Rick Murray has thirty-three years of real estate experience. He started in 1981 as a sales associate for Lighthouse Realty and then became a partner in 1986 with Charter One Realty. He is a Life Member of the Hilton Head Area Association of Realtors and has served on the Board of Trustees for the Hilton Head Multiple Listing Service (MLS). He has tremendous knowledge and experience in the market both on Hilton Head Island and Bluffton, South Carolina.
Catch up with Rick, as he talks about how he got his start in real estate, how the industry has changed over the years, and his favorite aspects of life in the Lowcountry.
Charter One Realty: When did you know that you wanted to pursue a career in real estate?
Rick Murray: I moved to Hilton Head and opened a men's clothing store in 1974. A lot of my customers and friends were real estate agents. They talked me into getting into real estate so in 1981 I began my career.
Charter One Realty: Tell us about your start in the business. How did the first year go?
Rick Murray: Hilton Head was in the developing stage in the '80s. In my first year (1981) I did over $6 million in business and never looked back.
Charter One Realty: What’s kept you in the business after your initial success?
Rick Murray: Many (probably most) of my real estate clients from the very beginning became great friends. Almost all of my business came from them referring their friends to me. We were also allowed to "cold call" back then and I called and talked with people about real estate on Hilton Head almost every evening until 10:00 PM or so. I was back in the office by 8:00 every morning. On Saturday mornings I checked all my listings.
Charter One Realty: What’s one common mistake you see prospective buyers make?
Rick Murray: Relying too much on "numbers" instead of going with their instincts.
Charter One Realty: How has technology changed the industry, and what does it mean for buyers?
Rick Murray: Buyers now have much more information than ever before--but information doesn't necessarily translate to knowledge. Whether they know it or not, buyers still need the knowledge only a real estate agent who works in the area every day can give.
Charter One Realty: If you weren't working in real estate, is there anything else you could see yourself doing?
Rick Murray: Probably advertising.
Charter One Realty: What advice do you have for buyers looking in the Lowcountry?
Rick Murray: Work with an agent who knows the area, who has a good reputation, and who will always represent the client's best interest.
Charter One Realty: How has your partnership with the Murray Della Rosa Team given you an edge in the market?
Rick Murray: I have a long time teammate and my son has been working with me for several years now. They understand the technology and social media much better than I do but I keep them "grounded" that this is still a personal contact business.
Charter One Realty: Can you talk about how your personalities complement each other?
Rick Murray: We all have the same mindset. We are not going to do anything wrong period. We live by "The Golden Rule"!
Charter One Realty: Where are you from originally, and how did you come to live in the Lowcountry?
Rick Murray: Originally from Jesup, GA. A small town an hour west of Savannah. I came to start a retail business.
Charter One Realty: Please tell us about your neighborhood and your home.
Rick Murray: Our first home here was in North Forest Beach. We soon moved into Sea Pines. I currently live in the Club Course area.
Charter One Realty: Can you tell us why your community is so special to you?
Rick Murray: We are active in the Sea Pines Country and enjoy all the Sea Pines amenities.
Charter One Realty: How would you describe the vibe in the Lowcountry?
Rick Murray: The #1 amenity in the Lowcountry is the people! You'll not find more friendly or caring people anywhere in the world!
Charter One Realty: How have you seen the Lowcountry change — from both a personal and professional perspective — over the years?
Rick Murray: Naturally I've seen an enormous amount of change since 1974. There was a time when we had to travel to Savannah for many goods and services. Now we have everything--the best doctors, the best restaurants. There is no reason to ever leave!
Charter One Realty: What are some of your favorite aspects of life in the Lowcountry?
Rick Murray: Getting together with friends, dining out, my church family.
Charter One Realty: Do you have a personal motto or mantra that guides you?
Rick Murray: Do what's right.
Charter One Realty: Please complete the sentence: “Home wouldn’t be home without . . .”
Rick Murray: Being able to share it.
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