Local knowledge. Thoughtful strategy. A more personal way to move.

On The Coast Realty is a boutique Charleston brokerage that does things differently. We bring genuine neighborhood knowledge, real-time market insight, and close personal coordination to every client. Whether you’re buying, selling, investing, or relocating, our process feels considered and unrushed, with a clear path forward.

Meet the team.

Three local agents. One seamless experience.

Melissa Ben-Hutta

Co-OWNER & REALTOR®️

Melissa brings Charleston market knowledge and an educator’s ability to make complex real estate decisions feel clear and manageable. She helps buyers and sellers understand not only what the market is doing, but how each property, neighborhood, and negotiation fits their goals. Known for thoughtful preparation, direct advocacy, and a relationship-first approach, Melissa guides clients from the first conversation through closing with confidence and a clear plan.

Nicole Rothstein

Co-Owner & Broker-in-Charge

Nicole combines Charleston market knowledge with advanced financial insight from her master’s degree in real estate finance. As Broker-in-Charge, she helps clients evaluate value, risk, negotiation strategy, and long-term opportunity with a disciplined, detail-oriented approach. Her ability to connect the numbers with each client’s goals keeps purchases, sales, and investments intentional and well organized.

Yonni Wattenmaker

Co-Owner & Realtor

Yonni Wattenmaker leads concierge and events for On The Coast, ensuring client experiences are exceptional well beyond the transaction. She organizes the details that create seamless stays, smooth timelines, and well-run property experiences. This skill translates into her sales work, helping our clients to find the perfect new home. From sales to vendor coordination to curated experiences, Yonni brings calm accountability to every moving piece.

What we understand about coastal real estate.

Charleston-area real estate is not one market. A downtown single, a Mount Pleasant family home, a marshfront property, and a beach cottage each bring different questions about value, condition, access, insurance, maintenance, and long-term fit. We help clients compare those details without losing sight of the bigger picture.

What that means for you

Specific advice grounded in each property and neighborhood.
A clear plan for search, preparation, pricing, and negotiation.
Responsive communication with clear next steps.

What we do for our clients.

We combine our local knowledge with a clear and personalized strategy suited to your needs, from our first conversation through your closing.

Local Context

Neighborhood-level perspective across Charleston, beach communities, marshfront areas, and everyday Lowcountry living.

Market Strategy

Customized pricing, property searches, and guidance shaped by current listing activity, buyer demand, and the specific properties that interest you.

Steady Execution

Clear timelines, thoughtful preparation, and consistent communication from the first inquiry through closing.

A clear process from conversation to closing.

Good real estate guidance begins with clarity, not urgency. We define the goal, read the market, build the plan, and keep every decision moving forward.

1. Get Oriented

Clarify goals, timing, budget, lifestyle needs, and the areas or outcomes that may fit.

2. Read the Market

Use live MLS activity, recent sales, and neighborhood context to understand value and opportunity.

3. Make a Plan

Build a focused search or a preparation, pricing, and presentation strategy around the property.

4. Move Carefully

Keep offer terms, inspections, timelines, negotiation, and closing details organized and visible.