3 minute read
Toni Gilliard
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“I'll say my favorite accomplishment is having the chance to help people build wealth."
Q. Tell everyone who you are and what you do?
A. I am a residential and luxury realtor with Berkshire Hathaway in Mount
Pleasant, South Carolina. I cover the entire Lowcountry and assist buyers and sellers with real estate transactions, including but not limited to first time homebuyers/ sellers to second homes as well as investment properties.
Q. Who or what inspired you to get into real estate?
A. I’ve always been inspired by real estate transactions which initially started in law school. I’ve always believed it was a great way to build assets and wealth and been fascinated by how the transactions changed state by state as well as internationally. Most importantly I was inspired to do things differently as it relates to people of color, ownership of land, set a mission to educate people about real estate and what can be done to build wealth. Not just by selling but on a commercial level by leasing your land. Land is not an asset if you do nothing with it.
Q. What has been the biggest challenge you've had in your career?
A. Nothing has really been challenging but a learning lesson in this business. What I did find very interesting is that some folks still choose not to do business with people who look like me based on my skin tone or cultural background. That is something that was surprising to me not just within my own community but outside.
Q. Can you tell us 3 tips you can give to someone that is looking to buy a home? A.
1. Be patient with the process and understand that this market is very competitive on a national level. 2. Stay within your budget and do not pay more than the value of the property. I see many people making offers above appraisals that is the worst thing you can do for yourself from a business perspective. 3. Make sure you get at least 2 to 3 quotes from mortgage Lenders and compare the rates and terms and make the decision that makes the most financial sense. Interest rate, down payment, terms of the loan, and most importantly your mortgage payment.
Q. Tell us about your greatest accomplishment you’ve had in your career?
A. My greatest accomplishment in the business was after being in the business a little shy of a year I was recognized in Real Producers magazine. I was featured and received national recognition on that article.
Q. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
A. I see myself on the development side internationally. Real estate for me is more than transactional.
I see myself assisting with affordable housing as well as creating development projects for self-sustainable communities.
Q. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
A. I would live in Belize. It’s a lovely country that I love to travel to often. It is a lovely blend of
Caribbean culture as well as Latin culture. The economy is stable and it’s not so far away from the United
States should I need to visit family and friends. The country prides itself on a no waste policy and they have one of the largest protected
Coral reefs in the world. And it also helps to know that every month there’s a celebration of some sort.
It fits well with my work life balance as an aging adult.
Q. How was your experience being an attorney?
A. I was called to be an attorney to serve others. It laid the foundation for me in my real estate career to also be a woman of service. My experience as an attorney also opened doors and opportunities that otherwise I likely would not have received. Even without running by boutique law practice my skill set remains the same. I will always be a lawyer no matter what career path I choose.
Q. What is one piece of advice you would like to give to the readers?
A. Remember to do what you love, and the money will always come.
I never chase the dollar but the deal. From that I’ve learned even with nominal transactions the level of service remains the same.
Q. Where can the readers follow you?
A. On Instagram @ sellingincharleston.
