Agent Stories | Career Best – Tina Halsteter

When Tina Halsteter first walked the property on North Circle Drive in Crystal River, one of her first thoughts was that it was like a private resort, and that it was going to be a lot of fun working to find a buyer. What she didn’t anticipate was a buyer making an offer within a week of the listing hitting the market. 

The four-story, 5970 sq ft Mediterranean style home sold on New Year’s Eve for the asking price of $1.9 million – the highest sale price closed in Crystal River since 2020, according to Stellar MLS. 

“It was pretty startling. You wish that would happen for every property, but obviously it doesn’t,” she says.  “So I was a little speechless. But I recovered quickly and we made the deal.”  

A 15-year resident of Ocala with a long history of activity within the equine industry, Tina is the owner and operator of Sneak-E-Snacks, an all-natural pet treat company that she founded in 2009. She also currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association, and has been involved in the Equine Alliance Committee. She also served as a barn judge at HITS for 6 years and as event Chairman for the Paso Fino Association. She and her husband own a 12-acre farm where they keep alpacas, goats, chickens, “a few dogs in the mix, some barn cats”, and she is passionate about helping connect the right people with the right home.

“Listening to the buyer and finding out what’s important to them is my first priority,” she says. “It requires me to think outside the box and help people see potential. It’s one of the things I love most about my job,” she points out.

Located right on the waterfront of King’s Bay, the property boasts a plethora of outdoor spaces, nooks, balconies, fire pits, cabana, outdoor kitchen and a pool, plus beautiful views of the water – while inside boasts six bedrooms, six bathrooms, a recreation room, family room, and an elevator to navigate the floors. Retractable awnings provide cool shade, and there’s 85 feet of dock and mooring piers for vessels up to 55 feet, a floating dock for smaller boats, and steps leading into the water for kayaks and paddle boats. The eco-conscious estate also features solar panels providing two-thirds of the home’s power as well as electric vehicle charging stations. 

Crystal River is one of the Nature Coast’s most picturesque locales, serving as a portal to the shorelines of the Gulf and the natural beauty of inland Florida. With its pure, clear springs, tidal estuaries, and sandy shores, Crystal River is one of the most scenic, serene places in the region, with a quiet, easygoing way of life. It’s also well-known for its water sports; visitors and residents alike enjoy swimming with dolphins and manatees, go boating on the river and the tributaries, or take the day on the water for some fishing. The North Circle Drive property is right on the hub of activity.

Tina is continuing her work with the same sellers on their 50-acre farm in Citra – a gorgeous four-bedroom home with natural hardwood paneling, stone fireplace, pool, sauna, and horse barn. It also boasts a barn apartment, a tree house, and multiple balconies overlooking the property and Black Sink Prairie. “It’s eclectic and serene and has so many possibilities,” she says. 

The new owners of the King’s Bay property are pleased with their new purchase. 

“They’re excited to move into their new home on the waterfront and enjoy it, and I’m happy for them,” she says.  “It’s always a really good feeling when you can do something to make that a reality for people. I have fantastic support from our team at Showcase, and that enables me and all our agents to make it happen.”  

Meet the People Behind the Properties

Behind every great real estate deal is a great agent. Our team isn’t just about buying and selling homes—they have unique stories, insights, and passions that make them stand out. Dive into our collection of Agent Stories to learn more about the people who make it all happen.