Licensed REALTOR Julie Helps Veterans – assisting clients and guiding them through the process toward their next journey in life when buying, selling, or investing in residential real estate
Julie Helps Veterans https://www.juliehelpsveterans.com is a business focused on integrity, honesty and most importantly faith. I’ve found that in Real Estate, there is an exorbitant amount of trust involved and expectations are at an ultimate high when guiding clients through the buying or selling process. Any waiver from being as transparent as possible can not only jeopardize your reputation, but it can also put a hindrance on someone’s next chapter in their lives. I don’t believe that my story is different from any others, but I do feel what centers around my business is. As I share my story, my only hope is that it will inspire others to take that big leap of FAITH. I was a sales representative at Ashley Furniture Homestore and making a good living by all standards, after four years of employment I found out I needed to have surgery. As it turned out, this was a blessing in disguise. After my surgery I had a six-week recovery period during which I reached out to a good friend who was an office manager for a boutique brokerage in West Ashley. I asked her to arrange a meeting with the Broker in Charge to obtain more information on Real Estate and the steps it took to obtain a real estate license. Little did I know that God had a different plan for me that day.
ly after the class ended, I drove to Columbia to take the State licensing exam and passed. My career then truly began and began with humility which is often needed in each of our lives to keep us centered and focused. An essential step in becoming a REALTOR® is to find your niche which is intertwined with “your why.” Mine began with the adoption of our German Shepherd from a small, Veteran founded, no-kill animal rescue located in Summerville. The story and 50-year history of H.F. Help No-Kill Rescue is what drew me to be a part of their mission as a volunteer and to share in spreading the founder’s story. In 2020, I was asked to be the SA week later, I was able to meet with the Broker and after an hour of talking I left excited for what would ultimately be my future endeavors. I decided to stop at the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors and speak with Kelly Bramble regarding the timeline of licensing classes. Walking around the corner, I saw someone with her arms stacked with notebooks, so I waited to introduce myself until she entered her office to inquire about classes. Kelly noted that the next slated classes started in three hours and asked if I wanted a spot. I was hesitant, but she informed me that after this class the next won’t be for another nine months. I wasn’t ready to make such a big commitment so quickly, so I decided to call my Husband Bill. Like me, he was amazed that things were falling into place like they were, at the time I was dealing with recovery from the surgery and classes would only be a few nights a week. I was overwhelmed with fear but also knew the odds of this happening were rare. I signed up, and headed home to get ready for my first day of class. On my way home I contacted the Broker to inform her of what transpired. She simply stated to let her know when I passed the exam and she knew I would succeed. I now know her encouragement was what I needed to get to the finish line and to start my new career.
Shortpokesperson for the rescue and continue to do so today. Here is a live taping of “Pet of the Week” with Leyla Gulen of Fox 24 News Charleston Pet of the Week: Daisy Soon after, I signed up to be a Homes for Heroes Affiliate. I support firefighters, police, military members (active, reserve, and Veteran), teachers, healthcare professionals, and first responders by giving back a percentage of my commission when they buy or sell a house with me. This is my way of expressing gratitude for the sacrifices they make or have made in the past. I have a strong connection with most of these professions in my own life, which I feel is perfect alignment.
Prior to Covid, I would host a “Community Hero Coffee Connect” weekly at Dunkin’ where I would buy coffee for each Hero who entered the store. At one of my events, I met a lady who asked if I could help the Locker’s, a disabled Marine, and his wife, in moving their trailer to a new location. I did not have the capability to assist, but I remembered an ad I had recently seen
on Facebook about a local Veteran non-profit called Tri-County Veterans Support Network. I decided to contact Tim Taylor, the co-founder, and share the needs. He sent us the contact information of an acquaintance and I shared it with the Lockers’, but we soon learned their situation was beyond his expertise.
Nonetheless, I wanted to thank Tim for his willingness to help, so I volunteered that weekend at the quadruplex housing for homeless Veterans painting and completing odd jobs with other volunteers. After speaking with a couple of the residents, and the day had ended, my soul was set on fire!
I never knew how much volunteering would impact my life and, in turn, inspire others to be a part of it. I soon became aware of my purpose of helping people in all aspects. Over the next 4 years, I spearheaded donation drives, fundraisers, and various initiatives and quickly became a
Veteran proponent. As my business continued to flourish, it became too much to continue this level of volunteering, so I decided to give back by donating for every house I sold. In 2020, my husband joined the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association® (CVMA), a nonprofit with the mission being “Vets Helping Vets”. I became an auxiliary member in support of my husband. I have worked to introduce CVMA to the multiple Veteran organizations to encourage collaboration and, hopefully, make an even bigger impact on the needs of our local Veterans. In July 2021, I was elected as Public Relations Officer and assisted in the organization of our annual fundraiser. We were able to raise $11,000 for our mission!
I am a South Carolina licensed REALTOR assisting clients and guiding them through the process toward their next journey in life when buying, selling, or investing in residential real estate in the Tri-County Charleston, SC area.
I moved to the Lowcountry nearly 20 years ago after relocating from the Chicago area. I was a single Mom, and my daughter was in remission from childhood cancer, so we made the move to start a new chapter and be closer to family. My passion for real estate and interior design developed when my father retired at 48 years young and soon after decided to embark on his real estate investment venture. I have a background in commission sales, customer service, and interior design totaling over 30 years. My business is built on faith, integrity, and honesty and they are the driving forces behind my brand.
I work with both Buyers and Sellers and each home listed receives concierge staging services, professional photography, and the best marketing. I am entrusted by many and commended for my faith, honesty, integrity, and effective communication skills.
I am known for being a passionate Veteran proponent. My husband served in both the United States Marine Corps and the United States Army Reserve, and it is through his service and the many Veterans surrounding me daily who make me aware of their sacrifices and challenges. The realization of the mental and physical trials our Veterans go through daily afforded me the opportunity to give back to the community. During that time I consciously made the decision to contribute to local Veteran non-profit organizations with every house sold- “Every House Sold Helps a Local Veteran”. My clients are an integral part of the mission and I share the difference we can make together
My most recent Veteran focused initiative is “Veteran Businesses of the Lowcountry” and scheduled to be available on YouTube sometime in July. VBOL was originally promoted over a year ago but the pandemic put a hold on the production. Here is a feature from last March and here is the first VBOL video https://youtu.be/c1uw0psMo2c It is a monthly video interviewing local Veteran and Veteran spouse owned businesses. One of the unique features in this video is the interviewee’s “shoutout” opportunity promoting another local small business. Every month my Lender,Chase Mason with Lending Path, and I will feature a new business to be shared on multiple platforms. We are currently collaborating with local businesses offering special rates and discounts for advertising opportunities for the business owners as well. One of the unique features in this video will be the interviewee’s “shoutout” opportunity promoting another local small business.. We are very excited to show our support for our local businesses in the Charleston area!
One of the most recent challenges I have encountered is the lack of knowledge and the misinformation out there pertaining to the VA Loan. I specialize in negotiating the offer and exceeding the needs of Veteran homebuyers and sellers through the stressful Permanent Change of Station move. I feel every agent, especially those who market themselves with the Military Relocation Professional (MRP) certification, should take the initiative to educate themselves by attending seminars and remaining up-to-date on current guidelines.Through continued education and unique experiences, I can affirm what was once a challenge is now a strength for me. Every transaction is unique and each one empowers me with knowledge and experience. On a personal level, many of us experience challenges due to life’s struggles paired with the demands of being a business owner. Most recently, my husband and I have been navigating through an extreme change in our lives which made it necessary for me to take a step back and focus on the challenges we were facing in our “new normal”. I am happy to share that I am back to fulfilling my passion of helping others.
Throughout the pandemic, my business has prospered but, to me, the most gratifying honor is when I am able to assist a Seller Client in selling their current home for top dollar and they then turn around and pay cash for their forever home; a new chapter begins and I am a part of it all! To other business owners out there, I encourage you to give 100% of yourself! Find that niche you have passion for that sets your soul on fire. You will soon notice others being drawn to you and your business will flourish as you make the conscious decision to set your goals related to helping others and not receiving another paycheck. I challenge you to build genuine relationships by meeting people through volunteering. The majority of my referrals come from those I have met while helping others within the community I know and love. Our passions align and there is a genuine foundation for our friendship.
- Discovering the Flavours and Functionality of the Wild Foods of Australia: - February 22, 2023
- Distribution company supplies elderberries and herbs in bulk to niche markets - February 2, 2023
- Spotlight on Hyperion Tiles: floor tiles, wall tiles, panels & wood flooring - February 2, 2023
