Charter One Realty agent, David Carroll, got hooked on real estate early and set the record for first-year real estate sales at $5.5 Million. After that first year, it was clear that David had found his calling. We spoke with David about his path to real estate success, life in the Lowcountry, and the changes he has seen in Hilton Head over the years.
Charter One Realty: When did you know that you wanted to pursue a career in real estate?
David Carroll: I spent my first 5 years on the Island in the Regime Management Business, learning hands-on about every aspect of property ownership, as well as the characteristics of all the areas. My evolution from management to sales seemed to be predestined.
Charter One Realty: Tell us about your start in the business. How did the first year go?
David Carroll: Because I had worked for 1,800 property owners, I had a great jump start with a client base who already recognized my name, and were familiar with my services, I set the record for 1st-year Real Estate sales at $5.5 Million!
Charter One Realty: What’s kept you in the business after your initial success?
David Carroll: Helping people with one of the most important decisions of their lives. It's a privilege for me.
Charter One Realty: What’s one common mistake you see prospective buyers make?
David Carroll: The internet and information now available to consumers sometimes provide a false sense of knowledge. Not relying on experience has been a common mistake.
Charter One Realty: How has technology changed the industry, and what does it mean for buyers?
David Carroll: More information available for consumers has somewhat streamlined the buying process. Buyers can more easily eliminate properties that will not work for them. The properties buyers pick on their own certainly helps the experienced Realtor to understand the needs and then match the buyers to the perfect property.
Charter One Realty: If you weren't working in real estate, is there anything else you could see yourself doing?
David Carroll: Music!
Charter One Realty: Where are you from originally, and how did you come to live in the Lowcountry?
David Carroll: I grew up in Western Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh. I answered an ad in the Atlanta Journal & Constitution for a job on Hilton Head Island in 1986! Never left!
Charter One Realty: Please tell us about your neighborhood and your home.
David Carroll: I am a 34 year resident of Hilton Head Island and 27 years in Port Royal Plantation. Port Royal Plantation had a reputation of mostly older retired residents. 27 years ago, it mostly was. There has been a big change mostly over the last 7 years or so, with a younger demographic moving into Port Royal. I have built 4 new homes over my 34 years here, and the home I have now is a Tuscan Farmhouse Style, almost a California type home.
Charter One Realty: Can you tell us why your community is so special to you?
David Carroll: Port Royal Plantation is Hilton Head's ONLY private Oceanfront Plantation. Plus there are 3 National Historic Sites in Port Royal Plantation. The beaches along Port Royal Plantation are the best on the Island, but I might be biased!
Charter One Realty: How would you describe the vibe in the Lowcountry?
David Carroll: The Vibe in the Lowcountry can hit many levels. Type A personalities find plenty to do, alongside with the laid back folks who want to live and let live...and everything in between!
Charter One Realty: How have you seen the Lowcountry change — from both a personal and professional perspective — over the years?
David Carroll: I have witnessed a lot of changes in the Lowcountry over the past 34 years. Bluffton used to be a 1 square mile town, that was known for speed traps ONLY! 278 was a 2 lane road in Bluffton. The Town and County have done a masterful job of trying to keep the natural beauty first and foremost. Professionally, there is a lot more competition in my business. Personally, I love people, so my perspective on the change over the years is very positive.
Charter One Realty: What are your favorite shops and restaurants in our community and why?
David Carroll: Charlie's best overall food, Fiesta Fresh best Mexican food, Hudson's best seafood, Reilly's best burgers.
Charter One Realty: What are some of your favorite aspects of life in the Lowcountry?
David Carroll: Dining, environmental/natural beauty, climate, beaches, and all the Live Music!
Charter One Realty: Do you have a personal motto or mantra that guides you?
David Carroll: Who is #1 in Real Estate? YOU are when you work with David Carroll.
Charter One Realty: Please complete the sentence: “Home wouldn’t be home without . . .”
David Carroll: ....without music!
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