Welcome to Spotlight on the Stars: Behind the Scenes with The Agency Hilton Head's Real Estate Professionals! In this series, we'll dive into the passions, experiences, and unique insights of the talented agents who make our team shine. Next up is Kelly Ricker, a dynamic and dedicated professional whose enthusiasm for real estate and love for the Lowcountry are infectious. From transforming houses into dream homes to walking the beach at sunrise with her dog and husband, Kelly's approach is as inspiring as it is personal. Let's uncover what fuels her passion for real estate, her favorite moments with clients, and the hidden gems she loves in our community!
What excites you about real estate, and what are some of your best qualities as an agent?
Kelly: My clients and friends excite me the most! Seeing dreams turn into reality truly lights my fire and is my passion. One of my best qualities is being a true listener and advocating for what you want and need. I will never push a client into something they are not comfortable with.
What's the most rewarding part of your job as a real estate agent?
Kelly: Seeing lives change directly correlating to real estate. I have witnessed student loans being paid off, from selling a home to families growing and having a roof over their head to grow that family, to life changes of selling one house to buy another in their dream area. Seeing the joy on a client's face brings me joy!
What trends are you seeing in the market right now that excite you?
Kelly: Wallpaper as an accent wall! I love a little pop, and the dark accent walls with wallpaper are fun and unique. I love that homeowners are going away from the all-white fashion and adding darker accents to contrast.
What's the most unique or memorable property you've ever sold?
Kelly: The property was 5 1/2 Bennett Street in downtown Charleston. This section on Bennett is four townhouses that I like to call little "rainbow row" -- you have a pink house (I sold that first), the green house (5 1/2), the grey house, and the yellow house. I was obsessed with 5 1/2 because of the renovation. The homeowners took the house down to the studs, even raised the roof for a vaulted ceiling in the primary bedroom - and designed the interior more modernly - a design we weren't used to in the Charleston market. I even had interior designers reach out to me, shocked that the modern style was finally entering the Lowcountry. What was cool about this property, too, was that the exterior remained pink and relatively unchanged due to the historic nature, but the inside was modern and stunning -- a unique mix of both!
Can you share a memorable moment you had with a client?
Kelly: I think my most memorable moments with clients are AFTER closing -- when I see how my clients make their house a home.
How would you describe your approach to helping clients find their perfect home?
Kelly: I am a heavy listener but can pick out what is necessary and important to clients in their next dream home. It is like a puzzle, and you have to find what fits with each person -- and it is different every time. I love finding the piece of the puzzle that fits!
What advice would you give first-time home buyers?
Kelly: Take it one step at a time! Trust your real estate agent and lender, and always ask questions. There are NO dumb questions, and that is why we are here. Buying a home for the first time can be intimidating but also so rewarding, and we, as agents, are here to help guide you each step of the way.
What are the "hidden gem" neighborhoods in our area, and why?
Kelly: The Seabrook area has so many pockets of neighborhoods in the Lowcountry that are tucked away. You may drive down a dirt road only to discover beautiful land, homes, and VIEWS. The Seabrook area is that type of area. You may not know it exists and is undoubtedly country living, but you have some of the most beautiful marsh views.
If you could design your dream home, what must-have features would it include?
Kelly: Funny you ask -- since I am building my own personal dream home as we speak!
Must have features: big windows and lots of natural light, a screened in back porch, front porch (if water views), and an outdoor shower.
As far as interior and aesthetics go, my current must-have "style" is exposed wood and a bit more of a rustic look. I call my style "Italian Coastal" (think European on the water and there you have it!)
What's one tip for making a house feel like "home" right after moving in?
Kelly: Everyone has their different "thing" to make their house feel like home -- so whatever that is for YOU, do it! Mine = candles. Something about a candle makes me feel right at home and cozy.
What's your go-to way to unwind after a busy day of showings and closings?
Kelly: Walking on the beach. My soul is at peace anytime there is water around, and it helps me unwind, debrief, and relax -- my top option is to walk on the beach (Hunting Island); however, if I don't have enough time I will walk in a neighborhood, the Spanish Moss trail or anywhere I can see water, which luckily in the Lowcountry is a lot of places and neighborhoods!
Are you a coffee or tea person, and how do you take it?
Kelly: Coffee ALL day. Must be strong! I will drink it black, or put some raw milk in it.
Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies outside of real estate?
Kelly: Singing! I grew up a classically trained vocalist. I wrote music/songs and even recorded a demo in my early college years. My absolute favorite song to sing = The National Anthem. I have sung at multiple sporting events, and my dream is to sing at an NFL game!
What's a book or show you're currently obsessed with?
Kelly: I am currently in my reality TV era. I love The Voice, Dancing with The Stars, and The Golden Bachelorette. I also love a good crime show like The Lincoln Lawyer. I am not a huge reader unless it is the summer or we are traveling - my go-to beach reads are any of your popular chic flic reads or a good crime/suspense novel!
What on your bucket list would you like to check off soon?
Kelly: Visit some National Parks out west! I have been blessed to travel a lot, however, there are so many untapped areas and parks within the United States that I would love to experience. Hoping to make a trip to Zion National Park this spring!
What's one item in your home that you could never part with?
Kelly: My aunt crocheted a blanket for me as a wedding present -- like a kid, I take it with me everywhere and blankets bring me so much comfort!
If you could instantly become an expert in any skill, what would it be?
Kelly: Dancing -- I would LOVE to be able to dance (we all can dance...but it definitely won't win any awards).
What's your favorite way to spend a Sunday in the Lowcountry?
Kelly: We have a theme: watching football and anything outdoors, preferably the beach. My husband surfs, so if there are good waves, you can catch us out by the beach -- I will get a good beach walk in while he surfs! We often will take day trips to "follow" the waves (we go to Florida and Outer Banks often!)
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Kelly: 100% morning person, I love to wake up early, drink my coffee and get a workout in before the sun comes up - it truly energizes me.
What's your dream travel destination, and what would you do there first?
Kelly: Islands in the Mediterranean! I am an island and beach girl if you can't tell and I would absolutely love to explore some off the beaten path islands -- Greece, Italy, and Spain. The first thing I probably would do is jump in the sea! Next I would grab a glass of wine and watch the sunset with my husband -- all of my favorite things :)
Do you have a "guilty pleasure" snack or treat?
Kelly: Homemade chocolate chip cookies! My "second" mom has been making my best friend and I chocolate cookies for 15 years -- she will always have her freezer stocked with the dough or cookies ready to give out. Nothing beats a homemade chocolate chip cookie, especially hers!
If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
Kelly: Passionate, loyal, sunshine
What's your favorite thing about living in this area?
Kelly: The laid back lifestyle and the weather! I love the culture of living life to the fullest where we are -- coming from the busy hustle and bustle of the metropolitan DC area, it is nice to continue to hustle, but to stop and breathe and enjoy the beauty of life. I love the many islands of the low country and how unique each one is -- with their historical aspects. I love that in November we can have beach days!
Complete this sentence: "Living in the Lowcountry wouldn't be the same without… sunrise walks over the beach with my dog, Bodhi and husband, Jason!
