Helene provides a superior level of informed, professional real estate services for buyers and sellers in Siesta Key, Sarasota, Longboat Key, Lido Beach, Anna Maria, Bradenton, Osprey, Nokomis and Venice. Voted by her clients as a Five Star Realtor - top 6% of realtors in Sarasota- as recognized by Sarasota Magazine for fifteen years in a row.

A native of Brooklyn and Breezy Point, New York, I early retired from Queensborough Community College, City University of New York where I was Vice President for Institutional Advancement. Prior to my tenure at Queensborough Community College, I was an educator and fund raising professional. A triple graduate of St. John's University in New York with a B.A., M.S., and P.D., I am now a full time resident of Siesta Key.

I am an active member of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce and serve as a member of the Board of Directors. I have also served on the American Cancer's Society Relay for Life Committee and on Dick Vitale's Sports Night Committee which benefitted the Boys and Girls Club of Sarasota. My second career began in 2002 when I became licensed as a Florida realtor and joined Coldwell Banker on Siesta Key.

Specialization

I specialize in representing my clients in purchases and sales of single-family residences, condos and investment properties in Siesta Key, Sarasota, Longboat Key, Lido Beach, Anna Maria, Osprey, Nokomis, Venice and Bradenton. I keep current on all transactions in these areas and I'm also very knowledgeable about the local schools.

Twenty + years of experience in the field of real estate, with an excellent track record of accomplishments. In addition to working with the public, my past experience has been working with architects, contractors and County officials throughout and during construction phases.

Affiliations

• Member, National Association of Realtors®
• Member, Florida Realtors®
• Member, Sarasota and Manatee Association of Realtors®
• Florida Notary Public, National Notary Assoc.
• Member, Sarasota and Manatee Association of Realtors® / Crea (commercial real estate alliance) division

Pleasure

Originally from Chicago, Illinois, I moved to the Sarasota area in 1984. I was fortunate to travel by boat to every Florida Yacht Club affiliated with the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs. My excursions have taken me further to the unchartered waters of the Caribbean including Cuba and the Bahamas. If you are a mariner, I am well acquainted with Florida waterways and surrounding waters with an understanding of your boating lifestyle criteria. I understand the importance of draft, sailboat water, bridges to bay and opens on demand. My knowledge of the surrounding waters of the area will be an asset for assisting you in purchasing a waterfront home.

Background

Experienced is in all levels of real estate to include new construction, residential, commercial, and property management. I also served on numerous Condominium Board of Director Associations with knowledge of Condominium administration. Accreditations:
CWS -Certified Waterfront Specialist, CNE -Certified Negotiation Expert, ACP- Accredited Commercial Professional

Volunteer experience

• 2018 graduate of the Leadership Academy of Realtor Association of Sarasota & Manatee (RASM).
• Outreach Committee of RASM working with local charitable organizations to raise money and volunteer at various services. 1/1/2019-12/30/2019
• Property Management Committee of RASM 1/2020-12/2020
• Ambassador of RASM. 2/2020 - present
• Vice Chair of Property Management Committee of RASM. 1/2021 – 1/31/2021
• Chairman of Property Management Committee of RASM 1/1/2022 - present

Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE), Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI)

John McSweeney may have been born in Michigan but has deep roots on Siesta Key. John’s grandparents purchased a condo on Siesta Key in the early 70’s and when John came for his first visit to Siesta Key, he rode on the lap of his mother on the airplane. He is a full time resident of Siesta Key and has lived in the Sarasota/Siesta Key area for the past 22 years.

John graduated from Detroit Catholic Central High School and Western Michigan University where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing.

Before becoming a real estate associate with Coldwell Banker in 2014, he worked as a financial advisor with a Fortune 50 company and as a recruiter in the medical field.

He is fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Tampa Bay Rays but still roots for the Detroit Lions.

John is experienced in all areas of real estate but specializes in island living in single family houses, condos and waterfront properties. He also is a specialist in new construction on mainland Sarasota.