At Sea Star Realty, we specialize in providing exceptional real estate services along South Carolina’s beautiful coast. Our vacation rentals offer everything from cozy beach condos to luxurious oceanfront homes. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat in a hammock by the ocean or an action-packed vacation with activities such as parasailing, we have the perfect accommodations to meet your needs. Our rental inventory features a wide range of amenities, including private swimming pools, deep water docks, elevators, and pet-friendly options. We ensure your stay is the best it can be, whether it is for a weeklong vacation or for a lifetime in your dream home.
Who We Are
We’re a team of local experts passionate about sharing the best of the Grand Strand. Our personal approach to service means no hidden fees, no surprise charges—just honest, friendly service. We believe in creating lasting relationships with our homeowners, guests, and community by ensuring each stay is a success, whether it’s a short-term vacation rental or a long-term home purchase.
What We Do
We serve homeowners by maximizing their property’s potential, providing guests with unforgettable vacation experiences, and helping buyers and sellers navigate the local real estate market. In addition, we work closely with real estate and hospitality industry experts, building partnerships to enhance our customers and clients experience. We are full-service with local knowledge that makes for a seamless transaction, from home sales to vacation rentals!
Who We Serve
From vacationing families to homeowners, real estate professionals, and the local community, Sea Star Realty is here for everyone. We provide personalized vacation experiences for guests and profitable management solutions for property owners. We also assist buyers and sellers in making informed decisions about real estate along the Grand Strand. Our deep connection to the community fuels our commitment to delivering top-tier service across all areas we touch.
Meet the Team
Robert Gates
Broker-In-Charge & Owner
Charles Robert Gates, Jr., Rob, has a Civil Engineering degree from Clemson University. After graduating college, Rob started his career in the construction industry, where he successfully operated a road and underground utility business. While in construction, Rob established many other support businesses including a residential and commercial development company, a trucking firm, a commercial landscaping operation, and a pine plantation farm. These businesses completed projects throughout South Carolina and included working with several nationally recognized builders and contractors, in additional to countless federal, state and local municipalities. Some of these clients included Honda Motor Company, Verizon, SCE&G, University of South Carolina, SCDOT, US Department of Housing & Urban Development, City of Columbia, City of Georgetown, and many others.
Real estate transactions were heavily involved in Rob's construction and development businesses, which quickly lead to a real estate career also. The love of the South Carolina Coast, brought Rob and his family here permanently. After serving as broker-in-charge over sales for a small firm in Garden City Beach, Rob's entrepreneurial nature led him to start his own brokerage firm, Sea Star Realty. Today, Rob has over 20 years of experience in real estate from sales to property management.
Dawn Gates
Owner & Realtor
Dawn Bowden Gates earned a Graphic Communications degree from Clemson University, and started her career in the printing and marketing industry. Her husband's background in engineering, along with a family history of construction, led them into that field of business. After becoming a SC licensed contractor and serving as CEO of their construction firm, Dawn earned certification as a Woman-Owned Business Entity. Their construction business held an Unlimited SC Contractor's License and was a two time winner of the Contractor of the Year Safety Award. Dawn built an impressive client list while in construction, including nationally recognized companies, such as Honda, DuPont, Verizon, SCE&G, US Steeplechase Association, FedEx, and more.
Numerous residential and commercial development projects inspired Dawn to become a licensed Realtor to handle land acquisitions as well as marketing and selling of the finished product firsthand. Owning many beach home rentals in the area over the past two decades afforded Dawn the opportunity to learn the vacation rental business firsthand from an owners perspective. Having been a client of many local realtors and property managers, Dawn quickly realized the need for something better. Dawn is proud to be a founder, owner, and realtor for Sea Star Realty.
Contact Dawn today for a unique approach to property management with the homeowners interest at the forefront. Dawn's vast experience can effectively guide you, whether in real estate sales or management of a vacation home.
Taylor Hayslett
Office Manager
(843)651-1000
Taylor Hayslett is a licensed property manager with many years experience in the vacation rental industry. Her extensive knowledge along with the highest level of professionalism that she exudes, quickly earned her the position of Office Manager for Sea Star Realty. Taylor is always eager and available to assist guests and property owners alike, from insuring guests have a memorable beach vacation to advising homeowners of strategies to maximize rental income. Outside of work, Taylor enjoys shoe shopping and beach days with her husband and children.
Airanna Perez
Licensed Property Manager
(843)651-1000
Being a South Carolina native, Airanna graduated from Georgetown High School in the spring of 2021 and is continuing her education with a major in business. After gaining experience at Sea Star Realty, Airanna is now a licensed property manager. Her outgoing personality and eagerness to be a real estate professional have made Airanna a go-to contact for client assistance. Airanna enjoys assisting and showing constant availability to guests to ensure they have a memorable vacation. Outside of work, Airanna enjoys shopping, the beach, reading her bible, and spending time with family.
Sarah McKenzie
Reservationist
(843)651-1000
Sarah is a South Carolina native with over 10 years of experience in the vacation rental industry. Using her local expertise, Sarah enjoys working with guests to make their stay unforgettable. Spending time with her family, friends, and puppy at the beach, movies, or watching football are some of Sarah's favorite things to do outside of work.
Stephanie Petersohn
Reservationist
(843)651-1000
Stephanie Petersohn is a member of our office team who assists guests and homeowners alike. Originally from New York, Stephanie fell in love with South Carolina when visiting and made the big move south a few years ago. With over 10-years experience in customer service, Stephanie offers sharp communication skills and attentiveness to our clients. In her free time, she loves to read, listen to music, explore the area and spend time with friends and family.