Read Full article https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-places-to-live-in-south-carolina-11791072
If you’ve been watching the real estate trends in the Southeast, it’s no surprise that South Carolina keeps popping up on Best Places to Live lists. The latest piece from Travel + Leisure, “11 Best Places to Live in South Carolina, According to Local Real Estate Experts,” highlights why the Palmetto State is capturing relocation traffic from coast-to-coast. Travel + Leisure
What makes this even more powerful: our own Aimee Peterson of Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Palmetto is quoted in the article — validating that the trends we see locally aren’t just anecdotal, they’re national.
When Travel + Leisure asked about the best places to live in SC, Aimee didn’t mince words. She noted that buyers “usually focus on one of three communities: Charleston, Greenville, and Columbia.” Travel + Leisure But what really stands out is her follow-up: many buyers begin there, then discover even better value and lifestyle when they expand their search. For example, she points to Summerville as such a place. Travel + Leisure
This is a strategic insight for agents and clients: you don’t always have to compete in the top-tier city when the best opportunities may be just outside it.
Buyers migrating from higher-cost states see South Carolina’s mix of mild climate, water access, slower pace, and accessible price points as highly attractive.
As Aimee notes for Summerville: median home prices in new construction hover under $400K — compared with significantly higher prices in downtown Charleston. Travel + Leisure
Communities like Blythewood (in Aimee’s quote) are gaining interest because buyers want proximity to big cities without big-city pricing. Travel + Leisure
When you’re aligned with such migration trends, you become the agent who sees the bigger picture — you don’t just sell property, you sell opportunity, change, and value.
Because we already live and work here. Aimee’s quote in national media underlines our local expertise and trusted status. For clients and referring agents, that external validation makes a difference. It means when we say “this market is moving here,” it’s not just opinion — it’s recognized by national publications.
Full Article at Charleston Real Producers https://www.realproducersmag.com/locations/charleston-real-producers-c0a4/articles/-0dab59/
In a market as competitive and unpredictable as Charleston real estate, only a handful of agents rise quickly, earn deep trust, and build a business grounded in relationships, service, and integrity. Charleston Real Producers shines a spotlight on those rare individuals — and Ricardo is one of them.
In just two years, Ricardo has become one of the most respected and reliable agents in the Charleston area. His story didn’t start with leads, branding, or perfect timing. It began with two core values that guide every decision he makes:
1. Build real, deep, meaningful relationships.
2. Take care of yourself so you can truly take care of others.
These principles are the heartbeat of Charleston Real Producers — and the foundation of Ricardo’s remarkable rise.
Real estate isn’t about houses. It’s about people, trust, emotion, and connection. Ricardo understands this better than most.
His business was built by nurturing:
His sphere
His clients
His prospects
Fellow real estate agents he collaborates with daily
Instead of competing with everyone, he partners with people. Instead of chasing volume, he chases value.
This is why he’s become a referral magnet — even attracting clients who haven’t met him yet.
Charleston Real Producers highlights agents who stand out for their leadership and trustworthiness. Ricardo fits that mold perfectly.
Ricardo’s path started in Boston, where he pursued better education through the A Better Chance program. Living with a host family and surrounded by high-achieving peers, he quickly became a leader and a trusted voice among his classmates.
Those early experiences shaped him into someone who:
People confide in
People rely on
People follow
This character foundation would later become the backbone of his real estate career.
Before Charleston Real Producers ever knew his name, Ricardo was building success at IBM, Oracle, and Sugar.
But something was missing.
He didn’t just want a career — he wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. Real estate gave him that opportunity. It gave him ownership over his future, freedom to build something for his family, and the ability to change lives through service and guidance.
Taking that leap wasn’t easy. But exceeding his goals? That came from grit and doing the work others avoid.
Behind every Charleston Real Producers agent is a family that supports their ambition. For Ricardo, that anchor is his wife, and their two children.
Real estate is demanding. Kids’ schedules are demanding. Life is demanding.
Ricardo has learned to:
Prioritize what matters
Share responsibilities
Communicate openly
Include his kids in his work
Teach them the value of earning success
His children see firsthand the power of hard work, discipline, and community impact.
Some agents chase the next deal. Ricardo builds the next relationship.
He treats every person—whether a million-dollar seller or a brand-new buyer—as if they’ve known each other for years. He leads with sincerity, eliminates hidden agendas, and focuses on service first.
This is the heart of Charleston Real Producers: real agents, real stories, real integrity.
Ricardo isn’t just building a business. He’s building a legacy.
With goals to match or exceed last year’s production, he’s hungry — not just to close deals, but to grow the profession itself.
His message to new agents mirrors the values Charleston Real Producers highlights:
Answer the phone
Return texts
Follow up quickly
Communicate clearly
Work together, not against each other
He knows that one agent improving improves the whole Charleston real estate community.
That’s what defines Ricardo.
That’s why clients trust him.
That’s why other agents respect him.
And that’s why he stands out among Charleston Real Producers.
His story is a reminder that real estate isn’t just about volume — it’s about heart, hustle, and humanity.
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2545999/episodes/17993971
Some top producers are born into the industry.
Others are built by grit, pain, and a choice to do better for the people they serve.
Amber Dollarhite’s story is the second kind and it’s exactly why she’s on track to close over $25 million this year with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Palmetto.
Her real estate career didn’t start with success.
It started with a terrible first-time homebuying experience that shook her so deeply she vowed no client of hers would ever feel the way she did. That moment became the fire behind a business now generating more than $20M+ a year, fueled by relationships, consistency, and an obsession with protecting her clients.
This conversation is pure Southern real estate truth — no fluff, no theory, just what works today in the Charleston market.
Amber breaks down how she nurtured one lead from cold to closed and then leveraged that relationship into repeat clients, referrals, friends of friends, and a long-term business engine. Most agents treat a lead like a moment; Amber treats it like a lifetime.
Amber doesn’t do halfway.
If you’re in her world clients, lenders, friends, baseball families you’re getting her whole heart and her whole attention. And she explains exactly what “100% effort” looks like in real estate today:
Showing up when others don’t
Calling when others text
Following up when others forget
Going deeper into life, not just transactions
That standard is a big part of why her business exploded.
She calls it like it is, agents are losing deals because they:
Don’t answer their phone
Don’t prepare their clients
Don’t communicate expectations
Don’t know their inventory
Don’t follow up with lenders
Don’t understand what buyers actually fear
Amber lays out the habits that separate closers from complainers.
Amber lives in ballparks and closing rooms and she’s winning at both. She talks candidly about:
Calendars
Boundaries
Support systems
Non-negotiables
Why she refuses to sacrifice her family to build her career
Her message hits home for every working parent in real estate.
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.
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.
Success in real estate isn’t random — it’s intentional. The agents who consistently grow their income, attract better clients, and build lasting brands are the ones who treat their business like a business. That starts with a solid real estate business plan — your roadmap to results, freedom, and long-term growth.
Without a clear plan, it’s easy to get caught in a cycle of constant hustle with inconsistent results. Business planning helps you:
Identify your goals and measurable benchmarks
Clarify your lead sources and marketing strategy
Establish daily, weekly, and quarterly actions
Track your numbers so you can make smarter business decisions
A business plan is more than a document — it’s a blueprint for your lifestyle, income, and legacy.
Start with the big picture. What do you want your business and life to look like 1, 3, or 5 years from now?
How many homes do you want to sell annually?
What communities or niches do you want to dominate?
How much income will give you balance and freedom?
A clear vision drives daily discipline. Without direction, you’re just busy — not productive.
Specific. Measurable. Achievable. Relevant. Time-bound.
Break your annual income goal down into quarterly and monthly production targets. Then translate those into weekly activity metrics — calls, appointments, listings, and closings.
Example:
If your goal is $10 million in sales volume, how many listings and buyers do you need per month? How many conversations does it take to get there? Map it out.
Your lead pillars should reflect your strengths, but you must diversify.
Sphere and past clients — the heart of your business
Social media and video content — builds brand visibility
Open houses and local networking — face-to-face trust
Online leads and referral partners — scalable growth
Track what works, cut what doesn’t, and stay consistent.
Know your numbers — expenses, commission splits, marketing budget, and taxes. Treat yourself like a CEO. Set up a business account and track profit margins so you can reinvest strategically.
The best agents don’t just plan once a year, they course-correct monthly. Review your KPIs, evaluate what’s working, and pivot fast. Real estate changes constantly; your business plan should evolve with it.
Your Pathway to Success starts with clarity, accountability, and action. When you take the time to plan, you take control of your business and your future.
Don’t let another year go by reacting to the market. Design your path, track your goals, and commit to becoming the professional your clients deserve.
A successful real estate business doesn’t run on luck, it runs on structure. Between client showings, listing prep, negotiations, and content creation, the best agents know that consistency wins every time. That’s why having a weekly planner built for real estate can completely transform your productivity, income, and peace of mind.
In real estate, every day matters. Without a clear plan, your week can slip away in a blur of “busy work”, with little to show for it. A weekly planner keeps your focus on the money-making activities that drive results:
Prospecting and lead follow-up
Client appointments and open houses
Social media and marketing content
Transaction management and training
Monday: Lead Generation & Listing Prep
Start your week strong by focusing on new business. Make your follow-up calls, review your CRM, and check in with warm leads. Spend an hour updating your active listings with new photos, pricing, or showing feedback.
Tuesday: Marketing & Social Media
Plan your social media posts, record short property videos, and schedule a local market update. Consistent online visibility builds trust and referrals, don’t skip it.
Wednesday: Client Appointments & Showings
Midweek is ideal for buyer tours and listing appointments. Keep your afternoons open for fieldwork and client connection.
Thursday: Team & Training Day
Invest in your growth, attend brokerage meetings, skill sessions, or strategy calls. Review numbers and pipeline progress with your team.
Friday: Follow-Up & Systems
Close the week by touching base with everyone you’ve met this week, clients, prospects, vendors, and co-op agents. Clean up your inbox and CRM before the weekend rush.
Weekend: Community & Open Houses
Weekends are game day. Schedule your open houses strategically and post behind-the-scenes content to your social channels.
Use color blocks in your planner, green for income-producing tasks, blue for appointments, gray for admin, and yellow for personal time. You’ll see at a glance where your time really goes.
A real estate career thrives on discipline, not chaos. A planner doesn’t just keep you organized, it gives you freedom. When your week is mapped out, you can focus on what you do best: helping clients and growing your business.
If you’re a real estate agent in the Charleston / Summerville, SC area and you’ve ever looked at your calendar and thought, “Great — I’ve got plenty of free time today”, I’ve got news: those blank spots are silent income killers.
The elite producers don’t rely on chance. They structure every hour. You can do the same.
We all like the idea of downtime. But for agents in markets like Mount Pleasant, Nexton, Summerville, and downtown Charleston, unstructured time often leads to procrastination, distractions, and missed follow-ups.
Here’s how it plays out:
You carve out time for “just checking in with clients”, but end up scrolling social media instead.
A listing falls through early, you set the day free, but no new activity fills the gap.
Your calendar looks open — but the stuff that makes money isn’t scheduled.
Bottom line: Blank space isn’t freedom. It’s where production dries up.
Here’s the playbook for converting open time into revenue-generating action.
Time-block your essentials first.
Block your non-negotiables: school drop-offs in Summerville, built-in prospecting hours, team check-ins at your Palmetto office.
Once those are locked in, everything else needs to support income-producing activities (IPAs): calls, follow-ups, listing presentations, showings.
Assign intention to every open block.
A 2-hour window that’s “free” stays free until something purposeful fills it.
Change that mindset: “This block is for 20 client check-ins”, or “This time is for listing outreach in West Ashley”.
With purpose, those open slots become power-hours.
Use accountability and metrics.
For example: If I have less than 7 live listings in the Summerville sub-market by Friday, I block 90 minutes of my calendar Saturday morning to prospect Clements Ferry & Nexton.
Track your activity and tie it to results: How many conversations happened? How many appointments set? How many listings accepted?
Don’t just track “hours worked”, track “actions taken”.
Guard your pipeline like your reputation.
One of the biggest mistakes: letting idle time open the door to distractions (postal walk, random errands, mindless web surfing).
Top agents keep a “buffer of activity” scheduled so that even when a showings-call drops, their pipeline stays busy.
In Charleston’s market, time matters: new builds, developments in Summerville, waterfront listings — you must stay proactive.
Review weekly & adjust aggressively.
At your Palmetto team huddle: review the calendar blocks for next week, ask “What income-producing block is open?”
Anything that isn’t going to move the needle gets pushed out or cancelled.
Keep refining: The calendar becomes your production engine, not your default “to-do list”.
In Charleston / Summerville, SC real estate, hope is not a strategy. Your calendar is the strategy.
Block your prime business time first. Give every open slot a purpose. Make your activity visible, measurable, and accountable.
If you blankly leave space in your day without intention, you’re handing opportunities to your competition.
Big shifts are happening behind the scenes in the mortgage world, and they could open new doors for Summerville homebuyers. Fannie Mae, the organization that sets many of the rules lenders follow, just rolled out an update to its Desktop Underwriter® (DU) system.
This update changes how a buyer’s credit risk is assessed, meaning you might qualify for a home loan even if your credit history isn’t perfect.
If you’ve been renting in Summerville and wondering if homeownership is out of reach, this change is worth paying attention to.
Credit Decisions Are More Realistic
The new system looks beyond your credit score. Lenders can now consider things like consistent rent payments and positive cash-flow history, a big win for responsible renters.
First-Time Buyers Get a Fair Shot
First-time homebuyers are now seen as lower-risk than before, giving more people a chance to buy with confidence, especially in competitive markets like Summerville.
Smarter Use of Technology
The update uses better data tools to help lenders identify financially stable buyers who might have been overlooked before. That means fewer “false negatives”, people being denied for reasons that don’t reflect their true ability to pay.
Summerville has seen strong growth and rising home prices, but this Fannie Mae change could make homeownership more attainable for local renters and young families.
Here’s what this means in real world terms:
It’s not about lowering standards it’s about using smarter data to recognize financially ready buyers.
Gather your rent payment history.
If you pay rent through a bank or digital app, those records can help your loan approval.
Talk to a local lender familiar with the update.
Not every lender has rolled out Fannie Mae’s new system yet, work with one that has.
Work with a knowledgeable agent.
At Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Palmetto, our team stays up-to-date on changes like this so we can guide buyers through the process with confidence.
Mortgage updates like this don’t happen often and when they do, they can shift the balance for thousands of homebuyers. Summerville’s market is growing fast, with new construction, great schools, and strong community life.
If you’ve been thinking, “I’ll wait until my credit score improves,” this is your sign to take another look.
Buying a home in Summerville might just be more within reach than you thought. Fannie Mae’s new underwriting approach rewards real-life responsibility rent history, steady income, and smart money management not just a three-digit credit score.
At Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Palmetto, we’re helping buyers take advantage of these new opportunities every day. Let’s see what this update means for you. Contact us today
If you’ve been sitting on the fence about listing your home in Summerville, SC, this is your wake-up call. The market is shifting and for the right seller with the right strategy, this could be the sweet spot.
You’ll be relocating or downsizing soon timing aligns with the current pace.
Your home is in good condition (or you’re ready to invest in the small fixes) it’ll stand out in a market with fewer highly polished listings.
You’re in a growing or stable neighborhood of Summerville (like the ZIPs mentioned) meaning better buyer interest.
You don’t need to chase a “peak price” and are prepared to list for market value rather than wait for unrealistic gains.
You’re ready to partner with a listing agent who knows Summerville inside-out (market, neighborhoods, buyer personas) which is a part of what we do at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Palmetto.
If you sit around chasing “next year’s better price” you could miss the current sweet spot. The data say: Summerville is seller-favorable, inventory is still manageable, and buyer demand is anchored by its proximity to Charleston, good schools, and community amenities.
If your home is ready, the market supports listing now. If it needs a little polishing, now is the time to get it ready so when you hit ‘go’, you hit at the right moment.
Ready to talk next steps?
Let’s map out your homes comps, identify key upgrades, and plug your home into a strategic listing plan designed specifically for Summerville. Download the “Seller Timing Checklist” here and schedule your complimentary strategy session with our team.
If you’ve been dreaming of buying a home in South Carolina and plan to use the Palmetto Heroes Program, now is the time to start preparing before applications open. Each year, this statewide initiative provides down payment assistance and affordable financing to qualifying community heroes such as teachers, nurses, firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, and military service members.
These funds go fast often within days and working with an experienced local real estate agent early can be the difference between being ready to buy and missing the opportunity entirely.
At Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Palmetto, we help buyers across Charleston, Summerville, Mount Pleasant, and the Lowcountry position themselves for success the moment Palmetto Heroes launches.
The Palmetto Heroes Program, offered through the South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority (SC Housing), provides forgivable down payment assistance and low fixed rate mortgages to eligible professionals serving their communities.
Each year, a select number of applicants qualify for thousands in financial support toward the purchase of their primary residence. Once funds run out, they’re gone until the following year which is why timing and preparation matter.
Every year, eligibility guidelines and available funds change slightly. A knowledgeable agent can connect you with trusted Palmetto Heroes-approved lenders and help you understand key requirements such as:
Getting this information early allows you to take any steps needed from credit improvement to document collection before the program opens.
Because Palmetto Heroes funding is limited, pre-approval is critical. Top agents have strong relationships with local lenders who specialize in SC Housing loans and can fast-track your pre-approval.
When funds are released, buyers who are already pre-approved and working with a professional agent can submit offers immediately, putting them ahead of those still gathering paperwork.
Not every home on the market fits Palmetto Heroes guidelines. An experienced agent who understands SC Housing approved properties can filter listings by price point, condition, and location so you focus only on homes that meet the program’s requirements.
Our agents regularly monitor listings in communities like Nexton, Cane Bay, Hanahan, and Goose Creek, where qualified homes are in high demand.
When competition heats up, having a top-producing agent on your side matters. We know how to write strong, clean offers that appeal to sellers while protecting your funding eligibility. We also coordinate directly with lenders and attorneys to keep the transaction compliant and on schedule.
Pairing the Palmetto Heroes benefit with other buyer incentives, closing-cost grants, or builder programs can stretch your budget further. A well-connected agent will help you explore every available option so you get the most out of this once a year opportunity.
The Palmetto Heroes application window is short and competitive. By connecting with a real estate professional now, you’ll have:
This preparation could mean owning your dream home in 2026 rather than waiting another year.
At Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Palmetto, we’re proud to support Charleston’s community heroes from first responders to educators and healthcare professionals. Our experienced agents will help you navigate every step, from lender introduction to closing day.
Now is the time to connect. Don’t wait until the program opens be ready to act.
If you’ve been searching for a new-construction home that feels personal, polished, and perfectly placed, Indigo Place should be on your short list. Built by Hunter Quinn Homes, this intimate community of just 25 homes offers a refreshing alternative to oversized neighborhoods.
With timeless Lowcountry architecture and thoughtful floor plans, every detail is designed for comfort, convenience, and connection.
Put simply: you get that Lowcountry charm, new-home build quality, and a location that works for commuting as much as relaxing.
Here’s what you’re looking at:
At Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Palmetto, we know North Charleston inside and out. Our team has guided hundreds of buyers through new construction opportunities just like Indigo Place helping you understand not just the home, but the lifestyle that comes with it.
We partner with local builders, monitor release dates, and make sure you get the best incentives, upgrades, and lot options available.
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Palmetto
Broker Owner Aimee Peterson
1184 Clements Ferry Road, Unit D
Charleston, SC 29492
O: 843-584-8326
©2022 Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. All rights reserved. Better Homes and Gardens® and the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate logo are registered service marks owned by Meredith Operations Corporation and licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. Listing information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate.
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