Mount Pleasant Magazine Nov/Dec 2017

98 www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.ILoveMountPleasant.com | www.BestofMP.com feature U nder sparkling lights at the Hyatt Regency banquet hall in downtown Greenville, the South Carolina real estate community gathered for their annual conference and expo and to name the 2017 Realtor of the Year. Designed to honor and recognize a Realtor member who has contributed most to the advancement of the real estate profession and community, this year’s recipient was David Kent of Mount Pleasant. As broker in charge of The Real Buyer’s Agent, Kent is celebrating over 20 years of being in the real estate business. He opened the Charleston area’s first exclusive buyer’s agency in 1995. Starting out in construction management and land development, Kent said he was often approached by friends for advice on buying a home. “I loved what I was doing on the construction side of this business, but, at that time, there wasn’t a company representing just buyers,” Kent recalled. “I could see there was a need for this kind of representation and decided to make a change.” With his business partner, W.C. Stricklin, he opened The Real Buyer’s Agent, and their innovative approach to the real estate business took off. Kent’s superior service and commitment to his clients has now earned him the distinguished honor of being recognized as the Palmetto State’s Realtor of the Year. “You don’t even know you’ve been nominated for this award,” Kent explained. “At the annual conference, there’s always a video presented showing friends and colleagues of the recipient, and, as you’re watching, you begin to realize it’s about you.” Kent said that as he walked up to the podium after being named, he turned around and saw his family, and, at that moment, it hit home. “I saw my wife, my two daughters, my mother-in-law and my business partner and at that point was just trying to keep it together,” he said. To be recognized this way is certainly a highlight of his lengthy career. “Being voted by your peers is very special,” Kent said. “It’s very humbling, and I don’t know if I really deserve it, but they seemed to think so. I’m truly honored.” David Kent was recently honored as 2017 South Carolina Realtor of the Year. BY DIANE PAULDINE Photos courtesy of David Kent. Finishing 2017 with a Bang! David Kent Earns South Carolina Realtor of theYear r l estate