Andrew Sorrentino at Hearthstone Realty of Charleston: What to Know Before You Meet

Who Andrew Sorrentino is and what he does

Andrew Sorrentino is a real estate agent with Hearthstone Realty of Charleston, a firm based in the Charleston area that handles residential property sales and purchases. Sorrentino works with buyers and sellers navigating the local market—helping clients understand neighborhoods, negotiate offers, manage inspections, and close transactions. Like other agents in Charleston, he earns commission when a sale completes, typically split between the buyer's agent and the seller's agent.

Before meeting with any agent, it helps to know what they actually do and what they don't. An agent represents either the buyer or the seller (or sometimes both, though that creates conflicts of interest). They do not appraise property, inspect it, or determine its legal status—those are separate professionals you hire. They also do not lend money or may provide a sale price. What they do is list properties, show them to potential buyers, present offers, negotiate terms, and coordinate the paperwork and timeline to closing.

Key Takeaways

• Andrew Sorrentino works as an agent for Hearthstone Realty of Charleston and earns commission only when a sale closes, so his incentive is to complete the transaction, not necessarily to get you the best price.
• Before hiring any agent, ask whether they represent you (the buyer or seller), the other party, or both—and understand that dual representation creates a conflict of interest.
• An agent's job is to list, show, negotiate, and coordinate; they do not inspect property, appraise it, or provide legal or financial advice.
• Charleston's real estate market moves quickly in some neighborhoods and slowly in others, so an agent's knowledge of specific areas and current inventory matters more than their name alone.

How to evaluate a Charleston real estate agent

When you are considering working with Sorrentino or any agent, start by asking about their experience in the specific neighborhood or price range you are targeting. Charleston's market is fragmented—a agent who knows downtown condos well may know little about Summerville or James Island. Ask how long they have been selling in that area, how many transactions they closed in the past year, and whether they represent mostly buyers, mostly sellers, or both equally.

Request references from recent clients—not just names, but people you can actually contact. A good reference will tell you whether the agent returned calls promptly, explained things clearly, and handled stress well when problems arose. Ask those references whether they felt the agent was working in their interest or pushing them toward a faster close.

Clarify the agent's role before you sign anything. If you are a buyer, ask whether the agent represents you exclusively or also shows properties for other buyers. If you are a seller, ask whether the agent will list your home exclusively or share the listing with other agents. Understand the commission structure—what percentage, what happens if the sale falls through, and whether you owe commission if you sell to someone the agent brought but the agent did not close the deal.

What to expect from the buying process in Charleston

If you are buying, an agent's main job is to show you properties that match your criteria, help you understand the neighborhood and the market, and present your offer to the seller's agent. In Charleston, the market varies widely by area. Downtown and popular neighborhoods like Ansonborough move fast—homes listed on Monday may have multiple offers by Wednesday. Other areas move more slowly, giving you time to think and negotiate.

Your agent should explain the current market conditions in your target area: whether it is a buyer's market (more homes for sale than buyers), a seller's market (more buyers than homes), or balanced. This affects your negotiating power. They should also walk you through the inspection period, the appraisal process, and the closing timeline. Most purchases in South Carolina take 30 to 45 days from offer to closing, though that varies.

A good agent will also tell you what to expect in costs beyond the purchase price—property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA fees if applicable, and closing costs. They do not calculate these for you (that is the lender's and the title company's job), but they should give you realistic ranges based on comparable homes in the area.

What to expect from the selling process in Charleston

If you are selling, your agent's job is to list your home, market it to other agents and buyers, show it to interested parties, and present offers to you. The listing agreement you sign specifies how long the agent will represent you, what commission they earn, and what happens if you sell the home yourself or to someone who was not brought by the agent.

Before listing, a good agent will do a comparative market analysis—looking at similar homes that sold recently in your neighborhood to suggest a realistic asking price. This is not an appraisal; it is an educated guess based on recent sales. The agent should also advise you on staging, repairs, or updates that might help the home sell faster or for more money. They do not have to do these things, but they should explain the trade-offs: a lower price and faster sale versus a higher asking price and a longer time on market.

Once listed, your agent should show you the activity—how many people viewed the home, what feedback they heard, and whether the price or condition is keeping buyers away. If the home is not selling, a good agent will suggest adjustments: lowering the price, making repairs, or changing the marketing approach. A poor agent will simply wait out the listing agreement and move on.

Questions to ask before you hire an agent

Before you commit to working with Sorrentino or anyone else, have a conversation that covers these points. Ask how they would market your home or find homes for you—what websites, what advertising, what networking. Ask whether they use a buyer's broker agreement (if you are buying) or a listing agreement (if you are selling), and request a copy to review before signing. Ask what happens if you want to end the agreement early, and whether there are any penalties.

Ask about their communication style and availability. Will they text, email, or call? How quickly do they typically respond? Are they available on weekends? In a market that moves as fast as Charleston's, slow communication can cost you a deal. Ask also whether they have a team or work alone—some agents delegate showings or paperwork to assistants, which can slow things down or create confusion.

Finally, ask what they would do differently if the sale stalls or the deal falls apart. A good agent has seen problems before and has a plan. A new or inexperienced agent may panic or disappear.

Understanding commission and how agents are paid

Real estate agents in South Carolina earn commission, which is a percentage of the sale price. The seller typically pays this commission, which is then split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent. The exact percentage varies—it is negotiable, not fixed by law—but commonly ranges from 4.5 to 6 percent of the sale price, split evenly between the two sides.

This structure creates an incentive: the agent makes money only when the sale closes. That means they are motivated to complete the transaction, but not necessarily to get you the best price or terms. A buyer's agent earns the same commission whether you pay $300,000 or $350,000 for a home, so they have no financial reason to negotiate harder on your behalf. A seller's agent earns the same commission whether your home sells for $400,000 or $450,000. Understanding this conflict helps you know when to trust their advice and when to seek a second opinion.

Red flags and what to avoid

Be cautious of an agent who pressures you to make an offer quickly, especially in a slower market where there is no rush. Be cautious of an agent who discourages you from getting a home inspection or an appraisal—these protect you. Be cautious of an agent who refuses to show you homes in a certain price range or neighborhood, or who steers you toward properties that benefit them more than you.

If an agent represents both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction, ask them to explain in writing how they will handle a conflict if one party's interest contradicts the other's. Some agents do this ethically; others do not. If you are uncomfortable, you can insist on separate representation.

Finally, be cautious of an agent who makes promises about the sale price, the timeline, or the outcome. No one can may provide these things. Market conditions, the home's condition, and the buyer pool all affect what happens. An agent who promises results is either lying or inexperienced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use a real estate agent to buy or sell a home in South Carolina?

No. You can buy or sell without an agent, though most people use one because agents have access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which shows most homes for sale in the area. Selling without an agent means you handle marketing, showings, and negotiations yourself. Buying without an agent means you negotiate directly with the seller's agent, who represents the seller, not you.

What is the difference between an agent and a broker?

An agent works for a broker. The broker holds the license and the legal responsibility; the agent conducts transactions under that license. Hearthstone Realty of Charleston is the broker; Andrew Sorrentino is an agent who works for that broker. If something goes wrong, you may have recourse against both.

Can I switch agents if I am unhappy with the one I hired?

It depends on your agreement. If you signed an exclusive buyer's broker agreement or a listing agreement, you are typically bound to that agent for a set period—often 90 days or until the home sells. You can request to be released early, but the agent may refuse or charge a fee. Read your agreement carefully before signing.

How do I know if an agent is licensed and in good standing?

The South Carolina Real Estate Commission maintains a public database of licensed agents and brokers. You can search by name to verify that an agent is licensed and to check whether they have any disciplinary history. This takes five minutes and is worth doing before you hire anyone.

What should I do if I have a complaint about an agent?

Contact the South Carolina Real Estate Commission with details of the complaint. They investigate violations of state real estate law and can impose penalties, require retraining, or revoke a license. You can also consult a real estate attorney if you believe you have been harmed financially.