
After a successful career in sales and a lifetime attraction to Southern architecture and beautiful interiors, it was inevitable that Clarice Cawood would find herself “putting it all together” as a Realtor.
For the past five years, Cawood has been in the top 1% of Realtors averaging $30 million-plus per year in sales at Carolina One Real Estate in Charleston.
“I get a lot of my business through referrals because my clients know that I look out for their interests to the best of my ability. I know the business, and I know the market and how it’s trending—and I make myself available. I make every effort to stay on top of the ever-changing market,” says Cawood, who fell in love with the area after spending vacations here in her youth.
Originally from Knoxville, Tennessee, Cawood is a true Southerner, with a cheerful demeanor, energetic nature, contagious sense of humor, abiding sense of loyalty and a determination to go the extra mile for each and every client.
“I have told clients not to buy houses if I thought they were making a bad decision,” she says. “I look at it as if I were buying the house for myself. I want them to be thrilled with their purchase.”
Aside from working with a closing coordinator and Gatch Group Marketing, Cawood works solo, and she loves every minute she spends on the job—challenges, stresses, thorny situations and all.
“I have always had a passion for homes and design. I love going into these beautiful Charleston homes and helping my clients see all the possibilities. After a while you can read a client, and I am very comfortable with people—so it’s easy for me to suggest changes that can be easily made that will ensure this house becomes the perfect home for them and their family,” she says.
Charleston’s picturesque charm serves as both backdrop and muse for Cawood’s endeavors. Its coastal allure and casual ambience captivate visitors, drawing them back time and time again—a sentiment Cawood wholeheartedly shares.
“Charleston is a very casual place—it’s all about flip-flops and sundresses,” she says. “People absolutely fall in love with the area—it happens quite frequently.”
Cawood has been honored with several awards, including South Carolina Top Producer, Charleston Realtor of Distinction, Carolina One Diamond Circle of Excellence Award and the Carolina One Lifetime Achievement Award.
A firm believer in the power of social media, Cawood says: “Social media isn’t just about showcasing properties; it’s about painting a vivid picture of Charleston’s unparalleled lifestyle. Through my platforms, I not only share listings and real estate updates but also invite others to experience the magic of this vibrant city. Charleston speaks for itself—it’s my privilege to amplify its story.”
Cawood’s interest in others is particularly beneficial in a popular locale such as Charleston, which attracts visitors from all over the United States. “I really enjoy working with people from different parts of the country—New Jersey, Massachusetts, Texas, Ohio, Connecticut, California, Tennessee—you name it,” she says. “It’s always interesting to work with clients from other places and to learn about them.”
As part of her outreach, Cawood stays in contact with former clients by sending out a monthly list of interesting events in the area, as well as providing market updates. She says there are two characteristics she possesses in spades that keep her on top of the intricacies of the business—excellent time management skills and an uncanny ability to stay organized at all times.
Beyond the business, Cawood values the relationships she cultivates with her clients. From monthly updates to shared experiences, she ensures that each connection extends far beyond the closing table, enriching both her professional and personal life.
Married to husband Drew Cawood for 17 years and as the mother of two children, ages 14 and 12, Cawood stays busy, but she relishes the robust schedule and knows how to keep her life in balance.
“As a family, we love to go to the beach, take golf cart rides, swim in our pool, ride bikes and go out to the great restaurants in the area. I always put my family first, so I make sure I am available for all my kids’ special activities. I group with a bunch of agents who will step in if I am out of town for a vacation or whatever is necessary, and I regularly enjoy date nights with Drew,” she says.
When it comes to her adult friends, she’s there for them as well. “We love to share wine on the porch with neighbors,” she attests. “It’s important to try and be a good neighbor—it does take a village.”
In what is often a misunderstood career, Cawood is able to shed light on the true essence of being a Realtor. “It’s not just about being on call 24-7—it’s about dedication, resilience and building bridges with fellow professionals,” she says.
Cawood’s success is not just measured in numbers but in the trust and referrals earned from her clients. Her secret? A deep understanding of the market coupled with a genuine dedication to her clients’ best interests. For Cawood, it’s not just about closing deals; it’s about ensuring her clients are thrilled with their choices.
“A lot of people think that anyone can be a great Realtor, but I can tell you that is not the case. You are always on call and there are a lot of people who are just not willing to make that commitment,” she says. “Being a Realtor can be a very fulfilling career, but you never want to burn a bridge, so it’s very important to build and maintain good relations with other Realtors.”
As an individual who enjoys nothing more than getting to know and working with prospective buyers and sellers, Cawood realizes that she is not only selling homes—she is also selling herself. To that end, she makes it a point to be genuine and empathetic, a good listener and, most importantly, out in front of the process in order to handle the inevitable issues that might arise on any given day.
“You have to be prepared for anything; you never know what might come up at the last minute,” she says. *
Ellen Uribe is an award-winning journalist and a communications expert. She is a sought-after speaker, participating as a moderator and panelist at numerous industry events, conferences and broadcast outlets. She has contributed to Vanity Fair, Palm Beach Life, The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Women’s Wear Daily and Time Magazine.