Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Young.
Hi Sarah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was a stay-at-home/ homeschooling mama for 16 years before I found myself going through divorce and needed to figure out a way to make a living to support me and my four kids. I had run a Short Term Rental (STR) out of a guest suite in our house for a few years, and I knew I loved hospitality and caring for clients. I had helped my ex, who is a contractor, flip a few houses before we separated, so I continued “flipping” houses, but kept them and turned them in to STRs. During the next few years, I acquired a handful of houses as short term rentals, and also got my Real Estate Sales license. I’ve since continued in my real estate journey selling homes in the greater Charleston area, maintaining my STRs, and flipping houses with my new husband. I love all things real estate, especially caring for those I serve. With a BA in psychology and sociology, I find so much joy working with, and caring for people. I love working with first time homebuyers, walking them through the process and educating them along the way. I love working with seasoned investors and helping them find a profitable investment. I love working with just about anyone interested in buying, selling, or investing in real estate.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No. Definitely not. When I went on my own flipping houses, I had a lot to learn about construction and project management. That was hard, and scary as a single mom just trying to make ends meet. Thankfully I enjoy being organized, and that came in handy for project management. I had a great “amigo” who helped me with all my projects, so I leaned on him a lot.
Recently it’s been a struggle flipping houses as the market has turned and prices are declining. My husband and had about three flips where we barely broke even, so that felt like a set back. We’ve paused our flipping business while we take a breath and figure out our next steps. Our plan is to start a lending business where we do private lending or hard money lending to other investors who are flipping houses.
I recently had to pivot my business a bit with a STR that I can no longer rent as an STR and a flip that is on a busy street corner and won’t sell. I find myself often working on creative solutions for whatever challenge I’m being presented with. I had the house on a busy street re-zoned so it’s Residential Office, and will hopefully bring the right buyer who wants to run a small business out of their home with great visibility. And I’ve listed the STR for sale in hopes that it will help us do some other things we want to start in our business (on the lending side). Each challenge just presents an opportunity, if you truly see it that way.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Sarah Young Homes is the business I’m focusing on primarily these days. I’ve been very busy selling houses, which I’ve been loving! I enjoy working with buyers and sellers, but had a particular amazing experience recently with the sweetest young couple who had no idea what buying a house took. I was able to hold their hands and walk them though each step of the process. From getting pre-approved with a lender, to transferring their termite bond after closing, it was so fun to walk them through each step.
MamaStay is my Short Term Rental business. It’s a well-oiled machine at this point, with most aspects automated. I have an amazing friend who is also my cleaning manager. She handles all the scheduling of cleaners and stocking of items. My husband is my “handyman”, fixing anything that goes wrong with my STRs, so I can focus my time on my clients.
Real estate is personal to me, because people are personal to me. I’m a hands-on realtor who walks alongside my clients every step of the way—explaining, advocating, and making sure they feel confident and supported from first showing to closing day, and even beyond. Buying or selling a home can feel overwhelming, and my goal is to make the process clear, calm, and even enjoyable.
I bring over 20 years of real-world experience to the table, having bought and sold homes for myself even before becoming licensed in California in 2005. I’m also an active real estate investor, short-term rental host, and a mom, which gives me a practical, well-rounded perspective on everything from family homes to income-producing properties. What truly sets me apart is my heart for people, my deep market knowledge, and my commitment to treating every client like family while protecting their best interests at every turn.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Freedom and impact are how I define success. Freedom to spend my time, who I work with, and when I say yes or no.
Not total escape from responsibility, but freedom within it. Success is my impact on others. It is leaving others better than I found them, caring for them along their life’s journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.SarahYoungHomes.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahyounghomes/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SarahYoungHomes
