Spotlight on the Stars: Behind the Scenes with Sara Huiss
Welcome to Spotlight on the Stars, where we shine a light on the exceptional agents at The Agency Hilton Head. This time, we're featuring Sara Huiss, a powerhouse negotiator with a knack for exceeding expectations. From selling a Sea Pines home twice in five months—each time for a record-breaking price—to landing additional listings with her market-savvy approach, Sara's real estate stories are nothing short of inspiring. When she's not setting new benchmarks in the Lowcountry, Sara is on a mission to visit all 50 states before her 50th birthday—just four to go! Read on to discover more about Sara's journey, skills, and standout moments.
What excites you about real estate and what are your some of your best qualities as an agent?
Sara: My favorite part about real estate is putting all the puzzle pieces together and negotiating for the best deal!
Do you have any specialized/local knowledge that will benefit your clients?
Sara: Yes, I have the following designations:
- Licensed broker in SC and GA
- Military Relocation Professional (MRP)
- Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR)
- Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA)
- Seller Representative Specialist (SRS)
What drew you to real estate, and how long have you been in the industry?
Sara: I've moved every 2 years since I was 5 years old (military dependent and military vet myself). I have always loved looking at homes, looking at historic homes, and figuring out how to make a home work for my family. I've also fully renovated three homes and worked for a home builder, so I understand construction, land, and what things cost to renovate. I think that has been a huge value to my clients.
What's the most rewarding part of your job as a real estate agent?
Sara: My clients are 100% the most rewarding part of my job! I have had the pleasure of working with some of the best people in the world, and many of my clients have become some of my closest friends!
What's the most unique or memorable property you've ever sold?
Sara: I sold a home to a great buyer in Sea Pines in 2022. Due to the buyer's unforeseen circumstances, I was given the opportunity to market and sell the same home five months later for $250K more than my buyer paid for it. That property also scored me a listing across the street. Another agent told those folks a certain price, and I was able to sell it in delayed listing for $250K more than the original agent said. It was awesome to be able to push the market up and help my clients get the absolute most money out of their homes.
Can you share a memorable moment you had with a client?
Sara: I met a young single mom who taught high school at an open house, and she wanted to move to Bluffton to be near her mom and dad, who live in Sun City. I was able to help her find a great neighborhood near her parents at a great price! She got a brand new home in a safe place.
How would you describe your approach to helping clients find their perfect home?
Sara: My superpower is ability to really dive into what my clients are looking for in a home and find them the perfect place- oftentimes in neighborhoods they've never considered.
What advice would you give first-time home buyers?
Sara: If you are buying new construction---remember that the agent in the community works for the builder. Wouldn't you want an agent to represent your interests?
Do you have a "real estate superpower" – a unique skill or strength you bring to the table?
Sara: I am an excellent negotiator - especially regarding inspections and repairs!
How do you see the local real estate market changing over the next few years?
Sara: Our market is just getting started! Our weather, friendly community, and Lowcountry charm make this place so special, and everyone knows it! I've sold two homes this year to some of my husband's friends from high school!
What is a "hidden gem" neighborhood in our area, and why?
Sara: Hampton Hall is the best-kept secret and best-value neighborhood in Bluffton! The community has a beautiful golf course with optional golf memberships, fitness, tennis, and pickleball, but the real hidden gem is that the neighborhood has sidewalks! If you are a walker or walk your pets, sidewalks are an absolute must, but many golf communities don't have them. It's also centrally located!
If you could design a dream home for yourself, what must-have features would it include?
Sara: A pool, full back kitchen, open floorplan, and high ceilings!
What's your favorite room or feature in your home, and why?
Sara: My favorite feature in my home is my back porch! I am lucky enough to live on Skull Creek off the Calibogue Sound. I have beautiful Western-facing views and incredible sunsets looking at Pinckney Island!
What's one tip for making a house feel like "home" right after moving in? Sara: I almost always paint the home the colors I like right away---it instantly makes it more your home.
What's your go-to way to unwind after a busy day of showings and closings?
Sara: I love to come home and have a drink on my back porch to watch the sunset or take my two puppies for a long walk at Shelter Cove.
What's your favorite local restaurant, and what's your go-to order?
Sara: Agave! I always get the brisket tacos, Mexican street corn (shaved off the cob), and a skinny, spicy margarita!
Are you a coffee or tea person, and how do you take it?
Sara: Both! I love a cup of coffee in the morning with 1/2 and 1/2 and light sugar, but I also love unsweet iced tea (with the chewy ice, of course)!
What's something on your bucket list you hope to check off soon?
Sara: I want to visit all 50 states before I turn 50! I have 11 months to hit Utah, Oregon, Vermont, and Kentucky!
If you could instantly become an expert in any skill, what would it be?
Sara: I would love to become an Instagram expert! I love what it can do to grow your business, but I am too impatient to learn all of its ins and outs.
What's your favorite way to spend a Sunday in the Lowcountry?
Sara: I love to lounge around, have a big breakfast, and take a boat ride around our beautiful area. I would follow it up with an early dinner from the grill.
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Sara: I am definitely a morning person! I think it's the military officer in me.
What's your dream travel destination, and what would you do there first?
Sara: I would love to go to Greece and see all of the archeological sites in Athens! I love history, especially Greek mythology!
Do you have a "guilty pleasure" snack or treat?
Sara: I have many, but I would say Payday Candy bars and Diet Coke!
If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
Sara: If I had to describe myself in three words, I would have to say I am ethical, loyal, and hard-working.
Complete this sentence: "Living in the Lowcountry wouldn't be the same without…
Sara: Living in the Lowcountry wouldn't be the same without the weather, the sunsets, the water, and the food! We live in the BEST place in the world!
