What to Know About Working With Andrea Perry at Realty ONE Group Coastal

Andrea Perry brings local market knowledge and a focus on client communication to South Carolina real estate transactions

Andrea Perry is a real estate agent with Realty ONE Group Coastal, operating in South Carolina's coastal markets. She works with buyers and sellers navigating property transactions in the region, drawing on familiarity with local neighborhoods, market conditions, and the practical steps involved in buying or selling a home.

Before choosing an agent, it helps to understand what they specialize in, how they work with clients, and what questions to ask during an initial conversation. This guide covers what to expect when working with a real estate agent in South Carolina and how to evaluate whether an agent is a good fit for your situation.

Key Takeaways

• Real estate agents in South Carolina must hold an active license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and typically work under a brokerage like Realty ONE Group.
• Agents earn commission only when a sale closes, which means their financial incentive is tied to completing the transaction, not to the price you pay or receive.
• A buyer's agent represents you during the purchase process and is typically paid by the seller's proceeds, so you do not pay them directly out of pocket.
• Before signing any agreement, ask an agent about their experience in your specific neighborhood, their communication style, and how they handle negotiations.
• You can work with multiple agents during your search, but once you sign a buyer's representation agreement, you are typically committed to that agent for a set period.

How real estate agents work in South Carolina

A real estate agent's job is to guide you through the buying or selling process, handle paperwork, coordinate inspections and appraisals, and negotiate on your behalf. In South Carolina, agents must hold a license from the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and work under a licensed brokerage—in this case, Realty ONE Group Coastal.

Agents earn commission only when a sale closes. For a buyer, this typically means the seller's proceeds pay the commission split between the buyer's agent and the seller's agent, so you do not write a separate check to your agent. For a seller, the commission comes out of the sale price at closing. This structure means an agent's financial incentive is to close the deal, not necessarily to get you the highest or lowest price.

An agent's responsibilities include listing your property (if you are selling), showing homes (if you are buying), preparing contracts, coordinating with inspectors and appraisers, and communicating with the other side's agent. They also explain South Carolina-specific requirements, such as property disclosure forms and title insurance, which vary from state to state.

What to ask an agent before you commit

When you first meet with an agent, ask about their experience in the neighborhoods where you want to buy or sell. An agent who knows the area well can tell you about school districts, property values, how long homes typically stay on the market, and which streets have the most traffic. This local knowledge matters more than national credentials.

Ask how they communicate—do they respond to texts, emails, or phone calls, and how quickly? Ask about their negotiation style and how they have handled difficult situations in past transactions. Ask whether they work full-time in real estate or part-time, because full-time agents typically have more availability and market knowledge.

If you are buying, ask whether they represent buyers exclusively or also list properties for sale. Some agents do both; others specialize. Ask what happens if you find a home listed by their own brokerage—will there be a conflict of interest, and how will they handle it? These conversations help you understand whether the agent's approach matches your needs.

Buyer representation agreements and what they mean

Once you decide to work with an agent to buy a home, you will typically sign a buyer representation agreement. This contract commits you to working with that agent for a set period—often 90 days—and states that the agent represents your interests during the purchase process. It also clarifies how the agent is paid and what happens if you find a home on your own.

Before signing, read the agreement carefully. Make sure you understand the time commitment, any geographic limits on the search area, and what happens if you want to end the agreement early. Some agreements allow you to cancel with notice; others lock you in. Ask the agent to explain any terms you do not understand.

A buyer representation agreement protects both you and the agent. It ensures the agent will prioritize your interests and keeps the agent from showing homes to multiple buyers without commitment. It also clarifies that the agent is working for you, not for the seller, even though the seller's proceeds pay the commission.

Selling your home with an agent

If you are selling, you will sign a listing agreement with the agent and brokerage. This contract sets the commission rate (typically 5 to 6 percent of the sale price, split between the seller's agent and buyer's agent), the listing period (often 90 days), and the agent's responsibilities. It also gives the brokerage the right to market your home and represent it to other agents.

The agent's job is to price your home competitively based on recent sales of similar properties in your area, prepare it for showings, list it on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), market it to other agents and the public, show it to potential buyers, and negotiate offers. They will also coordinate inspections, appraisals, and closing.

Ask the agent how they plan to market your home—will they use online platforms, hold open houses, send direct mail to neighbors, or use social media? Ask how often they will show the home and how they will provide feedback from showings. Ask what price they recommend and why, based on comparable sales in your neighborhood.

Understanding commissions and closing costs

Real estate commissions in South Carolina are negotiable, though many transactions follow a standard rate of 5 to 6 percent of the sale price. This commission is split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent, so each typically receives 2.5 to 3 percent. The seller pays the full commission from the proceeds at closing.

As a buyer, you do not pay the agent's commission directly. However, the seller's proceeds pay both agents' commissions, which means the seller may factor this cost into their asking price. As a seller, the commission reduces the net amount you receive at closing. For example, on a $300,000 sale with a 6 percent commission, $18,000 goes to commissions, leaving you $282,000 before other closing costs.

Closing costs in South Carolina typically include title insurance, property taxes, homeowners insurance, appraisal fees, and loan origination fees. These are separate from the agent's commission and vary depending on the purchase price, loan type, and local requirements. Ask your agent for an estimate of total closing costs so you understand the full financial picture.

How to evaluate an agent's track record

Ask an agent how many homes they have sold in the past year and how many they currently have listed. Ask about their average days on market—how long homes typically stay listed before selling. Ask what percentage of their listings sell versus expire without selling. These numbers give you a sense of their activity level and success rate.

Ask for references from past clients, both buyers and sellers. A willingness to provide references is a good sign. When you speak with past clients, ask whether the agent communicated clearly, handled problems professionally, and delivered on their promises. Ask whether they would work with the agent again.

You can also search the South Carolina Real Estate Commission's website to verify that an agent holds an active license and to check for any disciplinary history. This is public information and takes only a few minutes to review.

Red flags and what to avoid

Be cautious of agents who pressure you to sign agreements quickly or who discourage you from reading contracts carefully. Be cautious of agents who make promises about sale price or timeline that sound unrealistic. Be cautious of agents who do not respond to your calls or emails or who seem more interested in closing a deal than in your satisfaction.

Avoid agents who ask you to sign blank documents or who encourage you to misrepresent information on disclosure forms or contracts. Avoid agents who steer you toward specific lenders, inspectors, or title companies without explaining why—this can be a sign they are prioritizing their own relationships over your interests.

If an agent is not communicating well or if you feel they are not representing your interests, you have the right to end the relationship. Review your representation agreement to understand the process and any notice period required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work with more than one agent at the same time?

You can speak with multiple agents and tour homes with different agents before committing, but once you sign a buyer representation agreement with one agent, you are typically committed to that agent for the duration of the agreement. If you want to work with a different agent, you will need to end the agreement first, which may require written notice and a waiting period.

What if I find a home on my own without an agent?

If you find a home listed by an agent and you do not have your own agent, you can still make an offer. The seller's agent will represent both sides of the transaction, though they work for the seller. You can also hire your own agent at any point, even after you have found a home. Your agent can then negotiate on your behalf and ensure your interests are protected.

How long does a typical home sale take in South Carolina?

From listing to closing typically takes 30 to 45 days, though this varies based on inspection results, appraisal issues, and loan approval timelines. If the buyer needs financing, the process may take longer. Ask your agent for a realistic timeline based on current market conditions in your area.

What is the difference between a real estate agent and a real estate broker?

An agent holds a license and works under a broker. A broker holds a higher-level license and operates the brokerage where agents work. Realty ONE Group Coastal is the brokerage; Andrea Perry is an agent who works under that brokerage. If you have a complaint about an agent, you can file it with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission.

Do I need a real estate agent to buy or sell a home?

No, you can buy or sell without an agent, but it requires you to handle paperwork, negotiations, and coordination yourself. Most buyers and sellers work with agents because agents know the market, handle legal documents, and negotiate on their behalf. The cost of an agent is typically offset by their ability to price the home correctly or negotiate a better deal.