If Tom Brady signs with Bucs, here’s why he should call Derek Jeter

So, it’s looking likely that Tom Brady does sign with the Bucs.

The first, and perhaps biggest, play he has to call is where he, Gisele and their kids are going to live.

We have a suggestion, a lil’ place over on Davis Islands that is pretty much unoccupied these days as the owner had to relocate due to work:

St. Jetersburg.

Derek Jeter’s 30,000-plus square-foot, seven-bedroom, nine-bathroom, waterfront mansion could work for the Brady-Bundchen squad. And it would seem available — to buy or rent — with Jeter and his family spending pretty much all their time in South Florida as he runs the Marlins, who, like all other baseball teams, are currently idled by the coronavirus pandemic.

But let’s say 12 and 2 can’t get together on a deal.

“Tom and Gisele would have a lot of great properties to choose from in Tampa Bay," said Jennifer Zales, a Coldwell Banker agent who deals with many professional athletes. “We have large, gated estates on the water as well as larger private golf course estates, several of which I have listed or are ready to come to market soon."

Among current area listings, there is a 12,757-square-foot, nine-bedroom, 11-bathroom house on Bryan Lane in Tarpon Springs priced at $19 million. A 16,000-square-foot, 10-bedroom, eight-bathroom waterfront house on Druid Road in Clearwater, with a 5,000-square-foot guest house for $12.9 million. A 13,131-square-foot, six-bedroom, seven-bathroom house on Lindelaan Drive in Tampa, for $8.5 million.

It’s not like Brady would need to enlist help from TV’s House Hunters crew.

“The area is kind of a hot spot for athletes," said Compass real estate agent Eric Dungy, son of former Bucs coach Tony, mentioning Avila, Davis Islands and Bayshore Boulevard among the options.

And, not that it might matter much to Brady, but he’ll actually get more for his money down here.

“Not only would they be able to find an exceptional home, but it would be at a great value coming from up north," said Susan Vaughn, a realtor with Coastal PGI/Christie’s International Real Estate who has worked with many baseball players and managers.

Selling a house to high-profile athletes and world-famous models, and especially both, is different. Privacy around the property is usually a high priority. So is discretion in the sales process and concierge-level service.

“Their needs are different than most people," Vaughn said. “And they need to work with people who understand their needs for confidentiality."

Zales said the aim is to streamline the process so they can make easier and “well-thought out decisions." Location (to the stadium/training facility), access to schools, privacy and security are factors, but she also noted, “athletes are transient, so we look for homes in areas with the highest resale potential."

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Zales said she was getting texts from people throughout Tuesday asking if she knew if Brady was coming. She does not, and like everyone else in town was eagerly awaiting word.

“We would all be very excited for them to come to Tampa and the real estate community would be very willing to showcase their listings," she said.

Dungy said the opportunity to work with Brady would be a big deal. He was discussing with colleagues what sources they might be able to work if Brady does sign with the Bucs, since connections or referrals usually are needed.

“That would be a fun time, whoever is privileged enough to get them as a client," Dungy said.

“Oh my goodness," said Vaughn.