Written by Ray Collins on . Posted in Great Reading.
When I got in real estate a few years ago, friends compared me to fictional actor Forest Gump, who had an uncanny ability of good timing. I admit I may have “lucked out” at the timing of getting my license. The past few years were indeed rewarding: I was fortunate to buy and/or sell more […]
Written by Suncoast Post Staff on . Posted in SRQ Scoop.
Mixon Farms in Bradenton, Florida has been a much-loved part of the community for over eight decades. Established in 1939, the farm provides both locals and tourists alike with fresh produce, fun family activities, and insight into the vibrant history of Florida farming. Unfortunately, it was recently announced that Mixon Farms will be closing for […]
Written by Ray Collins on . Posted in Businesses.
I get asked that question all the time. Prior to 2019, I had never considered real estate as a career. I had been immersed in broadcasting—since I was a teenager. Nothing else mattered. I racked up a dozen internships and part-time jobs in TV and radio by the time I graduated from college. I first […]
Written by Suncoast Post Staff on . Posted in Events.
The community is invited to attend Mothers Helping Mothers 2nd Annual Kids Rock Concert on Sunday, April 24, from 12 Noon – 4pm at Stottlemyer’s Smokehouse at 19 East Rd, Sarasota, FL 34240. This is an awesome FREE, family centered event, featuring FREE children’s activities, and an afternoon of fun for the young and young […]
Written by Ray Collins on . Posted in Great Reading.
Chances are you are aware of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, but you may not have realized how it wound up there: City workers discovered Native American remains while building a downtown parking garage in 1980. They re-located the remains off I-4 near Orient Road–and the state granted reservation status to the Seminole […]
Written by Sande Caplin on . Posted in SRQ Scoop.
We wanted to turn the tables on our monthly columnist Ray Collins and find out how a guy who spent 35-years as an award-winning TV newscaster has been able to become an award-winning Realtor in his first full year of buying and selling homes. In 2021, Ray was among the top 1% of his Coldwell […]
Written by Ray Collins on . Posted in Great Reading.
It’s an interesting concept—to return to your hometown as a tourist, stay in a hotel and explore the area with a fresh set of eyes. I haven’t lived in Buffalo for over 20 years, but a family wedding brought us back recently. Erin had never seen much of downtown, and it had been a while […]
Written by Ray Collins on . Posted in Businesses.
Who can forget that iconic line from the 1994 classic movie ‘Forest Gump?’ Like with those mysterious chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get when you put your home on the real estate market. Fortunately, it is generally good news for sellers—but the extent of that good news seems very fickle: Example #1: […]
Written by Ray Collins on . Posted in Businesses.
Even though this is referred to as a “sellers’ market” — make no mistake—there are still thousands of houses for sale around the state. But there is one on Siesta Key that is different from any other. 4027 Roberts Point Road was originally built in 1957. A one-floor house that backs up to the Hanson […]
Written by Ray Collins on . Posted in Businesses.
Whoever would have guessed that a pandemic would actually be a boost for the real estate industry? Our office at the Coldwell Banker downtown Sarasota branch in December, had the biggest month ever! I’ve been contacted by a dozen friends up north about opportunities in Florida. Sometimes I fit them into something I’m listing, other […]
Written by Ray Collins on . Posted in Businesses.
Usually, I write about real estate here on the Suncoast, but this month my column is going to be about a big commercial real estate project in Southwest Florida. I lived in Ft. Myers 30 years ago. It was my first job as a TV news anchor, and life was good. When weekends came, we […]