Today we’d like to introduce you to Ray Collins.
Hi Ray, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I was an award-winning TV News Anchor for 30 years who made a sharp turn and got into real estate in 2019. In my first two full years combined, I did more than 60 deals totaling $43 million dollars.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Yes, fairly. Early on, a friend of mine asked me to sell his million-dollar condo on Palm Avenue in downtown Sarasota. I didn’t know a lot about real estate yet, but thanks to my previous career in the media, I did know a lot about marketing. I shot, wrote, and produced a high-end video with drone footage–and the video was profiled in Florida Realtor Magazine, and it led to a statewide award at the annual industry convention in Orlando. That was picked up by the Sarasota Herald-Tribune–so I was fortunate to get off to a good start.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
It sounds cliche but it’s true–I’ve had clients become friends…and I’ve had friends become clients. I take the responsibility very seriously. I don’t want to let anyone down, so I think I may have a certain tenacity that served me well as a reporter for so many years.
Having been on TV for the past 30 years, I like to say to people, “I was in your home five days a week–and now I can help sell your home.” Fortunately, I still get asked on a regular basis to emcee high-profile events in the area–from Sarasota to Naples. It’s a good opportunity to get my name out there.
Since I covered the area for so long as a journalist, I know the neighborhoods very well–and I may have some name recognition and hopefully some credibility due to my previous career.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Not really. I was a grocery store stock-boy in high school. THAT was work. Real estate is a lifestyle. Yes, I work seven days a week–sometimes early in the morning, sometimes late at night, but I enjoy it. It’s become a passion.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.raycollinsrealestate.com
- Instagram: raycollinsrealestate
- Facebook: Ray Collins Media & Real Estate
- Twitter: Ray Collins Media
- Youtube: Ray Collins Media
Image Credits
Realtor Association
