In 1990, Montez C. Martin, Jr served as the first African American President of the CTAR Multiple Listing Service (MLS) President. During his presidency, Montez worked with Trident Technical College to update and incorporate a new MLS computer system for members that increased efficiency and helped streamline MLS searching. His commitment to implementing new technology for the MLS helped pave the way for the technology-forward MLS products we use today.

Martin’s career in real estate officially began in 1976 when he opened Montez Real Estate, originally located in the Old Darlington Apartments. The office was sparsely appointed with just a phone, desk and filing cabinet and he didn’t have well-established connections to other agents in the area yet.

Knowing he needed support, Martin reached out to well-known local Realtor® Max Hill, who he had worked with previously at the Chamber of Commerce and on other community projects. When he reached out, his first question to Hill was, “How do you keep the lights on?” From there, a mentorship developed as Hill allowed Martin to view his file forms and process and supported him as he got his business off the ground.

In 1980, Martin joined CTAR to become a Realtor®. At the time, the Association required agents to pass an exam to join. Martin said, “The test wasn’t hard but I didn’t want to score a 100. I went back through the test and changed answers until I believed the score would be around 80.” At the time Martin believed scoring a 100 as a black person would come with potential unwanted attention.

After joining CTAR, Martin served on several boards and committees in the community and at the Association. Association committees and board included Legislative committee, MLS committee and Property transfers and TMS committee and the CTAR Board. In the community, he served on the Charleston Chamber of Commerce Board, Trident Community Foundation, Co-Chair of Regional Transportation Authority and Trident Technical College Board. In 1986, he was named President of the Charleston Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and became their first African American President.

A native of Columbia, South Carolina, Martin graduated from Hampton University with a degree in Architectural Engineering and Building Construction. Shortly after graduation, he joined the Army as a commissioned officer in the Corps of Engineers. He was assigned to Vietnam where he commanded a port construction detachment. After 7 years of service, Martin joined the Army Reserves. Martin’s impressive career resume includes a high school mechanical drawing teacher, a camera person and interviewer for WSB-TV, Executive Director for WSB Savannah Radio Station, Director of Construction at the College of Charleston and a news reporter and talk show host for WCBD channel 2.

In 1992, Martin left real estate and accepted a position as the Executive Director of the Charleston County Housing Authority where he remained until retirement in 2012.

Martin’s determination to succeed in both his real estate business and his path to leadership is inspiring and remarkable—during this year’s Black History month, we reflect on the contributions of trailblazers like Montez Martin and celebrate his achievements!

The Association Board of Directors voted to make several revisions to the CTAR Bylaws.  The revisions attempt to streamline the application and onboarding process for new or returning Realtor® members, clarifies the makeup of the board of directors and revises the standing committees the association maintains.

Please review proposed revisions below and submit your vote by Friday, December 23.

Submit your vote here.

ARTICLE V ‑ QUALIFICATION AND ELECTION
Article V, Section 2a a
The revision to this section is a change in the timeframe that allows the Board to terminate provisional membership.

The previous version of the bylaws stated that a new or returning Realtor® member must complete orientation within 180 days of the Association’s receipt of their membership.

The proposed version states that a new or returning Realtor® member must complete orientation within 60 days from the date their membership was granted.

Please review the complete proposed text below:
Section 2: Election
The procedure for election to membership shall be as follows:

Applicants for REALTOR® membership shall be granted provisional membership immediately upon submission of a completed application form and remittance of applicable association dues and any application fee. Provisional members shall be considered REALTORS® and shall be subject to all of the same privileges and obligations of membership.  Provisional membership is granted subject to subsequent review of the application by the board of directors.  If the board of directors determines that the individual does not meet all of the qualifications for membership as established in the association’s Bylaws, or, if the individual does not satisfy all of the requirements of membership (for example, completion of a mandatory orientation program) within 60 days from the  date that provisional membership was granted, membership may, at the discretion of the board of directors, be terminated.

Article V, Section 3
The revision to this section is a change in the timeframe that members are given to complete the Realtor® Code of Ethics training.

The previous version of the bylaws stated that a new or returning Realtor® member must complete Realtor® Code of Ethics training within 180 days of the Association’s receipt of their membership.

The proposed version states that a new or returning Realtor® member must complete Realtor® Code of Ethics training within 60 days from the date their membership was granted.

Please review the complete proposed text below:
Section 3: New Member Code of Ethics Orientation

Applicants for REALTOR® membership shall complete an orientation program on the Code of Ethics of not less than two (2) hours and thirty (30) minutes of instructional time. This requirement does not apply to applicants for REALTOR® membership who have completed comparable orientation in another association, provided that REALTOR® membership has been continuous, or that any break in membership is for one (1) year or less.

Failure to satisfy this requirement within sixty (60) days of the date that provisional membership was granted will result in denial of the membership application.

ARTICLE XI ‑ OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
Article XI, Section 7d
The revisions to this section affects the composition of the Association Board of Directors.

The previous version of the bylaws stated that not more than four (4) members in either director or officer positions may be from the same firm or firms under common ownership.

The proposed version states that not more than 25% of members in either director or officer positions may be from the same firm or firms under common ownership..

Please review the complete proposed text below:
The election of Officers and Directors shall take place electronically when required. Not more than 25% of the Board of Directors shall consist of Officers or Directors from the same real estate firm or firms under common ownership. If because of change of employment, company merger or any other action, elected Officers and Directors will serve out their current term.  Of the voting members of the Board of Directors selected by the nominating committee, at least 60% must be from different companies and no more than 25% from any firm or firms with common ownership.  After election, any vacancies resulting from ineligibility shall be filled pursuant to Section 8 of this Article.  All Officers shall be elected by majority of the votes cast (if voting is necessary) or plurality (if voting is not necessary) and Directors shall be elected by plurality of the votes cast.

ARTICLE XIII – COMMITTEES
Article XIII, Section 1
The revisions to this section revises the Association’s standing committees following the transfer of management of Professional Standards oversight and the associated committee to the South Carolina Association of Realtors® (SCR) and the re-establishment of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee.

The previous version of the bylaws stated that the Association will maintain three standing committees: Legislative, Realtor® Housing Opportunity Fund (RHOF) and Professional Standards.

The proposed version states that the Association will maintain three standing committees: Legislative, Realtor® Housing Opportunity Fund (RHOF) and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Please review the complete proposed text below:
Section 1: Standing Committees
The Association shall maintain three standing committees, Legislative, REALTOR® Housing Opportunity Fund, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.  In addition, the President shall appoint, subject to confirmation by the Board of Directors, such committees as deemed necessary.

AFFORDABILITY AND FINANCING CHALLENGE THE RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE MARKET
1,236 homes sold in November in the Charleston region at a median price of $400,000 according to preliminary data released today by the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors® (CTAR). Year-to-date data shows 18,081 homes sold at a median price of $398,900 which is 17% fewer sales than at this point last year, at a price point that is 14% higher.

Inventory data shows 49% more homes on the market than at this time last year, with 3,167 homes listed as “active” for sale in the CHS Regional MLS database at the end of the month—representing just under two months of available inventory.

“While we generally see a decline in sales during the holiday season, this year the financing piece is really challenging both buyers and sellers and impacting home sales. On the buying side, both median price and borrowing costs are significantly higher than they were at this time last year, so buyers are being challenged to find more creative ways to finance their home purchase. With sellers, many are hesitant to list their homes despite the increased value because of the borrowing costs associated with purchasing a new home. This is no doubt a challenging market for many, so working with the right team of professionals has never been more important” said 2022 CTAR President Jon Stroud.

October Adjustment
Preliminary data showed 1,367 homes sold in October in the Charleston region at a median price of $400,000. Updated figures now show 1,380 homes sold at the same median price.

Berkeley County
380 homes sold at a median price of $339,188 in Berkeley County in November, 346 single-family homes and 34 condos/townhomes.

Year-to-date, 5,021 single-family homes have sold at a median price of $387,125. Today’s report shows a sales decline of 12% with a nearly 16% increase in median sale price. 635 condos/townhomes have sold at a median price of $290,000 so far this year—sales are 15% lower than 2021 while median price has increased by 26%.

There are currently 1,022 residential properties for sale in Berkeley County; 918 single-family homes and 104 condos/townhomes.

Charleston County
486 homes sold at a median price of $493,725 in Charleston County in November, 372 single-family homes and 114 condos/townhomes.

Year-to-date, 5,970 single-family homes have sold at a median price of $580,000. Today’s report shows 20% fewer sales with a 16% increase in median sale price compared to this point last year. 2,175 condos/townhomes have sold at a median price of $370,000 so far this year—24% fewer sales with a 23% increase in median price.

There are currently 1,210 residential properties for sale in Charleston County; 942 single-family homes and 268 condos/townhomes.

Colleton County
20 homes sold at a median price of $497,500 in Colleton County in November, 18 single-family homes and 2 condos/townhomes.

Year-to-date, 303 single-family homes have sold at a median price of $286,000. Today’s report shows a 12% decline in sales with a 10% increase median sale price compared to this point last year. 58 condos/townhomes have sold at a median price of $386,750 so far this year—sales have increased 16% compared to this point in 2021 with an 34% increase in median price.

There are currently 102 residential properties for sale in Colleton County, 93 single-family homes and 9 condos/townhomes.

Dorchester County
270 homes sold at a median price of $314,947 in Dorchester County in November, 245 single-family homes and 25 condos/townhomes.

Year-to-date, 2,959 single-family homes have sold at a median price of $366,756. Today’s report shows 15% fewer sales with an 17% increase in median sale price compared to this point last year. 326 condos/townhomes have sold at a median price of $250,000 so far this year—48% fewer sales in that market segment with a 10% increase in median price.

There are currently 497 residential properties for sale in Dorchester County; 461 single-family homes and 36 condos/townhomes.

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As a service to all Realtor® members, a volunteer group of your Realtor® peers takes the time each election season to interview the candidates running for office. If you’d like to participate in our candidate screening committee, please email Josh Dix. This committee is open to all Realtor® members.

These voter guides identify candidates who are pro-business, pro-public property rights and whose values closely align with Realtor® interests.

As an individual, who you vote for is YOUR business, but as Realtors® who we support impacts all of OUR business. Our number one consideration in recommending one candidate over another is the candidate’s stance on key Realtor® Issues – private property rights, highest and best use of land and of course, fair housing.

This voter guide is intended to help you identify those candidates who will be supportive of Realtor® issues and support your business.

If you have questions about the 2022 Voter Guide, the candidate screening process or how selections are made, please contact Josh Dix.

Click each image to download a PDF.

Women’s Council of Realtors Coastal SC Fall Social
Tuesday, November 1 from 5-7pm at the Harbour Club

Help us celebrate the close of our charter year at our Fall Social!

We’ll enjoy drinks, appetizers, and networking and also hear a sneak peek of WCR plans for 2023. Be sure to visit all of our sponsor booths who will be offering giveaways! Admission includes 1 drink ticket + appetizers. Additional drinks may be purchased at the cash bar.

Remarks and Board of Directors installation at 5:30 pm.

This event is open for WCR Costal SC members and guests who have been curious about joining the chapter, or who just want to come and network with Charleston women in real estate.

Attendees who bring at least 1 non-perishable food item for the Lowcountry Food Bank will be entered to win a doorprize from WCR.

WCR Coastal SC Members attend complimentary, Guests attend for $35.

Thank you to our Title Sponsor: Weeks & Irvine

Display table sponsorships are still available. Contact claire@www.charlestonrealtors.com if you are interested!

Register Here

2023 CTAR Board of Directors Bios & Photos

The 2022 Nominating Committee has announced their recommendations for the 2023 CTAR leadership positions.

One candidate has been selected for each vacancy and will be elected by acclamation should no additional candidates be submitted. Additional candidates may be placed in nomination by a petition signed by at least 3 percent of Realtor®️ members eligible to vote. If petition candidates are submitted, email voting will be conducted. Otherwise these slated candidates will be approved by acclamation.

Any petition for additional candidates must be submitted no later than October 18, 2022.

Shana Swain | Director
REALTOR®, Carolina One Real Estate

Shana Swain, CRS is an award-winning Realtor® with Carolina One Real Estate’s (CORE) Charleston Central office. She brings a fresh new perspective to the Board and is excited for the opportunity to serve, learn and teach. She is an active member on several committees at the Association including Legislative Committee and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.

In her first year as a Realtor® she was honored with the Rising Star Realtor® of Distinction award and the CORE Silver Circle production award. In addition to being voted the 2022 “Charleston’s Best Realtor®” by the people of Charleston and the Charleston City paper, she was also chosen as a Grange Cuthbert Award winner, a highly coveted award recognizing someone who best displays the core values of CORE, both professionally and personally.

Shana made the choice to join the real estate industry in 2020 when she recognized the need for a change in her family’s life. She is the mother of two young, active girls and has lived in Charleston since she was a little girl.

In her free time, Shana loves to play tennis and travel as well as studying music and food history.

Joseph Klosik | Broker
Broker-in-Charge, Keller Williams

Joseph started in real estate in the Atlanta area in 2001 with Keller Williams Realty. After working as a sales agent for 4 years and then spending 6 years as a team leader, (BIC) and coach, Joseph joined his wife Lynne in her sales business to form Salt Marsh Properties, within Keller Williams. On the team, Joseph serves as the listing specialist and CFO.  Joseph currently serves as the Operating Principle and Broker in Charge for the Keller Williams Charleston – West Ashley Market Center.  His biggest passions are teaching and coaching agents, which have led him to travel the country in order to do this; he has helped real estate agents build their businesses and create lives worth living.

In 2018, Joseph was accepted into the Keller Williams Realty International Master Faculty, a group of fewer than 50 people worldwide within Keller Williams.  Having served on Grievance, Professional Standards, the MLS BOD and as the immediate past president of the Charleston Trident Multiple Listing service, Joseph has spent many years serving the local agent community, advocating for them to be able to build their business as entrepreneurs.  Joseph and his wife Lynne live in Mount Pleasant where they are active in their church, Saint Peters.  Having hearts and the time to serve, they dedicate as much time to the church’s local ministries as well as traveling out of the country to come alongside a ministry in Honduras.  In their downtime, you can usually find them on the boat or hanging out with their dogs at their home, enjoying this beautiful Lowcountry.

Andrella Pusha | Director
REALTOR®, Excel Real Estate

Andrella Pusha is a Charleston native and Realtor® at Excel Real Estate. Her passion is impacting real estate through sales, development, and investing.

Andrella was a Nuclear Engineer in the Navy and retired as a Chief Petty Officer from 20 years of service with massive leadership experience, countless awards, certifications, and accolades. Andrella was stationed three times at Charleston Naval Weapons Station as a Nuclear Engineering instructor and has seen the local market dramatically change over the last two decades.

She earned her Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and subsequently served as an Operations and Process Improvement Consultant for small businesses. She has served on several boards to include the Hampton Roads Regional Black Chamber of Commerce and the Lowcountry Veterans Home. Andrella brings a wealth of leadership, process improvement, operations, strategic planning, analytical thought processes, organizational development, consulting, mentoring, and Board of Director experience with her. Periodic moves due to her military career and her work with MBS investments gave Andrella skill sets, a unique compassion, and understanding for serving military, relocation, sellers, luxury, first time home buyers, and investor clients. Andrella serves on the CTAR Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee and is a 2021 CTAR Realtor of Distinction award recipient. She holds certifications as a Military Relocation Professional, Short Sales & Foreclosure Resource, At Home With Diversity (AHWD) and Committed to Excellence (C2EX). As a dedicated mother and entrepreneur, Andrella loves spending time with her family and traveling. Service to her family, country, organization, clients, and to the community is and will always be a way of life.

John Grisillo | First Vice President
REALTOR®, Carolina One Real Estate

John Grisillo is a Charleston native and graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. At West Point he was a Catholic Sunday school teacher, an All-Armed Services rugby player and an occasional Dean’s list student. Upon graduation, John was commissioned into the US Army and served as an Airborne Ranger Infantry officer. He was awarded the Bronze Star with “V” Device for valor in combat in the Euphrates River Valley, Iraq. After 9/11 he served as a military commentator for Charleston news stations.

Since leaving the service, John has served in business leadership, sales roles and entrepreneurial endeavors. He founded The Compass Group, a national search firm that placed former military officers into Fortune 500 companies. He sold the company in 2003. Since 2004 he has worked in construction and real estate in the Charleston market. He joined Carolina One Real Estate in 2009. He served as the Broker-in-Charge of the West Islands office from 2012-2018, and he currently serves as General Manager of Carolina One Real Estate – Charleston’s market leader and among the top 60 real estate firms in the country.

John has served in many leadership roles with church committees and school boards. He has served as the president of the Bishop England High School Advisory Board. He currently chairs the CTAR Legislative Committee. John enjoys spending time with his family and physical fitness activities. He won the State Masters Division Powerlifting Championship in 2014. John is happily married to Kathy Grisillo, a Bishop England High School classmate and current teacher at BE. They have three daughters, Lauren, Katelyn and Mary Chandler.

1,685 homes sold in July in the Charleston region at a median price of $399,000 according to preliminary data released today by the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors® (CTAR). Year-to-date data shows 12,899 homes sold at a median price of $396,913, 14% fewer sales than at this point last year, but at a price point that is 17% higher.

Inventory data shows 15% more homes, for sale, with 2,749 homes listed as “active” for sale in the CHS Regional MLS database at the end of the month—representing 1.5 months of available inventory.

“At this point in the year, we are used to seeing busier than average buyer activity, but as the market normalizes from the record-setting activity in 2021 and the costs associated with buying a home increase, some prospective buyers are feeling a bit hesitant” said 2022 CTAR President Jon Stroud. “However, we’re still seeing strong demand for homes in our region, despite these challenges pricing some out of the market” he said.

June Adjustment
Preliminary data showed 2,024 homes sold in June in the Charleston region at a median price of $420,000. Updated figures now show 2,038 homes sold at the same median price.

Berkeley County
514 homes sold at a median price of $347,145 in Berkeley County in July, 447 single-family homes and 67 condos/townhomes.

Year-to-date, 3,397 single-family homes have sold at a median price of $387,000. Today’s report shows a sales decline of 5% with a nearly 19% increase in median sale price. 441 condos/townhomes have sold at a median price of $283,500 so far this year—sales are 6% lower than 2021 while median price has increased by 27%.

There are currently 837 residential properties for sale in Berkeley County; 771 single-family homes and 66 condos/townhomes.

Charleston County
725 homes sold at a median price of $466,418 in Charleston County in July, 529 single-family homes and 196 condos/townhomes.

Year-to-date, 4,133 single-family homes have sold at a median price of $575,000. Today’s report shows 17% fewer sales with a 18% increase in median sale price compared to this point last year. 1,568 condos/townhomes have sold at a median price of $367,000 so far this year—17% fewer sales with a 28% increase in median price. 

There are currently 1,064 residential properties for sale in Charleston County; 868 single-family homes and 247 condos/townhomes.

Colleton County
34 homes sold at a median price of $337,750 in Colleton County in July, 28 single-family homes and 6 condos/townhomes.

Year-to-date, 204 single-family homes have sold at a median price of $290,000. Today’s report shows a 4% decline in sales with a slight (+0.4%) increase median sale price compared to this point last year. 46 condos/townhomes have sold at a median price of $385,000 so far this year—sales have increased 59% compared to this point in 2021 with an 62% increase in median price. 

There are currently 85 residential properties for sale in Colleton County, 83 single-family homes and 2 condos/townhomes.

Dorchester County
313 homes sold at a median price of $314,473 in Dorchester County in July, 290 single-family homes and 23 condos/townhomes. 

Year-to-date, 1,975 single-family homes have sold at a median price of $360,957. Today’s report shows 11% fewer sales with an 18% increase in median sale price compared to this point last year. 219 condos/townhomes have sold at a median price of $250,000 so far this year—41% fewer sales in that market segment with a 14% increase in median price. 

There are currently 425 residential properties for sale in Dorchester County; 406 single-family homes and 19 condos/townhomes.