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!

The post Kathleen DeWitt On South Carolina’s Real Estate Market appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Kiawah Island Club Membership Opportunity!!! Enjoy this stunning home that boasts panoramic views of Osprey Point Golf Course. 117 Bufflehead features four bedrooms and five and a half bathrooms. It was built by Bennett Hofford Construction, one of Kiawah Islands most respected and sought after builders. While it is noted as a four-bedroom home, there is a large second-floor family room which is being used as a fifth bedroom. The home is currently on a rental program and has a fantastic rental history.

The elegant architecture with cedar shingle siding make this home stand out in the neighborhood. In true southern style, you are greeted by dual staircases leading to the front porch and the grand double front glass doors. The entry foyer soars above you with a vaulted ship lap ceiling and then you enter into an enormous open living - dining - kitchen space, with 10' ceilings, that is perfect for gathering with family and friends. A wall of windows allow an abundance of sunlight in as you look out onto your back deck and infinity-edge swimming pool. Just beside the pool you have an incredibly convenient full bathroom and an area for grilling. You will love the warmth that is given by the wide-plank Brazilian Cherry floors, custom cabinetry including a built-in china cabinet with glass doors and backlighting.

A huge farmhouse dining table leads you into the gourmet kitchen where you will enjoy preparing many holiday meals. Your granite counters and kitchen island are complimented by top grade appliances including Sub-Zero Refrigerator/Freezer, Dacor Chef's Series gas cooktop with vented hood, Kitchen Aid double ovens and warming drawer, dishwasher and a Sub-Zero Wine & Beverage Center. Just off the kitchen is a large laundry room with a Whirlpool Washer and Dryer and many cabinets, a Scotsman ice maker and an additional room for storage, home office or pantry. There is no shortage of space in the home! Adjacent to the open living spaces is a sanctuary that every homeowner desires - a spacious family room with an oversized gas log fireplace with a breathtaking blue slate surround. Off the living room, family room and master bedroom is an open back porch that leads to your infinity edge swimming pool. Even though you are located on the golf course, the landscaping provides privacy for your outdoor enjoyment.

The first floor has another retreat, the master suite. This is your dream master with a large king bedroom, private screened porch, oversized custom walk-in closet and a perfect master bath - 5'x6' spa shower with three shower heads including a rainfall shower, custom cabinetry and dual vanities with honed marble counters. Upstairs, there is a "family suite" with two queen bedrooms (a second master) and two full bathrooms connected by a large den that is currently set up as a bunk room and TV room. And there is another bedroom with a beautifully appointed private bath. Other features of the home are custom tiled bathrooms and showers with marble counters, built-in surround sound speakers throughout the downstairs, custom light fixtures in the dining/kitchen area, 65" 4K LED TV in the living room, elevator shaft, spacious garage area for parking, bikes, beach gear and more. THE and has tremendous potential as a rental property. When you consider the location to the beach, golf course living, the quality of the home and the Kiawah Island Club Membership opportunity, you see the value and opportunity to make your dreams a reality.

Address: 117 Bufflehead Drive Kiawah Island, SC 29455

Price: $2,395,000

For more information please contact Kathleen DeWitt at 843.870.4958 or kathleen.dewitt@akersellis.com

Kathleen DeWitt is the exclusive agent representing the Kiawah Island, South Carolina real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.

Photo Credit: Akers Ellis Real Estate & Rentals

Photo Credit: Akers Ellis Real Estate & Rentals

Photo Credit: Akers Ellis Real Estate & Rentals

The post A Stunning Home In Kiawah Island By Kathleen DeWitt appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.