Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Stanford
Hi Susan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
After graduating from high school in the Northwest Atlanta area, I stepped into adulthood faster than most. At 18, I was married, a young mom, and a military wife. My three children came quickly, with my third born when I was just 21. Those years were tough but transformative. Living in Texas and Arizona, far from family and friends, I learned independence, resilience, and a certain grit that would shape the rest of my life.
After about seven years of marriage, life took an unexpected turn when my children’s father and I separated. At just 25, I found myself a single mom with no formal education, no credit, and no career. I had been a stay-at-home mom since high school, and suddenly, I was at a crossroads. I’ll never forget the day I took an online career test, desperate for some direction. Real estate came up as a potential path—it didn’t require a college degree, and there was no limit to income potential. That was all I needed to hear.
To fund my real estate education, I worked for my dad’s company, running a vending route, and within a few months, I was licensed. I began my career in early 2007, just before the 2008 market crash. It was a rough start, but I stuck with it, navigating the turbulent waters of the real estate market for several years.
In 2010, I remarried an amazing man who has been my partner in everything. After encountering so many sellers who owed more than their homes were worth, I decided to get my mortgage license. For four years, I helped people refinance or modify their loans, gaining invaluable experience that I brought back with me when I returned full-time to real estate in 2014. Those years on the mortgage side gave me a unique perspective that allowed me to provide even more value to my clients.
Together, my husband and I have renovated several homes and co-owned multiple businesses. Being a young mom had its perks—by the time our kids were grown, we were still young ourselves. After 16 years in real estate and mortgage in the NW Atlanta market, our children had all moved out, so we sold our home in Georgia and moved to Charleston, SC, the place we had always vacationed. Within weeks of moving, I obtained my South Carolina real estate license, ready to start fresh in a city that has always had my heart.
As I build my client base here in Charleston, I’m also pursuing a long-time dream: earning my Interior Design certification at the Charleston School of Interior Design. I’m excited to bring that skill set to my clients, whether it’s staging their homes for sale or helping buyers envision the potential in a new space.
Reflecting on my journey, I’ve learned that life is full of lessons—some hard, some beautiful. I’ve lived paycheck to paycheck and enjoyed seasons of comfort, but through it all, I’ve realized that no matter your age, education, or past, you can always chase your dreams. If my story does anything, I hope it offers hope to those facing their own struggles. Grit isn’t something we’re born with; it’s something life gives us through challenges. It’s in those moments that we grow the most.
Today, I am 41, still growing, still learning, and still chasing dreams. But I’ve also learned to fall in love with the simple moments—the ones money can’t buy. Walking through the charming streets of Charleston for coffee, watching the sunrise at the beach with our dog Dakota, enjoying dinner cruises with my husband—it’s these moments that make life truly rich.
Charleston has given me a fresh start, and I’d love to help others find their place here too. Whether you’re buying or selling, let’s work together so you can “Love Where You Live” as much as I do.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely, I’ve faced several significant struggles along the way. As a young military wife and mother of three by the age of 21, I had to navigate the challenges of raising a family while living far from home in Texas and Arizona. After separating from my children’s father, I found myself a single mom with no formal education, no credit, and no career, which was a daunting position to be in. Entering the real estate market in 2007, just before the 2008 crash, was another challenge, forcing me to adapt and persevere through tough market conditions. However, each hurdle taught me resilience and pushed me toward growth.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in real estate and interior design, with a focus on helping clients envision the potential of properties, whether they are buying or selling. Recently, I became Historic Home certified, allowing me to work with historic properties in South Carolina, which combines my passion for history with real estate. I also bring years of experience in interior design—creating e-designs and mood boards for room planning, and handling all design and décor for the homes my husband and I renovated.
Earlier in my career, while working in the mortgage industry, I gained valuable insight into renovation loans. The lender I worked for specialized in these loans, so I developed expertise in helping clients purchase distressed properties. This knowledge gives me a unique edge when assisting buyers who may want to undertake similar projects.
I pride myself on being highly organized and detail-oriented, which has helped me excel not only in real estate but also in business ownership and planning. I’m known for being a Type A personality—someone who loves to plan and make lists—but this has been a strength in running a business efficiently. My creative and artistic side shines through in my marketing efforts, where I bring a unique perspective and flair.
What sets me apart is my blend of real estate, mortgage, and design experience, along with a deep passion for history and home renovation. I’m most proud of the diverse value I offer my clients, whether they’re navigating a real estate transaction, staging a home for sale, or planning a renovation project. Each step of the way, I aim to help people not only find a house but to truly love where they live.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The quality I believe is most important to my success is resilience. Throughout my life, I’ve faced numerous challenges—navigating the demands of being a young mom, transitioning through career shifts, and adapting to market changes like the 2008 housing crash. Each hurdle has taught me how to persevere, adapt, and find creative solutions. Resilience has allowed me to keep moving forward, learn from setbacks, and continue growing in both my personal and professional life. This characteristic, paired with my strong organizational skills and passion for what I do, has been key to my success in real estate, interior design, and business.
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