Photo Credit: Adam Kring
Born and raised in Port Tobacco, MD, Kathleen DeWitt moved to Charleston in 2000. She graduated from Johnson & Wales University in Charleston with a B.S. in Hotel Restaurant Management. Kathleen’s luxury hotel experience includes working at the Charleston Place Hotel and The Mills House Hotel. As part of her eleven-year career with Kiawah Island Golf Resort, she was involved with opening The Sanctuary Hotel and served as a Property Manager.
Kathleen obtained her real estate license and joined the Akers Ellis team in 2012. She lives on James Island with her husband Ronnie and young son and daughter twins. Kathleen and her husband are members of the James Island Yacht Club, and she volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, Women’s Crisis Ministries, and Families Helping Families and has completed several half marathons and benefit runs. Haute Residence caught up with DeWitt to discuss how the luxury market in South Carolina has been performing in 2020 so far and what her buyers are looking for.
How has the luxury real estate market in South Carolina been performing so far in 2020?
We are off to an incredible start! The first quarter for us has been very strong. With the stock market being healthy and the interest rates remaining low our firm is having our strongest first quarter yet.
Photo Credit: David Martin
What are buyers looking for in their homes in South Carolina in 2020?
I see most of the buyers prefer a home that is turnkey. All buyers still love a deal, but for special properties that the buyers can move right in we are seeing a premium price tag. With building and construction costs as high as they are right now most buyers like the “dirty work” done for them.
Has there been a highlight sale for you so far in 2020?
All of my sales have some emotional highlight to me. I take my job and my clients' best interests to heart on each and every transaction. If my arm was twisted to identify just one I would say 37 Ocean Course was a very exciting deal to close in 2020. There are not many 2M+ land deals going on, in our region. Additionally, there are not many of these available for sale. I believe I secured a phenomenal deal for my clients to build their oceanfront dream home.
Are there any new restaurants or other places in South Carolina that you’ve been loving lately?
The Royal Tern would be one of my top picks for a “newer” restaurant. It has a unique menu with a low- country seafood cuisine. The ambiance is just charming in a chic, coastal style farmhouse design. I have never had a meal there that was not just divine.
Photo Credit: Landon Martin
It’s time for spring break. What is a fun activity in South Carolina?
I am really looking forward to “Music on the Green” to kick back off at Fresh Fields Village. The event location is just between Kiawah and Seabrook Island. It is always family-friendly and the crowd consists of locals and vacationers just enjoying the low-county outdoors. You can set up your beach chair and enjoy live bands on the green under the stars. It is a must!
