Facebook
X
Pinterest
Copy Link
Why Buying in 2026 Could Mean $200K in Equity
Why Buying in 2026 Could Mean $200K in Equity
If you’re still renting in 2026, here’s the straight truth: you’re helping someone else build wealth.
When you buy a home, you’re not just paying a mortgage. You’re building equity. And over time, that equity can grow into serious money.
Let’s paint the picture.
Between appreciation and paying down your loan, it’s very realistic for homeowners to build substantial equity over the years. In many markets, homeowners who bought just a few years ago are already sitting on significant gains. Now imagine being in a position where your home has built nearly $200,000 in equity.
That’s not just a number.
That’s options.
• Money toward your next home
• Funds for renovations
• A financial cushion
• Retirement leverage
• Investment opportunities
Meanwhile, rent continues to rise — and none of it builds ownership.
Yes, buying requires planning. Yes, interest rates matter. But time in the market has consistently outperformed sitting on the sidelines. The longer you wait, the more opportunity cost adds up.
The real question isn’t “Should I buy?”
It’s “How long do I want to delay building wealth?”
If you’re curious what ownership could look like for you in 2026 payments, loan options, or what kind of home fits your budget — let’s talk through it. No pressure. Just strategy.
Dendria McGougan
Homeownership Starts with Education — And the Right People Beside You
Homeownership Starts with Education — And the Right People Beside You
Riya Patel and Housing 101 First-Time Homebuyers Seminar
Buying your first home can feel overwhelming. Between credit requirements, financing options, inspections, negotiations, and contracts, it’s easy for buyers to feel lost before they even begin. That’s exactly why education matters, and why agents who step up to teach are helping shape stronger communities.
Recently, The Kauffman Group’s own Riya Patel took that mission outside of the transaction and into the community. She was invited to speak at the Housing 101 First-Time Homebuyers Seminar hosted in West Columbia, an event focused on helping families understand what it truly takes to prepare for homeownership.
And truthfully, events like this aren’t just helpful. They’re necessary in today’s market.
Breaking Down the Homebuying Process
During the seminar, Riya joined forces with lender Jason Burns of Guild Mortgage to walk attendees through the real steps of buying a home, not the highlight reel people see online, but the honest, behind-the-scenes process buyers need to understand before making one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.
Together, they covered topics including:
-
Understanding credit and financial readiness
-
Exploring financing and loan options
-
Preparing to submit competitive offers
-
Navigating inspections and due diligence
-
Knowing what happens after going under contract
-
Setting realistic expectations for today’s housing market
For many attendees, this seminar answered questions they didn’t even realize they had yet. That’s the difference education makes, it replaces fear with clarity and uncertainty with preparation.
A Commitment Beyond Transactions
The Kauffman Group believes homeownership should be accessible, informed, and empowering. Riya’s participation in this seminar reflects the group’s bigger mission: helping buyers build confidence before they ever sign a contract.
Helping someone understand the process upfront often means fewer surprises later. It means better decisions. And frankly, it means families stepping into homeownership with stronger footing and less stress.
That kind of service doesn’t show up in sales numbers, but it absolutely shows up in long-term client success.
Supporting a Community That Supports Others
Brookland Lakeview Empowerment Center
What made this seminar especially meaningful was its location. The event was hosted by the Brookland Lakeview Empowerment Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families through temporary housing, educational opportunities, and community outreach programs.
Organizations like Brookland Lakeview are doing hands-on, real-world work every day to help families overcome barriers and create stable futures. Their mission aligns naturally with the goal of homeownership, creating long-term security, stability, and generational opportunity.
Being invited into this space was more than a speaking opportunity. It was a chance to partner with a group actively working to uplift families in need.
The Bigger Picture: Education Builds Stronger Homeowners
First-time buyers often assume the biggest hurdle is saving money. While that’s certainly part of the journey, knowledge is just as powerful. Buyers who understand credit, financing, and the buying process are more prepared to succeed and avoid costly mistakes.
Seminars like Housing 101 create pathways for families who might otherwise feel shut out of the market. They open doors, answer hard questions, and provide real resources, not just sales conversations.
And agents who volunteer their time to support these programs are helping grow stronger, more informed communities.
Looking Ahead
The Kauffman Group continues to invest in education, outreach, and relationship-building because real estate is about more than closing deals. It’s about helping families build futures.
Riya Patel’s involvement in the Housing 101 seminar is a perfect example of what happens when industry expertise meets community impact. By sharing knowledge, answering questions, and supporting organizations like Brookland Lakeview, she helped bring homeownership one step closer for many hopeful buyers.
And that’s the kind of work that truly makes a difference.
Connect with Riya Patel at TKGsc.com
The Kauffman Group Sets the Pace in Charleston Real Estate — $33M+ in 2025 and Top 100 Recognition
The Kauffman Group Sets the Pace in Charleston Real Estate With $33M+ in 2025 and Top 100 Recognition
Team lead by Sarita Kauffman
In an era where real estate markets are tight and buyer expectations high, results matter, and The Kauffman Group delivered. In 2025, TKG powered through market shifts to close over $33 million in total sales volume and over 95 closed transactions, standing out not just for sheer numbers, but for consistency, service, and client experience. That performance didn’t go unnoticed, the team earned a spot among the Top 100 Real Estate Agents in Charleston by Charleston Real Producers.
Driving Real Results in a Competitive Market
Closing more than $33 million in a single calendar year isn’t about luck, it’s about relentless execution on strategy, team dynamics, and a commitment to putting clients first. The Charleston market is as dynamic as it gets: localized pricing swings, demand fluctuations, and buyer/seller behaviors that don’t move in straight lines. In that environment, delivering standout results means understanding the nuances, responding proactively, and staying ahead of trends.
For TKG, that’s been baked into the team’s culture from day one:
-
Collaborative expertise — every transaction benefits from multiple perspectives and checks and balances.
-
Market intuition — deep local knowledge that helps clients make decisions with confidence.
-
Detail-oriented process — from pricing strategy to closing day, nothing is left to chance.
That kind of performance doesn’t just move units, it builds lasting trust.
What the Charleston Real Producers Recognition Means
Charleston Real Producers is more than a publication, it’s the heartbeat of the region’s elite real estate community. The award isn’t handed out for popularity or social buzz; it’s data-driven and based on MLS closed sales volume. Agents and teams who meet the qualification thresholds, often well north of millions in closed volume, earn their place on the list.
Being named among the Top 100 is meaningful because it tells clients and peers alike that:
-
You’re playing in the top tier of a market with thousands of active agents.
-
Your results aren’t anecdotal, they’re verified by performance data.
-
You’re connected into Charleston’s network of best-in-class professionals.
That’s not vanity, that’s credibility.
The Kauffman Group Difference
What sets TKG apart isn’t just closing numbers, it’s how those numbers were achieved. According to the team’s own profile, they operate with a collaborative, client-centered philosophy that brings the whole group’s experience to every individual transaction.
Whether it’s helping a first-time buyer navigate competitive bidding, guiding a family through a complex negotiations process, or supporting a seller with strategic marketing and staging, TKG approaches each situation with:
-
Clarity instead of chaos
-
Preparation instead of guesswork
-
Communication instead of silence
That’s the kind of service that keeps clients coming back and referring others.
What’s Next for TKG
Recognition like a Top 100 spot is a milestone, not a finish line. With momentum from a stellar 2025 behind them, The Kauffman Group is poised to keep innovating, refining their processes, and elevating the client experience in 2026 and beyond.
For potential homebuyers, sellers, and anyone watching the Charleston market: TKG isn’t just hitting numbers, they’re setting the standard. Find out more about this outstanding team at tkgsc.com
South Carolina Voyager Magazine Inspiring Conversations with Aimee Peterson of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Palmetto
Inspiring Conversations with Aimee Peterson of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Palmetto
Read the full article at: https://southcarolinavoyager.com/interview/inspiring-conversations-with-aimee-peterson-of-better-homes-and-gardens-real-estate-palmetto
Talking to someone who’s not just talked the talk but lived the lessons is refreshing, especially in an industry crowded with hollow hustle. Aimee Peterson isn’t about buzzwords, she’s about backbone, systems, and intentional growth. The recent feature on South Carolina Voyager digs into the real story behind her leadership at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Palmetto.
From Medicine to Real Estate: A Path Less Ordinary
Aimee’s foundation didn’t start in sales or marketing, it started in medicine, where clarity, structure, and accountability weren’t optional. Those early lessons in precision and communication became the framework for everything she does today. Growing up in South Carolina and watching her own family struggle through a confusing homebuying experience lit a fire in her to do it better.
What matters most? Making complex, emotional decisions feel informed, clear, and supported. That’s not fluff, that’s strategic leadership with a human bottom line.
Hard Lessons, Sharpened Resolve
No smooth roads here, Aimee has sold businesses, weathered tough losses, and leaned into discomfort because she knew growth seldom arrives without pain. Those experiences taught her resilience, adaptability, and long-term perspective, the same perspective she now brings to leading agents and serving clients.
She and her husband, Terry, built their real estate company on more than transaction metrics. They built it on clarity, professionalism, and accountability all values that show up in every contract, checklist, and team meeting.
What Sets Her Brokerage Apart
Under Aimee’s leadership, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Palmetto isn’t just another agency, it’s a culture. It’s one where:
-
Agents get real systems and ongoing education, not empty programs.
-
Communication is prioritized, because it’s not “soft,” it’s essential.
-
Leadership is hands-on, visible, and accountable.
They serve South Carolina from Charleston, Summerville, Columbia and surrounding communities, with a team of over 100 agents who benefit from structure and real support. And that foundation isn’t just good for agents, it’s better for clients, buyers, and sellers who deserve clarity and less chaos.
Real Leadership, Real Results
This is where story meets proof: Aimee’s team isn’t just big, it’s effective. Their focus on coaching and professional development has translated into performance and recognition, building a brand that’s respected across the Carolinas.
But even more importantly, the message she shares with aspiring agents and industry leaders isn’t about vanity metrics or quick gains, it’s about depth, discipline, and decisions rooted in long-term vision. That’s rare and powerful.
Final Takeaway
In a world where “leadership” can feel like a marketing slogan, Aimee Peterson walks the walk. Real estate isn’t a transaction for her, it’s responsibility. Clients are people. Agents are professionals. And every interaction is a chance to raise the bar.
Her story is a reminder that clarity, structure, and communication are not just good for business, they’re what make an industry sustainable and respected.
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bhgrepalmetto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BetterHomesandGardenRealEstatePalmetto
- Search Homes: https://movingtocharleston.com
Congratulations to Our Top 500 Producers Across the Lowcountry with Charleston Real Producers
Congratulations to the Top 500 Real Estate Producers Across the Lowcountry 🎉
Charleston Top 500 Producers 2025 | BHG Real Estate Lowcountry Agents Recognized
Hard work shows up eventually and in 2025, it showed up in a big way.
We’re proud to congratulate four outstanding Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Palmetto agents who were recognized across the Lowcountry as Top 500 Producers by Charleston Real Producers. This honor isn’t handed out lightly. It reflects real results, consistent performance, and an unwavering commitment to clients in a competitive market.
Recognized Top 250 Producers – 2025
Amber Dollarhite
Recognized Top 500 Producers – 2025
JaVonna Alexander
Crystal Brodie
Mandy Dinino
Each of these agents put in the hours, navigated shifting market conditions, and showed up day after day for their buyers and sellers. That’s what this recognition is really about service, strategy, and follow-through.
Why This Recognition Matters
Being named a Top 500 Producer by Charleston Real Producers means more than strong sales numbers. It highlights agents who:
-
Consistently advocate for their clients
-
Adapt quickly in changing markets
-
Lead with professionalism and integrity
-
Deliver results, not excuses
In a year where many buyers and sellers needed extra guidance and steady leadership, these agents rose to the occasion.
A Win for Clients and the Community
Awards like this reinforce what clients already know: when you work with experienced, committed agents, you’re in good hands. The Lowcountry real estate market demands local knowledge, negotiation skill, and grit—and these four agents brought all three in 2025.
Well done, ladies. This recognition is earned, deserved, and just another chapter in what continues to be impressive careers.
Meet Nishikwa Brown of Summerville, SC – Resilience, Systems, and Real Estate Success
Meet Nishikwa Brown of Summerville, SC — Turning Grit Into Growth
If you haven’t crossed paths with Nishikwa Brown, you’re about to meet a leader who’s redefining how real estate gets done in the Lowcountry, built on persistence, systems, and genuine care.
Nishikwa’s journey didn’t start with instant success. She entered real estate in December 2017 while still grinding in corporate consulting at a Big Four firm. Real estate was her dream, but the first year tested her resolve, she sold only two homes, and her first closing took nine months. Those early days taught her resilience and discipline in ways no certification ever could.
Building Real Success — On Her Terms
Unlike many who jump into teams or big franchises, Nishikwa chose to be a solo agent by design. She built her foundation by understanding every part of the business, from the nuts and bolts of operations to crafting solid processes that minimize chaos and maximize service.
After starting in Columbia, SC, she expanded into the Charleston market in 2020, giving her a broad footprint and the ability to serve both markets well. Along the way, Nishikwa has now helped 100+ families buy and sell homes, a special point of pride for someone who focuses on first-time buyers and relocation clients.
Systems, Strategy & “White-Glove” Service
What separates Nishikwa from many in the business isn’t just closings, it’s how she shows up.
She’s known for:
-
Highly organized, detail-oriented client care
-
Proactive communication and transparency
-
Seamless processes that reduce stress for clients
And, this is key, a lot of her competitive edge comes from systems she’s built for herself. Her passion for structure led her to launch The Agent Factory, a platform helping other agents build scalable businesses without burnout. Because making real estate look easy usually means something behind the scenes isn’t.
Clients don’t just appreciate her knowledge, they remember how Nishikwa made them feel. That’s the Southern way: hospitality with backbone.
Turning Tough Times Into Tools
Let’s be honest, real estate has setbacks. Nishikwa will tell you straight: it wasn’t always a smooth road. She’s faced inconsistent income, self-doubt, and the juggling act of business + motherhood. But she didn’t just survive those seasons, she used them to refine her processes, protect her time, and build sustainability, not just offer transactions.
Tools of the Trade
Nishikwa’s favorites for mindset and growth:
Books
-
The Four Agreements
-
Atomic Habits
-
The ONE Thing
-
Unreasonable Hospitality
Podcasts
-
Real Estate Rockstars
-
The Goal Digger Podcast
-
Oprah’s Super Soul Podcast
Those aren’t just buzz picks, they reflect how she blends purpose, productivity, and people-first leading.
Bottom Line
Nishikwa Brown is living proof that slow starts don’t mean slow outcomes. She’s turned early challenges into a thriving brand, built businesses that help others grow, and kept a service heart at the center of it all.
If you’re in real estate, whether starting out or scaling up, watch how she blends heart with strategy. That’s where sustainable success lives.
Lisa D’Amato Named 2025 Top Real Estate Agent with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Palmetto
🌟 Lisa D’Amato Wins Platinum at CommunityVotes Charleston 2025
When the Charleston community pulls together to choose its favorites, the results don’t lie. In the 2025 CommunityVotes Charleston Awards, Lisa D’Amato of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Palmetto earned the Platinum award in the Real Estate Agents category, the top honor in this service group.
This recognition solidifies Lisa’s reputation as one of the Lowcountry’s most trusted and effective agents. It’s a win built on relationships, real results, and local expertise, all wrapped up in a client experience that makes people want to vote for her.
🏡 What This Means for the Charleston Market
Winning Platinum in a community-voted award is more than a badge, it’s a signal that real clients — not just industry peers — appreciate Lisa’s work. She stood out ahead of other highly regarded professionals.
That tells future clients one thing loud and clear: people trust her with one of the biggest decisions of their lives, buying or selling a home.
⭐ Why Lisa Earned the Community’s Trust
Lisa’s approach combines:
-
Deep local knowledge of Charleston and the surrounding Lowcountry communities (Summerville, North Charleston, Moncks Corner, Goose Creek, and beyond).
-
Results you can measure: strong sales, solid negotiation, and clear communication.
-
A footprint built on personal service: she’s there for clients from day one through closing and beyond.
Winning this award isn’t an accident, it’s the natural outcome of doing the right work the right way.
💬 Q&A — All the Need-to-Know
Q: What award did Lisa D’Amato win?
A: She won Platinum in the Real Estate Agents category at the CommunityVotes Charleston 2025 Awards, the highest placement in that category.
Q: How are winners chosen in CommunityVotes Charleston?
A: Winners are selected by public votes from people who live in and around Charleston, celebrating the local businesses and services they rely on.
Q: What does this recognition say about her work?
A: It shows Lisa is not just well-known, she’s well-liked and respected by clients who feel confident recommending her.
Q: What areas does Lisa serve?
A: She specializes in the Charleston metro and broader Lowcountry, including Summerville, North Charleston, Moncks Corner, Goose Creek, and nearby communities.
Q: Why should potential buyers or sellers care about this award?
A: This kind of recognition gives you confidence that you’re working with someone who’s proven, trusted, and delivers results that local residents appreciate.
Charleston Community Votes 2025 Real Estate Winner: Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Palmetto
🏆 Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Palmetto Takes Platinum in CommunityVotes Charleston 2025
When the people of Charleston speak, the winners matter. In the 2025 CommunityVotes Charleston Awards, your team at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Palmetto walked off with the Platinum award in the Real Estate Brokers category, the top honor in the market.
That’s right, local buyers and sellers rated Palmetto #1 among all brokerages in Charleston’s vibrant property market.
What This Win Really Means
This ain’t a participation ribbon. Winning Platinum in the Real Estate Brokers category is proof that your brokerage does more than list houses, it shows you deliver results people feel good about recommending to friends, family, and neighbors. This is trust earned at doorsteps and closings, and it’s reflected in the votes from the community.
You beat out well regarded firms, showing that our mix of innovation, personalization, and Southern service sets you apart.
Why Clients Voted Us #1
The win isn’t about vanity, it’s about value:
-
Real results: Strong sales numbers and savvy negotiation translate into outcomes that clients remember and talk about.
-
Market leadership: You’ve set the pace in tech and tools that make buying and selling easier, not just flashier.
-
Local commitment: Charleston buyers and sellers know Palmetto agents deliver a blend of high professionalism and genuine care.
💬 Q&A
Q: What award did Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Palmetto win?
A: The Platinum in the Real Estate Brokers category at the CommunityVotes Charleston 2025 awards, the highest placement in that service category.
Q: Who votes in CommunityVotes Charleston?
A: These awards are community driven: real residents and clients of Charleston vote for their favorite local businesses and service providers.
Q: How does this benefit buyers and sellers?
A: Platinum recognition signals wide community trust, strong performance, and a proven track record of success, all key factors when choosing representation.
Q: Does this reflect agent performance too?
A: Absolutely. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Palmetto’s team has strong individual results, including multiple agents closing millions in 2025, which strengthens the brokerage’s reputation.
Q: What makes Palmetto different from other brokerages?
A: From advanced tech adoption and custom systems that streamline transactions to deep local expertise and a client-first culture, Palmetto isn’t just participating in the market, you’re defining it.
International Business Meets Charleston Real Estate: AI, Education, and Team Building | Sarita Kauffman & Eleanor McPherson
International Business Meets Charleston Real Estate: AI, Education, and Team Building | Sarita Kauffman & Eleanor McPherson
When international business savvy meets modern real estate execution, the result isn’t just another real estate team, it’s a culture where people choose to stay, grow, and thrive. That’s the message Sarita Kauffman brought to the Charleston’s Leading Producers Podcast with host Jake Cummings in this forward looking conversation about team leadership, technology, and meaningful growth.
From Global Perspective to Local Impact
Sarita’s journey began with a degree in international business from Brazil. That foundation didn’t just shape her worldview, it reshaped the way she builds and scales her real estate team. Multilingual by design and culturally adaptable by experience, her approach is built to serve Charleston’s increasingly diverse real estate market.
Culture That Keeps Agents Together
One of the stand out takeaways? The heartbeat of any high performing team is its culture. According to Sarita, agents don’t leave teams, they leave cultures. In contrast, her team repeatedly sees past agents return because of the environment she’s intentionally crafted: collaborative, supportive, and centered on growth rather than just commissions.
Why the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Partnership Matters
Growth is strategic. The Kaufman Group’s recent partnership with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate in Summerville wasn’t accidental, it was a move designed to strengthen infrastructure, expand reach, and create more opportunities for team members and clients alike.
Serving a Multilingual and Multicultural Community
Charleston isn’t monolithic and neither should its real estate services be. Sarita’s team intentionally serves buyers and sellers from multiple backgrounds and languages, a differentiator in a market that continues to draw global interest.
Real Support for New Agents
Too many new agents hit the market with theory and no runway. Sarita gets real about what new agents need: structured education, access to tools, mentorship, and a team framework that lets them build confidence quickly, not sink in isolation.
AI That Actually Works
Forget buzzwords. The Kaufman Group is building AI tools from the ground up to cut busywork, freeing agents to sell. Sarita shared that their internal systems aim to eliminate 80–90% of repetitive tasks so agents can focus on relationship building and closing business.
Burnout Isn’t a Badge of Honor
In Sarita’s playbook, a salesperson should sell, not be bogged down by admin, listings setup, or workflow drudgery. Intentional use of technology means you work smarter, keep your edge, and protect your longevity in the business.
Giving Back While Growing Forward
Profit isn’t the only metric that matters. Sarita highlighted her team’s involvement with the Schiffa Clinic, reinforcing that community investment, giving back that strengthens local credibility and builds shared success.
Looking Ahead: Vision for 2026
As 2026 unfolds, the Kaufman Group’s north star is clear: build a business where people choose to work for the right reasons, leverage technology that amplifies human value, and serve every corner of Charleston with cultural competence and excellence.
This is real talk from a real top producer.
Nothing sugar-coated.
Nothing surface level.
Just exactly how a Charleston agent went from a painful buying experience to one of the most respected producers in the Lowcountry.
About Charleston’s Leading Producers
Weekly conversations with the highest-producing real estate agents in Charleston.
The ones actually doing the work, 10, 15, even 20+ million in annual volume.
No fluff.
No theory.
Just the strategies, habits, and mindset Charleston’s best agents use to win.
Hosted by Jake Cummings with Lower.com
Follow The Kauffman Group on Instagram @thekauffmangroup
Carolina Roots in Cowgirl Boots: Celebrating Wendi Conyers, Winner Berkeley County’s Best Real Estate Agent!
Carolina Roots in Cowgirl Boots: Celebrating Wendi Conyers, Winner Berkeley County’s Best Real Estate Agent!
Exciting News for Berkeley County, and One Very Deserving Agent
Some wins just feel right, and this one hits home.
Please join us in celebrating Wendi Conyers, proudly voted Best Real Estate Agent in Berkeley County by The Berkeley Independent!
This award is no small feat, it reflects the trust, respect, and community support that Wendi has earned through years of hard work, heart, and genuine care for the people she serves.
Carolina Roots in Cowgirl Boots
If you know Wendi, you know this: she’s the perfect blend of Southern grit, small-town heart, and unwavering commitment to her clients.
Her “Carolina Roots in Cowgirl Boots” personality isn’t just a catchy line, it’s who she is.
She shows up ready.
She shows up prepared.
She shows up for you.
Wendi brings local expertise, deep community relationships, and an unshakeable work ethic to every home she lists and every buyer she guides. That mix is rare and people in Berkeley County clearly see it.
Why This Award Matters
The Best Real Estate Agent award isn’t about popularity, it’s about impact.
It recognizes:
-
Her dedication to delivering a stress-free experience
-
Her ability to negotiate with confidence
-
Her heart for educating buyers and sellers
-
Her presence in the community
-
Her reputation for doing right by her clients
Wendi has built a business on trust, results, and authenticity and this award proves it.
