2 weeks Ago
The art of understanding luxury real estate is just that, an art. If you're buying or selling a luxury home, working with a Realtor who specializes in luxury properties can make the experience, well, luxurious. Consulting the experts can ensure the process is simple and hassle-free.
"Luxury clients need an agent who is discerning and skilled at identifying the elements that define a luxury home while scouting the market for the best fit for their needs. An agent working with luxury clients must also prioritize their clients' privacy, especially during the initial phases of the search, where confidentiality is crucial," explains Vannessa Carter, a Realtor with Dunes Properties. "While we may find the perfect view and location, the house itself may require work.
In such cases, helping buyers assemble a skilled team is essential to turning their vision into reality. A good agent can facilitate those introductions and bring together a team of professionals to make the dream a reality." "Luxury homebuyers are usually very savvy and know what they want and like.
Many of the luxury homes that are sold are not always on the open market or MLS. Experienced agents who specialize in this market often find properties that are not publicly listed for sale and are sold off-market," adds Laurie Minges, Realtor and broker associate. A strong pillar in Charleston's real estate market since 1989, the team at Dunes Properties has repeatedly demonstrated their expertise and professionalism when handling luxury properties.
This boutique real estate firm has served the area for almost four decades, working primarily with high-end homes and luxury vacation rental properties. Their longstanding relationship with the community, both locals and those just passing through, is one of the many foundations upon which their success is built. "Many of our clients begin as vacation guests in our rental program, and when they're ready to transition to full or part-time living in Charleston, we are their preferred choice to make that happen," said Carter.
"With four offices and over 60 agents, we provide personalized service no matter where in Charleston you wish to call home." Charleston: A City for the Luxurious Charleston's luxury market is unique and tantalizing enough to attract crowds from all over the country and even the world. The idea of owning one of the Holy City's prized abodes in the prestigious South of Broad or a gorgeous haven by the sea is too irresistible to pass up for many.
"Charleston attracts buyers from all over the country, each bringing their own standards of luxury shaped by their unique locations. As a result, our high-end builders strive to stay at the forefront of innovation, utilizing advanced building materials to withstand our climate and incorporating design elements that are truly magazine-worthy," says Carter. "It's fascinating to see how, in a city renowned for its rich history, builders have also excelled in creating striking modern homes.
In Charleston, we truly have something for everyone." "It is a glorious area in which to retire, but also an area where we see continued business growth, which also fuels demand and drives the need for luxury properties," added Dunes Properties Realtor Joy Millar. Carter also affirms that while inventory has been habitually low in the years following the pandemic and price tags have doubled or tripled in some areas, the demand for luxury property and the lifestyle it offers will remain strong.
"Charleston is a city in high demand, attracting buyers and homeowners eager to turn the Charleston dream into a reality. We truly have it all here—the iconic Lowcountry scenery, boating, fishing, beautiful beaches, pleasant weather, excellent medical care, world-class shopping, and exceptional dining options. You can't talk about why people are drawn to this area without mentioning the outstanding restaurants.
Charleston meets all the lifestyle needs of luxury buyers," she added. The homes themselves offer unique charm and features that just can't be matched in other places. It's the special blend of historical details and modern touches that the Charleston luxury market is known for.
"Luxury homes in Charleston have beautiful design, architecture, details, and charm. Our quirky side piazzas (porches) are built to catch a sea breeze, and the ornate moldings and trim add character to homes that appeal to the very discriminating buyer," says Minges. "Overall, the vibe is a combination of youthful and sophisticated.
As one of the oldest historic cities in the country, Charleston has preserved much of its historic architecture, making it a highly valued and unique experience," Millar added. Luxury by No Other Name When asked to define luxury, Carter describes the concept as exemplifying cohesion. The architect, designer, builder, and landscaper all come together to create a vision in which each element complements the others perfectly.
Every detail is accounted for, and nothing is considered an afterthought. Minges also adds that location and décor play a huge factor in how luxurious a home is. The décor should always be reflective of the owner's tastes.
"For me, luxury in a home is defined by the finishes and the attention to detail—those moments that make you think, 'That is so clever,' or the instances when you turn a corner and experience a strong 'wow' moment," she explains. "While luxury properties can be large, they don't have to be. Some of the most luxurious homes are smaller, where every element is executed to perfection.
Comfort also contributes to that sense of luxury; a truly luxurious home is well-maintained and creates an environment where you never want to leave." Carter's current listing, 341 Bridgetown Pass, is a masterpiece by a Prism Award-winning builder and is truly a work of art down to the last detail. Homeowners can indulge in features like the built-in espresso maker, high-end plumbing fixtures, gourmet kitchen appliances, and spa-like elements in the bathroom, surrounded by unique wooden ceiling treatments, gorgeous flooring and plenty of outdoor living space.
This $2.7 million home is truly luxurious in every way. Nestled in Mt.
Pleasant's highly-coveted neighborhood of I'On is 26 Saturday Rd, which is listed by Minges at $3.3 million. This stunning luxury property has breathtaking views overlooking Hobcaw Creek and the surrounding marshes, which homeowners can view through one of the many large windows that allow tons of natural light.
An elevator makes traversing the three floors a breeze, and the open floor plan allows for comfortable living and plenty of entertaining room. Only a short stroll to the I'On Creek Club, this luxurious home also has access to neighborhood amenities like community docks and the boat landing. "For me, I would describe luxury as high quality, in a prime location, a serene environment, and surrounded by natural beauty.
It does not necessarily have to be grand in scale, yet would have its own unique signature that reflects the character of the owner," explained Millar. Millar's listing, 4105 Gnarled Oaks Lane, exemplifies her definition of luxury perfectly. Surrounded by serenity and stunning lake views, this $3.
3 million retreat features an open floor plan, gorgeous wide-plank oak flooring, an expansive kitchen with high-end details and a private dock. However, the real star of the show in this home is the entire wall of windows on the back side of the house that bathe the room in natural light and allow homeowners to gaze upon the tranquil lake. Trust the Best in Business Dunes Properties remains a trusted name in the Charleston real estate industry.
Its team of professionals has the credentials to back up its high reputation. Their newly appointed President of Real Estate Sales and Broker in Charge, Brian Mello, has over 20 years of experience as a successful Realtor in the local market and truly knows the area's real estate inside and out. Layne Kipp, also recently appointed Chief Operating Officer, is a top-producing officer with experience from Fortune 500 companies.
Randy Walker, founder and now Chief Executive Officer, completes the triad of experienced leadership guiding the company. "Brian offers extensive real estate knowledge and upholds the professionalism of a fiduciary agent. He understands the skills agents must develop to meet our high standards—strong character, a confident and trustworthy personality, and a foundation of integrity," said Walker.
"We've made agent and employee ownership in our company a longstanding objective. We have accomplished this goal by creating a culture of caring for real estate clients, vacation guests, and each other. This year's leadership changes reflect the strength and depth of our folks as we grow and evolve.
Brian and Layne bring outstanding leadership and dedication to our company's mission. I'm confident they'll catapult Dunes Properties to even greater success." With spring and summer nearly upon us, Dunes Properties agents are gearing up for a busy season full of showings, closings and rentals.
With impressive leadership at the helm and a team of experienced agents spanning four offices throughout the region, it's no wonder Dunes Properties has been acknowledged as one of the best in business when it comes to luxury homes for over 36 years. "We are a team of dedicated, full-time agents who work together to support every client. When a Dunes Properties agent is chosen, we bring the expertise and backing of our entire company.
With so much repeat and referral business, we are incredibly proud of the value we provide and our integrity and commitment to serving our clients' best interest. Many become lifelong friends. It is truly a joy to work in a local boutique company where providing quality service is the priority," said Millar.
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