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Mar 7, 2023

Special Home Section: The Home Experts

Celebrate Hilton Head Magazine

Photography By

Two Lights, One Stand Photography
Special Section featuring the lowcountry's home experts.

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Tisha Chafer
COAST Professionals
81 Pope Ave.
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Tishachafer@gmail.com
Tishachafer.exphiltonhead.com
(843) 384-1645

Tisha Chafer with COAST Professionals Brokered by eXp is celebrating 20 years in the local real estate business this year. When her husband Andrew received a job offer to help build Old Carolina Golf Club in 1996, they packed up, left Cleveland, Ohio, bought a condo on Hilton Head Island, and have never looked back.

“We loved raising our family here. I especially relate to buyers who have children and want to work with a Realtor with first-hand knowledge of local schools, travel sports programs, school zoning, daycare programs, and mom groups to plug into,” Chafer said. “Now that our two kids are ‘grown and flown,’ helping buyers navigate the world of empty nesters has become my specialty. Making that down-size move is something I can personally relate to. Having recently made the downsize move ourselves, I understand the emotions and mental processes that go along with that exciting but transitional time.”

Whether you are a buyer seeking expert hyper-local knowledge or a seller looking for a professional that provides a seamless experience from start to finish with a detailed marketing plan, clear expectations from the start, and an action plan to get your home in tip-top shape, you are in the right place with the right agent.

“I am by your side every step of the way and consider it a true team effort,” Chafer said. When you are ready to make your next move and “When Experience Counts,” call Tisha Chafer at COAST Professionals Brokered by eXp.


 

Crystal McDonough & John Allen
The Ultimate Floor Care Services
360 Spanish Wells Rd., Suite B
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
ultimatefloorcareservices.com
TheUFCServices@gmail.com
(843) 341-9036

Meet the faces behind The Ultimate Floor Care Services, Crystal McDonough and John Allen. The firm started in 2001 and remains a family-run company.

Crystal started working fulltime in 2009 with her late father Mac who taught her the business, but she has been involved in carpet cleaning since an early age.

John joined the UFC family in 2015 and, through the years, has been growing and prospering with the firm. The pair have been carrying the UFC torch since July of 2022.

Dedication to quality work and top-notch customer service is what keeps customers returning and drives their reputation. The two are set to be married in October of 2023 and are the proud parents of their daughter Delayna.

UFC Services staff members are well-trained carpet, upholstery, stone and ceramic tile cleaning, restoration, and maintenance technicians. They are skilled in Mexican/Saltillo tile stripping and resealing in addition to travertine, marble, and granite polishing and sealing and wood floor cleaning. They clean outdoor pool/patio mildew and grime and offer pickup, cleaning, and delivery of area rugs. You can also drop off your area rugs to be cleaned and sanitized in their warehouse.

The UFC office is open Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. You can call after hours and leave a message and they will promptly return your call the next business day. Appointments are made on a first-come, first-served basis. Call, email, or message UFC so they can serve you!


Lena Sells
Keller Williams Realty, Coastal Area Partners
lenasellshomes.com
lenasellshomes@kw.com
(843) 415-5977

Lena Sells as YOUR Realtor:
$24,000,000 in closed sales over the past two years. In a market like Hilton Head, where home prices average $1.2 million, that may not seem like a great number. But I did these numbers in Savannah—not with a team, but on my own. Home prices in the Savannah market average $350,000, and many of my listings were less than that.

Over 100% List to Sale Ratio on nearly every deal:
In a market some consider is “cooling,” I just placed a home under contract for 114% over list price.

Second Highest Number of Listings by An Individual Agent:
Keller Williams is the largest broker in the Savannah market and surrounding area, with over 350 agents. I listed more homes than 349 of them. I also took second place for listings by dollar volume and ninth place for Most Homes Sold in the Marketplace as an Individual.

Non-Traditional Marketing Techniques:
I am not just a Realtor; like many of you, along with my husband, Charles Sells, I am also an investor. Not only do I use traditional means of marketing like my peers, but you also see me on WHHI, locally, on WSAV in the mornings, and often in the local magazine publications as well. Your homes also get marketed through our investor network at Strategic Passive Investments, which consists of a database of over 80,000 investors looking to buy their second, third, or even fourth homes.

Data Drives Results:
Aside from traditional sales, my husband and I have done nearly $100,000,000 in real estate transactions over the last eight years. To achieve that level of success, you have to follow the market data rather than the news media or hearsay of so-called professionals. Ask 10 random real estate professionals where the market stands today and get 10 completely different answers. The data never lies.
Based on the data, homes are still selling near, at, or above list price. Considering rate hikes and average prices of homes on the island and in Bluffton, this clearly does not indicate any sort of cooldown. What our market has done is shifted back to the “pre-covid market boom.” Gone are the spoils of listing a property on Tuesday, doing a FaceTime walkthrough on Wednesday and getting a contract on Thursday for 25% over list price with an appraisal gap of $50,000 included.

This is clearly a long, self-promotional marketing campaign to answer two questions: (1) Is now a good time to sell and (2) Am I the right person for the job? The answer to both is YES! My intent is to perform as well for my clients in the Lowcountry as I do in the Coastal Empire.


Nikki Petitt
Seaglass Windowscapes
70 Pennington Dr. Suite 4
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 949-8444
www.seaglasswindowscapes.com

Seaglass Windowscapes is your premier luxury window covering experience. We believe each project is like a piece of sea glass—unique and different from each other. We treat every project with the mindset of delivering results that fit each customer’s needs and desires. We offer a great selection of interior window treatments, awnings, retractable exterior screens and storm protection. From start to finish, our team of experts will show you options, measure your windows, and provide top-notch white-glove service.

We invite you to discuss your projects with us at home, or for a full experience of what we have to offer, visit our designer showroom located in Sheridan Park. Our team is ready to assist you with designing your perfect windowscapes today.


 

Roddy Lane & Doug Hoover
Stone Restore by Hoover and Lane
20 Towne Dr, Suite 180
Bluffton SC 29910
(843) 422-6799

You’ve made a large investment in natural stone floors, so when they need a little love, you’ll want to hire the most trusted stone restoration experts in town. In the Lowcountry, that means Stone Restore by Doug Hoover and Roddy Lane, whose promise is to make your floors look better than brand-new.

Hoover, a retired Marine and founder/owner of Stone Restore, has been in the flooring business since 2000, restoring stone full time in the Lowcountry since 2004. His business partner and now co-owner, Roddy Lane, also a former Marine, has been with him since 2008. With over 30 years’ combined experience in stone care, their reputation reverberates among area stone distributors as well as elated customers on Hilton Head Island, in Bluffton and beyond.

It starts with a customer-centric approach and high level of commitment, which includes being on time, delivering on promises, and exceeding expectations. They don’t have a crew. Hoover and Lane are doing the work themselves, making personalized service and quality control a given.

Stone Restore guarantees a no-stress, no mess experience. They offer a complimentary consultation and estimate, and they are happy to explain their process. But all you really need to know is who to trust. Give them a call at (843) 422-6799.


Jeff Hunt
Jeff Hunt & Associates,Dunes Real Estate
Jeffh.dunesrealestate.com
(843) 422-1111
(843) 422-5933

For some, the allure of Hilton Head Island lies in its white sandy beaches and its laid-back lifestyle. But for many, the true draw of Hilton Head Island is the potential it represents for creating a better life. Each property represents opportunity, whether it’s to invest now in a place to eventually call home or to create new revenue streams from the always-lucrative rental market.

Jeff Hunt is a Realtor who understands all of those perspectives and has made it his mission to help customers discover their true potential on Hilton Head Island, no matter what form that potential takes.

For more than 30 years, Jeff Hunt and Dunes Real Estate have been at the forefront of Hilton Head Island real estate. He has established himself as not only an industry leader, but as a leading voice in the local market. It’s a mantle that comes naturally to Hunt, having owned and operated several successful multi-million-dollar businesses over the course of his career.

That business acumen allows him to truly serve as an advisor to his clients, helping them navigate the income potential of a rental or walking them through tax strategies as they prepare to buy or sell property. And that, ultimately, is what it’s all in service to: being 100 percent customer centered.

For Hunt, his role goes far beyond simply serving as an agent for buyer or seller. “For me, that philosophy of being 100 percent customer-centered means walking people through the process, helping them to create value and solving problems,” he said.

That dedication to service extends even beyond his own clients to reach the entire community. Every year in December, you’ll find Jeff Hunt purchasing bicycles for his annual donation to the Deep Well Project, as well as soliciting donations from his fellow real estate professionals to purchase helmets to help area children experience the joy and freedom of owning a bike. This annual event has become so successful, with 150 bikes donated last year, he’s extended his bike donations to include the Hilton Head Island Boys & Girls Club in years past.

The difference with Jeff Hunt is dedication. Dedication to his fellow real estate professionals, dedication to his community and dedication to his clients, helping them discover their own real estate potential on an island he has called home for 18 years.


Hilton Head Floor Coverings
85 Arrow Road Hilton Head, SC 29928
(843) 682-2272
hilton-head-floor-covering.com

Established in 1989, Hilton Head Floorcoverings, Inc. has been serving the Lowcountry for over 30 years. Whether you need carpet, hardwood, tile, or laminate, they have the largest selection of top-quality products with exceptional prices and a knowledgeable staff. And if you need it installed, no problem. Their trained and experienced installers will add the finishing touches.

Originally from the carpet capital of the world, Dalton, Ga., owners Mike and Jessica Camp moved to the Lowcountry in 2008, taking ownership of HHFC in 2018 and moving the showroom to a larger, more central location at 85 Arrow Rd. just two years ago. They are currently expanding their warehouse operation to house the extensive in-stock inventory.

They have built their reputation on quality and have longstanding, happy customers who have been with them for years—and for good reason. They care about their work for you.

Join the family of customers and get the quality flooring that works perfectly for you. Call today for a free home consultation.


Hilton Head Fence
843-368-4799 -Office
843-368-3838-Cell
dan@hiltonheadfence.com
hiltonheadfence.com

Dan Evans, who has over 35 years experience in the fencing industry, and his family have been providing quality fencing to homeowners in the lowcountry for many many years. In fact, the majority of their clients come from referrals or repeat customers. The key to their success has been the value they place on every customer and inquiry.

Hilton Head Fence is prompt in their communication to customers, from the initial phone call to the completion of the install. They strive to provide an excellent customer experience with an exceptional fence product. Working with several suppliers allows them to stock large quantities of typical residential fencing in their Bluffton warehouse so they have no lead time on materials.

Sometimes, HOAs and POAs in the area have specific requirements. Hilton Head Fence is familiar with their policies and regulations and, at no extra cost, will assist in obtaining approval, when needed.

Fencing plays an important role in the look and security of your property. Not only does the correct fence provide protection for your family, but it reflects personal style by accenting outdoor features and blending seamlessly with the existing landscape. And while looks are important, perhaps the most important aspect of fencing is the quality and durability of the job.

When you need a fence, call the experts. You will find that this family-owned business takes pride in every project. They are extremely professional, punctual, and polite, and when they say they are going to do something, they do it.


Chris Wells and Ryan Moore
High Tide Restoration & Cleaning
322 Spanish Wells Road
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 682-2000
hightiderestoration.com

Anyone who’s ever experienced a disaster in their home—be it a fire, a broken pipe that caused flooding, black mold that took over before it was detected, or even a hurricane knows that the initial disaster is just part of the headache. The true nightmare of a disaster in your home comes when you have to get it cleaned up. There are numerous calls to the insurance company, then you have to find contractors—not only to clean up any mess, but then to repair any damage, seeking out the invisible damage within the walls that only a licensed professional can find. That can mean plumbers, electricians, carpenters and more.

And then there are usually more calls to those contractors, then additional calls to the insurance company, and round and round we go.

Or, here’s a thought. The next time disaster strikes, you make it easy for yourself and just make one call. If that call is to High Tide Restoration & Cleaning, that will be just about all you have to do.

“We are a full-service cleaning and restoration company offering 24/7 emergency services, fire, mold, smoke, and water restoration along with a multitude of cleaning services including carpet, tile and upholstery,” said owner Ryan Moore. “We pride ourselves on customer service and make sure each client is treated with respect.”

In business for over 20 years, first as a cleaning service but expanding as time passed into a turnkey emergency remediation service, High Tide Restoration & Cleaning has succeeded by taking the headache out of a disaster. When you make that call, you’ll find yourself in the capable hands of Moore or newest team member Chris Wells.

As a long-time islander and respected member of the community (if he didn’t coach your kid in baseball, you know someone whose kid he did coach), Wells has added a tremendous dynamic to a company that has made a huge impact on the island.
“Our team is the backbone of our company,” Moore said. “I take a lot of pride in hearing compliments from homeowners about our team members and the professional jobs they do every day. In an economy where everyone has a hard time finding staff, we are fortunate to have team members that have been with us for more than a decade.”

No matter which team member answers the call, once they arrive, your work is done. High Tide will work with your insurance company, they will seek out the subcontractors that can help get your house back in order, and they will see every aspect of the job through until your home is exactly the way it was before disaster struck. It’s a no-excuses, make-it-happen methodology that has helped homeowners rebuild after everything from mold infestations to the ravages of Hurricane Matthew.

“Hurricane Matthew hit our community hard, and we were one of the first companies allowed on the island to begin cleaning up,” Moore said. “We worked tirelessly around the clock for over six months helping our customers get their homes and businesses back to normal. We are always open for our customers, 24/7, 365 days a year.”

So next time disaster strikes, you just worry about getting your life back on track. High Tide Restoration & Cleaning will handle everything else. Call (843) 682-2000 or visit hightiderestoration.com.


Alex Haynes
Genesis Construction
33 Boundary Street
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 757-8220
genesis-construction.com

Genesis Construction has been building trust and relationships—as well as homes—since 1981. Genesis is known as an artistic, creative builder who thoroughly understands the desires of clients and works harmoniously with architects and designers. It is a small, family-owned, high-end custom home builder also known for the personal attention to principles on every job; outstanding craftsmanship from the very best carpenters and artisans; and unmatched financial integrity. Genesis has been recognized nationally in several publications with several award-winning homes.

When Bill Mischler founded Genesis Construction over 42 years ago. It was his vision to create a home building company that stood out from the rest. It is his philosophy that we are building homes that we want our grandchildren to be proud of, only sourcing the finest building materials for a Genesis home.

Starting out on Hilton Head Island, building in several plantations, Genesis settled in Bluffton following the start of Palmetto Bluff. Genesis was the first builder to pull permits for the very first home in Palmetto Bluff. Since then, Genesis has built over 100 homes and several commercial amenity buildings between Palmetto Bluff and Oldfield.

In 2016, Mischler decided it was time to pick a new leader to carry the torch for another 36 years. He chose Alex Haynes as his successor. Mischler enthusiastically continues his leadership as a mentor, passing on his wealth of knowledge and experience. Haynes sees his role as continuing the heritage and tradition of Genesis.

“We are nationally recognized for finely crafted custom homes and financial integrity,” Haynes said. “It’s important to continue those relationships, past and present.”


Dave Miller
Superior Services
36 Persimmon St #202,
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 773-4157
gotosuperior.com

Superior Services brings together all the elements that bring a structure to life, for both residential and commercial properties and clients: heating and air conditioning, indoor air quality and duct design, electrical, plumbing, carpet and upholstery, computer and IT, and water and fire damage restoration.

With their duct cleaning and filtration processes, they handle the air that moves throughout your house—the air your family breathes. They clean the carpets in your home which act like a filter capturing all dirt, debris, allergens, and dust. They handle plumbing filtration and purifying the water you drink.

Superior’s unique, holistic, whole-home approach has become the company’s philosophy and their clients’ advantage, affecting their family’s health and wellbeing. “A whole, healthy home is a Superior home,” owner Dave Miller said. “When you have us as your full-service provider, we manage the very environment in which you and your family live.”
Even if you’re not dealing with a breakdown, issue, or “emergency call,” you can (and should) set up proactive care. It saves you time, money, and protects you from additional costs and repairs when preemptive service can catch something that might cause more damage when it breaks down.

The collective talent of Superior Services delivers a Superior promise—not only with the obvious application of simply “better” service and streamlined processes, but with their mission to “bring certainty to the customer” in all they do.
Whether you’re renovating, repairing, flipping, upgrading, or just being prepared, “Make the Superior Choice.” Let a single-source expert team handle the hassle for you as your go-to concierge and get back to living in your whole and healthy Superior home.


Scott Odom
Sir Grout of the Lowcountry
sirgroutlowcountry.com
(843) 640-5544

I was born and raised on the Gulf Coast in Mobile, Alabama. At age 20, I moved to Charlotte, North Carolina where I began my (first) career with a large Hewlett-Packard dealer. I spent approximately 15 years in that industry and dreaded getting out of bed.

I was successful in that industry but wasn’t happy. I knew that was a big problem, although a huge positive about my time in that business was that I met my wife Kathy. We have been married 24 years now and have two beautiful daughters, Meredith 21 and Brooke 18.

When I decided enough was enough, I began researching business opportunities in the home services space. While real estate was my passion since I was as young as 12 (no kidding), I just didn’t see that as my path. Real estate is still my passion, however, competing with the likes of Chris Sanders (Collins Group Realty) and Brandon Greenplate (Brandon Greenplate Real Estate) doesn’t seem like a good career move.

My research led me to the travertine/marble polishing business. I jumped right in by starting a business and have not looked back. Beginning with two people and one van, the business has grown to seven technicians with six vans, covering Charleston down to Hilton Head Island. I also have five employees in the Scottsdale/Phoenix Arizona area because that obviously makes perfect geographical sense.

We are very proud of the fact that out of nearly 50 franchise locations, we are ranked No. 2 in terms of revenue. We accomplish this because we have an awesome general manager (Jonathan Russell) and great senior technicians in the field (Andrew Russell, Micah Russell, Jonathan Davis, Carter Collins, Ari Biggus and Andrew Barr).

When not working in my business, Kathy and I are likely on our boat. And if it’s Saturday morning, you’re likely to find me golfing at Chechessee Creek Club with Brian Greenplate, Evan Greenplate, and Dave Brinkman. No Saturday morning would be complete if I wasn’t paying a couple of these guys after yet another loss!


Larry Setola Jr. and Team
Hilton Head Furniture Co.
45 New Orleans Rd.
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
hhifurniture.com

Not all furniture is created equal, and Hilton Head Furniture Co is not your typical furniture store. Larry Setola Jr. is a third-generation entrepreneur with vast experience in upholstery and design. Setola grew up in the industry, so it wasn’t far-fetched when he decided to open his own business with the intention of providing the highest quality crafted furniture while tailoring it to the customer’s style, size, and space. The approach is to educate their clients on what makes true quality furniture while instilling that what is on the inside matters just as much as what is on the outside. If there is one thing the Setola family knows, it’s furniture!

It all started when the first generation Setola, John, attended an upholstery trade school after serving in World War II. His son, Larry Sr. eventually became involved in the family business when he was just 18 years old. Later, Larry Sr. would end up moving to Hilton Head Island in 1994 with his wife (Christine) and young son (Larry Jr.) to open his own upholstery shop, which he named Just Cushions & Upholstery, that still serves the Lowcountry and its residents to this day.

Although Setola Jr.’s business may have a different name, Hilton Head Furniture Co. holds true to the same core principles that their upholstery business has upheld for generations: Deliver the customer with the best possible product by providing top-quality work, education, and unprecedented customer service. The third generation Setola and his wife Julie spent years visiting furniture markets and researching all throughout the country, looking for the perfect manufacturer that would check all their boxes. After years of disappointing trips and countless hours, they found just what they were looking for, and with that, Hilton Head Furniture Co. was born. Each piece is handcrafted just for you, from start to finish, in Hickory, North Carolina, using American hardwoods, eight-way hand-tied springs, lux foams, and premiere materials.

Some may buy furniture with the hope that it will last a few years. Hilton Head Furniture Co. provides their clients with an experience and furniture that will last generations. Talk can be cheap, but every upholstery item purchased comes backed with a lifetime guarantee on the frame, springs, and construction.

Hilton Head Furniture Co. is a cut above as they know furniture inside and out. From a trusted local source, your furniture will be tailored to fit you, your style, and lifestyle. If you are planning to furnish or refresh your space, be sure to visit their showroom and design center to take advantage of the vast array of options and complimentary design team, who are focused on creating the perfect layout for your home while delivering top-tier customer service and extensive knowledge.

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