Richard McKinney truly loves real estate. He loves everything from the process of real estate to the privilege of meeting and getting to know and help so many people. “To be successful in any industry, you have to be in love with the business,” he states in a calm, matter-of-fact manner. That passion, along with innovative approaches to real estate sales, has propelled Richard’s undeniable success since he entered the industry on Florida’s Treasure Coast in 1999. As a leader of Atlantic Shores Realty Expertise, Richard is a consistent Top Producer ranking in the Top 2% of Realtors nationwide. In 2017, he sold 167 properties accounting for $29.3 million in sales volume. Richard is a six-time Platinum Award winner with over 900 career sales totaling over $150 million sold.

Along with five other agents, Richard serves communities in St. Lucie County and St. Martin County known as the Treasure Coast. Comprising Port St. Lucie, Jensen Beach, Palm City, Stuart and Fort Pierce, he describes the region as Florida’s – and perhaps the country’s – best kept secret. “For less than $200 thousand, you can own a really nice piece of property or a condo or townhome loaded with all the amenities and just minutes from the beach.” In a place where the yearly average temperature is 72 degrees, the lifestyle offers excellent schools and shopping, recreating, dining and entertainment. “Everything is new here!”

When marketing properties, therefore, Richard not only targets local residents who might currently be renting, but a robust network of agents and prospective buyers from other parts of the country, particularly the Northeast. “We market all over the world, so professional photos, video tours, drone photography and internet marketing is required,” he says. “It’s not so much where it’s marketed, but how it’s marketed and presented,” he adds, noting that his website is a valuable source of information about all of the real estate sales and investment opportunities on the Treasure Coast not just his team’s listings.

While that world-class marketing keeps clients referring business to him, the primary reason for his business growth and loyal clientele is service. “We care about our customers; we listen carefully to their wants and needs and we develop a plan to help them achieve either that dream of homeownership, vacation home ownership or specialized waterfront property,” says Richard. “We make sure we understand and empathize with their situation and we spend a lot of time listening and developing a plan of action to help them achieve their goals.”

Asking questions and listening attentively leads to healthy client engagements. “We develop personal relationships with each client and they know they can come to me for answers.” Having sold in the area for 19 years, Richard knows the local market. “I can give them the information they need in a straightforward way.” His approach is direct; no beating around the bush. Buyers, for instance, trust Richard’s assessments when he describes a home and what it’s going to take to purchase it, including details on every cost involved. “That helps them make educated decisions,” he said. “It’s about educating, guiding and helping them make the best decisions.”

His love of Florida also bolsters his business. When not working with clients, Richard enjoys family time, traveling to see different parts of Florida several times a year, plus boating on the waterways of the Treasure Coast. He’s also an active community member, volunteering and sponsoring local youth sports and school programs. As business grows, Richards’ focus is to continue serving the needs of various kinds of clients, with particular attention to expanding the company’s work in new construction homes and investment properties. “And we really want to help more and more people get to know Florida’s Treasure Coast,” he says. “It’s truly a hidden gem.”

 To learn more about Richard McKinney, visit TreasureCoastMLS.com, MyStLucieRealEstate.com or go to Facebook, email richardmckinney.re@gmail.com or call 772.370.8631