first 10 days listed.." -V.Rob

"Max and the team at Spears Group/Compass expertly guided us the whole way through our recent 30A purchase! Max was available virtually 24-7 whenever we had questions and is super knowledgeable about the 30A area. We could not be more pleased with his expertise and friendly, prompt service. Thank you again, Max!." -Robert C.

About Max

Max Smith is a top-producing agent with the Spears Group at Compass, serving buyers and sellers across Scenic Highway 30A, Miramar Beach, and Destin. His consistent annual sales volume places him in the top 1% of Realtors in both Florida and the nation. While he works throughout the Emerald Coast, Max specializes in Watercolor, where he has represented record-breaking home sales and some of the most notable transactions in the community's recent history.

What sets Max apart is his command of the market. A true student of local real estate, he studies historical sales patterns and tracks pricing trends closely, so every listing he takes on is positioned competitively and set up for the strongest possible result. For buyers, his deep relationships with homeowners and agents throughout the area frequently give his clients access to off-market and pre-market properties before they reach the broader public, an edge that matters in a market where the best homes move quickly.

Max brings particular value to investment-minded clients. Drawing on his finance degree and legal background, he helps buyers and sellers identify properties that fit their investment goals and recognizes the tax considerations that shape smart real estate decisions, from 1031 exchanges and cost segregation studies to other deferral and mitigation strategies. Working alongside trusted tax advisors, he helps clients structure transactions in a way that reduces tax exposure and strengthens returns.

Before real estate, Max spent six years as an attorney in private practice focused on bankruptcy and commercial litigation. He counseled businesses through Chapter 11 reorganization proceedings and advised companies, closely held corporations, and their principals on complex litigation matters. That work sharpened the negotiating skill, attention to detail, and strategic judgment he now brings to every transaction. Max earned both his bachelor's degree in finance and his Juris Doctor from Florida State University in his hometown of Tallahassee, and he remains a member in good standing of The Florida Bar.

Outside of work, Max enjoys the outdoors with his wife, Maria, and their three rescue pups, Fern, Brandy, and Suki. The family spends as much time as they can on 30A's beaches and exploring the area's state parks, and Max and Maria love to travel.

Giving back is central to Max's life. A survivor of a rare cancer, he is passionate about supporting cancer awareness, detection, and treatment. He underwent treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering in 2019, and he and Maria have since fundraised for and participated in MSK initiatives, including Fred's Team, the program whose runners compete in the New York City Marathon to raise money for lifesaving cancer research. Max is equally committed to the well-being of animals and makes regular donations to Alaqua Animal Refuge in Walton County.