Living Down South Realty

6770 Reed Creek Highway, Hartwell, GA 30643
  •   5   (218 reviews)

Meet the team

Get to know the 17 agents at Living Down South Realty.

Laury and Vic Down South
Laury and Vic Down South

Owner / Broker

  5   (36 reviews)
About Laury and Vic Down South
We are the Founders of Living Down South Realty. Prior to founding our company, Laury was the Managing Broker of several offices of a national franchise while Vic was the VP of Sales for a multi-national corporation. With 25 years of experience, Laury proudly serves as the Managing Partner of our prominent independent multi-state real estate firm. Her leadership extends beyond the firm. She has had the privilege of serving as the President of two local REALTOR® associations and serves on the Georgia Association of REALTORS® Statewide Professional Standards Committee , demonstrating her commitment to shaping the industry. Guy is an accomplished sales, operations and business development leader with a proven track record in building high performing teams. He is a results-driven individual who drives top-line revenue and bottom line profitability through innovation, professional development strategies, and strong business acumen. Specializing in waterfront, residential, and luxury properties, we bring unparalleled expertise to assist clients in realizing their real estate aspirations. We reside in the scenic North Georgia region and we serve clients across Georgia and South Carolina. Our careers are a testament to our unwavering dedication to helping individuals and families navigate their real estate journeys with professionalism, integrity, and a genuine commitment to their success. Working as a team for our clients, we provide exceptional service and work hard to ensure that every deal gets to the closing table. Expertise and Designations: Lake, Land, Luxury & Residential CRS – Certified Residential Specialist PSA – Certified Pricing Strategy Advisor CLHMS™ GUILD – Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist™ – GUILD Recognition RSPS - Resort and Second Home Property Specialist Areas Served: Upstate, SC: Anderson, Seneca, Fair Play, Lakes Hartwell & Keowee Northeast, GA: Hartwell, Athens, Clarkesville, Commerce, Clayton Metro Atlanta: Braselton, Buford, Cumming, Alpharetta, Lake Lanier North Georgia: Blue Ridge, Blairsville, Ellijay Lifestyles Served: Mountain Living Lake Living Fairway Living Residential Living Barn & Land Living
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Melissa Smith
Melissa Smith

REALTOR®

  5   (34 reviews)
About Melissa
Melissa Smith is an Associate Broker & REALTOR® with Living Down South Realty. Being licensed in both South Carolina and Georgia, she serves Northeast Georgia and Western Upstate South Carolina including Lake Hartwell and Lake Keowee. Living Down South Realty is excited to have Melissa on board delivering an unyielding desire to produce results for her clients and her customers. Melissa’s real estate career began in 2005 with a goal of achieving the perfect work-family balance. However, she quickly realized the great pleasure which comes from helping others achieve their dream of home ownership. A graduate of Clemson University, Melissa earned her Bachelor of Science in Marketing and later earned her Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice at North Georgia Technical College. Prior to real estate, Melissa worked in Administrative Services for Clemson University and later as a Probation Officer in the State of Georgia with the Northern Judicial Circuit. Combining her real estate experience, education, and diligence with her diverse knowledge of the area cultures and lifestyles, Melissa is an experienced choice for anyone seeking the services of a real estate professional that has honed her skills over the years to best guide her clients through the often emotional transaction. Whether selling or buying, Melissa is dedicated to making the process easy and smooth for her clients. Melissa is often heard by family, friends, and colleagues saying, “That’s not a problem, it’s an opportunity.” Melissa and her husband have three children and an ever-growing crew of grandchildren and fur babies . When not serving her real estate clients, Melissa enjoys spending time with friends and family, and overall, loving their lake living lifestyle.
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Michelle VanHemert Branton
Michelle VanHemert Branton

Associate Broker / REALTOR®

  5   (33 reviews)
About Michelle
Michelle VanHemert Branton is a REALTOR® with Living Down South who currently serves clients in Northeast Georgia and South Carolina. Living Down South is excited to partner with Michelle, who has an unyielding passion to help those seeking a residential, lake, barn & land, or mountain lifestyle. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Michelle has also lived in Colorado and Nevada before making the Peach State her home. A graduate of the University of Nevada Las Vegas, Michelle obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Financial Administration with a minor in Sociology. Upon moving to Georgia, Michelle enrolled at the University of Georgia where she earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work. In addition to her higher education achievements, Michelle has also earned an Interior Design Certificate as well as had extensive training in Real Estate Investment. Considering her combination of industry experience, education, competencies, work ethic, and love for helping others, Michelle is a winning choice for anyone seeking a true professional to lead a real estate engagement. When not selling real estate, Michelle serves as Vice Chairperson on the Executive Board for the Northeast Georgia Animal Shelter, participates in various charity and raising awareness events, and enjoys yoga, reading, Sudoku, and rescuing animals. In their free time, Michelle and her Husband Jeff, who is a Regional Manager for a multi-national tool company, can be found traveling, boating, playing on the lake with friends, keeping up with their daughter Taylor, who is a Accountant with a company who provides 360 feedback surveys for corporate leadership, or chasing down their rescue dog, Smitty.
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Diane Cheatham
Diane Cheatham

REALTOR®

  5   (29 reviews)
About Diane
Diane Cheatham is a Principal and REALTOR® with Living Down South Realty and serves as its Fine Living, Luxury, and Residential consultant serving Northeast Georgia including Gainesville, Braselton, Dacula, Auburn, Buford, Flowery Branch, Jefferson, Suwanee and Duluth. Living Down South is excited to have Diane on board executing unwavering passion to deliver results for her clients and customers. Growing up in Norcross, Ga by way of New York State, Diane received her BS in Education from Brenau University and later earned her Masters Degree in Education. Upon graduation, she served as an elementary school teacher for 13 years focusing on 3rd grade students and Science. Always being fascinated with the real estate industry along with a continued desire to help others, Diane made a career change and became a licensed real estate professional in 2013. Since then, Diane became a Member of the Institute of Luxury Marketing and has earning her Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist designation. As a CLHMS, Diane’s fine living buyers and sellers are assured she has the knowledge, unique skills, and actionable strategies to exceed their goals. Combining her education and knowledge in real estate with her experience in service and diligence, Diane is well positioned to deliver results for those seeking to buy or sell a fine living, residential or luxury lifestyle. At home and in the office, Diane can often be heard saying, “Nothing feels better than helping others obtain home ownership.” Diane and her husband Allen have an amazing daughter Eliza, a Maltipoo named Toby and a cat named Frankie. When not selling real estate, Diane and Allen love spending time with family and friends, attending church events and services at Hebron Baptist Church, and watching their favorite sports teams: Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Braves, & the Clemson Tigers. In her free time, Diane loves to plan and take family trips and fuel her hobby in photography.
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Amy Bruce
Amy Bruce

REALTOR®

  5   (25 reviews)
About Amy
Amy Bruce is a REALTOR® with Living Down South Realty™ who is currently licensed in Georgia and South Carolina and serves clients in Northeast Georgia and Western Upstate South Carolina including Hart, Franklin, Elbert, and Stephens, Counties in Georgia and Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens Counties in South Carolina. Living Down South™ is excited to partner with Amy who has a steadfast desire to produce results for her clients and customers. Born and raised and currently living in Hartwell, Georgia, Amy earned her real estate license out of a desire to further serve others after beginning her career in real estate by working as an administrator for a well established brokerage in North Georgia. Prior to real estate, Amy was a Detention Center Officer for the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office in Georgia where she enforced all institutional policies, rules, and regulations and applied acute diligence with executing all standard operating procedures. Today, Amy services clients and customers who are looking to buy or sell a Residential Living, Lake Living, or Barn and Land Living Lifestyle. Combining her seasoned real estate experience with her impeccable service, communication skills and attention to detail, Amy is a winning choice for anyone seeking a true professional to lead a real estate engagement. Amy is frequently heard by her friends, family and colleagues saying, “Life is all about choices…There is always a consequence, but whether it’s a good or bad depends on the choice you make.” Amy has 4 wonderful grown children, Lane who owns a tree service, Jerryd who is a Music Education Major at Georgia State University, Jett who is an Elementary School Teacher, and Macy who is a Computer Science Major at Georgia State University. When and when not selling real estate, Amy is an Advisor for the Jennifer Autumn Cobb foundation and in her free time, she and her significant other Mike enjoy traveling, Jeeping, hiking, spending time with friends and family and playing with their Teacup Yorkie, Link.
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Kristin Joyner
Kristin Joyner

REALTOR® / Broker / Owner

  5   (22 reviews)
About Kristin
Kristin Joyner is an Operating Partner, Georgia Qualifying Broker, & Relocation Director for Living Down South Realty and is responsible for compliance, coaching, recruitment, and overseeing all brokerage engagements and sales transactions for our firm. Living Down South is blessed to have Kristin on board applying her high level of competence and business acumen, community outreach, and thought leadership to all aspects of our organization. Growing up in Athens, Georgia, it’s only fitting that Kristin graduated from the University of Georgia in Athens where she earned her degree in Education and is also life-long Dawg fan. While attending college, Kristin took her real estate salesperson class and managed a large multi-unit apartment complex. Upon graduation, Kristin realized that a career in real estate was her calling. With 29 years of real estate industry experience, Kristin loves mentoring others through the most expensive purchase they will ever make. “I have always enjoyed helping others and with each transaction, I learn something new.” As the Living Down South Managing Broker, Kristin also contributes unique problem-solving skills. She believes that “when compassion and understanding occur, all problems can be solved.” She has recently completed The Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation. This designation is recognized by the National Association of REALTORS. To hold the GRI designation REALTORS must: Have pursued a course of study that represents the minimum common body of knowledge for progressive real estate professionals; Have developed a solid foundation of knowledge and skills to navigate the current real estate climate—no matter what it’s condition; Are recognized nationally; Act with professionalism and are committed to serving their clients and customers with the highest ethical standards. In addition to real estate, Kristin has always been open to new and different interests. She is a board-certified health and wellness coach and holds a master’s degree in yoga therapy. Kristin teaches for Emory University Health and Wellness Coaching certification program and provides yoga therapy for the Veterans Administration and Lake Hartwell Yoga. When not Brokering, Kristin and her husband Raymond who currently live in Northeast, GA on Lake Hartwell can be found boating and relaxing on their dock listening to dock tunes, attending UGA Football games, or catching up with their grown kids Marilynn and Ray. They have 3 ‘second chance’ mutts, Lilly, Mini-Man, and Bella, and an adopted prison kitty, Emmy. In her free time, Kristin can be found on the lake teaching paddleboard yoga in the best-looking yoga studio in Georgia.
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About us

Mission Our MISSION is to deliver industry leadership, innovation, and results to every buyer and seller across all real estate channels, one transaction at a time. Vision Our VISION is to enrich the lives of our clients far beyond the purchase price by reinventing a future of how buyers and sellers make a move.

Our reviews

  5  
217 reviewsacross 50 different locations, showing 6.
Our qualities as told by our client reviews: attentive, dedicated, well-prepared, friendly, responsive, clear communication, local expert.
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Buyer review
A very kind, caring, patient and persistent Agent
6 days ago
A very kind, caring, patient and persistent Agent

We highly recommend Laura! She is the absolute most kind and patient agent. She listened to our wants and needs and was persistent in finding us exactly what we were looking for. She did exactly that and We are well pleased with our purchase and we will recommend her to any and everybody we talk to. The best experience ever.

Laura Williams

Laura Williams

  5   (14 reviews)
Buyer review
Knowledgeable and professional, enhanced with character and humor.
14 days ago
Knowledgeable and professional, enhanced with character and humor.

Michelle was always very prompt to reply to us, and always provided us with any type of support that we requested. She was never hesitant to research for our queries, and to offer her professional advice. She seemed very sincere in providing us with the best possible support, and was just as eager to help at the conclusion as at the start. She accepted our indecisiveness and frequent requests as if it was a normal part of the process. I believe that her fee was well earned and she made for us what was a very difficult ordeal into a manageable and mostly enjoyable experience. She represented us with both selling and buying, and having her made us feel both protected and confident.

Michelle VanHemert Branton

Michelle VanHemert Branton

  5   (33 reviews)
Buyer review
Absolutely wonderful person who knows Real Estate!
16 days ago
Absolutely wonderful person who knows Real Estate!

I was referred to Kristin Joyner by the Realtor that sold our neighbor's house here in Maine. My wife and I moved to Maine in 2002. Unfortunately we are no longer able to deal with the winters here in Maine, so we decided to move south. I did a lot of research and we decided to move either to South Carolina or Georgia. We decided that I would go down and look around. Kristin met me at my motel in Anderson, SC on July 22. We had talked on the phone about what we were looking for prior to my arrival, and Kristin already had four houses lined up for me to see. Over the course of the next four days we looked at quite a few more. Kristin taught me I a lot about buying a house. Right off the bat I learned what to look for. With her guidance I found that I was primarily focused on the things that made me "like" the house and that I was overlooking important things that could cost us a lot of money down the road. I found a house that I absolutely loved! Then Kristin pointed out signs of water leaking down two walls in a bedroom and a "bubble" in the middle of the living room floor. Then there was the 1994 HVAC! Needless to say I stayed closer to Kristin and payed more attention to the things SHE was looking at! As I said in the title of this little accolade Kristin is an absolutely wonderful person. Inasmuch as there was a good deal of driving between the rural homes we were looking at we had lots of time to talk - and we talked a lot! Kristin is extremely intelligent and has a great sense of humor. By the second day I had a new friend as well as an agent. When we found OUR house Kristin went to work on the offer. Her negotiating skills are top notch. She was able to secure a very favorable closing price. She even negotiated a sum of money to help me remove a huge dead tree at the corner of the garage and a whole home warranty. I don't have near the room to give all my reasons to hire Kristin Joyner but if you need a Realtor, I think she's the best!

Kristin Joyner

Kristin Joyner

  5   (22 reviews)
Buyer review
Always enjoy working with Diane!
19 days ago
Always enjoy working with Diane!

Diane has helped us buy and sell on many occasions. She will go over and beyond to help her clients. She is professional, highly knowledgeable and a great communicator.

Diane Cheatham

Diane Cheatham

  5   (29 reviews)
Buyer review
Great Realtor! Even Better Person!
19 days ago
Great Realtor! Even Better Person!

We couldn’t have asked for a better realtor than Laura Williams! She was extremely helpful, honest, and forthright throughout the entire home-buying process. Laura always had our family’s best interests in mind and made sure we understood everything along the way. She went above and beyond to take care of us, answered our questions, kept us informed, and worked hard to make sure we got the home we wanted and the deal we were comfortable with. We always felt like Laura was in our corner and genuinely cared about helping our family find the right home. If you’re looking for a realtor who is knowledgeable, trustworthy, responsive, and truly willing to go the extra mile for her clients, we highly recommend Laura Williams. We are incredibly grateful for everything she did for our family!

Laura Williams

Laura Williams

  5   (14 reviews)
Seller review
Great job. Excellent communication
21 days ago
Great job. Excellent communication

Great job. Excellent communication through out the process.

Laury and Vic Down South

Laury and Vic Down South

  5   (36 reviews)
Show all 217 reviews
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Our properties

Living Down South Realty has 125 properties for sale and sold 221 properties in the last 12 months, showing 4, sorted by most recent activity

For Sale
$1,710,000
601 Early Drive
Reed Creek GA 30643
4
4
4
Single-Family
Listing courtesy of Living Down South Realty
For Sale
$823,000
660 Tom Cobb Drive
Reed Creek GA 30643
5
3
3
Single-Family
Listing courtesy of Living Down South Realty
SoldOct 5, 2026
$160,000
2847 Lakeshore Drive
Elberton GA 30635
2
2
Single-Family
Listing courtesy of Living Down South Realty and Coldwell Banker Upchurch Rlty.
SoldOct 5, 2026
$102,500
1209 Walter Sams Road
Winterville GA 30683
Land
Listing courtesy of Living Down South Realty
Show all 346 properties
Living Down South Realty
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