Real Estate Agent Upstate, NY
About Us
Colin McDonald
With over $300 million in closed sales, 300+ successful transactions, and 100+ five-star reviews across Google and Zillow, Colin McDonald is one of the Capital Region’s leading real estate professionals. As founder of the all-digital McDonald Real Estate Company, he brings a modern, tech-forward approach to buying and selling homes.
A top producer formerly with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Colin brokered the highest recorded closings in Albany County in 2019 and 2020. Known for his sharp marketing instincts and deep local knowledge, he’s been featured by Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com.
Colin is a dedicated community advocate, supporting local businesses, the arts, and numerous charitable organizations. When he’s not leading innovation at the brokerage, he’s spending time with his French Bulldog, Stella—McDonald Real Estate’s Chief Inspiration Officer.
With more than $300 million in sales, 300+ transactions, and over 100 five‑star Google and Zillow reviews, Colin McDonald is a top Capital Region agent. As founder of the digital‑first McDonald Real Estate Company, he leverages tech‑savvy marketing and local expertise.
Outside work, he champions community causes and enjoys time with Stella, his French Bulldog.
OUR RESULTS
Our Vision
Empowering every client with innovative tools, personalized strategies, and a smarter way to buy and sell in today’s real estate market.
Innovation
We stay ahead of the curve with cutting-edge marketing that includes immersive virtual tours and 3D walkthroughs—giving buyers a real feel for each property before they visit. Our strategy ensures every listing stands out and attracts the right audience.
Leadership
We don’t follow trends—we set them. As a forward-thinking real estate company, we’re redefining what it means to serve today’s buyers and sellers. Our mission is to challenge outdated industry norms and lead with vision, creativity, and purpose.
Customization
No two clients are alike, and neither are our strategies. Every buying or selling plan is tailor-made to meet the unique needs of the individual, ensuring a personalized and effective experience from start to finish.
Agility
In a fast-changing market, flexibility is key. Our fully digital, cloud-based model allows us to move quickly, adopt new tools, and adapt strategies in real time—so our clients never miss an opportunity.
Our team
Colin McDonald and his team are recognized by clients, developers, and industry professionals for their sharp marketing instincts, deep local expertise, and results-driven strategies. With over $300 million in closed sales and more than 300 successful transactions, the McDonald Real Estate team continues to set the standard for real estate excellence across the Capital Region.
With sharp marketing instincts, deep local expertise, and results‑driven strategies, Colin McDonald’s team has completed 300+ transactions totaling over $300 million. They set the Capital Region’s standard for real estate excellence.
Our Reviews Speak For Themselves
Colin is really knowledgeable, fun, available, responsive and knows everyone! He was able to schedule 3 different contractors for estimates in the same 1 hour time frame based on my schedule. Amazing. His patience with my struggles to make decisions was great. He advocated for me and kept me grounded. I had a VERY modest budget and he treated me like I was buying a million dollar home. Do not hesitate to work with him. I will definitely use him for any sales and/or purchases in the future! He's the best!
We had an excellent experience working with Colin McDonald in buying our home in Troy. Colin's deep knowledge of the market was invaluable. He consistently provided helpful professional advice to us during all stages of the buying process. Colin was a proactive communicator, who was always extremely friendly and supportive. He also recommended an excellent lawyer. In short, Colin made what could have been a stressful experience feel manageable and pleasant. We highly recommend Colin McDonald.
Colin did such a great job getting me a great deal on my new home. I sent in the offer in January and closed in February! Him and his team are the best people for the job in Albany County!
Colin has been phenomenal both when I bought and sold. He is responsive, professional, thorough, and totally on top of things. Great. Highly recommended.
Colin was a fantastic buyer's agent! He outlined the process in a comprehensive and detailed way, got me to see every listing I was even a little interested in (10 in one Sunday!), recommended a fantastic lawyer and inspector and just overall took great care of me responding quickly and completely to all my texts. I cold called him a couple weeks before Halloween after a friend's recommendation determined to buy a house and close by Christmas. He met my energy and we closed before Thanksgiving.
Nate and Mariah were recommended to me by a coworker who had just had a great experience with this team. This was my first home purchase, and they helped explain the home-buying process and offered great advice/guidance throughout the process. They were responsive, flexible, and...
Colin was absolutely fantastic! He came highly recommended as a buyer's agent by two friends of mine and they were not exaggerating. Colin responded to text messages quickly and comprehensively, got me in to see every listing I wanted, provided excellent guidance and negotiation ...
Colin is the absolute best! He was so knowledgeable about the whole process and helped us find our dream home!
Have Questions? We’ve Got Answers.
Buying or selling real estate comes with a lot of moving parts—so we’ve put together answers to the questions we hear most often. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, this section is here to help you feel informed and confident every step of the way.
We specialize in residential and commercial real estate throughout Upstate NY, with deep local knowledge in neighborhoods like Albany, Saratoga Springs, and Troy.
We combine personalized service with cutting-edge technology, offering modern marketing strategies, expert negotiation, and full transparency throughout the buying or selling process.
While it’s not required to start the conversation, we do recommend getting pre-approved for a mortgage early. It strengthens your offer and helps us match you with homes within your budget.
For buyers, our services are typically free—commissions are paid by the seller. Sellers usually pay a commission fee at closing, which we’ll discuss clearly and upfront before listing your home.
No—our team has extensive experience in both residential and commercial real estate. Whether you’re buying a home, leasing office space, or investing in multi-units, we can help.
Absolutely. We work closely with local builders and developers and can guide you through the new construction process, including selecting land, reviewing contracts, and understanding timelines.
Timing depends on pricing, condition, and local market conditions, but our data-driven approach is designed to help you sell quickly and for top dollar. We’ll walk you through your specific timeline.
Yes! We love helping first-time buyers navigate the market with confidence. From explaining the financing process to guiding you through inspections and closing, we’re with you at every step.