The Call of the Isle
A realtor’s perspective on why people love Callawassie, and likely always will.
A year ago we took a look at Callawassie Through the Years, celebrating the “how it started versus how it’s going” magic that is this enchanted sea island. From its early inhabitants who named the island in the 17th century (the Yemassee natives crowning it with their term for “calm waters”) to real estate surges in recent years, people have been responding to the Call of the Isle for 400 years and counting.
In 2024, exploring the chemistry behind this undying romance, Sales Associate and REALTOR® for Coastal Real Estate Solutions II Emily Kearney wastes no time unraveling the continuous story of its success. “I love this community and it’s important to me to help showcase how special it truly is,” Kearney says as a mere segue, pulling back the curtain on a realtor’s perspective of this established showstopper.
Drawn in like the Tides
People in wild waves come to Callawassie Island and find their forever home, calling it “falling in love” with the land and ties that bind the community – to each other and to visionary stewardship of the treasured territory in their care and custody.
“Callawassie Island’s uniqueness lies in its exclusivity as a private island with outstanding amenities, and the strong sense of community among its residents,” Kearney says, noting the inseparability between people and place. “This close-knit group of owners shares a collective vision of preserving the island’s natural beauty and making thoughtful decisions about its future. The rarity of available land heightens the community’s commitment to sustainable living. This resonates deeply with both newcomers and those who have long called the island home. It’s this shared ethos and the unparalleled environment that captivate those who arrive and remain cherished memories by those who leave.”
It Keeps Getting Better
Leaving, however, is not something you see every day on Callawassie Island, whether among residents or the longevity of staff like Communications and Membership Director Lindsey Cooler who explained in last September’s “through the years” story, “I’ve seen Callawassie Island change for the better with increasing owner participation, newer amenities, and overall becoming more of a vibrant community.”
Kearney seconds that emotion from her front row seat helping members buy and sell their little piece of heaven. Both have watched the balance of growth, consistency, and change, as the community is forged and perfected over time.
“One of the most notable changes I’ve observed over the years is the significant increase in property values on Callawassie Island. My father assumed leadership of this project about 12 years ago because he believed in its potential. I joined him two years later, having recognized the unique qualities of this community while working with another real estate brokerage. I knew I had to be a part of its growth and evolution.”
To succeed in the partnership or leadership of this endeavor, this father-daughter team has invested a great deal of research and knowledgeability, developing great insight into the ‘why’ behind what’s working:
I’ve Grown Accustomed to Your Pace
“The transformation of Callawassie Island into a highly desirable community is the result of thoughtful collaboration between the community, its leadership, and our dedicated real estate team. Over the past decade, we’ve consistently made strategic decisions and investments that have enhanced the island’s appeal. The timing of these improvements, particularly in our top-tier amenities, has been crucial. The unique lifestyle and experiences that Callawassie Island offers are unparalleled, which is reflected in the strong growth of property values in recent years.”
That increase includes both value and quantity, having seen 35 homes sold in 2023, and a total sales volume topping 13 million with an average 103 days on the market.
Relationship Goals
The way the Kearneys approach real estate lives or dies by relationships. The foundational relationship is the family dynamic as Emily has been serving the region alongside her father since 2014. “My father, Joe Kearney, Managing Partner and Broker in Charge at Coastal Real Estate Solutions II, brings extensive experience from luxury and private communities across the country. Together, we offer unparalleled insight and service to help you discover the distinct charm of this community.”
After relocating from the Greenville area, Emily Kearney has been actively involved in the real estate industry specializing for the past decade in Callawassie Island properties. Not only does she boast the privilege of working closely with both buyers and sellers in that niche, but she’s also been a resident, serving as first-hand as it gets.
“As a resident for the past 10 years, I’ve embraced the island lifestyle, gaining a deep understanding of the community—a connection that takes time to truly acquire. The memories and feelings tied to this experience are unforgettable, much like the island itself, with its blend of nature, location, and optional golf lifestyle.”
The Senior Kearney, Joe, not only heads up Callawassie’s Real Estate Team as Managing Partner and Broker In Charge, he’s the main character in the stories of countless residents #ComingToCallawassie. Residents like Jamie and Lisa Pentz whose journey was featured on HGTV’s House Hunters and recapped in Hunting for Your Happy Place. The Pentzes credit Joe in Everyone’s a Neighbor as the connection behind their own house hunt, and that of Lisa’s parents, who came to location-scout for their daughter and husband, and – that day – bought a home of their own. It was love at first homesite, which is hard to avoid when it’s a Kearney making the introductions.
One of Emily’s favorite sale-tales was that of Randy and Karen Goodson who were exploring several private communities when she had the privilege of introducing them to Callawassie Island. “Before we even crossed back over the causeway, they knew this was the place for them. Having lived in Ohio and Arizona, they were seeking a friendly, unpretentious community with high-end amenities, top-notch golf, and a coastal lifestyle. Since moving in, they’ve fully embraced the Callawassie Island experience, actively participating in golf, ecology, turtle patrol, and other engaging island activities.”
A Sense of Arrival
Callawassie Island has “arrived” but it’s also rounding the bases toward “home,” with back-to-back homeruns. But “arrival” carries a few connotations. In addition to achieving higher levels is that inspirational full-heart sensation of arriving at your desired destination. You’ve arrived in life, and you’ve arrived here, coasting to a stop, cradled in the crook of the arm of the lazy, luxurious Colleton River, sitting settled in the estuarial system of the Port Royal Sound of South Carolina.
The Kearneys know the warmth of that honor as resident, realtor, and the island’s resident realtors. “We were aware that this community was special, though not without its challenges. However, the distinctiveness of Callawassie Island set it apart from any other private community we had encountered. It took considerable effort and dedication, but the results have been remarkable, and crossing the causeway always brings a unique sense of arrival that never fades.”