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Get To Know Us

A lot has changed in Real Estate since our doors first opened in the late seventies. Lake Wylie, Clover, Fort Mill, Gastonia, and Charlotte have seen tremendous growth. But some things haven’t. Our agents are still top-notch - with lots of experience that put you as the focus of the transaction. We have always been a company about relationships. We are here to help you whether it is buying or selling or property management. 

We have wonderful experienced agents - some are even local Charlotteens-that can help. All of our agents are licensed in both states and can help you whether you are looking in Uptown Charlotte, NC, or downtown Rock Hill, SC. We believe in and use the latest and greatest technology. But, we also believe in old-fashioned customer service. We pride ourselves on staying in touch with our clients long after the transaction is over. We have also grown a very highly rated property management division that began in 2007. We were the First Real Estate company in Lake Wylie. But we hope we will also be the last real estate company you will need. Below is a short history of the company written by our former owner and dear friend John Wilkerson.

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In 1970, the Sea Pines Plantation Co. (The developer of Hilton Head, SC) purchased almost 900 acres of land on the SC side of Lake Wylie and built a residential/resort community to serve the Charlotte NC area. The community was named River Hills and contains 1100 home sites with an 18-hole golf course, a country club, tennis courts, and a boat slip marina. When the development of River Hills was completed in 1977, Sea Pines sold the real estate company River Hills Realty to John Wilkerson. The name has since been changed to First Properties of the Carolinas, Inc. 

In 1991, newly licensed Julie Van Slambrook interviewed for a job at First Properties with John Wilkerson. She was told she did not have the experience they required. She was 26 years old. She then signed with the largest local firm in Charlotte and went on to become one of their top-producing agents. Julie’s husband Kent joined her in real estate in 1998 and took the Van Slambrook Team, Inc. to the next level. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Julie and Kent, along with Karen Glenn, had a 10% market share on the NC (Steele Creek) side of Lake Wylie. They also sold a lot of homes in other parts of Charlotte and in South Carolina too. When John Wilkerson decided to sell the company in 2003, he thought that the Van Slambrooks were a great fit to purchase it, for this would create a company that had great expertise and knowledge on both NC and SC sides of Lake Wylie.

What Our Clients Say

If you are looking to buy a home, I’d highly recommend First Properties. Kent and his team made purchasing my first home a very enjoyable process. I started into the home-buying process very stressed and with a lot of questions, but quickly found that I had nothing to worry about. Kent explained everything very clearly, was patient and extremely helpful through the entire process of searching for the rig...

— Josh H.

What Our Clients Say

My relationship with First Properties began 12 years ago and is still my #1 resource for real estate needs. The relationships I have built with this company goes beyond purchasing a house. Every professional associated with First Properties is just that, a professional and leader in their field. From inspectors, appraisers, agents, and loan officers. I have recommended their services to everyone I know a...

— Anastasia C.

What Our Clients Say

Our experience with Karen Glenn and First Properties of the Carolinas was absolutely first rate. From the first contact to follow up after moving in, they made the process as painless as possible. We relocated from Illinois and most of our communication was through the phone and email. Our agent, Karen Glenn, actually went to the home we were considering and to photos and a video tour, before we travelle...

— Ray H.

What Our Clients Say

I've worked with First Properties of the Carolinas on two occasions over the last five years. Once to purchase a home and second to sell a home. So, I feel I've worked with them on both sides of the process and they did an excellent job each time. I have worked with two different agents, Karen and Janet, and both are wonderful. To me it shows the support they have behind them to be able to take the time ...

— Kirstie A.

What Our Clients Say

First Properties of the Carolinas has helped me find and purchase my dream home. Jennifer is an outstanding agent. She is very quick to communicate all happenings in the home-buying process. Even with all of her other clients, she has made me feel like my needs in the home-buying process are her top priority. I am not one to usually suggest services, but because of the outstanding service I’ve received, ...

— Tara D.

What Our Clients Say

Karen Glenn helped me through the sale of my home after my husband died. She worked tirelessly in helping me arrange a wonderful contractor to make needed repairs, a landscaper to improve curb appeal, and helped me find a lovely new home closer to my children. She was not just my Realtor®, she became a trusted friend who helped me navigate a difficult time. And, every person I interacted with at First Pr...

— Jan T.

What Our Clients Say

Karen gave a lot of time and energy when I first came to Charlotte almost 12 years ago. She is personable and shows great interest in her clients. She took me to several communities to find the right place for me as a single woman. Even when I found a townhouse For Sale By Owner, Karen willingly helped me as the Buyer and the Seller to come to an agreement and signed a contract. I have lived here all thi...

— Amy S.

What Our Clients Say

We worked with Karen Glenn to purchase our first home and really can’t say enough good things about her. She is knowledgeable, approachable, personable, endlessly patient, and incredibly generous with her time. Her honest feedback really helped make the process seamless. She answered every question and explained every form and every part of the process clearly and thoroughly. When we're ready to sell and...

— Ashley S.

What Our Clients Say

Kent Van Slambrook is great to work with. He listens to what you want as a client and works diligently to find those elements in your new home in the area you would like to be in. He was great at selling both mine and my husband's homes very quickly so we could move into our dream home together. I highly recommend him and his team if you are looking to buy or sell your home.

— Allison W.

What Our Clients Say

Karen is awesome. She treated me like family. I could tell she cared just as much as I did about making sure I bought a house within my price range and in a good neighborhood. She was very thorough and made my first homebuying experience a breeze.

— Erin F.

What Our Clients Say

First Properties of the Carolinas has helped me manage my rental properties for over 5 years. Michelle is always a pleasure to work with. I recommend this business if you are looking for a great property manager to assist with your residential rental properties.

— Bryan H.

What Our Clients Say

They were such nice people to work with! They made this process amazingly easy and smooth especially since we were working with them remotely. Not only did they take care of selling the house, they also made sure our tenant vacated the property, and made sure the house was in sellable condition. All the while assuring us every step of the way!

— Charlene H.

What Our Clients Say

I've worked with Michelle Human over many years and have to say she has just been such a pleasure to work with. We have never lived close to the state our home is in and she has ensured we get nothing but great renters in and ensures our home is taken care of while we are not there. She always puts our property a priority and works with us when we need a repair or upgrade. When you live outside the state...

— Stacy M.

What Our Clients Say

As someone moving from out of state, we had all of the typical hurdles to jump over. Unfamiliar with the area? Absolutely. Paperless Log In Unsure of which property management companies to work with on a rental? Even more so given the national chain congestion and the myriad of call-trees and expensive application fees. On a tight timeline with properties renting in days? Definitely. Get more reviews And...

— Logan C.

What Our Clients Say

Wow - a realtor that gets it. Julie went above and beyond - great patience and guidance. After using First Properties for property management for over 10 years we teamed up with Julie when it came to time to sell. Super knowledgeable and great contacts for repairs or any other needs. HIGHLY recommend!

— Forest S.

What Our Clients Say

Wonderful experience! Kent handled our sale and purchase with warmth and competence. It was a joy for our whole family to work with him. Highly recommend Kent to anyone buying or selling the Lake Wylie area!

— Caleb S.

What Our Clients Say

Kent is truly one of a kind. We have moved 5 times and lived in 5 states. Kent became more than just our realtor. He has become a great friend. This is our 2nd home he has helped us with and you never have to worry that he is not looking out for your best interest.

— Eric S.

What Our Clients Say

Kent, was very straightforward with us during our search. He pointed out things that we would not have noticed as well as what may turn into future problems. Communication with him was very professional and open with him being willing to travel to various locations in a day for viewings. We’re very thankful for his knowledge in the field and with negotiations.

— Erica G.

What Our Clients Say

Kent patiently showed us homes for over a year. His knowledge of the area was extremely valuable as we decided on our exact location on Lake Wylie. He was honest, knowledgeable and always accessible. We could not be happier and highly recommend him.

— Carol B.

What Our Clients Say

I’ve been a client of Kent for over 20 years. He has helped buy & sell multiple houses. Professional, knowledgeable, and fun to work with! Kent sold our last house in less than 24 hours for above asking price!

— Hunter B.

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First Properties of the Carolinas, Inc.

(803) 746-5155

[email protected]



1 Executive Court
Lake Wylie, SC 29710