Realtor^® Rachel McCoy: Putting People First

A Realtor® with Coldwell Banker Realty, McCoy built her career in the Bradenton–Sarasota market after more than a decade in banking. She often reflects on her early days at Barnett Bank, where “it was very, very relational. We had to know our clients. We had to know who they were, and we had to know what their needs were.” When the industry shifted toward sales quotas rather than service, McCoy recognized the need for a change. Real estate offered her a way to return to a relationship-driven career: “I no longer have to ask permission to do the right thing. I can help people, and it is truly relational.”

McCoy specializes in waterfront and luxury properties. “My first listing was a waterfront listing, and then I just kind of took it from there.” She complements that focus with multiple professional designations and the Florida Realtors® Board Certified endorsement – a distinction she pursued after hearing it described as a way to elevate the industry’s professionalism. “To me, this is something special and something I could be proud of,” she explains.

Her passion, however, extends far beyond transactions. “When people ask me what my hobbies are, it’s real estate. I just love the industry. I love the business. But what it boils down to is the people. I love to love on people.”

McCoy brings that mindset to every client interaction, often through small, thoughtful touches. From delivering umbrellas before the rainy season to creating personalized “pop-bys,” she’s constantly seeking ways to nurture relationships. Clients notice. As one told her, “You’re unlike anybody we’ve ever worked with.”

McCoy is also a community leader. She’s a major investor with RPAC (Realtors Political Action Committee), a board member with Stellar MLS (Multiple Listing Service), and an active participant in public policy. Her past leadership roles include serving as a Girl Scout troop leader, and volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and the Bradenton Women’s Club.

And, as a grandmother, she feels an even stronger responsibility to invest in the future: “I feel like it’s more important now to stay involved in local activities so that I can help provide a better future for our baby Esther.”

In today’s post-settlement environment, McCoy is intentional about demonstrating her value. She uses tools like Stellar MLS’s new platform to document every step of a transaction and has built a detailed resume outlining her designations, years of service and achievements. “That resume has really made a big splash and made a big difference in building trust from the very beginning.”

Looking ahead, McCoy plans to market her Florida Realtors® Board Certified endorsement directly to consumers, particularly affluent homeowners who recognize the significance of board certifications in fields such as medicine and law. “It would be wasted if I didn’t,” she says.

And as always, she views her success not just in closings, but in the those whom she helps along the way: “What I’m passionate about is people – showing them that they’re cared for, whether they’re buying or selling. I just want to be their advocate and hold their hand along the way.”