What to Know About Working With Alisha Richardson at Keller Williams Columbia

Who Alisha Richardson is and what she does

Alisha Richardson is a real estate agent with Keller Williams Columbia, one of the largest real estate brokerages in South Carolina. She works with buyers and sellers in the Columbia area, helping clients navigate property transactions, market conditions, and the paperwork involved in buying or selling a home.

Keller Williams operates as a franchise model, meaning Richardson works under the Keller Williams Columbia office but maintains her own client relationships and business. The brokerage provides training, support systems, and access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)—the database where most homes for sale in the region are listed.

Before contacting any agent, it helps to understand what agents do, what they cost, and what questions to ask. This guide covers the basics of working with Richardson or any agent at Keller Williams Columbia.

Key Takeaways

• Real estate agents in South Carolina typically earn commission only when a sale closes, usually split between the buyer's agent and seller's agent, with each office taking a portion.
• You can interview multiple agents before choosing one; there is no obligation to work with the first person you contact.
• Keller Williams Columbia is located in the midlands and serves Richland, Lexington, and surrounding counties, so confirm the agent covers your area.
• A buyer's agent costs you nothing directly—the seller's side of the commission pays both agents—but a seller pays commission from the sale proceeds.
• Get a written agreement (called a listing agreement for sellers or a buyer's agent agreement for buyers) before the agent begins showing you homes or listing your property.

How agent commissions work in South Carolina

Real estate agents in South Carolina do not earn a salary. They earn commission only when a home sale closes. The seller typically pays the total commission, which is then split: roughly half goes to the listing agent's office (the agent who listed the home for sale), and half goes to the buyer's agent's office (the agent who brought the buyer).

The exact commission percentage is negotiable between the seller and the listing agent—it is not set by law or by Keller Williams. Common rates range from 5 to 6 percent of the sale price, but this varies by market, property type, and what the seller and agent agree to. If you are a buyer, you pay nothing out of pocket; the seller's proceeds cover both agents' commissions.

If you are a seller, commission comes directly from your sale price at closing. For example, on a $300,000 home with a 6 percent total commission, $18,000 would be split between the two offices. This is why it is worth discussing commission rates with an agent before listing—the difference between 5 and 6 percent adds up quickly on higher-priced homes.

What to expect when buying with an agent

When you work with a buyer's agent like Richardson, the agent typically shows you homes listed on the MLS, answers questions about neighborhoods and schools, helps you understand what you can afford, and guides you through making an offer. The agent does not represent the seller—they represent you, the buyer.

Before the agent shows you homes, you should sign a buyer's agent agreement. This agreement states how long you will work together (often 90 days) and confirms that the agent represents your interests. Read it carefully; some agreements are exclusive (you work only with that agent), while others allow you to work with multiple agents.

Once you find a home you want to buy, the agent helps you prepare an offer, negotiate terms, and coordinate inspections, appraisals, and financing. The agent does not make the final decisions—you do—but they advise based on market conditions and experience. The process from offer to closing typically takes 30 to 45 days.

What to expect when selling with an agent

When you list a home for sale, you sign a listing agreement with the agent. This agreement sets the commission rate, the length of the listing (usually 90 days or six months), and what the agent will do to market your home. Read this agreement closely before signing, because you are legally bound to pay the agreed commission if the home sells during the listing period, even if another agent brings the buyer.

The listing agent's job is to price your home competitively, list it on the MLS, arrange showings, market it (through photos, online listings, open houses, and sometimes social media), and negotiate with buyer's agents who bring offers. The agent should provide you with a comparative market analysis (CMA)—a report showing what similar homes in your area sold for recently—to help set the right price.

Pricing matters enormously. Overpriced homes sit on the market longer and may eventually sell for less than they would have if priced correctly from the start. A good agent will be honest about market conditions in your neighborhood and help you price to sell within a reasonable timeframe.

Questions to ask before hiring an agent

Before you commit to working with Richardson or any agent, ask these questions: How long have you been in real estate? How many homes have you sold in the past year? What is your average time on market (how long homes typically stay listed before selling)? Do you handle the transaction yourself, or do you have an assistant? What is your communication style—how often will I hear from you?

Also ask about their marketing strategy. If you are selling, will they use professional photography, virtual tours, social media, or open houses? If you are buying, how will they search for homes—only MLS, or do they have access to off-market deals? Ask for references from past clients, and follow up with at least two or three of them.

Finally, ask about their knowledge of your specific area. If you are buying or selling in a particular neighborhood, an agent who knows that neighborhood well—its schools, commute times, property taxes, and recent sales—will serve you better than someone who covers the entire region equally.

Understanding the Columbia real estate market

Columbia's real estate market reflects the broader Midlands region, which includes Richland and Lexington counties. The market has seen steady growth over the past decade, with new residential developments in areas like Irmo, Chapin, and Blythewood, as well as revitalization in downtown Columbia and neighborhoods like Forest Acres.

Home prices, inventory, and how quickly homes sell vary by neighborhood and by season. Spring and early summer are typically the busiest seasons for real estate; winter is slower. Interest rates, local employment, and school quality also influence the market. An agent familiar with Columbia can tell you how your specific neighborhood is performing and what to expect in terms of price trends and competition.

If you are new to the area, ask the agent to explain neighborhood differences, property tax rates (which vary by county), and what amenities or commute times matter most to you. This context helps you make a more informed decision about where to buy or how to price your home for sale.

How to contact Keller Williams Columbia and next steps

Keller Williams Columbia operates a main office in the Columbia area. You can reach the office by phone or through the Keller Williams website to ask for Richardson or to speak with another agent if she is not available. The office can also answer questions about current listings, market conditions, or the services Keller Williams provides.

If you are considering working with Richardson, schedule a consultation—most agents offer this at no cost. Come prepared with questions about your specific situation: Are you buying or selling? What is your timeline? What is your budget or asking price? What neighborhoods interest you? The more information you provide, the better the agent can help you.

Remember that you are not obligated to work with the first agent you speak with. Interview multiple agents, compare their experience and approach, and choose the one who best understands your needs and communicates clearly with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay a real estate agent if I buy a home?

No. The seller's proceeds pay both the listing agent and the buyer's agent. As a buyer, you do not write a check to the agent. However, you should still work with an agent who represents your interests, because the seller's agent represents the seller, not you.

Can I negotiate the commission rate?

Yes, but only if you are the seller. Commission is negotiable between you and the listing agent. As a buyer, you cannot negotiate the buyer's agent commission—that comes from the seller's side and is between the listing agent and their office. However, you can choose not to work with an agent at all, though this is uncommon and risky.

What happens if I want to stop working with an agent?

If you signed a buyer's agent agreement, you may be able to end it early depending on the terms. If you signed a listing agreement as a seller, ending it early can be more complicated and may involve penalties. Always read the agreement before signing and ask the agent to explain any clauses you do not understand.

How long does it usually take to sell a home in Columbia?

This varies by neighborhood, season, price, and market conditions. In a strong seller's market, homes may sell in two to four weeks. In a slower market, it can take two to three months or longer. A good agent can give you a realistic timeframe based on comparable homes in your area.

What should I do before listing my home for sale?

Have the agent provide a comparative market analysis so you understand what similar homes are selling for. Consider any repairs or updates that might affect price. Take professional photos or arrange for the agent to do so. Be prepared to discuss your timeline and any flexibility on price or closing date.