Helping a friend find a new home 25 years ago was a turning point for Carmen Gayton. At the time, she was trying to determine her next career path after taking a break from working in human resources for over 15 years. As they were touring houses one day, her friend suggested she consider working in real estate because “she felt I had a good perspective on what the homebuyer was looking for,” Gayton remembers.

A career in real estate seemed like a natural path, and when her friend decided to sell her home and move to California, Gayton was ready to handle the sale. “I listed and sold her home, helped her move, and cried as the moving company drove away,” she shares. She does not mind the long hours that the business often requires, as she is aware that she gets out of the business whatever she puts into it. She enjoys a profession where she continues to grow, learn and excel.

When working with clients, Gayton strives to make the real estate process as fun as it is productive. She remains highly attuned to her clients’ needs, pointing to her ability to listen and advise as vital to her success. “It is imperative to understand client expectations, communicate continuously and work extremely hard to exceed their expectations in order to achieve success” she reasons. She also emphasizes that understanding the changing market and how it impacts buyers and sellers and then articulating that sooner rather than later is key to alleviating stress.

Gayton continues to learn from other agents, knowing that it can help her elevate her own game. She also pays it forward and is proud to have mentored several new brokers just beginning to build their own businesses. Away from real estate, the Clemson graduate enjoys rooting for the Tigers, traveling, attending the theatre and discovering new restaurants.