Neil Collins

Chief Executive Officer, Santa Clara County Association of REALTORS

Real Estate Columnist

Column contributed fourth Thursday of every month

Neil Collins is the CEO of the Santa Clara County Association of REALTORS®.

Born and raised in Santa Clara County, Neil graduated from San Jose State with a degree in Business Administration and Management. He has an extensive background in customer service going all the way back to the early 1990s where he was the General Manager and Buyer for Mel Cotton’s Sporting Goods.

He has also been a small business owner and entrepreneur, opening up Trailsloggers in Downtown Campbell in 2005. Shortly thereafter, he became the President of the Downtown Campbell Business Association and helped launch First Fridays, Art Walks, Wine Walks, Big Bands & BBQ and a whole host of Downtown centric events that played a large part in improving Downtown Campbell’s vitality.

In 2010, Neil took over as the CEO of the Campbell Chamber of Commerce and became the CEO of the Santa Clara County Association of REALTORS® in 2013.

Columns

June 26, 2025June 25, 2025by Neil Collins

Collins: Why is title insurance important?

When purchasing property, every penny counts, especially with the high cost of housing. It is only natural to question all the miscellaneous fees attached to the process. However, title insurance is an essential service. “Title” is the legal right to use or own property and title insurance protects you from legal challenges to your title....

Columns

A single-family home on a sunny day with a blue sky in the background

May 29, 2025May 28, 2025by Neil Collins

Collins: Slower spring housing market is an opportunity for buyers

The highly anticipated 2025 spring housing market has not been nearly as robust as many have expected it to be. Local inventory is up nearly 40%, and sellers are more willing than ever to negotiate. With interest near a 25-year average, buyers have a unique opportunity to successfully secure their dream home in what is...

Columns

A construction site with a truck parked to the side

April 24, 2025April 24, 2025by Neil Collins

Collins: How do we build affordable for-sale housing?

The rising cost of homeownership has placed affordable for-sale housing at the center of housing policy discussions nationwide. Building homes that middle- and low-income buyers can afford requires more than low prices — it demands thoughtful design, innovative construction methods and navigation through regulatory and financial obstacles. “Affordable by design” is gaining traction as a...

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