Elle Haynes

I guess I could have been chef in a small bistro somewhere, or a gallery owner with my passion for art, or maybe even a landscape architect. All of those careers would have appealed to me but I found myself fascinated with houses. How they are built, who designed them, their history, who lives in them, how they are decorated and, most of all, how the families live in them. Going into someone’s home is like opening a present to see the surprise inside. It is amazing how unique each home is and how differently one family lives than another.

I feel a sense of pride when entrusted with the buying or selling process of my client’s most valuable asset.

I truly love what I do; helping couples find that perfect place to start a family, finding a family a larger home now that their children are teenagers,
or my specialty, helping couples my age transition into the next stage of their lives. All of it gives me a deep sense of satisfaction.

I have found Charleston to be the perfect setting for my career. I don’t think there is anything I don’t like about Charleston. It’s a great place to raise a family, pursue a career, build a business, or simply retire to the beach or golf course.

With over thirty years experience in real estate, I joined William Means in March of 2004 in search of an experienced team of like minded professionals and I just celebrated my tenth anniversary with the firm. My fellow agents at William Means are people I am proud to work with. Our affiliation with Christie’s International gives me the support and resources I need to offer the very best service to my clients. I have been involved in luxury real estate throughout my career and have established a group of clients who recommend me to their friends and family.

My list of sold properties ranges from Lowndes Grove Plantation that sold in 2007 for $6,500,000 to a small duplex on Duncan Street with a sales price of $325,000. I have closed 105 properties since March of 2004, for a total of $115,581,282 with an average sales price of more than $1.1M. Don’t get me wrong, I still dabble with my art and can turn out a pretty good meal, but, it’s pretty clear to me that I’m much better at selling Charleston real estate.

Testimonials

A year ago, I had the good fortune to contact Elle Haynes regarding one of her downtown listings. Unfortunately, the listing was sold, but fortunately, I found Elle. One conversation on the phone, and I knew I would not be dealing with anyone else. Elle is very take-charge, can zero in on personal tastes immediately, has wonderful vision about what you can do to enhance a property, has numerous contacts, is a stickler for details, and a super-strong negotiator. She knows the answer when, in many cases, I didn't even know the question! Elle made my husband and I both feel that we had someone looking out for our best interests, and was vested in our getting the right home at the right price.
- Diane Talbert
This testimonial is to Elle who stayed close to us for the 2 1⁄2 years it took to sell our lovely home on the ocean. Elle’s style is professional and her manner is friendly. Examples of her high level of competency are that she arranged for a home inspection after we signed the purchase and sale agreement; oversaw needed repairs prior to closing; and thirdly, recommended an excellent attorney to represent us at closing. She has been a delight to work with and we both feel that we have been taken care of extremely well. We have already made one referral to Elle and would do so again and again.
- Jim & Judy Beale
Elle has been our realtor for the sale and purchase of our last three homes. She is professional and energetic, and knows the downtown Charleston market. She is also a great negotiator. 
- Elise Detterbeck
Working with Elle Haynes was wonderful! I chose her and William Means Real Estate because of all the positive things I had heard. Elle is very outstanding in every respect. She made selling our beloved Charleston "home away from home" an enjoyable experience in spite of having to bid it farewell after 15 wonderful years! Elle is the best and so is William Means.
- Dr. Suzanne Degni

Learn More

Favorite restaurant in Charleston and why?

I am often asked to name my favourite restaurant, but it really depends on the South Carolina favourite I am seeking, Pearl’s for oysters, Hall’s Chop House for steak, and Rue de Jean for mussels. Basil for great Thai food, SOL for Mexican, and SNOB for shrimp and grits. However, if I had to pick only one it would be LANGDONS in Mt. Pleasant, the chef owner Patrick Owens is one of the city's most accomplished chefs and his hands on approach to creating the ultimate dining experience ensures fine cuisine and superior service.

What do you think sets you apart as an agent?

My philosophy. I have a friend that recently retired from the automobile industry and he told me the key to his success was his motto, ”I don’t want to just sell you one automobile, I want to sell you every one you ever own.” To have that goal you must handle each transaction with the future in mind. Many of my clients have been with me since my Charleston career began in 2004, we have a relationship that goes beyond the transactions into friendship in this small community.

What are your favorite features of homes and why?

Each family puts a unique imprint on their home. I love to see a well designed home that also creates a comforting environment for family and friends.