Beth DeAngelis
Keller Williams Realty Lowcountry
The Coastal Living Team
8 Lafayette Place
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 271-4254
coastallivingbybeth.com
What is your favorite room in a house?
My favorite room in a home is where you feel the warmth of the home—lots of natural light, high ceilings, and a cozy feature like a fireplace.
How long did it take to sell your first listing?
It took longer than I would have liked, ha ha. It was a little cabin in the woods in Pennsylvania. I took the listing as the first snow started falling, and finally, once the snow started to thaw in the spring, the property sold. It was a long winter!
What advice would you have for Realtors who are just getting started?
I would tell anyone coming into this business to make sure you have enough money saved to cover at least six months of your personal expenses. I would recommend researching the area brokerages that have great training programs and then finding a team who shares your values. I think the best way to learn is to have the book knowledge from the brokerage side and then the firsthand experience that being a junior agent/showing agent or assistant will give you by working in a team structure.
What motivates you?
Having our clients trust that my team and I are consistently giving them the best service, offering them our best market knowledge, and helping guide them to make the decisions that will enable them to accomplish their home buying/selling goals is at the core of what motivates me every day to get up and do my best. On the seller side, that means making sure their homes are priced appropriately as the market changes as well as helping them have their home show ready and putting their best face forward with great photos for the public websites/MLS. For our buyers, we are always trying to uncover not-yet-on-the-market properties since inventory is still low as well as advising them how to structure an offer that will be received well by a seller. Most importantly, encouraging buyers not to settle until we find the perfect property for their needs.
How do you know when you have made a great sale?
When both buyer and seller walk away feeling like it was a win-win, even if compromises are necessary along the way.
What are some of the latest trends in the Lowcountry’s residential real estate market?
I think buyers are a little weary of the highly competitive market and are a little pickier about what they will invest in. Properties that are in very nice condition and/or are in a great location and are priced well, even if a bit aggressive, will still sell quickly—often with multiple offers and over the asking price, with terms that are more favorable for the sellers. Conversely, buyers are becoming more cautious about jumping in quickly on homes that have not been updated/maintained well, and especially if they are priced as they could have been earlier this year in the frenzied market. These homes tend to sit a bit longer on the market and may experience price reductions because buyers want homes that are truly move-in ready in today’s market. On the financing side, products such as 5- or 7-year ARMs are making a comeback.
Are there any home trends that have become a bit passé in recent months?
Aggressively pricing homes that need a lot of updating; multiple offers within hours of listing; no inspections; and buyer’s waiving financing contingencies are all starting to slow down with a more cautious buyer.
Top request from clients?
Communication and market knowledge.
What is the most used app on your phone?
My text app.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Michael Anthony’s.
What is your favorite HGTV show?
Love It or List It.
Cindy Creamer
Dunes Real Estate
6 Queens Folly Road
Hilton Head Island, SC
(843) 298-2356
cindy@cindycreamer.com
Earning a place among the Lowcountry’s highly respected real estate professionals, Cindy Creamer offers extensive knowledge of the Hilton Head Island and Bluffton area communities.
Cindy specializes in the purchase and sale of primary and second homes as well as vacation and investment property. She has a reputation for her professionalism, understanding her clients needs and providing outstanding service. Cindy coordinates and provides attention to detail in every step of the real estate transaction. A dedicated and market savvy professional who is committed to helping you buy or sell your home with the highest level of expertise and the latest market trends.
Cindy is the current President for the South Carolina Realtors, and was the 2020 Treasurer. She is currently a 2022 RPAC Participation Council Member, President’s Circle Member and serves on the Hospice Care of the Lowcountry Board. She served two terms on the South Carolina Realtors Association Executive Board as the Regional Vice President for 2016 and 2017, and was also President of the Hilton Head Area Association of Realtors in 2018 and 2015. She was elected in 2010 to serve on the Realtor Association Board of Directors. She was a recipient of the President’s Service Award for 2014. From 2016-2019 she was appointed to the Hilton Head Town Venue Committee as the chairman. She has also been a recipient of the Realtor Service award since 2010. Cindy is consistently ranked within her company’s top agents each year since starting her real estate career.
”I have lived on the island for over 40 years. My husband Mark and I live in Wexford, with four children between us, two grandsons and one granddaughter! Hilton Head is a great place to live, work and raise a family.”
“It’s amazing here, and I’m always happy just to chat with potential clients about the area, the market, or life in the Lowcountry.”
Jeff Hunt
Dunes Real Estate
6 Queens Folly Road
Hilton Head Island, SC
(843) 842-0896
What is your favorite room in the house?
I would have to say of all the rooms in a house, any room with a view. Living in the Lowcountry is wonderful, and being able to look out a window and see all that nature has to offer is pretty amazing.
How long did it take for you to sell your first listing?
That was sometime back. It took about 120 days. Back then, that was pretty good. I worked hard calling other Realtors to see if they had a client, reaching out to everyone I could think of. These days, things are moving much faster because people have realized this is a great place to be.
What advice would you have for Realtors who are just getting started?
When you enter real estate, you have to rethink how you view your entry into this profession. You are not being hired to do a job; you are starting a business. By reframing this, it will put you in a mindset that will help you understand that your success is not based on what someone tells you to do but on what you do every day. Too many people just sell real estate. But the key is to focus on building a business that helps people meet their goals. Each client has different needs, and by focusing on what they are looking for, you become a true advisor. This mindset will build a great career and help others succeed as well.
What motivates you?
I guess I get most motivated when I hear people say something cannot be done. I often think why not? In sales, people are always saying there is no way you can sell a certain amount or there is no way you can do so many transactions. If we think our ceiling of success is what the last person did, we have never progressed through life. I think breaking bearers of limiting beliefs is a big motivator. Most of us are told what we can and cannot do, and we often have a tendency to believe the person telling us this. I try hard to always ask why. By doing this, I often find an answer and realize I can.
How do you know when you make a great sale?
This is an easy one. I take a lot of pride in listening to my clients and trying to match a property with their goals. Some goals are financial, some are emotional, and others are social. By homing in on their needs, I know when we find that property of their dreams we have a great sale! Another component of a great sale is working with other agents who are resolution oriented and work hard to accomplish a fair and equitable exchange of cash and property. If you can partner with your clients and work hard in their best interest, you will have many great sales!
What are some of the latest trends in the Lowcountry’s residential real estate market?
I get this question a lot. Most people will say it is colors or décor or open floor plans. The thing I see as one of the biggest trends is the paradigm shift in how people view their life and the world. Covid really helped us to refocus on what is important. I used to hear people talking about investing in the stock market or real estate and building their portfolio. Now, people are investing in their happiness. They can work from anywhere and enjoy life and family and friends. This shift has stabilized the entire market. People are less concerned about making a few dollars and more in tune with spending time enjoying life, which is by far the most important trend in Lowcountry real estate.
Are there any trends that have become a bit passé in recent months?
This answer ties in with the previous question. It is always nice to make a few extra dollars and do well financially. I have noticed that more people are less impressed with the person who made a little more money and more interested in how someone was able to cut back and only work three of four days a week. The shift of self-fulfillment is strong and likely to continue. This does not mean that people are not savvy with their money; it simply means they are realizing the value of time and enjoyment
Top request from clients?
A lot of times this is somewhat of a silent request. They almost always want true and accurate information, good or bad. By accommodating this request, you are much more likely to create a strong bond with your client. They just want honest answers so they can make a good decision for their family.
What is the most used app on your phone?
Hands down my Supra eKey app. I use it all day to look up listing, open lockboxes, get phone numbers, and so much more. Thank goodness the days of the old MLS books are gone!
What is your favorite local restaurant?
This is one of the hardest questions for sure, depending on what I am in the mood for. The Bluffton Room has great service and extraordinary food. I love their strip steak! For Italian, I have several. Michael Anthony’s and Pomodori are both very good and, of course, Nunzio and Ombra! I am not going to be able to answer this question. I am suddenly feeling hungry…
Dave Thornton
Dave Thornton Real Estate
Carolina Realty Group
3 Executive Park Rd.
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 384-1606
dave@carolinarealtygroup
davethorntonrealestate.com
It is rare to find a Realtor on Hilton Head Island with a more dedicated and near lifelong devotion to Lowcountry living, but that’s exactly what you’ll find in Dave Thornton. Born in Versailles, Kentucky and raised on Hilton Head Island, Dave graduated from Clemson University and then promptly made his way back home to the island. He took his love for the ocean and passion for the people of Hilton Head and applied that to a career working on the water and in the service industry.
After several prosperous years managing multiple successful restaurants, Dave decided to bring his excitement for this beautiful island to the real estate industry and The Prud’homme Team at Carolina Realty Group. In a few short, yet successful years, Dave has become a leading area Realtor. He has applied his local market knowledge, integrity, and passionate devotion to clients near and far to help them effectively buy and sell property in the Lowcountry.
What is your favorite room in a house?
I love half baths and powder rooms; they can be the most fun and often the most unique rooms in the home, which tells so much about the owners.
How long did it take you to sell your first listing?
I was lucky. I answered a customer call-in, we talked, I picked a few properties to show, and we went under contract a couple of days later. It was fun; they are great clients!
Who is a Realtor you look up to?
Both Dan and Gerry Prud’homme. I’ve received a lot of great advice from both over the years about real estate, but most of their advice has had nothing to do with real estate.
What is your favorite app on your phone?
DocuSign, of course!
What neighborhood do you sell the most in?
Thankfully, the one I live in: the Point Comfort area. I’ve fortunately listed and sold quite a few properties in here; I’ve also successfully represented quite a few buyers as well.
Favorite local restaurant:
San Miguel’s and Mellow Mushroom.
Glenn Davis & Taylor Hubbard
Realty ONE Group Lowcountry
21 Promenade Street
Bluffton, SC 29910
Glenn Davis
(843) 290-0911
glenn@roglowcountry.com
Taylor Hubbard
(843) 301-0916
taylor@roglowcountry.com
What is your favorite room in a house?
Taylor: The kitchen. It’s where we spend the most time. I love cooking and eating. Kitchens and primary bedrooms/bathrooms sell a house!
What advice would you have for Realtors who are just getting started?
Taylor: Get a mentor! Go with a brokerage that has training options and is willing to help guide you. We require brand-new agents to join our mentee program and have four to five sales before they can graduate to 100 percent commission.
Glenn: Be patient; be persistent; be friendly.
What motivates you?
Taylor: I’m motivated by my drive to be successful. I want to help my children, my agents and my community. That’s what success looks like to me.
Glenn: Helping people navigate making one of the most important decisions of their life and creating a legacy.
How do you know when you have made a great sale?
A great sale, to us, is evident when our clients are happy.
What are some of the latest trends in the Lowcountry’s residential real estate market?
Tik Toks, Reels, Open Houses (again). Realtors are participating in charity events and giving back more than ever; we love that. In terms of houses: wallpaper, color, textured/wooded statement walls, ceiling shiplap, and gold hardware.
Are there any home trends that have become a bit passé in recent months?
Taylor: Home trends we see losing traction are barn doors, all white and grays, and matching furniture sets.
Glenn: No inspection, no appraisals, no finance contingencies.
Heather A. Baker
Realtor, ERA Evergreen Real Estate Company
14 Church Street, Suite 102
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 441-2787
Sugarbaker09@gmail.com
HeatherBakerRealtor.com
Heather A. Baker also known as Sugarbaker, is a Broker Associate with ERA Evergreen Real Estate Company. Sugarbaker has assisted families with finding their little slice of paradise in the S.C. Lowcountry for 19 years. She is also very involved in serving our community in many capacities. She has recently accepted the nomination to run for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Visionary of the Year 2023 in honor of one of her mentors, Vicki Austin.
As the longest living bone marrow transplant survivor in the world, Vicki was a warrior. She was an inspiration to many including those in the medical field. She saved many lives after her experimental procedure in her teenage years. She showed Sugarbaker perseverance, determination and to treat others with kindness.
Sugarbaker phoned Vicki right after accepting the nomination and, as always, her cheerleader started sending her folks to contact for donations. The good Lord called Vicki home on August 24, 2022. Sugarbaker knows Vicki would want us to be warriors for LLS.
Over the last five years, LLS helped advance 75 percent of the almost 100 FDA approved blood cancer treatment options. In fiscal year 2022, LLS was able to assist more than 4,500 patients with over $21 million in the Georgia/South Carolina region. Every dollar raised goes to supporting blood cancer patients, families and caregivers.
LLS is revolutionizing acute myeloid leukemia treatment through the first collaborative precision medicine clinical trial in blood cancer. They are taking a new aim at myeloma through dedicated research investment and multifaceted education and outreach efforts.
Our LLS 2023 Girl of the Year is three-year old Lilly from Bluffton. Our LLS 2023 Boy of the Year is Carson from Savannah. Both children have been diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
Sugarbaker is moving towards a better world for Carson, Lilly and many more by leading the charge with her Team Kindness Matters Campaign. Please reach out to her at (843) 441-2787 if you would like to join Team Kindness Matters or if your business would like to donate to help make the impossible possible for LLS.
Let’s cancel blood cancer together!
Lonnie Goulet
Charter One Realty
200 Merchant St.
Hilton Head Island, SC
29926
(843) 338-0094
lonniegoulet@gmail.com
What is your favorite room in the house?
It is actually outside. It’s my front porch. I sit out there every morning with my coffee and watch the world wake up.
What advice would you have for Realtors who are just getting started?
Patience and persistence. It takes years to really get started in this business, so just find your niche and stick with it.
How do you know when you make a great sale?
I know I have made a great sale when my clients are over-the-moon happy. Whether they are selling or buying, the outcome
is total joy.
What are some of the latest trends in the Lowcountry’s residential real estate market?
Great outdoor areas. We want our backyards to become an extension of our home so that is where everyone is focusing. Outdoor kitchens/living space are very popular right now.
Top request from clients?
Find me a deal!
What is the most used app on your phone?
Without a doubt, the MLS app.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
There are so many, but we tend to frequent any restaurant where we can sit outside. We love San Miguel’s, Hudson’s, and Skull Creek Boathouse.
Dennis Puckey
Charter One Realty
(843) 683-6779
charteronerealty.com/agent/dennis-puckey
DennisPuckey@CharterOneRealty.com
What is your favorite room in the house?
The kitchen is the heart of our home, which makes it my favorite space in the house. It provides our sustenance through food, but it’s also where special connections are made. Whether I’m hosting family during the holidays, special occasions, or entertaining friends, we all gather in the kitchen. It fuels the bodies, minds, and souls of friends and families.
How long did it take to sell your first listing?
I sold my first listing in less than three weeks. The sellers were from my hometown in Michigan, but we didn’t meet until they called to list the property here on Hilton Head Island. Thirty years later, we’re still great friends.
What advice would you give Realtors who are just getting started?
You don’t achieve success in real estate overnight. A career takes time to build and especially one that is built on relationships. People like to deal with people who can genuinely show that they care about them. I would say, “Forget about the sale and start caring about people.” When you do, you create loyal clients who are an excellent source of referrals.
What motivates you?
My two boys are my biggest motivators. Whether in my work or personal life, I strive to be a great role model for them. As a single parent, I understand that our job never ends, and I’m proud to see how my sons have grown into fine, successful young men.
How do you know when you have made a great sale?
For starters, it’s when I’ve found the property that checks all the boxes for my buyers. But in the end, I know I’ve made a great sale if I have happy clients who have become close friends and entrust me to help their friends and family with their real estate needs.
What are some of the latest trends in the Lowcountry real estate market?
Outdoor living spaces have always been a trend in the Lowcountry, but since the pandemic, they have been one of the most requested spaces from potential buyers. The change I’ve seen is that the outdoor spaces have become larger and include living areas, dining areas, kitchens, fire pits, and more. Screened or not, outdoor living spaces are a must in our area.
If you could summarize life in the Lowcountry in five words, what would you say?
Alive, eclectic, relaxation, water, and peaceful.
Are there any home trends that have become a bit passé in the past months?
Neutrals like white, beige, and gray have all been popular colors throughout the home. But gray, in particular, seems to be phasing out the quickest. We are starting to see bold and more dramatic colors.
Top request from clients:
Buyers want the best deal. I am a bargain shopper with Champagne taste. If I don’t see the value in a property, I do not hesitate to let my buyers know. When it comes to sellers, they always want top dollar, and I strive to get them the highest dollar in the shortest amount of time.
What is your most used app on your phone?
I rarely sit in front of a desktop computer, so the MLS app is the most used on my phone. Second in line would be Snapchat or text. A phone call is always best, but many clients prefer to communicate via text or another social platform.
What relentless mindset do you carry in your business and everyday life?
Life is short. Make sure you let people know they matter; do your best to build people up; and try to stay away from negative people.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
I would have to say Charlie’s because their food and staff are impeccable. The other thing I love about Charlie’s is that they are a second-generation restaurant with Margaret and Palmer at the helm. Three other fabulous restaurants that second-generation islanders own are The Smokehouse with James Leonard, Reilley’s with Erin Reilley-Booth, and Hudson’s with Andrew Carmines. I frequent all four with great regularity.
Kimberly McElman
Weichert Realtors®– Coastal Properties
1038 William Hilton Parkway
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 683-9098
kim-mcelman.weichertcoastal.com
kimmcelman@weichertcp.com
What is your favorite room in a house?
The perfect Carolina room with crazy views, tall windows and light everywhere, the most comfortable cuddle chairs—like a Shabby Chic treehouse built of windows!
How long did it take you to sell your first listing?
Six months—then $75 million in three years.
What advice would you have for Realtors who are just getting started?
Stick with it; what you put in is what you get out; say “yes” to every opportunity.
What motivates you?
Every morning, I wake up and know I truly love what I do.
How do you know when you have made a great sale?
It is such a wonderful feeling when your clients walk into a property for the first time, and they just know they are home! It’s something they “feel,” and it is important to search until they have that experience. You might be searching through houses, but you are looking for a home.
What are some of the latest trends in the Lowcountry’s residential real estate market?
Trending towards a healthier balance of power between buyer and seller.
If you could summarize “life in the Lowcountry” up in five words, what would you say?
Magic, beauty, warmth, delicious, authentic.
Are there any home trends that have become a bit passé in recent months?
I think gray painted walls are waning.
Top request from clients:
After finding their home, it’s really about providing information for all the services that can help them make it their own.
What is your most used app on your phone?
Goggle Maps
What relentless mindset do you carry in your business and your everyday life?
Love what you do! Be kind. Educate
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Charlie’s
Kelly Ruhlin
Ranked #3 Nationally for Weichert Realtors
Weichert Realtors® – Coastal Properties
1038 William Hilton Parkway
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 301-5919 Cell
(843) 341-3700 Office
kellyr@weichertcp.com
What is your favorite room in a house?
The kitchen; it’s the heart of the home!
How long did it take you to sell your first listing?
It took only three weeks. It was a brick ranch style home on one-acre of land in Hardeeville and when I went in to preview it, the whole house had been gutted of EVERYTHING! I was concerned that I would never sell it but found the positives in the home. Brick house, mature trees and a great piece of land so it was a little bit of a unique situation.
What advice would you have for Realtors who are just getting started?
Learn from every experience and always pack boots in your car as you never know when you have to go out in the field. I learned the hard way by stepping in an overflowing septic tank!
What motivates you?
I want to be the best of me that God created.
How do you know when you have made a great sale?
When they tell me, “I want to sell real estate; you make it look so easy.”
What are some of the latest trends in the Lowcountry’s residential real estate market?
Modern Elements with LowCountry Vibe.
If you could summarize “life in the Lowcountry” in five words, what would you say?
Simple living at its finest!
Are there any home trends that have become a bit passé in recent months?
Gray is a classic great color but has been overused. I am seeing more vibrant colors
Top request from clients:
Sell my home!
What is your most used app on your phone?
The Compass App. Great tool to use to find where the sunrises and where the sunsets.
What relentless mindset do you carry in your business and your everyday life?
Have God in the center of my life every day!
What is your favorite local restaurant?
It’s Greek to Me; it’s so good!
Robert Moul
Moul, REALTORS®
1132 May River Rd.
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 321-9036
robertmoul.com
robert@moulrealtors.com
What is your favorite room in a house?
Definitely the kitchen—one that opens up to the living space for entertaining. I am a grazer and love to hang out there looking for my next snack.
How long did it take you to sell your first listing?
My first listing was 1602 Old Shell in Port Royal. It didn’t have a kitchen, sold in three days on market to an investor. Got my first real estate check after six months in the business for $655.50.
What advice would you have for Realtors who are just getting started?
Success is different for everyone. Find out what you want to achieve. Real estate is a wonderful career. You can work as hard or as little as you’d like; there is no limit. Every day is a new day to find your success.
What motivates you?
People tell me I must never sleep. My motivation is to stay busy. And not just unproductive busy, but the type of busy where you feel accomplished every day. I know what it is like to be at the bottom, and I’ve worked hard to stay motivated to never return there.
How do you know when you have made a great sale?
A great sale, to me, is one where you work hard for your clients, help them understand along the way, and get an awesome review at closing. Reviews are very important to me and my business.
What are some of the latest trends in the Lowcountry’s residential real estate market?
The market is changing. For the last two years, I didn’t even need to host an open house. During the pandemic, I used 360 Virtual Tours to help sell the properties I was listing—a sort of virtual open house available anytime online. They are still a great way to showcase a home and allow potential buyers to do a walkthrough from their homes. I think it’s still a wonderful tool for my sellers.
Are there any home trends that have become a bit passé in recent months?
Believe it or not, I am hearing rumors that gray walls are now OUT. More vibrant colors like Sea Salt are coming back.
Top request from clients:
Sellers: Sell my home for top dollar in the least amount of time. Buyers: Can we get one of those cool paintings you give of our home when we close?
What is your most used app on your phone?
Facebook. I am always online, if not with clients, trying to help answer questions other people have in the many groups. Social media presence is very important today.
Favorite local restaurant?
The Bluffton Room. Love the atmosphere, and the owners/staff are incredible. But they need to bring back the tableside Caesar salad!
What is your favorite HGTV show?
Flip or Flop. Back in the day. Loved the transformations!
