Charter One Realty: When did you know that you wanted to pursue a career in real estate?
Katie Gambla: When I was younger I wanted to be an architect but ended up heading in different directions. Being from Beaufort, there are so many different kinds of properties that have fascinated me, and I always knew I was interested in knowing about as many properties in the Lowcountry as I could and I wanted to know how real estate works. I knew I wanted firsthand knowledge of the business for myself and my family and friends.
Charter One Realty: Tell us about your start in the business. How did the first year go?
Katie Gambla: Real estate is the most challenging career I have ever had and most of it you learn on your own as you go. My first year I just took every single opportunity that came my way so that I could learn, learn, learn and it paid off.
Charter One Realty: What’s kept you in the business after your initial success?
Katie Gambla: I get most of my business from friends and family, former colleagues, personal referrals, and referrals from other agents - all of which is a big compliment. Being from the area and having an innate knowledge of the Lowcountry certainly helps establish and keep trust from people in the community, and if you can do well by people who know you personally, your business will keep growing.
Charter One Realty: What’s one common mistake you see prospective buyers make?
Katie Gambla: It's hard for buyers to believe until they experience it, but losing out on "the one" property to another buyer when a buyer doesn't think they need to jump on the opportunity happens all the time and is so painful to learn the hard way! Go with your gut and jump on the first property that you would be upset about if you heard it went under contract the next morning after you saw it.
Charter One Realty: What are your favorite shops and restaurants in our community and why?
Katie Gambla: In Beaufort, my favorite restaurants are Saltus, Breakwater, and Lowcountry Produce. They all have a flair on Southern cuisine and all are located conveniently downtown, all with very different but equally enjoyable environments. My favorite shops downtown are "It's Retail Therapy" for the most fashionable clothes, "Lulu Burgess" is just fun fun fun, and "Scout" for high end home goods. "Urban Nest" in Port Royal is also a favorite home goods, retail store, and delicious coffee shop all in one.
Charter One Realty: What are some of your favorite aspects of life in the Lowcountry?
Katie Gambla: I have lived in other places briefly but there is nowhere like home in the Lowcountry to me. Every time I go out of town and come back, the slow Lowcountry pace, the weather, the access to water, and the people make it home and I am always grateful to come home. There are so many opportunities to make good memories in the Lowcountry.
Charter One Realty: Please complete the sentence: “Home wouldn’t be home without . . .”
Katie Gambla: Home wouldn't be home without - first the people you love of course (and I can help them get here with you). And secondly - the location you want. I always tell people to buy based on location and you will always make the home yours.
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