Beaufort Local Ethan James
Pioneering a New Real Estate Experience
story by KAREN SNYDER photos by SUSAN DELOACH
It’s hard not to think of “all things Beaufort” when you talk to Ethan James of Ethan James Real Estate Advisors. Call it “southern charm” or simply “small-town hospitality,” those who meet this Beaufort-native real estate professional know they’ve found the right person to help them call the Lowcountry “Home Sweet Home.”
With a crazy regional real estate market that can leave many home buyers and sellers feeling frazzled and frustrated, James brings a stress-free and personalized approach to advising clients on their real estate transactions. After nearly a decade crafting his experience — a top producing agent and broker, a new custom home construction specialist, and a leader and partner with large-scale builders and developers —James is a trusted, local resource and powerhouse.
Now, he is excited to launch his new venture: Ethan James Real Estate Advisors. “I am committed to revealing a new standard to the real estate market. In working with thousands of homebuyers and homebuilders throughout the years, I discovered big gaps in the process that left my clients feeling stressed and overwhelmed. I knew there had to be a better way to make what is usually one of the most important transactions you’ll ever make easier and more enjoyable. I couldn’t find it, so I created it,” he says.
“I see myself as an advisor, someone who works alongside my clients every step of the way,” he adds. “I start by listening to my clients: their unique needs, their wants, and most importantly, what I can do to help them.” James’ commitment is to build long-term relationships that begin the moment he meets new clients, working with them no matter how long it might take, and then remain a trusted advisor well after the transaction has closed.
Says James, “Whether working with locals, those new to the Lowcountry, first-time and seasoned home buyers, new retirees, military families or investors, I pride myself in exceeding all expectations by having my clients’ best interests at heart at all times.” His process and customer service continues to elevate through his own experiences. Recently, he found out just how important this is when closing on his own home. Selling a property that he has owned as an investor, James said it “really pointed to and reminded me that I need to approach all of my real estate transactions as if they were my own.” That means, he says, making sure every detail is taken care of and nothing is overlooked.
Finding his way to launching his own business has been “one with many twists and turns,” says James. Yet, he’s grateful for each experience or obstacle he’s encountered along the way. A graduate of Beaufort High School, James headed to the Technical College of the Lowcountry, earning an associate degree in business. “I had been employed by restaurants locally since I was 15 years old — working my way from a server to the kitchen and up to general management until I was about 21 years old. But I knew restaurant management really wasn’t for me,” he explains.
According to James, during the tough economic times following the crash of 2008 when jobs were hard to come by, he turned down a different path that ultimately would provide a strong foundation for what he does today. “No one was hiring when I was offered an opportunity in home construction by a friend. I worked hard labor for two years, and learned quite a bit about building and framing homes.”
The housing crash of 2008 was devastating to the people James loved the most. “I saw my community and loved ones scrambling to understand the next steps in the real estate chaos. I was compelled to help and immediately intrigued by the process itself. That season ultimately laid the foundation for me to build my career as a leader and an innovator in the prestigious South Carolina real estate market.
“My goal is for clients to use me as their resource as a one-stop shop. If they want to build a home, I’m with them during what can sometimes be an 18-month process. I can help them sift and sort through different home builders, communities, or available properties,” he assures. Or if someone is looking to sell their home during a market that can bring strong profits for homeowners, James’ experience means he’ll work with clients to meet their home-selling financial goals.
“I’ve had a lot of mentors throughout my career, and I’m thankful to all of them. One of them actually encouraged me to take a leap of faith, to start my new business, and to establish my brand as someone who can bring my local roots, my strong customer focus, my ability to listen, and the connections I have being a native Beaufortonian — living and breathing all that is the Lowcountry — to benefit those who also want to call this beautiful place their home. I’m excited about launching Ethan James Real Estate Advisors and hope to meet you soon!”
When James isn’t working, you can find him in the Beaufort River, on the golf course, or spending time with his beautiful girlfriend, Emily, and their dog, Oakley.
To reach Ethan James, call 843-812-0060 or visit his soon-to-be-published website at EthanJamesBeaufort.com.
