Sharon Jones and her husband met in Charleston, SC, while she was attending the College of Charleston and her husband served in the Navy. Like so many, they fell in love with the Lowcountry and chose it as their primary vacation spot. After 17 years in Massachusetts, Sharon and her family decided to make the Lowcountry their permanent home and are loving every moment of it.
Charter One Realty sat down with Sharon to learn more about how she got her start and some of her favorite aspects of life in the Lowcountry.
CHARTER ONE REALTY: WHEN DID YOU KNOW THAT YOU WANTED TO PURSUE A CAREER IN REAL ESTATE?
Sharon Jones: Having moved over 12 times. I was constantly watching the market wherever we were. I decided to pursue a career when my first set of twins graduated from High School in 2015.
CHARTER ONE REALTY: TELL US ABOUT YOUR START IN THE BUSINESS. HOW DID THE FIRST YEAR GO?
Sharon Jones: The first year was great. I used it to learn as much as I could. I had 2 deals as the market was still slow. I enjoyed learning from my fellow agents as I helped them out.
CHARTER ONE REALTY: WHAT’S KEPT YOU IN THE BUSINESS AFTER YOUR INITIAL SUCCESS?
Sharon Jones: I love my job. I love everything about it. I love the challenge, I love the people, I love finding the perfect homes for my clients, and I love preparing and selling my client's homes.
CHARTER ONE REALTY: WHAT’S ONE COMMON MISTAKE YOU SEE PROSPECTIVE BUYERS MAKE?
Sharon Jones: Common mistake buyers can make is thinking that the purchase of a house should fit into their current budget. In most cases, this is at least a 5-year commitment. I tell my clients... this is likely the highest salary you have ever made, but I'm here to say that it will be the lowest you will make going forward. This discussion has helped many buyers.
CHARTER ONE REALTY: HOW HAS TECHNOLOGY CHANGED THE INDUSTRY, AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR BUYERS?
Sharon Jones: Technology rules. Paperless is the way to go. constant access to information is important for buyers, so really defining the client's wants and needs helps to refine a search and get almost instant access to the homes that fit their needs.
CHARTER ONE REALTY: IF YOU WEREN'T WORKING IN REAL ESTATE, IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU COULD SEE YOURSELF DOING?
Sharon Jones: I would love to be a pro golfer, but since I am a 15 handicap, I think I will stick to real estate.
CHARTER ONE REALTY: what advice do you have for buyers IN THE LOWCOUNTRY?
Sharon Jones: My advice for buyers looking in the Lowcountry is that there is something for everyone. Each community has its own flavor. If you like golf, you can go high end or you can go small community with golf. I love that about the area.
CHARTER ONE REALTY: WHERE ARE YOU FROM ORIGINALLY, AND HOW DID YOU COME TO LIVE IN THE LOWCOUNTRY?
Sharon Jones: My husband Earl and I lived in Charleston in the early 1990s. He was in the Navy, and I was in college at the College of Charleston. We loved our time there so much that we chose to vacation in the Lowcountry ever since. Some club members of our home course in Massachusetts purchased property in Berkeley Hall a number of years ago. I visited and played golf with her at least 2X a year. We always kept an eye on the market and in 2018 couldn't wait any longer. We purchased a cottage in Berkeley Hall. This past year we sold our home of 17 years in Mass. and are spending the majority of the year down here. We are absolutely loving it.
CHARTER ONE REALTY: PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD AND YOUR HOME.
Sharon Jones: We live in Berkeley Hall. We absolutely love it. The golf is extraordinary, the people are so warm and welcoming, and the activity level is just our style. We feel fortunate every day that we live here.
CHARTER ONE REALTY: CAN YOU TELL US WHY YOUR COMMUNITY IS SO SPECIAL TO YOU?
Sharon Jones: Good times, amazing golf and great friends.
CHARTER ONE REALTY: How would you describe the vibe in the Lowcountry?
Sharon Jones: The vibe is warm and welcoming. I love that about the Lowcountry.
CHARTER ONE REALTY: How have you seen the Lowcountry change — from both a personal and professional perspective — over the years?
Sharon Jones: Certainly there has been development in the area over the years, but the people remain the same. They are either from the South or Northerners like us who are so happy to be there.
CHARTER ONE REALTY: WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS IN OUR COMMUNITY AND WHY?
Sharon Jones: We love the Pearl, Jim and Nick's, and Berkeley Hall veranda.
Not much of a shopper, but I do love this boutique shop in Hilton Head called Shop! great stuff there.
CHARTER ONE REALTY: What are some of your favorite aspects of life in the Lowcountry?
Sharon Jones: We love the weather, the golf, and the people. Nowhere better.
CHARTER ONE REALTY: DO YOU HAVE A PERSONAL MOTTO OR MANTRA THAT GUIDES YOU?
Sharon Jones: Everything works out better if you are nice. In this industry, people can get heated. I have learned that being nice can neutralize any bad situation.
CHARTER ONE REALTY: PLEASE COMPLETE THE SENTENCE: “HOME WOULDN’T BE HOME WITHOUT . . .”
Sharon Jones: Home would not be home without my Peeps: Family, friends and dogs. Love them all.
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