Over the past 24 years, John Vance has built a solid reputation for himself in Charleston real estate, and in 2023, he used his standing and expertise to launch his own brokerage, Charleston Realty Pros. “I’ve been a partner in many real estate companies in the past, and going out on my own provides me with an opportunity to own the company by myself and allows more flexibility in decision-making, which also gives me greater control in the day-to-day operations and all things related to the client,” he says.
That autonomy is something that also allows Vance to be selective in his clients. And he’s certainly put in the work to get to this point of ownership. He heads a team that includes a closing coordinator, who helps closings happen as smoothly and seamlessly as possible. “It’s effective teamwork that works to the benefit of my clients,” Vance notes.
Vance honed his leadership skills in the military, and after leaving active duty, he decided to move into the real estate industry with his father-in-law at his brokerage, Coldwell Banker Meeks, in 1999. In fact, while Vance has always loved sales, it was his father-in-law’s influence that turned the direction of his career. “My late father-in-law was the largest real estate producer for years in the tri-county area, and over the years, I referred many people to him,” Vance says. “When he asked me to join his team, I could see the kind of opportunities that a career in real estate would offer.”
Vance eventually left Coldwell Banker Meeks to broker for the office of a business associate at Premier Properties. “I’m grateful for the mentors I’ve had throughout every facet of my real estate career,” says Vance.
Two decades in, Vance’s career has also become a passion. “I get an incredible degree of satisfaction from knowing that I’ve helped someone achieve a dream of home ownership, whether it is their first, second or forever home,” he says.
Charleston Realty Pros specializes in the areas of new construction as well as preexisting homes and is both a buyer and seller agency. “I have extensive experience in all types of residential real estate, so I like to pass that on to my clients,” says Vance.
While Vance is not a native Charlestonian, he has fallen for the charms of the area and understands how to sell the various neighborhoods and communities, with all of their different characteristics and draws. “After getting out of the military, Charleston provided the possibility of many job opportunities for me to choose from, and I had family here,” he says, explaining what initially brought him to the area. “I love Charleston for the great weather and the culture it provides, and those are factors for many people who come here looking to relocate. I can offer personal experience in making Charleston home from an outside perspective, but I’ve also lived here a long time and know how to work with Charleston-based clients who simply want a new home in a different area of the city or even just a different neighborhood. I understand the needs of the market when it comes to selling, as well, and use that to my clients’ advantage.”
Despite the young age of Charleston Realty Pros as a brokerage, clients are not working with a newcomer to the industry, and that experience is something that has worked to Vance’s advantage in launching his brokerage. “When people come to me, they’re getting 24 years of real estate experience,” Vance says. “Most of my clients are repeat customers, and they refer all their friends to me for their real estate needs. People know that I will inform, educate and protect my clients, and that is something that is invaluable in building client relationships that last. I’ve been successful in my career because I go the extra mile to ensure client satisfaction, and that is a constant with every client in every transaction.”
Granted, the current volatility of the market has been a great challenge to overcome, and Vance notes that the high interest rates have often been a hindrance. His list of repeat clientele speaks to his ability to overcome the challenges in front of him, however, and that loyalty base is something he holds with great pride. In a time when the industry is so flooded with agents and brokers, the ability to create such a steadfast following is invaluable, and Vance maintains his edge through a few simple yet critical practices. “I’m experienced in the area markets,” he says. “I’m always accessible. I return all calls and make sure I answer my clients’ questions accurately. I reassure them in any points of concern and walk alongside them throughout the entire process of purchasing or selling real estate.”
What Vance believes makes selling in the Charleston market so unique is simply Charleston itself. “In the last 15 years, Charleston has been named one of the best cities to retire in, and many people are looking for investments and second homes in the Charleston market because so many people want to come here.” *
Liesel Schmidt lives in Navarre, Florida, and works as a freelance writer for local and regional magazines. She is also a web content writer and book editor. Follow her on X at @laswrites or download her novels, Coming Home to You, The Secret of Us and Life Without You, at amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.
