What to Expect When Working With Alan Swartzentruber at Keller Williams Realty
Who Alan Swartzentruber Is and How He Works
Alan Swartzentruber is a real estate agent with Keller Williams Realty, one of the largest real estate franchises in the United States. Keller Williams operates through a network of independently owned offices across South Carolina, each staffed by agents who work on commission—meaning they earn money only when a transaction closes. Swartzentruber's role is to represent buyers, sellers, or both in residential real estate transactions, handling everything from listing property to negotiating offers to coordinating inspections and closing.
Keller Williams agents typically specialize by geography or property type. Before contacting Swartzentruber, it helps to know which South Carolina market he serves—whether that's a specific county, city, or neighborhood—and what kinds of properties he usually handles. This information is usually on his agent profile or the local Keller Williams office website.
Real estate agents in South Carolina must hold a current license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. This license means the agent has passed a state exam and agreed to follow state and federal real estate law. It does not mean the agent has been vetted for honesty or success rate; licensing is a floor, not a may provide of quality.
Key Takeaways
- Alan Swartzentruber works on commission, so he is paid only when a sale closes—this shapes how he prioritizes his time and which properties he may push harder.
- Keller Williams agents operate through independently owned local offices, so the support and resources available to Swartzentruber depend on which office he works from.
- Before hiring any agent, confirm their license status through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission website and ask for references from past clients in your area.
- Real estate agents represent either the buyer, the seller, or (with written consent) both parties—knowing which side Swartzentruber represents protects your interests in negotiation.
- Commission rates, contract terms, and what services are included vary by agent and transaction, so these details should be discussed and documented in writing before you sign anything.
How to Find and Contact Alan Swartzentruber
The fastest way to reach Swartzentruber is through the Keller Williams office he works from. Search online for "Keller Williams [your city or county]" to find the local office, then ask for Swartzentruber by name or look for his profile on the office website. Most Keller Williams offices list their agents' phone numbers, email addresses, and specialties on their site.
You can also search for Swartzentruber directly on real estate portals like Zillow, Realtor.com, or Redfin, which often display agent contact information and past sales. These sites may show his transaction history in your area, which gives you a sense of his experience with properties like yours.
When you contact him, be ready to describe what you need—whether you are selling a home, looking to buy, or both. Agents often handle one side or the other more frequently, so knowing his strength helps you decide whether he is the right fit.
What Happens When You List a Home With an Agent
If you hire Swartzentruber to sell your home, you will sign a listing agreement that spells out his commission (usually a percentage of the sale price, often split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent), how long he will represent you, and what marketing he will do. This contract is binding, so read it carefully before signing.
Once listed, your home goes into the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), a database that real estate agents use to find properties for their buyers. Swartzentruber will also typically photograph the home, write a description, and post it on Zillow, Realtor.com, and the Keller Williams website. He may also hold open houses, host agent showings, and negotiate with buyers who make offers.
The listing agreement usually includes a clause about what happens if you want to end the contract early—some allow you to cancel with notice, others lock you in for the full term. Ask about this before you sign, because switching agents mid-listing can complicate the sale.
What Happens When You Buy a Home With an Agent
If Swartzentruber represents you as a buyer, he will show you homes that match your budget and preferences, help you understand the local market, and guide you through making an offer. In most transactions, the seller pays both the buyer's agent and the seller's agent from the sale proceeds—so you typically do not pay Swartzentruber directly. This arrangement is disclosed in writing before you work together.
Once you make an offer, Swartzentruber will negotiate on your behalf, coordinate the home inspection, help you understand the inspection report, and work with the lender and title company to move toward closing. He should also disclose any conflicts of interest—for example, if he also represents the seller or has a financial stake in the transaction.
Buyer representation is usually not locked into a contract the way seller representation is, but it is still a professional relationship. If you are unhappy with Swartzentruber's service, you can stop working with him and hire someone else, though you may want to do this before making an offer to avoid confusion.
Understanding Commission and Costs
Real estate commission in South Carolina is negotiable—there is no set rate. Swartzentruber's commission is usually a percentage of the sale price, and the exact percentage should be written in your listing agreement or buyer representation agreement. Common rates range from 4 to 6 percent of the sale price, but this varies widely by market, agent, and transaction.
If you are selling, the commission comes out of the sale proceeds before you receive your money. If you are buying, the seller typically pays both agents' commissions from the sale price, so you do not write a separate check to Swartzentruber. However, this should be confirmed in writing before you start working together.
Beyond commission, there are closing costs—title insurance, appraisal, inspection, loan origination fees—that are separate from what the agent earns. Swartzentruber can explain what these typically run in your area, but he does not set these costs and does not earn money from them.
Checking an Agent's Background and Track Record
Before hiring Swartzentruber, verify his license through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission website. Search by name or license number to confirm his license is current and to see if there are any disciplinary actions on record. This takes five minutes and is public information.
Ask Swartzentruber for references from past clients—ideally people who bought or sold homes similar to yours in the same area within the last year or two. A strong agent should be willing to provide these without hesitation. When you call references, ask about communication, whether the agent met timelines, and whether they would hire him again.
You can also search for his transaction history on Zillow or Realtor.com to see what homes he has listed and sold. This shows his activity level and the types of properties he handles. If he has sold very few homes in your neighborhood, that may mean less local expertise, or it may simply mean he is new to the area.
Questions to Ask Before You Hire Him
Before signing any agreement, ask Swartzentruber these questions: What is your commission rate, and is it negotiable? How long is the listing or buyer representation agreement, and what happens if I want to end it early? What marketing will you do for my home (if selling), and how often will you communicate with me? Do you represent both buyers and sellers, and if so, how do you handle conflicts of interest? What is your experience in my neighborhood or price range? Can you provide references from past clients?
Write down his answers and ask for them in writing before you sign anything. This protects both of you and prevents misunderstandings later. If he seems evasive or unwilling to put things in writing, that is a red flag.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if Alan Swartzentruber is licensed?
Go to the South Carolina Real Estate Commission website and search for his name or license number. The search will show whether his license is current, when it expires, and whether there are any disciplinary actions. This is free and takes a few minutes.
What if I am unhappy with his service?
If you are a buyer, you can stop working with him and hire another agent—buyer representation is usually not locked in. If you are a seller, your listing agreement may allow you to cancel with notice, but read the contract first because some agreements lock you in for the full term. Contact Swartzentruber or his broker in writing to discuss your concerns before you decide to leave.
Can he represent both me and the other party in the same transaction?
Yes, but only with written consent from both sides. This is called dual agency and creates a conflict of interest because the agent cannot fully advocate for either party. Ask Swartzentruber upfront whether he represents both sides, and get the disclosure in writing.
What if the home does not sell or the deal falls through?
If you are selling and the home does not sell, Swartzentruber does not earn commission—but you may still owe him for marketing costs if your listing agreement includes that clause. If a deal falls through after an offer is made, the agent typically does not earn commission. Read your agreement to understand what you owe in each scenario.
How long does it usually take to sell a home?
This varies by market, season, price, and condition. Swartzentruber can tell you the average days on market for homes like yours in your area based on recent sales data. This helps you set realistic expectations for how long your home will be listed.