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In a market defined by change, adaptability is everything. For Bonita Springs–based Realtor® Octavia Harris, that adaptability comes from a mix of heart, hustle, and resourcefulness — and, as she shares, a little help from Tongo.
A graduate of the College of Charleston and a trusted Coldwell Banker sales associate, Octavia has built her career on authenticity and care, helping families find their dream homes across Southwest Florida. When the market slowed and life threw unexpected challenges her way, she found in Tongo a bridge that helped her keep her business and her confidence moving forward.
Tongo connected with Octavia to learn about her path into real estate, the strategies behind her success, and her vision for the future.
Q1. Octavia, tell us a little about your journey in real estate, how did you get started, and what’s been driving your success?
I got into real estate because I’ve always loved homes. A minor HGTV — ok — MAJOR HGTV obsession may also have something to do with inspiring my journey as well! However, it’s not just the way homes look, but the construction, the engineering, the energy, and the reality that this place will hold some special memories for a family, a bloodline — forever. What started as curiosity turned into a calling once I realized how much I enjoyed guiding people through such a major chapter in their lives. It is so amazing watching people’s lives and happiness blossom in SWFL. It’s very fulfilling work.
My success really comes down to relationships. I focus on staying genuine, being resourceful “Johnny on the spot", and making sure my clients always feel seen, heard, and appreciated.
Q2. The market has seen a lot of changes recently. How have you adapted your business to stay consistent through it all?Flexibility has been everything. I’ve learned to adjust my strategy based on what’s happening in a slow market, more effort is required. If Plan A isn’t working - instead of going down with an obviously sinking ship…pivot! Market data is crucial to advising and I lean on statistics to help shape my plan of attack. The best thing I can do is manage expectations and I prefer a realistic approach to blind optimism.
I stay educated on market trends, keep my clients educated, and look for opportunities in every shift. Change is part of this business, but consistency comes from a “how can I help?" mindset, dedication, and persistence.
Q3. You mentioned to us that Tongo has been an “amazing bridge” for you. Can you share how it’s helped you keep momentum and peace of mind between closings?
Tongo has honestly been a game changer. Real estate income can be unpredictable and Tongo helped smooth that out for me this year. I was emotionally devastated the first 6 months of this year, and it was nearly impossible for me to work. As I was coming out of that depression, I found myself in a dead summer market in SWFL with dwindling funds. Tongo has given me the ability to keep my business running — pay for marketing, invest in listings, and handle daily expenses — without stressing while waiting on a commission check. I’m finally back to functioning and Tongo helped me stay in the business! I’m so grateful and thankful to you guys!
Q4. How has having access to your future commissions changed the way you plan or invest back into your business?
It’s given me freedom and confidence. Before, I’d hesitate to take certain steps like launching a new marketing campaign or staging a listing because I didn’t want to stretch too thin.
Now, I can invest in opportunities when they make sense, not just when the timing of closings allows. That’s helped me think more strategically about long-term growth and being able to capitalize on opportunities as they present themselves.
Q5. What advice would you give to an agent who’s just starting out in real estate?Be patient and persistent. This business takes time, but every conversation, showing, and “no” teaches you something. Build genuine relationships, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Be honest. Think about things as if you were the person you are advising. What would you tell yourself? Follow up.
Do not trust anyone in this business. If it is not in writing, then it didn’t happen. Take it seriously, always be learning, stay abreast of new laws and anything that could possibly help you in advising people that have trusted you with their property purchase or lease. Your mindset and consistency matter more than any lead source. Always remember: your energy is your brand.
Q6. What’s one of your funniest real estate stories or most memorable client moments?
FUNNY STORY. I’m running a little behind schedule for an open house. I pick my normal order of balloons up from Publix (local grocery store), and notice the overzealous balloon creator blew them up way too large. They were like 30% larger than normal and I was fighting trying to get them in the car. The only way I could get them in the car was for me to gather them together and then put the convertible top up. They all fit! Perfect.
I’m sweating at this point.
I make it to the busy corner, right across from Mel’s Diner, to put the open house signs up. I remember thinking, "the balloons have weights on them, I’ll leave the windows up, take the top off, grab the signs and grab the balloons — go”. I stepped out to grab the open house signs from the trunk.
The balloons flew away.
A gust of wind came, scooped them out of the car, I was only a couple steps away but they flew away so quickly I couldn’t grab them.
I immediately doubled over laughing. I fell over the trunk of the car laughing. I was laughing so hard my knees were weak. I’m laughing now remembering it. A lady came out from the diner, they must’ve seen the entire thing and she was laughing too.
Q7. What’s next for you? Any goals or projects you’re excited about this year?
Continuing the pursuit of greatness. Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable! I want to continue this trajectory; being healthy, active, and centered in being of service to others. I want to be the best me possible! I want to keep inspiring people to go after their best lives too and keep building a relationship with God. Professionally, I’m excited about expanding my presence in Bonita Springs and the surrounding areas, building a stronger referral network, and mentoring newer agents. I’m also working on creating more fresh, fun real estate content mixing local lifestyle and humor because I believe real estate doesn’t have to be boring. It’s about people, personality, and purpose.
Listings: soldwithoctavia.com
Contact Details: (239) 860-1276 | octavia@soldwithoctavia.com
Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn
At Tongo, we’re honored to support agents like Octavia who lead with authenticity, resilience, and heart. Her story is a reminder that success in real estate isn’t just about closing deals, it’s about staying steady through every market cycle, one confident step at a time.