by Caroline Gabsewics
Staff Writer
In such an unstable market Dennis Collins still saw an opportunity to open Collins Realty Group in Macclenny.
Collins Realty Group officially opened late last month. Collins who has his real estate license, brokers license and community association management license thought at this time it is a perfect opportunity to start his own real estate company.
“This is the tip of the iceburg,” said Collins. “It’s a golden opportunity here.”
What sets Collins Realty Group apart from other real estate companies — especially in Baker County — is that they are the only company certified as both a brokerage firm and community association management firm.
“When the real estate market began to subside, I decided to get my broker’s license last November,” he said. “I was certified in the other two areas, but I felt like I was missing a part of the puzzle.”
Collins said there are a few reasons why he decided to open his company at a time where buyers/sellers are concerned about the market.
“It is unfortunate what has happened,” he said. “People are shaky right now and I personally believe it isn’t going to get better any time soon.”
Collins believes as long as he has the right mix of employees his company will flourish.
“Homes are going to sell regardless,” said Collins. “And the community of Cedar Creek that will have 5,500 homes/condos is getting closer to opening.”
Another reason Collins is confident in his company is the fact that he is certified in community association management.
“It is keeping us afloat right now,” he said.
A community association manager is a licensed individual who handles the day-to-day operations of an entire community, he said.
Some of the duties Collins handles include:
• budgets
• vendors
• landscapers
• roofers
• painters
• pavers
• pest control
Collins also designs “preventative schedules” to catch problems before they happen.
Currently, Collins Realty Group has one other sales associate, Shirley Dugger. He added that they are looking to expand.
Collins believes in order to succeed in real estate you have to give back to the community.
“It’s a slow time and people are hurting and we want to help them through it,” he said. “If we can help one person, we’re happy with that.”
Collins wants to make sure clients feel comfortable about buying or selling a home.
“Realtors are service people. We have to get back to being service oriented,” said Collins. “I love to see us help people achieve the American dream.”
Collins Realty Group is located on South 6th Street (State Road 121) off I-10. For more information call 259-7039 or visit www.collinsrealtymanagement.com.