BEHIND THE BUILD
Finding the Right Place
Jermaine Gantt | Realtor
Jermaine helped us find more than a homesite. He helped us discover the neighborhood where Hudson House was meant to be.
We thought we were looking for land.
We were actually looking for home.
When Charles and I decided to build, we knew we wanted to remain close to downtown Greenville. We wanted a place where our children could walk to parks, where neighbors knew one another, and where every street had a story to tell.
Finding that place proved far more difficult than we imagined.
Over the course of our search, we explored countless opportunities. Some lots were too small. Others required compromises that didn't align with the vision we had for our family. One property made it all the way to contract before deed issues prevented the sale from moving forward.
Each disappointment reminded us that finding the right place isn't always about finding the first available place.
It is about waiting for the one that feels right.
More Than a Realtor
Jermaine has been Charles's best friend for years.
He's also a Greenville native with an incredible understanding of the city's neighborhoods, their histories, and the communities that make each one unique.
That combination gave us something invaluable throughout this journey.
Trust.
He wasn't simply helping us buy property.
He was helping us imagine where our family's next chapter could unfold.
He listened carefully to what mattered most to us, challenged our assumptions when needed, and reminded us that the right opportunity was worth waiting for.
Why Hampton-Pinckney
Hampton-Pinckney is one of Greenville's oldest neighborhoods, with roots stretching back to the nineteenth century. Its architecture, street pattern, and proximity to downtown reflect the city's early development.
Just beyond its borders lies Southernside, one of Greenville's most historically significant Black communities. For much of the twentieth century, segregation shaped the relationship between these neighboring communities. The land that is now Unity Park once included separate recreational spaces for Black and white residents before being reimagined as a shared public space designed to connect rather than divide.
We were drawn to the opportunity to build a home in a place that carries both beauty and history. Understanding that history gives greater meaning to what it means to become part of the neighborhood today.
The Call That Changed Everything
When the Hampton Avenue lot became available, things moved quickly.
Jermaine recognized its potential immediately.
Before the sun came up, he had arranged everything necessary for us to submit our offer.
And within hours of the listing becoming active, the seller received their first and final.
WHY WE VALUE JERMAINE
Greenville Native
He understands the city's neighborhoods beyond the listings.
Trusted Advisor
He asked thoughtful questions before offering advice.
Patient Guide
He encouraged us to wait until the right opportunity appeared.
Friend First
The relationship always came before the transaction.
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Jermaine didn't just help us find a lot. He helped us find the place where our family's story belongs.
AT A GLANCE
Role
Realtor
BASED IN
Greenville, South Carolina
PROJECT SINCE
2023
Neighborhood Expertise
Downtown areas
One Thing We Learned
The right property isn't always the first one you find.
Sometimes it's the one worth waiting for.
Patience gave us more than a lot.
It gave us the foundation for the life we hope to build.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
What initially drew me to Hudson House was the opportunity to find a rare vacant lot in downtown Greenville. As a Realtor, I was helping my clients search for land on the southern side of downtown, particularly near the Hampton-Pinckney Historic District. Even before there were plans for the home, I recognized the property's potential and its opportunity to become a meaningful addition to the neighborhood.
What drew you to Hudson House?
What was the most interesting challenge, and how did you approach it?
The most interesting challenge was learning the property's history. I researched previous deeds and tax records to better understand the site's background, which gave me a greater appreciation for its transformation into Hudson House.
What do you hope people notice when Hudson House is complete?
I hope people notice how Hudson House enhances the neighborhood by transforming a vacant lot into a thoughtfully designed home that adds beauty, character, and value to the community.
What's one piece of advice you'd give someone beginning a similar journey?
My advice is to have a clear vision for where and how you want to live, then surround yourself with trusted professionals. In a growing market like Greenville, working with the right Realtor, lender, builder, and design team can make all the difference.
Next in Behind the Build
The Builder We Didn’t Know We Needed
Every remarkable home begins with the right setting.
Meet Craig Dennis, the builder whose collaborative approach, craftsmanship, and steady leadership gave us confidence from the first day of construction.