Bob Rose is a native of NJ born and raised and served two years in the army. During his youth and young adult years, he played as a professional musician in several rock & jazz bands. Robert graduated from the professional school of Business in 1966 and received his real estate brokers license in 1968. He went on to manage a Real Estate company for several years then opened Prudential Rose Realtors and owned and operated that company for more than 30 years until he relocated to the Lowcountry.
Catch up with Bob, as he talks about how he got his start in real estate, how the industry has changed over the years, and tips for buyers in the Lowcountry.
Charter One Realty: When did you know that you wanted to pursue a career in real estate?
Bob Rose: When I was discharged from the Army, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do. A friend recommended that I should go into Real Estate because I had a good gift of gab. I got my license in 1968 and started my career.
Charter One Realty: Tell us about your start in the business. How did the first year go?
Bob Rose: I enjoyed working for a very active office and did very well in the first year in the business selling 16 homes. Most were VA and FHA sales where we had to not only sell our clients a house but also fill out a mortgage app and process the loans all the way through closing.
Charter One Realty: What’s kept you in the business after your initial success?
Bob Rose: The desire to become a broker and open my own business. I became a broker in 1970 and became the office manager of the same office for 15 years. In 1983 I opened my own business Prudential Rose Realtors and owned and operated that office for 33 years. During that time I was appointed by the NJ governor to be on the Real Estate Commission and served as a commissioner for six years.
Charter One Realty: What’s one common mistake you see prospective buyers make?
Bob Rose: Wanting to look at houses before they list their current home.
Charter One Realty: How has technology changed the industry, and what does it mean for buyers?
Bob Rose: Technology has completely changed the real estate industry making it much easier for both the realtor and the buyer to communicate and find a home without moving from their computer. Big time saver for the buyer.
Charter One Realty: If you weren't working in real estate, is there anything else you could see yourself doing?
Bob Rose: Prior to going into the Army, I was a professional musician playing in a popular band as a drummer. I did that for a long time even while I was working in real estate. I still have my drums and enjoy playing as a hobby.
Charter One Realty: Where are you from originally, and how did you come to live in the Lowcountry?
Bob Rose: Born and raised in New Jersey. We vacationed with my wife and our five kids in the Hilton Head area sense 1979. Liked ie so much that we decided that we would want to retire here.
Charter One Realty: Please tell us about your neighborhood and your home.
Bob Rose: We love living in our community, Belfair Plantation. In 1998 coming home from one of our stays on Hilton Head, we discovered a sign, Belfair plantation. We pulled into the subdivision and began looking at lots for sale. At the time there were no houses for sale. We loved what we saw and purchased a lot. Fast forward 15 years later we built our new home here on that same lot.
Charter One Realty: Can you tell us why your community is so special to you?
Bob Rose: We love the people here, so friendly, and always willing to help out. Living for so many years in one location, we were apprehensive about leaving our friends and making new ones. That didn't take very long. We have more caring friends now than we ever had. We have everything here that you would ever want.
Charter One Realty: How would you describe the vibe in the Lowcountry?
Bob Rose: The vibe is very strong in our Belfair Community. We went through a major renovation and upgrade to or club. A new gym that is top-notch, a fantastic Bistro and pool area, a new learning center, and a practice area plus a beautiful renovation to our clubhouse. Once you take a buyer through all of these wonderful facilities it makes it easy to sell them a house.
Charter One Realty: How have you seen the Lowcountry change — from both a personal and professional perspective — over the years?
Bob Rose: I know the Bluffton area has seen a tremendous boom. That is what happens when you have a beautiful, desirable, and affordable location to move too.
Charter One Realty: What are your favorite shops and restaurants in our community and why?
Bob Rose: Everything is so conveniently located without traveling too far. I like the convenience of shopping at the Tanger outlets. Our favorite restaurants are Poor Richards here in Bluffton, Nona Rosa also in Bluffton, We love Ombra, and The Sage Room on the Island.
Charter One Realty: What are some of your favorite aspects of life in the Lowcountry?
Bob Rose: The weather, the beach, boating, and the fact that the pace is a lot slower down here. Very friendly people.
Charter One Realty: Do you have a personal motto or mantra that guides you?
Bob Rose: To never forget how really blessed we are to live here in the low country and to treat others how you would want to be treated ourselves.
Charter One Realty: Please complete the sentence: “Home wouldn’t be home without . . .”
Bob Rose: My family, my friends, and my two pups.
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