Independent Buyer Advisors
Your Independent Advisors for Forest Creek
We don't work for Pulte. We work for you.
Duane Clarke & Hope Brown
Heart & Hustle Group · Lifestyle International Realty
Meet Duane & Hope
Duane Clarke is a licensed real estate advisor in both North Carolina and South Carolina with deep expertise in the South Charlotte and Union County new construction market. Known for his data-driven approach and genuine commitment to his clients, Duane goes beyond finding homes — he helps buyers understand commute patterns, school district assignments, property tax comparisons, and phase timing strategy so they close with real confidence.
His knowledge of the greater Charlotte metro, including cross-border options in Fort Mill and the Lake Wylie area, gives buyers a competitive advantage that goes well beyond what a builder's onsite representative can offer. Duane works exclusively for buyers — never for the builder.
Hope Brown is a licensed North Carolina real estate agent and relocation specialist with the Heart & Hustle Group at Lifestyle International Realty. She specializes in helping families — particularly those relocating from out of state — navigate the new construction buying process with clarity and confidence.
What sets Hope apart is her patience and her process. She takes the time to understand what each family actually needs — school assignments, commute tolerances, lifestyle priorities — before a single home is toured. Her clients consistently describe her as someone who makes a complex process feel manageable, and who never rushes them toward a decision that isn't right for their family.
At Forest Creek specifically, Hope brings hands-on knowledge of Pulte's build process, phase release patterns, and design studio strategy — giving buyers the independent guidance the builder's onsite team simply cannot provide.
Together, they operate as the Heart & Hustle Group — a team built on the belief that every buyer deserves honest, strategic representation. They are not affiliated with Pulte Homes and receive no compensation from the builder beyond the standard buyer's agent commission paid at closing.
How Independent Representation Works
Three steps. No extra cost. Complete peace of mind.
Register Correctly With Us
Before you visit the sales office or sign anything, contact us first. Builder registration rules mean the first agent you work with may be locked in — make sure it's an independent advisor working for you, not the builder.
We Guide Your Strategy
We help you evaluate lot selection, phase timing, structural upgrade decisions, design studio choices, and incentive strategy. We know what moves the price and what's worth the investment.
You Close With Confidence
You get a home you love at a price that makes sense — with no surprises. Our representation costs you nothing extra. The builder pays our commission as a standard part of the transaction.
Why It Matters at Forest Creek
Pulte's onsite representative is a trained sales professional — and they're very good at their job. But their job is to sell homes for Pulte at the best possible margin. Lot premiums, upgrade strategy, incentive timing — these are areas where an independent advisor adds real, measurable value.
At Forest Creek, where 265 homesites will be released in phases over multiple years, the timing of your purchase — and the decisions you make in the design studio — can mean a difference of $15,000–$30,000 in your total investment.
Lot Premiums Are Real
Pulte charges lot premiums for corner lots, cul-de-sacs, and backing to green space. We help you evaluate whether a premium lot is worth the cost — or whether a standard lot gives you better value.
Upgrade Strategy Is Everything
The design studio is where buyers overspend. We help you identify which structural upgrades add resale value and which cosmetic upgrades you can do cheaper after closing.
Incentive Timing Matters
Pulte offers incentives strategically — tied to phase closings, quarter-end pushes, and inventory goals. We track these patterns and help you time your purchase to maximize incentives.
The Builder Rep Works for Pulte
The onsite sales representative is a Pulte employee. They're professional and helpful — but their job is to sell homes for Pulte at the best possible price. Our job is the opposite.
Ready to Have an Advisor in Your Corner?
Schedule a strategy call with Duane or Hope — no obligation, no pressure. Just honest guidance on whether Forest Creek is the right fit for your family.
