Debbie Sayce Elliott, a 61-year-old realtor with Campbell and Company, powered by Keller Williams Preferred, brings decades of experience, a love for her work, and a genuine enthusiasm for people to her role. Having earned her real estate license in July 2020, Debbie’s transition into real estate was a natural one. With a 35-year background in marketing and PR, where real estate was often her niche, she had already worked extensively with builders, developers, and brokerage firms. Her unique expertise in communications, combined with the work ethic of a former business owner, made her exceptionally well-prepared for her real estate career.

Debbie began her real estate career as an independent agent with Nest Realty in Wilmington, NC, a boutique brokerage known for its creative marketing and community-centered culture. In 2022, she and her husband, John, moved full-time to John’s Hometown of Camden, SC, where she joined the local real estate market. “I hung my license with Nest Realty out of Greenville SC but I wanted to be more engaged with the Camden community,” Debbie explains. Drawn to Campbell and Company’s expertise in historic, luxury, and equestrian properties, she reached out to Jeanene Campbell, team lead for Campbell and Company and joined the team in April 2023. “Jeanene has been an inspiration and mentor,” she shares. “Her market knowledge, reputation, and work ethic set, a high bar for the team.” As a member of this dynamic four-person team, Debbie enjoys bringing the same passion and professionalism she valued in her previous career.

Debbie’s approach to real estate is built on a foundation of listening and understanding her clients’ evolving needs. “I ask lots of questions to determine buyers’ must-haves, which often change as we tour homes,” she says. A relentless networker, she actively participates in the Camden community through local clubs and activities, often hearing about properties before they hit the market. Her marketing background also plays a major role in her success. “Creativity has always been at the heart of my work,” she explains. “It’s about finding solutions where others don’t think to look.”

One memorable success story highlights Debbie’s skills as both a negotiator and problem solver. As the former owner of her own PR agency, Talk, Inc., where she specialized in crisis management, Debbie is adept at handling unexpected issues that may arise in real estate. “Emotions can run high,” she notes, “and my job is to find solutions that instill confidence and protect my clients’ best interests.”

A Camden resident, Debbie is committed to supporting her community. She donates 5% of each commission to PAALS (Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services), a nonprofit that provides assistance dogs to individuals with disabilities. In 2023, she proudly donated over $10,000 to PAALS. “Dogs are my passion,” Debbie shares, “and being able to support their work is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my job.”

Outside of work, Debbie and her husband, John, enjoy exploring South Carolina, boating on Lake Wateree, and spending time with their two dogs, Keeper and River. Originally from “Little” Washington, North Carolina, Debbie has always loved the small-town charm of Camden. “We’ve owned a home on Lake Wateree since 2001 but when we decided to move here full-time, we built downtown in the Historic District. Now we enjoy everything downtown Camden has to offer and our lake house is just 20 minutes away. Debbie’s love for life shines through her hobbies: she’s an avid reader, tennis player, gardener, and baker who also delights in puns and dad jokes.

Looking to the future, Debbie hopes to continue building her real estate business before eventually transitioning into a referral-based role. She encourages aspiring agents to embrace the journey with patience, resilience, and an openness to hard work. Her advice to others? “There are no traffic jams along the extra mile,” a favorite quote by Roger Staubach, which captures her approach to life and work perfectly.

In the end, Debbie hopes to be remembered as a successful realtor who brought people joy through her work and friendships. “Success,” she reflects, “is about working hard, giving back, and finding happiness every day in what you do.”