Southern Dreams Realty is a full-service real estate brokerage based in Lexington, founded by owner Amber Jovanelly with a vision for better service.
“I worked for a property management company years ago before I started Southern Dreams Realty. I thought there were things that could be done more effectively and efficiently. I wanted to have a flat fee to manage properties,” Jovanelly said.
Sales Agent
Founded in 2012, the business is headed today by Jovanelly and Laurie Rowe, who is also the broker-in-charge. As a full-service brokerage, Southern Dreams Realty can assist with a wide range of property management and realty needs. Jovanelly noted that they work with customers throughout the entire process to help ensure a smooth experience.
“We sell real estate and offer property management for long-term and short-term rentals. We provide everything from start to finish – evaluating the property, taking professional photos, and showcasing the property. We’re actually one of the few larger companies that still show the properties instead of allowing potential tenants to just go in and look at properties by themselves,” said Jovanelly.
“We also qualify the tenants with a top-of-the-line system. Our fee covers everything that an owner could possibly need when it comes to managing their property.”
Jovanelly is particularly excited about the company’s focus on managing vacation rentals and its recently acquired lake properties.
Sales Agent
“This will be the fourth year that we have been offering vacation rentals. We focus mainly on lake properties. We recently purchased some cottages on Lake Murray and are going to renovate them,” said Jovanelly of the 12-unit property.
“This is a fun project – we’re trying to bring it all together to make it vacation-friendly. It’s across the street from a marina and a new restaurant that just opened, so it’s a great location.”
For the real estate aspect of her business, Jovanelly noted that buying a home is one of the biggest purchases that a person will make and that Southern Dreams Realty is equipped to assist.
“Anything that you need when it comes to real estate, we can help you,” Jovanelly said.
“Our agents help investors on the property management side, as well as help buyers and sellers find a home or sell their house. Many times, we have clients who have had a negative experience or are frustrated. We want them to be able to call us and feel confident that they’ve called the right place. We’re going to be able to help them.”
Property Manager
For those aspiring to a career in real estate or property management, Jovanelly suggested developing skills in curiosity and continuous learning.
“If you want to work with real estate and property management, you have to continue to learn. Real estate is one of those careers where there’s always something different every single day. I’ve been in this career for 17 years and still see new things.” Jovanelly said, noting that it is also important to enjoy your job.
“It’s a fun job because you don’t always know what’s going to come your way that day. So, it doesn’t get old or boring.”
For Jovanelly, one of the most enjoyable parts of her job is helping people to find their homes.
“You’re basically putting people into a home that they’re going to make their own and make memories. As a realtor, you are a big part of that which is fulfilling.”
Southern Dreams Realty
102 Gantt Street
Lexington, SC
(803) 920-2321