Charlene F. Neste, Realtor®, Broker-in-Charge:

A founding partner in New York's Performance Network, one of the largest marketing firms for professional sports, Charlene Neste developed expertise in the competitive advertising arena, working for companies such as Hoffman-LaRoche, Seagrams, USA Today Weekend, and Madison Square Garden.  Charlene demonstrates the importance of exceptional customer service, keen negotiating skills and superior industry knowledge.

Charlene's real estate career got its start in a family of savvy real estate entrepreneurs.  She learned early that wise property investments reap greater financial rewards than most day jobs.  She has managed dozens of investment properties over the years.  "Being an investment property owner and landlord for over 25 years yields invaluable experience you just cannot gain in any classroom.  This is what I do and know.  Research, knowledge, foresight, patience and timing are key elements in this business.  Every transaction is different and I learn more every day."

She has now established a stellar reputation for herself in the real estate business as a licensed broker and the leader of a multi-million dollar sales team, with a strong referral business and many satisfied repeat clients.  She is authorized by the developer as the exclusive listing agent for Hilton Head Island's newest ocean-oriented residential project, Sandcastles by the Sea.

Richard N. Neste, Realtor®, Partner

A graduate of Florida College in Tampa, where he was an All-American high school and collegiate baseball pitcher, Richard has been a Hilton Head Island resident for more than 16 years. He began his professional career designing commercial websites and software for a local company, and eventually created his own project design group.  He was instrumental in the start-up of HiltonHeadRentals.com, a web-based vacation rental company that specializes in luxury homes and villas along the Atlantic coastline.

As a member of the Neste Realty Group, affiliated with Foundation Realty real estate company on Hilton Head, Richard continues to work with HiltonHeadRentals.com to assist vacation clients who wish to invest in property ownership in Hilton Head Island and Bluffton, South Carolina.  His experience with the daily issues of the management business gives him an excellent perspective into the potential rental income value of the island's homes and villas. 

Chris Walker, Realtor®, ABR:

Real estate sales come naturally to Chris Walker, in that he has spent many years satisfying clients in many facets of the hospitality industry. "It's a combination of natural instinct and a well-trained eye that makes a professional successful in the service industry. Real estate is no different. My clients demand a high level of service, professionalism and loyalty from me as I am entrusted with their greatest asset: their home."

Chris's association with Foundation Realty is a special one. "I started at age 13 running the local pool concession stand and went on to achieve my pinnacle goal of serving the President of the United States by the time I was 28. My point is that I strived to be successful in the hospitality industry and I was. In real estate, my goals are equally ambitious, as I plan to be a well-known and respected practitioner in the resort real estate market. My association with Foundation Realty places me in the ideal position to do just that."

Originally from Durham, North Carolina, Chris first came to Hilton Head after graduating from Johnson and Wales University with a Culinary Arts degree. After a year at the Harbour Town Grille, his ambitions took him on to "see the world." In 1999, he had the opportunity to return as the Food and Beverage Director of the Daufuskie Island Club and Resort. "Since my return, I have never looked back, as this is the greatest place I can ever think of to live, work and raise my family." In 2004 he married his wife, Sandy, and they now have a son named Connor and a dog named South.

When not helping his clients, Chris enjoys many of the wonderful aspects of living the Hilton Head lifestyle with such activities as golfing, fishing, enjoying the beautiful beaches with his family or taking nature walks along the salt marshes. Chris and Sandy also enjoy buying real estate properties that they can put their talents to work in remodeling. Now with five properties, Chris thinks that it is important that he "Put his money where his mouth is" and be a part of the real estate market along with his clients. "You can't truly represent the market if you don't have a personal stake in it." Chris also has a creative imagination where he wants to patent several ideas and take them to market as well.

Sam Mancuso, Realtor®

Like so many of his clients, Sam visited Hilton Head Island many times before moving here from Rochester, N.Y. in 1994.  "I had been vacationing on the Island since 1984, coming down with the guys to play golf every year during St. Paddy's Day week and I ultimately decided to make Hilton Head my permanent home."  Sam achieved the distinction of being named "Real Estate Rookie of the Year" in 1997, Most Improved Agent in 1999 and is now a Life Time Member of Hilton Head Island's Distinguished Sales Award recipients.

Sam has become one of the most respected Realtors® on the Island since 1997, following a profession as a Mortgage Broker.  "One advantage (especially now) about having a background in the mortgage business is that obtaining a loan has changed so drastically lately.  Banks used to give loans to virtually everyone a few years ago, but now the rules have changed.  Because of my background, if needed, I can help my clients locate the best and easiest way of getting that loan.  I think that's just one aspect that separates me from all the other agents out there.

"I chose a career in real estate because I enjoyed the challenge of finding the right property for the right person...kind of like a "Dating Service" for people and property!  The best part of working with people is listening, finding out their individual needs and then doing everything I can to help them achieve their goals."

And why Foundation Realty?

"The Real Estate industry has changed drastically over the years, especially since 2005.  It seems that everyone has educated themselves much more even before they arrive, and it all goes to the Internet.  If you're not moving forward with marketing on the Internet, then you're going backwards.  Foundation Realty has definitely got their act together regarding the marketing aspect on the Internet!  We are #1 on all Search Engines and we have the best Website.  This obviously brings the savvy Buyers to our Company.  If you're a Seller, why wouldn't you go with the Real Estate Company that attracts Buyers & can give your property the most exposure and the most up-to-date state-of-the-art marketing today?"

Give Sam a call or an E-mail anytime and he'll show you why so many people buy properties here on one of the most beautiful places on Earth!  "I'll show you the Hilton Head Lifestyle!"  His area of expertise is Ocean, Beach, Golf Properties, Ocean and Golf-Oriented Communities, Investment Properties & Commercial.

Marge McDougal, Realtor®

A friend to all and outstanding real estate agents, Marge and Ken have been sharing their enthusiasm for life and providing service that is less than ordinary to their clients for the past 15 years. The real estate industry allows them to make great friends, while helping them discover Hilton Head and lend informative advice on current or future residential or commercial real estate needs. Learning the desire and purpose of each individual is the first point of business.

Moving from Canton, Ohio, the McDougal's have resided on Hilton Head Island since 1991. As avid and competitive golfers, they enjoy the blended feeling of community and resort that Palmetto Hall Plantation offers as their home choice. That is when they're not traveling and visiting many of their international friends that were first customers.

Their shared philosophy is WIN, WIN - seeking solutions that benefit all parties which has proven to be successful as Marge is a Life Member of the Distinguished Sales Award. They also have participated in several civic organizations, Zonta, Rotary, Jaycees and enjoy giving back to ensure a thriving community.

Debbie Sullivan, Realtor®

Debbie Sullivan is a native of Lexington, Kentucky, but grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio.   Her passion for Hilton Head Island was ignited when she first vacationed here in 1979.  She decided to make Hilton Head her home in 1982.  After a short stint in Fairfield, CT, and Atlanta, GA, Debbie returned to Hilton Head Island in 1995.  She takes great satisfaction in working one-on-one with people to help them realize their dream of ownership in Paradise. 

Debbie has over 31 years of knowledge of Hilton Head Island.  Her approach to real estate is with the same commitment and professionalism as in her corporate career.  Debbie believes all clients should receive the same attention and respect regardless of the size of the purchase.

Debbie Sullivan specializes in the entire Hilton Head/Bluffton market.  She believes buying and selling real estate should be an enjoyable experience for her clients and she doesn't believe in high pressure sales tactics. Debbie's real estate philosophy of doing business is using the "Golden Rule".  She will treat you exactly as she would want to be treated.  She prides herself in making your experience an enjoyable one.

John Pritchard, Realtor®

Formerly from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, John has been a real estate broker on Hilton Head Island since 1981.  An Air Force veteran, he has been an owner or partner in three real estate management companies during this period and was also a broker in Pennsylvania prior to his move to the "sunny south".  John's four children were raised on Hilton Head Island and two of them still call the island their home. 

His past interests have been as president of Dixie Youth Baseball, Commissioner of Hilton Head's Gator Football League, President of the Hilton Head High School Booster Club, the Hilton Head MLS Board of Directors, and a volunteer for the Hilton Head Humane Association.  His knowledge of the island and his low key approach will make your Hilton Head Island real estate venture a most enjoyable and productive experience. 

Liz Gillespie, Realtor®

Liz Gillespie is originally from California. She and her family moved to the Low Country permanently 15 years ago, after visiting for numerous years. According to Liz, "We just love it here. It's a little piece of Heaven! It is paradise in your own backyard! There are wonderful people, so many things to do, water and golf courses all around, magnificent oak and magnolia trees and wildlife undisturbed. It is very relaxing, almost as though you are on a vacation every day. We enjoy the water, boating and beaches, and try to play tennis and golf when time allows. I keep our yard as natural as possible, anchored by live oaks, crepe myrtles and azaleas.

I started here as a Design Consultant with Sun City/Del Webb. It didn't seem like a job - we helped buyers "design" the interiors of their new houses, selecting lighting, kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, etc. It was fun and very rewarding to watch the process from start to finish. Natural progression led me to enter Real Estate. Everyone I met who came to visit Hilton Head Island or Bluffton kept asking if I knew a Realtor, so they could find their own permanent or vacation home. As a South Carolina Property Manager and with many years of experience in the Timeshare and Hospitality industry, it wasn't hard to decide to become a Real Estate Agent, and for the last 6 years I have been helping people become property owners here in the Low Country. I know Sun City and the surrounding areas of Bluffton and Hilton Head Island very well, and I am thrilled to be part of the Team at Foundation Realty."
 

Judd P. Tracy, Realtor®

Before joining Foundation Realty, Judd worked in the banking industry for thirteen years as a financial analyst and loan officer. He draws on his financial background to guide his clients with the economic aspects in Real Estate transactions, as well as helping them secure the most efficient and seamless transactions available through the entire process.

Judd was born in the suburbs of Boston and grew up in Chicago and Charlotte. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Judd's family has been visiting the Lowcountry for over 20 years and since moving here he knows there is no better place to raise a family. He and his wife Marlayna couldn't be happier about raising their newborn daughter in such a family-oriented community.

While Judd looked for a Real Estate firm with which to affiliate, his main focus was finding a company that cares about what works best for its clients in today's changing market. After researching all the local competitors he decided on Foundation Realty. "It's a fact that nearly 90% of all buyers use the internet to explore their options before purchasing. Foundation Realty is constantly adapting rather than reacting to the ever-changing market and that was important to me. The comprehensive strategy of traditional marketing as well as targeted internet marketing that we use delivers proven results - this was where I wanted to be."

Judd has become a Bluffton real estate specialist; however, he knows the Island's neighborhoods inside-out as well. Judd can put his insider knowledge to work for you, to help you select the ideal property for your family's needs. "I know the area and the market and I'm proud of the work that I do bringing buyers and sellers together. I can assure you that I will be working for you each day while you're looking at properties to purchase, or if your home is listed with me for sale. I want to earn your business, to show you what I can do, and to deliver the answers to your questions and concerns."

Shirley Bentrup, Realtor®

If you ask Shirley what brought her to this paradise we call Hilton Head Island, SC. She will tell you the same thing many of its residents & visitors say… "I just fell in love with Hilton Head. I was also sick of the cold & snow!" Shirley is originally from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She is a Cum Laude graduate of Elizabethtown College where she majored in Business Administration. Her 20 year career in real estate sales & marketing began at Bent Creek, one of Lancaster's most prestigious Country Club communities.

Her success here on Hilton Head has lead her to become one of the Island's top producing agents and a Lifetime Member of the Hilton Head Association of Realtors Distinguished Sales Awards Club.
An experienced, knowledgeable and dedicated Realtor can do a number of things for you. Not only can they find you the right property within your price range, but they can save you thousands of dollars through knowledge of property values, trends, negotiating, and through their partnerships of ancillary professionals.

When it comes to real estate, the people who work with Shirley find an approach and work ethic that is considerably different than most real estate agents. With over 20 years of successful sales & marketing experience, Shirley understands what it takes to make a business successful. She attributes her success in real estate to the basic principle that her success depends on her customer's satisfaction, and she works very hard to assure that success every day. "I simply treat people the way I would like to be treated, with integrity and honest consideration. There is no need for high pressure here, Hilton Head Island simply sells itself!"

Fannie Caruso, Realtor®, Sales Executive:

Mary Frances "Fannie" Caruso is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist on Hilton Head Island. She earned her R.N. degree in 1971 at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. She also attended Wheeling Jesuit University in 1983. After several years of hospital-based nursing, she expanded her nurturing talents to community service. Fannie has held elective offices in many charities, hospitals, church and school boards over a period of 25 years in Wheeling, West Virginia. She has orchestrated events for Ohio Valley Medical Center; presided over and chaired multiple offices for the Wheeling Symphony Society; served on the Viennese Ball Committee and Patron's Party as chairman for over 20 years; founded the Mardi Gras ball, which raised, for the woman's abuse shelter, the most money in the history of the Wheeling YWCA.

Fannie has owned and managed rental properties since 1983. As an artist, she uses her dynamic creativity and fine sensibility to stage and sell properties which have been languishing on the market. Her experience is evident in her ability to work and forge relationships with people. "The best thing we ever did was to buy our own house in Sea Pines in 1984," she says. "My family and friends always loved coming here. Moving permanently from West Virginia in 2000 has increased my desire to guide others to realize their own dreams of ownership and to 'nurse' them through the processes of buying and selling on the Island. "