Today we’d like to introduce you to Eli Harris.
Hi Eli, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I can obviously dive deeper into some of these stories but this should give you a good 30,000 ft view.
I’m Eli Harris — a Beaufort-based Realtor with The Greco Group (brokered by eXp Realty), short-term rental owner, and founder of Bespoke Beaufort, a boutique property-management company focused on unique, design-forward homes in the Lowcountry. None of this was a straight line, but in hindsight, the path makes perfect sense.
I’ve always had an eye for homes and design. My mom and I used to ride around looking at houses for fun, and I’d come home and sketch different versions of my “dream house.” Even now, when I walk into a space, I immediately start seeing what it could be — what walls to open, how to create warmth, where those one-of-a-kind Facebook Marketplace finds belong. But I grew up far from the world I’m in today. My hometown is Sandersville, Georgia — population ~5,000 — and from early on I knew I wanted something bigger.
I went to the University of Georgia and graduated in 2010 with a business degree mostly because I didn’t know what I wanted to do. The job market was rough, and I happened to land a sales role at a Fortune 500 company in Washington, D.C. That job led to 11 more years in tech sales and account management between NYC and San Francisco — with an 18-month break in the middle where I traveled the world with two travel companies, trying to shake off the 9-to-5 “golden handcuffs.”
Eventually, I hit the point where I knew I wanted real estate to be my life. The funny part is: I literally manifested getting laid off so I’d finally have the push to go for it. In September 2022, an email went out that 10–15% of the company was being laid off. I had a five-minute meeting scheduled with HR a few hours later, and I knew what was coming. I felt the ego punch, sure — but by the time that meeting happened, I had already enrolled in my real estate course. I finished it in four to five weeks. If the opportunity came, I wasn’t going to let it pass.
My parents always say I’m the “luckiest” person they know, but I’ve never believed in luck without work. My mantra has always been: luck is where preparation meets opportunity — and you have to be brave enough to seize it. When I wanted to work in tech in NYC, I put a New York address on my résumé even though I lived in South Carolina. When they asked for an in-person interview, I packed a suitcase and stayed on a friend’s couch in his East Village studio for three weeks. When a San Francisco company wanted to do a final interview over Zoom, I told them I’d “already be in town” and booked a flight. I brought two suitcases to my parents’ house in case the offer came through — and it did.
I share all that because my childhood had its challenges, and I had to grow up quickly. I know what both sides of the railroad tracks feel like, and I promised myself I’d never go back. That mentality fuels everything I do today.
Since getting my real estate license, I’ve been with The Greco Group and eXp Realty and haven’t looked back. I’ll finish the year with around 40 transactions. I also launched Bespoke Beaufort, a boutique short-term rental management company focused on curated, design-driven homes. I own several short-term rentals myself and completed a renovation this year that opened my eyes even more to what’s possible.
I can see the momentum building. I’m growing, expanding, and only getting started. I have more projects in the pipeline, more homes to transform, and more stories to tell — and I’m grateful every day that I get to build a life that combines design, hospitality, hard work, and a little bit of that “luck” I create for myself.
This is just the beginning.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not a smooth road. I don’t think anyone who ends up on an unconventional path gets there without some bumps, and mine started early. I’ve seen both sides of the railroad tracks, literally and figuratively. I grew up in a home where one parent went through a complete collapse — mentally, financially, spiritually, career-wise — and when that happens, the whole family feels it. There were years with no heating or cooling in parts of the house, stretches of living in a camper, moments where jail was part of the story. At the time, as a kid, you don’t fully understand how unusual or unhealthy certain situations are. You just adapt. But as I got older, I realized how much of that was not normal, and I made a very clear promise to myself that I would never go back to that version of life.
Those experiences stick with you — the instability, the fear, the uncertainty — but weirdly, they also became fuel. I think not knowing what I didn’t know actually helped me in the moment. It didn’t break me because I didn’t yet have the context to understand how bad it really was. But exposure and experiences later in life gave me the contrast. I got to see what stability looked like. I got to travel. I got to meet people with completely different lives and opportunities. And that opened my eyes in a way that changed everything.
So no, the road hasn’t been smooth. But those early struggles are exactly why I work so hard now. They’re why I take risks, why I jump at opportunities, why I push myself. That chapter of my life isn’t something I hide — it’s something that shaped me. And honestly, I’m grateful for it, because it made me hungry, resilient, and deeply aware of the life I want to build.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Bespoke Beaufort and my real estate business really grew out of the same belief: homes should create a feeling — and the process of buying, selling, or staying in one should feel personal, intentional, and elevated.
With Bespoke Beaufort, I’m redefining what short-term stays look like in the Beaufort area. We focus on design-forward, unique spaces that spark excitement the moment a guest opens the door. Every home has its own personality, and I love bringing that out through thoughtful details, curated touches, and a level of hospitality where guests feel taken care of every step of the way. It’s not just a place to sleep — it’s an experience.
The same mindset applies to my work as a Realtor with The Greco Group/eXp Realty. I’m not interested in simply helping someone buy or sell a property. I want to help people build wealth, think creatively, and see what’s truly possible. Whether it’s structuring financing in a way that opens new doors, reimagining a layout to make a home functional and inspiring, or spotting an investment opportunity someone didn’t even realize was there — that’s where I thrive.
What sets me apart is the level of authenticity I bring to everything I do. I’m not the blazer-and-khakis agent. My clients always know exactly who they’re getting: me. Genuine. Honest. Creative. And fully invested. I build real relationships because that’s the foundation of everything — trust, growth, and long-term success.
What I want readers to know is this:
Whether you’re staying in one of my properties or working with me as your Realtor, you’re getting someone who truly cares about the details, the outcome, and the experience. My brand is built on authenticity, creativity, and a deep commitment to helping people feel at home — in whatever way that means for them.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is to seize opportunities and never back myself into a corner where I can’t pivot. Life changes fast. Careers change, circumstances change, people change. The ability to adapt has been the single biggest factor in every step of my journey.
I learned early on that being nimble is a superpower. I’ve lived a lot of different lives, from corporate sales to tech to traveling the world to real estate and now running a boutique property management company. I’ve found success in each one because I refuse to stay stuck. I pay attention to openings, I trust my instincts, and when an opportunity presents itself, I move.
We talk a lot about stability, but I think one of the most beautiful things about life is that it happens in seasons. You’re not meant to stay the same forever. Being adaptable allows you to step into new chapters with confidence instead of fear.
So if there’s one lesson that guides me, it’s this:
Stay nimble. Stay curious. Say yes when the door cracks open because that’s usually where the best chapters begin.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bespokebeaufort.com
- Instagram: eli_harris
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@noblueprinteli
