Today we’d like to introduce you to Marley Presswood
Hi Marley, 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 started my career in real estate with a deep love for Charleston and a passion for helping people find not just a house, but a home that truly fits their lifestyle and dreams.
Like many entrepreneurs, my journey wasn’t linear. From the beginning, I focused on networking, mastering the market, and continuously refining my approach. Relationships have always mattered more to me than transactions—I prioritize trust, transparency, and expert guidance. Over time, that mindset paid off, and I built a business that consistently ranks in the top 1% of realtors in South Carolina.
It hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve learned that success comes from consistency, resilience, and being intentional with every decision. I love what I do, and I’m always looking ahead—whether it’s serving my clients at the highest level, expanding my knowledge, or connecting with like-minded business owners to grow together through referrals and networking.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. In the beginning, like many new agents, I took on any business I could—buyers, sellers, any price point, any location. I was hustling, saying yes to everything, and figuring things out as I went. But over time, I realized that to truly grow and build a sustainable business, I needed to be intentional about who I was serving. I had to shift from chasing every opportunity to attracting the right clients—the ones who valued my expertise and trusted me to guide them.
That shift changed everything. As I gained clarity, my business scaled, and I found myself stepping into leadership, building a team, and coaching others to succeed. I’ve always had a passion for helping others grow, so at the time, it felt like the natural next step. But as the team expanded, I had an unexpected realization—I loved coaching, but I didn’t love managing.
That was a hard moment. On paper, I had built exactly what I thought I wanted. I was “successful.” But I wasn’t happy. And that realization hit me harder than I expected. The weight of succeeding in something that didn’t fulfill me took a toll on my confidence. I felt stuck, questioning everything I had built. I had to take a step back, reset, and completely shift my mindset.
Sarah was part of that team, and when I decided to dissolve it, we both found ourselves navigating the transition to being solo agents. We stayed connected, supporting each other through the changes, and eventually realized something important—the best things aren’t built alone. We were two like-minded women with the same drive, the same values, and the same passion for serving our clients at the highest level. It only made sense that we would come back together, this time in a way that felt right for both of us.
That transition wasn’t easy, but it taught me an important lesson: Success isn’t just about hitting goals—it’s about building a business and life that actually align with who you are. Now, I’m more intentional than ever. I focus on serving the right clients, growing in ways that feel aligned, and surrounding myself with like-minded professionals who want to grow together.
Looking back, I’m grateful for the challenges because they led me to where I am today—doing work I love, with the people I love, in a way that feels right.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a real estate professional in Charleston, focusing on Mount Pleasant and the surrounding Lowcountry communities. But honestly, what I do goes so much deeper than just buying and selling homes. My business is built on relationships, trust, and truly understanding what matters most to my clients.
My business partner, Sarah Rovniak, and I have built our business on expert guidance, strategic insight, and a genuine connection to the Charleston community. While I primarily focus on Mount Pleasant, Sarah works closely with buyers and sellers in Summerville. Together, we proudly serve all of Charleston’s most sought-after areas — including Daniel Island, Park Circle, James Island, West Ashley, Johns Island, and downtown Charleston — ensuring our clients receive exceptional representation across Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties.
When someone hires us, they’re not just getting realtors — they’re getting strategic partners, fierce negotiators, and people who genuinely care about making sure their next move is the right one. We don’t just list homes and hope for the best. We craft custom strategies for every listing to maximize exposure and attract the right buyers. And for our buyers, we take the time to understand what they really want — beyond square footage and price points — to make sure their home truly fits their life.
But our business isn’t just about houses — it’s about community. That’s what we love most. Sarah and I don’t just work here — we pour back into this place that means so much to us. We host community clean-up days to care for our beaches and parks, spend time with Habitat for Humanity building homes for those who need them, and, on a totally different note, we even host bagel-making workshops — because, honestly, there’s nothing better than connecting with people over fresh, homemade bread.
One of my favorite parts of this job is connecting people. Whether it’s introducing our clients to the best moving company, handyman, cleaner, or contractor — or helping local business owners grow through referrals — I love knowing that we can make someone’s life a little easier just by making the right introduction.
At the end of the day, our business is about people. Helping them make big moves, supporting them beyond the transaction, and making sure that wherever they land, they feel at home — not just in their house, but in their community. That’s what we care about most.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is to stop trying to be like everyone else—or the person I think people want me to be. In the beginning, it’s easy to look around and think you have to fit a certain mold to be successful, but the truth is, the more I leaned into who I actually am—my style, my strengths, my values—the more my business grew. People don’t hire me because I try to be like someone else; they hire me because they trust me to be authentic, direct, and fully invested in their success.
I’ve also learned that boundaries and clear expectations are everything. Real estate is personal, and it’s easy to blur the lines between being helpful and overextending yourself. But the best client relationships—the ones built on trust and mutual respect—start with honest conversations, clear communication, and a shared understanding of how we’ll work together. Setting those expectations from the start has allowed me to serve my clients better, protect my energy, and build a business that actually works for me.
At the end of the day, success isn’t about pleasing everyone—it’s about showing up as your best, most authentic self and working with people who value what you bring to the table.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://MarleyPresswood.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thingsmarleydoes
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarleyPresswoodGroup/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/marleypresswoodgroup
- Other: https://g.co/kgs/K4HpNch
