Our Story
40+ years as a licensed Virginia real estate broker: dedication, integrity, and excellence
Chuck and Helen Cornwell: A Legacy of Excellence
Where It Started
Helen grew up in Burke/Springfield; Chuck in Bealeton, Virginia. Chuck began his real estate career in 1985 at Mount Vernon Realty, and Helen joined the industry in 1987—both building reputations as hardworking, client-focused agents.
Founding CHC, Inc. (1992)
In 1992 they took the entrepreneurial leap and founded CHC, Inc.—the start of a respected brokerage, multiple offices, and a family-oriented culture that shaped hundreds of agents' careers.
Milestones
Four decades of brokerage, construction, settlement services, and development—handling countless transactions over 40+ years.
- 1985
Career Begins
Started real estate career at Mount Vernon Realty
- 1992
CHC, Inc. Founded
Also launched the RE/MAX Regency franchise, headquartered in Warrenton
- 1997
EnTitle Settlement Services Founded
Full-service title company backed by First American Title
- 2008
Flagship Office Built
State-of-the-art office constructed in Warrenton
- 2010–2014
RE/MAX Broker/Owner of the Year
Multiple-year recognition (2010, 2012, 2014)
- 2018
Greater Piedmont REALTORS® Broker of the Year
Recognized by peers across the region
- 2022
RE/MAX Regency Merges into RE/MAX Gateway
Ensuring continuity for agents and clients
- 2023
CHC Realty / CHC Lifestyles Launches
Transition to boutique real estate, construction, and development services
- 2025
Double Hall of Fame Induction
Virginia REALTORS® Hall of Fame and National Association of REALTORS® RPAC Hall of Fame, same year
Awards and Honors
Virginia REALTORS® Hall of Fame
Inducted for lifetime contributions to the real estate industry (2025)
NAR RPAC Hall of Fame
Inducted into the National Association of REALTORS® RPAC Hall of Fame (2025)
Broker/Owner of the Year
RE/MAX recognition in 2010, 2012, and 2014
Association Leadership
Multiple terms as President of local REALTOR® associations
Industry Recognition
Greater Piedmont REALTORS® Broker of the Year, 2018
Professional Licenses & Certifications
Current Focus: CHC Realty
In 2022, RE/MAX Regency merged into RE/MAX Gateway—ensuring continuity for agents and clients while Chuck shifted his focus to boutique real estate services. In 2023, CHC Realty / CHC Lifestyles launched, blending brokerage, construction, and development under one roof.
Chuck has mentored more "Rookie of the Year" winners than any other broker in his association.
Our tagline "Creating Lifestyles" says it plainly: we don't just close transactions, we build and renovate homes to fit the lives our clients want. We serve Northern Virginia and Virginia's Eastern Shore, where island living on Chincoteague—ocean to bay, rocket launches from Wallops Island—has become home.
Chuck remains an active broker, working one-on-one with clients. Helen contributes client relations, design insight, and community engagement. Most of all, we love being present at pivotal moments in people's lives.
Our Values
Client-Focused
Your goals come first in every transaction
Excellence
Decades of award-winning service and industry leadership
Community
Deeply rooted in Virginia's communities
Related Reading
- How Often Will You Actually Hear From Me? My Standard for Seller CommunicationA weekly call, minimum, every week. More during showings, more under contract, daily near closing. Here's my actual standard for staying in touch during your sale, and why it's what gets you to a successful closing.
- Selling a Home Is Not Selling a Car: Why Every Property on the Shore Deserves Its Own ApproachYour home is one of the largest investments of your life, and it is not a car with a book value. Every property has a specific buyer. Miss that buyer and your home will not be seen by the right one.
- Why Savvy Builders Need a Listing Agent Who Understands ConstructionThe luxury and custom home market in Accomack County is evolving. Discover why builders need an agent with construction expertise, business acumen, and deep understanding of high-end buyers.