As the year draws to a close, Elegant Island Living always invites Patrick Dunn of Sea Island Properties to share his insight about the current state of the real estate market on Sea Island and St. Simons. Patrick has been the top producing agent in Glynn County since 2012 with more than $1.7 billion in sales and pending contracts. While Patrick’s numbers clearly demonstrate his success, it’s also evident in the long list of buyers and sellers with whom he has worked and have become his friends. This impressive roster of clients includes top PGA Tour players, major corporate CEOs, and former Congressmen. Patrick has his thumb on the pulse of our community and the real estate industry.
What type of buyer do you connect with on Sea Island and St. Simons Island?
Today’s buyers on Sea Island and St. Simons represent a newer, younger generation of successful entrepreneurs and professionals who have accumulated wealth at a much earlier age. These are sophisticated buyers who understand the market well, especially given the close-knit nature of our community. They rely on Realtors to provide up-to-date comparable data and in-depth property analyses. They are looking for premium properties that meet specific, high standards, and they’re willing to pay a premium for homes that check all their boxes.
Luxury is no longer solely defined by size or price; today’s second-home buyers are motivated by exclusivity, unique features, and the desire to diversify their real estate portfolios. However, they are also discerning and patient, willing to wait for the right investment. Finally, they seek properties with extensive amenities that align with and enhance their lifestyle.
How does the Sea Island/St. Simons Island lifestyle attract buyers?
What truly sets Sea Island and St. Simons Island apart from other resort towns, is their genuine sense of community—a quality we make sure to emphasize to new buyers. Beyond the area’s stunning natural beauty, it’s the spirit of camaraderie here that stands out. Residents come together in times of hardship, like during recent storms, and in times of joy, gathering to celebrate accomplishments and special events. Community gatherings like Taps at Twilight and Little League Opening Day foster a strong sense of unity, where people mingle and connect, creating a unique, down-to-earth atmosphere.
Lifestyle is a key reason many choose to call Sea Island and St. Simons Island home. We’re fortunate to offer a wide variety of seasonal activities, allowing residents to enjoy the best of beachfront leisure and winter pursuits alike. Whether it’s pickleball, golf, horseback riding, Fishing, or hunting at Broadfield, Sea Island offers something for everyone who seeks an active lifestyle amidst year-round beauty.
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What is the state of the Sea Island market for 2025?
As you may know, real estate markets are highly local, with conditions like pricing and demand varying significantly from one region to another. However, it’s important to understand some overarching trends currently affecting residential real estate at a national level.
Nationwide, residential sales began to slow down in May. Many buyers and sellers chose to wait on the sidelines, hoping for inflation to ease, potential rate cuts from the Federal Reserve, more stability in the stock market, and some clarity amidst the unpredictability of an election year.
According to national housing experts, four key factors have been influencing this slowdown in sales activity:
• High mortgage rates
• Unaffordable home prices
• Low inventory levels
• Sluggish buyer demand
In contrast, our local market here on St. Simons Island and Sea Island has seen an uptick in both sales and volume. We believe that our market is moving toward a more stable and balanced environment. We’re also finally experiencing a healthy increase in listing inventory, which signals a positive shift toward a more sustainable housing market in our area.
What are the keys to Patrick’s success?
We turned to Lewis Glenn, Vice President of Real Estate Brokerage at Sea Island Properties to answer this question. He says that Patrick’s extraordinary success in real estate can be attributed to a blend of professional skills and personal qualities and that Patrick has consistently set himself apart through the following attributes:
- 1. Market Knowledge: Patrick possesses an in-depth understanding of the Golden Isles market, enabling him to guide clients effectively.
- 2. Networking and Relationships: He leverages a vast network of connections, cultivating strong relationships that benefit his clients.
- 3. Market Strategy and Skills: Patrick is strategic in his approach, navigating the competitive real estate market with insight and finesse.
- 4. Communication Skills: His ability to listen to and understand client needs is a standout trait.
- 5. Customer Service: Patrick is known for providing exceptional service, always aiming to exceed client expectations.
- 6. Organization and Time Management: He efficiently manages his workload, maximizing productivity and responsiveness.
- 7. Adaptability, Resilience, and Persistence: Patrick handles challenges with resilience, adapting as needed to achieve the best outcomes.
- 8. Online Presence and Branding: He maintains a strong online presence, essential in today’s digital-driven market.
- 9. Technology Proficiency: Patrick is skilled in using technology to streamline his operations and enhance client service.
- 10. Community Involvement: His active engagement in the community strengthens his local reputation.
In addition to these traits, Patrick consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic, exceptional negotiation skills, calmness in difficult situations, and genuine care for his clients. His results back up his reputation: he’s been the top sales agent in the Golden Isles for 14 years, and his 2024 sales alone will exceed $307 million, placing him among the top agents nationally.
The bottom line is that Patrick can create positive results for a buyer or seller no matter the status of the market. He continues to believe that the Sea Island/St. Simons Island community is still the best place to be and those of us lucky enough to live, work, and play here should consider ourselves fortunate. If you want to make a move to our community or within it, give Patrick a call.
Patrick Dunn’s office is located at Sea Island Properties, 351 Sea Island Road, St. Simons Island. He can be reached at 912.222.0142 or by email at patrickdunn@seasisland.com.
Equal Housing Opportunity. If your property is currently listed with another real estate firm, this is not intended to be a solicitation for your business. The price information and material contained herein, is intended to provide general information about the properties of Sea Island Acquisition, LLC. These proposed prices are subject to change or cancellation at any time. We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.
