PAWLEYS ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA, is one of America’s oldest seaside resorts. Located 70 miles north of Charleston and 25 miles south of Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island is a barrier island packed with history. Settled by rice planters in the 1700s, this was the place to escape the summer heat until November. Relocating to the island for the summer (or at least a few weeks in the summer) is a tradition that many South Carolinians still practice.

Pawleys has always been known for its carefree, casual lifestyle and friendly community, which includes lifelong locals, visitors and second homeowners. With small-town life vanishing across the United States, Peace Sotheby’s International Realty has seen a dramatic increase in interest in this sleepy little slice of paradise.

“Our Pawleys Island office, year-to-date, has grown in sales volume by more than 400 percent,” says Don S. Thomas, broker-in-charge at the Pawleys Island office for Peace Sotheby’s International Realty.

To respond to growing demand, the company has two offices in the area: DeBordieu Colony and Pawleys Island. Together, the branches have a sales team of 25 agents, plus support staff and brokers-in-charge. Brothers and Pawleys Island natives Hampton and Perry Peace own the company, which is part of what makes the realty special. The Peace brothers grew up in the area, so they have a profound love for, and knowledge of, the community and all the unique things the Lowcountry has to offer.

Another contributing factor to the company’s success is that the Sotheby’s International Realty network and affiliation has worldwide reach. With people all over the world searching for the perfect seaside community, Peace Sotheby’s International Realty is well connected across the Southeast and around the globe. Not only is the company part of both the Coastal Carolinas Association of Realtors and the Charleston MLS, the team can quickly get properties in front of realtors, buyers and media partners anywhere.

From oceanfront getaways and creekfront homes to golf communities, Pawleys Island has something to offer everyone, and it’s an easy commute to Mount Pleasant and Charleston (the company currently has listings as far south as McClellanville). “Our market north of Charleston is very affordable and very accessible,” says Hampton Peace, owner and broker-in-charge at the DeBordieu Colony office. Pawleys is also a quick drive to Myrtle Beach, and the company has had listings as far north as Little River.

“We attribute our successes to expertise and excellent service,” says Jada Tomlinson, marketing director. “We represent gems at every price point. We are a luxury real estate brand and a luxury leader, but we see luxury as a service level, not a price point. Whether the property is $100,000 or millions of dollars, we provide the same expertise and luxury service.”  

Pawleys Island is becoming a haven for second homeowners and others “from off” who want to enjoy the rare charms of this quiet island. For those who are home shopping in the Lowcountry for the first time, it’s essential to have a realtor you can trust, one who knows the ins and outs of seaside properties, vacation homes or second residences.

On Pawleys Island, Peace Sotheby’s International Realty has become that trusted resource, with an impressive list of statistics to back up their expertise. In 2018, the company was first overall in the Coastal Carolinas Association of Realtors MLS based upon volume over $1 million. Last year, the company was also second overall based upon volume over $500,000, first overall for Georgetown County based upon volume over $1 million, and first overall in Georgetown County based upon volume over $500,000 in the Coastal Carolinas Association of Realtors MLS. 

Good news for sellers: In 2018, Peace Sotheby’s International Realty had the highest average sales price of the top 50 real estate companies in the Coastal Carolinas Association of Realtors MLS. 

“We pride ourselves on leveraging our local knowledge, experience and relationships to promote our piece of the Lowcountry on the strongest global network,” says Brian Fournier, COO.

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Robin Howard is a full-time freelance writer in Charleston. See more of her work at robinhowardwrites.com.