Leadership That Shows Up: Charter One Realty’s Michelle Garbade Advocates for South Carolina Homeowners on Capitol Hill

Leadership That Shows Up: Charter One Realty’s Michelle Garbade Advocates for South Carolina Homeowners on Capitol Hill

Leadership in real estate is not theoretical. It is practiced. It means showing up, leaning in, and speaking up for homeowners, buyers, and communities when it matters most.

This week, Michelle Garbade, a trusted agent with Charter One Realty, did exactly that.

As part of the 2026 South Carolina REALTORS® Leadership Academy, Michelle traveled to Washington, D.C., joining fellow emerging leaders for an immersive, behind-the-scenes look at REALTOR® advocacy at the national level. The day-long experience on Capitol Hill focused on how federal policy decisions directly shape local housing markets across South Carolina, including Hilton Head real estate, Bluffton real estate, and Beaufort real estate.

A Front-Row Seat to REALTOR® Advocacy

The Leadership Academy class spent the day meeting with staff from the National Association of Realtors, gaining critical insight into:

• Current housing market and economic trends

• Federal legislative updates impacting real estate

• Housing policy and legal issues

• State and local political advocacy programs

• Community outreach initiatives

• RPAC and its role in protecting property ownership and professional representation

These briefings provided real-time context on the challenges facing today’s housing market and what lies ahead for homeowners and buyers nationwide.

Conversations That Matter on Capitol Hill

Following the policy sessions, participants headed to the U.S. Capitol to meet directly with South Carolina’s congressional delegation, including Lindsey Graham, Russell Fry, and Joe Wilson.

The conversations were candid, informed, and grounded in real-world experience. Topics included:

• The growing need for affordable and attainable housing across South Carolina

• How economic conditions and household debt affect homeownership opportunities

• Rising insurance premiums and their impact on coastal homeowners

• FEMA-related concerns affecting local communities

• Capital gains policies and their effect on property owners and generational wealth

• The importance of sustained investment in housing statewide

Decisions made in Washington ripple directly into neighborhoods, from Hilton Head homes for sale to Bluffton homes for sale and Beaufort homes for sale. Advocacy ensures lawmakers hear firsthand how policy affects real people, real communities, and real markets.

Why Leadership Training Matters in Real Estate

The South Carolina REALTORS® Leadership Academy is designed to do more than educate. It prepares future leaders to shape the industry with integrity, clarity, and purpose.

Through six immersive retreats, participants engage in:

• Leadership development and personal profile analysis

• Team-building and strategic collaboration

• Ethical decision-making and communication training

• Goal setting and long-term industry planning

The program equips REALTORS® to positively influence their local boards, the broader real estate industry, and the communities they serve.

Advocacy That Benefits Buyers and Sellers at Home

At Charter One Realty, leadership beyond the transaction matters. Advocacy protects property rights, strengthens housing opportunities, and supports long-term market stability across the Lowcountry.

Michelle Garbade’s participation in the 2026 SCR Leadership Academy reflects a commitment not only to professional excellence but to standing up for homeowners, buyers, and future generations across South Carolina.

Leadership is not about titles.
It is about showing up.