Last Updated on June 4, 2026
Successful Lowcountry brokerage and property management company acquired by Carolinas’ real estate leader
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, the country’s No.1 family-owned and operated, independent real estate firm and the No.1 brokerage in the Carolinas, is proud to partner with Carolina Realty of the Lowcountry, on the opening of its Port Royal, S.C. office.
The Howard Hanna Allen Tate Port Royal S.C. office is conveniently located at 1841 Ribaut Road in Port Royal, S.C. The office serves clients throughout the S.C. Lowcountry, including Beaufort and Jasper counties and coastal Georgia and specializes in the listing and sale of primary homes, vacation/second homes and military relocation.
Carolina Realty of the Lowcountry was founded by John Aust in 2011, crafted from a vision to provide exceptional customer service and build on relationships established through his business, Complete Mobile Home and Home Repair, which he continues to operate.
The real estate arm of Aust’s company later moved to the Ribaut Road location and expanded to include 14 agents, who will join Howard Hanna Allen Tate in addition to Aust as part of the transition. Ciara Grant, branch leader of the Howard Hanna Allen Tate Beaufort office, will also serve as branch leader for the Port Royal office.
In 2025, Carolina Realty of the Lowcountry closed $430 million in sales.
The announcement marks Howard Hanna’s third acquisition in the Lowcountry in less than two years. In October 2024, the company acquired the Alliance Group Realty, and in August 2025, acquired Coastal Properties. Howard Hanna Allen Tate has six offices in the Lowcountry region, including Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head, Sun City/Okatie, Savannah and now, Port Royal, with 175 sales agents.
Howard Hanna Real Estate will also acquire the property management division of Carolina Realty of the Lowcountry.
Aust earned his real estate license in 2004 and was named 2025 Realtor of the Year by Beaufort-Jasper County Realtors. He was also inducted into the Realtor Political Action Committee Hall of Fame. A native of Illinois, Aust has lived in Beaufort for more than 40 years. He has two children and enjoys fishing, boating and travel.
“The real estate industry today looks very different than it did 20 years ago. To stay current and give both agents and consumers access to the latest technology and resources, it was time to partner with a company who does just that – Howard Hanna Allen Tate,” Aust said.
“John has built a strong company in Carolina Realty of the Lowcountry. We’re honored that he has chosen to partner with Howard Hanna Allen Tate as we continue to expand our presence in this area,” said Gary Scott, president of Howard Hanna Allen Tate Real Estate and Howard Hanna Southeast. “Our new office in Port Royal will allow us to extend our services to buyers and sellers who choose to make their home in the beautiful S.C. Lowcountry.”
“I’ve known and respected John and his team for many years, and I’m excited to welcome them as colleagues at Howard Hanna Allen Tate. I can’t wait to collaborate as we continue to grow and strengthen the Howard Hanna brand in the region,” said Karen Ryan, Lowcountry area leader, Howard Hanna Allen Tate Real Estate.
To contact an agent in the Howard Hanna Allen Tate Port Royal, S.C. office or for real estate career opportunities with Howard Hanna Allen Tate, call 843-379-6012,.
Howard Hanna Allen Tate Real Estate is the No. 1 real estate company in the Carolinas, with more than 80 offices and 2,000 agents serving communities across North and South Carolina and Georgia. As part of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, the largest family-owned and operated real estate company in the United States, Howard Hanna Allen Tate offers a full suite of real estate services, including mortgage, insurance, title and relocation. For more information, visit www.howardhannatate.com.
