About Beaufort's Parris Island

There...that sums up my week. With the grand opening of Marine 1 Realty, closing the unclosable, becoming acquainted with a clients large bulldog, and finally...a nice purple and black shiner.

No..I am not attaching a picture.

It has been my downfall **no pun intended**, that my brain often moves much faster and with greater focus that my short little legs. It is true in every aspect of my life. It is one of those things that I battle constantly. It is my intention to slow down, yet somehow it doesn't quite work out that way.

The grand opening (and I will be posting pictures soon) was a tremendous success. The support from my clients and fellow Realtors was extremely encouraging.

The very same day of my grand opening, I closed a deal that seemed to be on the "eventual closing plan". It was a whirlwind.

Matter of fact, I am presently realizing that it would take five separate posts to accurately portray the day. Thankfully I have to show property therefore one rambling post will have to suffice.

Ok..so I closed the unclosable, the grand opening was a success, now on to the bulldog.

Marines like dogs. They like big dogs. Big dogs like to chase little dogs. I have a little dog. I was visiting a client with my little guy in tow. One thing led to another and well....I look like I faced Tyson in three rounds.

So...thank you all for supporting me with the opening of Marine 1 Realty. I truly appreciate all your comments.

It is amazing what a little Windex will do, add a few closings, and a couple of Marine Corps Drill Instructor hats and well, what more could a girl possibly ask?

It is early in the day, early in the week, and early in the year. Last year was challenging, with a dash of gloomy, and a sprinkle of "what now".

Looking through clean windows, I can see months full of potential. Beaufort, South Carolina is not only a fairy tale near water but it is also a town full of life, energy, and charm enough to sweep you right out of your shoes.

Why wouldn't anyone want to live in our little town by the sea? Beats me!

My new office is just short of a mile from Parris Island, home to The Few and The Proud.

Speaking of proud, I am school-girl giddy, about a few of the few giving me their hats to hang in my new office.

So sitting here looking through my clean windows, the outlook is almost as good as the "in" look.

This letter came to me a few days ago, after much debate I have decided to share. I am a strange bird who often hoards information that either seems too special to offer up to opinions and judgments of those not directly involved.

The following letter was one of those such things. The words filled my heart and lifted my feet in a way that few events can achieve.

It is word for word with only the name left untold. I am not able to reach this person to get their permission to use their name so I won't.

From Iraq

Dear Cherimie,

How are you? I am sorry to hear about Jackson, I know he was so important to you. I got your package. It felt like Christmas. My marines and I went through it like little kids unwrapping a brand new toy. Priceless. I couldn't believe you sent each of them a personalized card, they compared them to see if any one was more important. LOL.

We are ok. We need more help, we are tired. Anything from home helps. I get picked on pretty good about buying a house I have never seen but after your packages they don't seem to think it is so crazy anymore:).

Just a Realtor..not even close! The books you sent have caused some of these guys to look into investing instead of buying bikes,and believe me that isn't easy. Nobody takes the time to teach us about money matters, we are machines I guess.

Thanks Cherimie, for everything. For making me feel human, for making my marines look up their credit report:), and for talking to us like we are next door.

We are coming home soon, I hope. Thanks to you, I have a home to come to. Keep sending the packages and keep educating us, we need it.

Semper Fi,

(name witheld)

It is gonna be a good day.

In response to several of my posts regarding my newly opened company, Marine 1 Realty, I have decided to answer the common questions concerning finding a niche in your local real estate market.

I am certain that my decision to focus my energy towards our military population is by far the best professional decision I could have made.

I think back to my younger days of trying to juggle cheerleading, dance, gymnastics, track, and every club known to man. By spreading my energy out to so many activities I was limiting my performance, and most definitely eliminating mastery of any of them.

Once I finally decided it was best to do one thing well rather than attain mediocrity in many; I found my true talent.

That lesson has carried over into adulthood, for the most part.

Rather than desperately trying to be the expert for second home owners, commercial investors, ocean front condos, and every other real estate avenue. I have chosen to focus all of my energy on meeting the needs of military families. Our goal is to assist them in buying and selling their Beaufort SC home. Period.

Our clients will walk away from their transactions with complete assurance that they had superior representation.

It wasn't a matter of breaking into a niche; it was recreating myself to FIT the niche. I have made it my mission to know everything there is to know about the needs of these wonderful military families.

I have found my true talent.

Now that I am comfortable in my "career" skin, the sky is the limit. I have complete confidence in my new company's goals, mission, and clientele.

For those of you that asked, FIND YOUR NICHE. You will know it immediately. Work will no longer be a four letter word. You will truly be an expert and everyone will know it!

This morning at 10am, Ryan Keelty graduated The Marine Corps Drill Instructor school. I am so proud to have found him, his beautiful expectant wife, and their son the perfect home.

Ryan has many long days of making marines ahead of him, so location was everything!

In just a few weeks his lovely family will move into their brand new home located only 5 minutes from Parris Island.

Marine 1 Realty is proud to be serving such honorable men and women. It is our pleasure to help them call Beaufort, South Carolina home.