🌳 From Raw Land to Dream Home: The DeFoor Realty Story
Why You Get More Than an Agent—You Get Our Family
At DeFoor Realty, we often say that when you work with us, you don’t just get one agent; you get the benefit of decades of experience and a family that has helped shape the landscape of the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA).
If you’re new to the area, or just new to us, we invite you to learn why our approach to real estate is rooted in deep local history, specialized expertise, and an unwavering commitment to teamwork.
Chapter 1: The Foundation in the Land (1973 – 1980)
Our story begins not with selling houses, but with understanding the land.
In 1973, our founder, Lloyd DeFoor, started working with his father-in-law, John D. Eubank, focusing exclusively on buying and selling large and small acreage tracts in Columbia County. This led to the formation of DEW Land Development.
By 1980, Lloyd recognized a new need: the demand for re-sales of the properties they had developed. With that shift, DeFoor Realty was officially formed. This heritage—coming from land development first—gives us a profound advantage. We don’t just see a lot; we see its potential, its limitations, and its true value, from timber management to future development.
Chapter 2: The Family Grows (Mid-1990s – Today)
What started with Lloyd DeFoor and John D. Eubank quickly became a true family business, ensuring that our core values would be passed down and upheld:
- John DeFoor (Broker) joined the team in the mid-1990s, bringing years of building experience from DeFoor Construction, which he had formed. This hands-on construction knowledge allows us to spot things other agents miss.
- Jeff DeFoor (Realtor, Investor, and Consultant) joined in 2008, strengthening our comprehensive market knowledge.
- Christie DeFoor (Realtor, Marketing Director) joined in 2011 bringing her background in television journalism, advertising sales, photography and event planning to the team.
- Along with our dedicated agents and staff, the DeFoor name represents a legacy of service, expertise, and community commitment in the CSRA.
As we grew, we made a conscious decision: we would stay smaller to “Do it right instead of doing it too big.” This philosophy is why we emphasize treating clients exactly the way we treat our own family.
Chapter 3: Becoming the CSRA Specialists
While we successfully handle residential sales across the entire CSRA, we have become the dominant player in two key niches:
🌊 Lake Thurmond (Clarks Hill Lake) Properties
We intentionally sought to become the experts in lakefront living. Growing up near the water gave us a natural passion, which we combined with deep, specialized knowledge of property lines, dock permitting, and lake-area nuances. If you’re looking for the lake lifestyle, you’re looking for a DeFoor agent.
🌳 Acreage and Development
From recreational tracts to new neighborhood development, our roots allow us to maximize the potential of land for both buyers and sellers. We guide clients through zoning, feasibility, and construction, making the process of building your custom home seamless.
The DeFoor Difference: It’s All in the Team
Our agents work together as a synchronized team. When you list your home or begin your property search with us, you are leveraging our collective experience and specialized knowledge. As one client shared, “It felt like working with family who truly had our best interests at heart.”
Our goal isn’t just the transaction; it’s the relationship. We are here to serve the community, whether you are buying your first home, finding the perfect piece of land, or finally making the move to the lake.
We look forward to telling the next chapter of the DeFoor Realty story—with you in it.
Ready to start your real estate journey with a team that knows the land best? Start Your Journey with D4 Realty.
