Today we’d like to introduce you to Nadine Viljoen.
Hi Nadine, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Absolutely! My journey into real estate has been anything but linear, but looking back, every step prepared me for the career I’m so passionate about today.
I was born and raised in South Africa, and over the past decade, my family and I have lived in three continents, first moving to Dubai and then to the U.S. in 2016. We settled in New Jersey for six years before finally making Charleston, South Carolina our home in 2022. My husband’s career led us on this journey, and while each move came with its own set of challenges, it also helped me grow and adapt in ways I never expected.
My background is in Somatology (health and skincare) and I initially pursued a career in lecturing after college. After becoming a mom, I had the privilege of focusing full-time on raising our daughter, and it wasn’t until we got settled in the USA that I longed to be involved in the work force again.
After our first year in America, we had the privilege of becoming homeowners and, having the time, I dove into the house-hunting process. I think I drove our amazing Realtors crazy – I was constantly on Zillow and asking to see properties as soon as they hit the market, and we toured at least 50 homes before we finally found “the one.” That process planted the seed for my real estate passion, even if the timing wasn’t right just yet.
With no family support system nearby and a young child at home, I decided on a job with set hours, and accepted a front desk role at a health and wellness spa. Within a year, I was promoted to Spa Director. While I loved that role, the long hours and weekends didn’t align with my family’s schedule, so I made the difficult decision to leave and pivot completely into dog walking and pet sitting! It was a wonderful season in my life that allowed me to blend my love of animals with my love of the outdoors (and very appreciative tail wagging clients!).
When we moved to Charleston, a city I had fallen in love with years earlier while on vacation, it was time to revisit the idea of real estate. Our daughter was older, we were more settled, and I finally had the capacity to offer clients the time, energy, and care they deserve. I dove in headfirst and never looked back.
Today, I have the incredible privilege of helping people navigate one of the biggest decisions of their lives. I get to combine my love for Charleston with my passion for service (and the bonus of getting to see all the amazing low country homes on the market), and I truly feel like I’m living out my calling. From the charming streets of downtown to the serene coastal neighborhoods, it brings me so much joy to help others find their slice of the Lowcountry dream.
Looking back, I can truly see God’s hand in every chapter of my life, from the tearful goodbye to South Africa and the family left there, to now living out a dream I once never imagined.
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?
I wouldn’t call it smooth, but not overly difficult either – more like a road filled with bumps. Each one has helped shape the person and professional I am today.
Interestingly, my biggest challenges weren’t career-related; they were emotional, social, and cultural. I’m a very self-motivated and driven person, and I’ve always given 100% to anything I pursue. That mindset has helped me grow and succeed in every path I’ve taken, whether it was lecturing, managing a spa, or now, building my real estate business. But the hardest part for me was leaving South Africa and being so far away from my family and everything familiar. I had to adjust not just to new places, but to entirely new ways of life.
Adapting to different cultures – first in Dubai, then in the U.S. – brought moments of both growth and discomfort. English isn’t my first language, so there were times early on – and still sometimes now – when I questioned whether I was using the right words or expressing myself clearly. Even now, although I’m more confident and comfortable, I still laugh about how unique my accent is, there’s no mistaking it was me who said something!
Beyond language, even day-to-day things were a learning curve. I had to figure out which brands and products were reliable and understand the value of money in a new economy. What’s a good price for something? How much is a good value or too much? These aren’t things you typically think about until you’re navigating life in a new country.
Starting fresh so many times also meant rebuilding support systems and social circles repeatedly. Rebuilding a community without extended family nearby brought its own kind of challenge. But it taught me how to connect quickly, build trust, and find my people. Skills that now serve me incredibly well in real estate.
Even getting started in this career came with its own unique obstacles. When I decided to pursue real estate, I didn’t have a professional network, so I was essentially starting from scratch in an extremely competitive industry. But I knew this was the right time and place. So, I committed fully, trusted the process, and leaned into everything I’d learned from my past – persistence, adaptability, and genuine care and interest in others.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a REALTOR® with Carolina One Real Estate based in Charleston, South Carolina. I work out of the West Islands Office on James Island. I focus on helping people find not just a house, but a place they can truly call home, especially those relocating from other states or countries, because I understand that journey firsthand. While I’m in the early stages of my real estate career, I’ve built a strong foundation based on personal experience, in-depth knowledge of the area, and a heartfelt desire to serve others as they make important life transitions. My clients range from first-time buyers to those looking to upsize, downsize, invest, or relocate within Charleston. I love working with people who are new to the Charleston area and helping them discover just how special this city is.
What sets me apart is my genuine care and personal approach. I’m not just focused on closing deals. I’m focused on people, their stories, and making sure they feel informed, empowered, and supported every step of the way. Because I’ve moved across the world and navigated multiple real estate markets as a client myself, I understand how overwhelming the process can feel. I bring that empathy and insight into every client relationship, and I believe that makes a real difference.
Organization and communication are also two of my strongest skills. I make it a priority to keep my clients updated, educated, and never left wondering, “what’s next?” I’m deeply committed to professionalism, but also believe in being approachable, down-to-earth, and accessible.
One of the things I’m most proud of is that I’ve built this business from the ground up in a new city. I came to Charleston without a professional network and started with just a passion for real estate, a love for the Lowcountry, and a drive to serve others. Today, I get to help people take meaningful steps toward one of the biggest decisions of their lives, and I don’t take that responsibility lightly.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Absolutely! I would not be where I am today without the encouragement and support of a few key people in my life.
First and foremost, my husband has been my biggest supporter. He always believes in me, encourages me to follow my passions, and supported every new chapter I’ve embraced, from motherhood to managing a spa to launching a career in real estate. His constant belief in me, even during moments when I doubted myself, has made all the difference.
Our daughter, who has been so gracious about sharing me with my clients. The shift from being a stay-at-home mom to working as a real estate professional has impacted her the most. Yet, she’s met this change with incredible understanding and support, and I couldn’t be prouder of the maturity and grace she’s shown through this transition.
And of course, my family back home in South Africa. Even though we’re miles apart, their emotional support has never wavered. Knowing they’re proud of me and cheering me on from across the world brings me strength and joy.
My friends have also played an incredible role. They’ve been my prayer warriors, my social media sharers, and my referral supporters. Their faith in me and willingness to speak my name in rooms I haven’t yet entered has meant more than I can say.
I’m also incredibly grateful to the team at Carolina One Real Estate! From the amazing trainers I had when I first joined to my wonderful colleagues at the West Islands Office. From the very beginning, I felt welcomed and supported. The agents, office staff, and Broker in Charge have been generous with their time, experience, and encouragement. It’s reassuring to know that I’m surrounded by professionals who genuinely want each other to succeed.
I’m incredibly thankful for every person who has played a role in helping me grow, believe in myself, and build a life and career I truly love.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.homeswithnadine.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nadineviljoenrealtor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574432155928
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadine-viljoen-2bb96235b
