What to Know About Working With Brian Hunt and The Hunt Team at Coldwell Banker Realty
Who Brian Hunt and The Hunt Team Are
Brian Hunt leads The Hunt Team at Coldwell Banker Realty, a group of agents focused on residential real estate transactions across South Carolina. Coldwell Banker Realty is one of the largest real estate networks in the United States, operating through franchises in multiple states. The Hunt Team operates within that network, meaning they follow Coldwell Banker's standards and have access to its listing database and marketing resources.
The team typically handles buying, selling, and sometimes rental transactions for residential properties. Like all real estate agents in South Carolina, Brian Hunt and his team members must hold active licenses issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. This license requirement means they have completed pre-licensing education and passed a state exam, but it does not may provide any particular level of experience or specialization.
Key Takeaways
- The Hunt Team operates as part of Coldwell Banker Realty, a national franchise network, and must comply with South Carolina's real estate licensing requirements.
- Real estate agents earn commission on completed sales, typically paid by the seller, which means their financial incentive is to close a transaction rather than to steer you toward or away from any particular property.
- You can interview multiple agents before deciding who to work with, and you are not obligated to sign an exclusive agreement with any agent until you choose to do so.
- An agent's role differs from a lawyer's or inspector's role—they facilitate the transaction but do not provide legal counsel or conduct property inspections.
- Coldwell Banker's national reach means The Hunt Team can access listings across a wide geographic area, but local market knowledge varies by individual agent.
How Real Estate Agents Work and What They Do
Real estate agents help buyers and sellers navigate the process of listing, marketing, and closing property sales. On the seller's side, an agent typically lists the property in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), markets it through various channels, schedules showings, and negotiates offers. On the buyer's side, an agent shows properties, helps you understand market conditions, and assists with making and negotiating offers.
Agents earn commission only when a sale closes. The commission is typically a percentage of the final sale price and is usually paid by the seller's proceeds, then split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent. This structure means an agent's financial incentive is tied to closing a deal, not to the price you pay or receive. Understanding this incentive helps you evaluate the advice you receive.
An agent is not a lawyer, inspector, or appraiser. They do not provide legal counsel, conduct property inspections, or determine property value—those are separate professional roles. If you are buying, you will typically hire your own inspector and may want to consult a real estate attorney, especially for complex transactions.
Working With The Hunt Team: What to Expect
If you contact The Hunt Team to buy or sell property, the first step is usually an initial conversation to understand your needs and timeline. For sellers, this often includes a market analysis of comparable properties in your area to discuss pricing strategy. For buyers, the agent will typically ask about your budget, preferred locations, and must-have features.
Once you decide to work together, you may be asked to sign a buyer's agent agreement (if buying) or a listing agreement (if selling). These contracts specify the terms of your relationship, including the agent's commission, the duration of the agreement, and what services are included. You are not required to sign an exclusive agreement with any agent—you can interview multiple agents and compare their approaches before committing.
Throughout the transaction, The Hunt Team will handle communication between you and the other party's agent, coordinate showings or inspections, and help manage the paperwork. They can answer questions about the local market, explain the steps in the buying or selling process, and provide referrals to inspectors, lenders, or other professionals you may need.
Coldwell Banker's Resources and Reach
Coldwell Banker Realty operates a national network of franchises, which means The Hunt Team has access to a large MLS database and national marketing tools. If you are selling, your property can be marketed to agents and buyers across a wide geographic area. If you are buying and relocating to South Carolina from another state, Coldwell Banker's presence in multiple states can facilitate coordination.
However, national reach does not replace local market knowledge. An agent's effectiveness depends on their familiarity with specific neighborhoods, schools, local market trends, and community resources. Ask The Hunt Team about their experience in the neighborhoods where you are interested in buying or selling, and how long they have been working in those areas.
Questions to Ask Before You Commit
Before signing an agreement with The Hunt Team or any agent, consider asking: How long have you worked in this specific neighborhood or area? What is your typical timeline for selling homes like mine? How do you market listings—what platforms and strategies do you use? What is your commission rate, and is it negotiable? Can you provide references from recent clients?
If you are buying, ask: How many buyers are you currently working with? Will you show me properties from other agents, or only Coldwell Banker listings? What is your experience with the neighborhoods I am interested in? If you are selling, ask: How many homes have you sold in my neighborhood in the past year? What is your average days-on-market? How do you handle multiple offers?
These questions help you understand the agent's experience, approach, and whether their style matches what you need. You are not obligated to work with the first agent you speak with, and comparing multiple agents often leads to a better fit.
Understanding Commission and Costs
Real estate commission in South Carolina is negotiable and not set by law or by Coldwell Banker. The typical range is 5 to 6 percent of the sale price, split between the buyer's agent and seller's agent, but this varies by transaction and by individual agent. Commission is paid from the seller's proceeds at closing, so if you are a buyer, you typically do not pay commission directly—it comes out of the sale price.
If you are a seller, the commission reduces your net proceeds. For example, on a $300,000 sale with a 6 percent total commission, $18,000 goes to commission. Understanding this cost upfront helps you calculate your actual net profit and compare it against the agent's marketing plan and track record.
Some agents or teams may offer reduced commission rates, flat fees, or tiered structures. These are all negotiable, so if you are considering working with The Hunt Team, ask directly about their commission structure and whether there is flexibility based on the scope of work or market conditions.
How to Verify Credentials and Check References
All real estate agents in South Carolina must hold an active license from the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. You can verify an agent's license status by visiting the SCREC website and searching their name or license number. This search shows whether the license is current, active, and in good standing, and it will note any disciplinary history.
Beyond licensing, ask The Hunt Team for references from recent clients—ideally buyers or sellers from the past six to twelve months. Speaking directly with past clients about their experience, the agent's communication style, and whether they felt well-represented is one of the most reliable ways to evaluate an agent's work.
You can also check online reviews on Google, Zillow, or Coldwell Banker's website, though keep in mind that reviews are self-selected and may not represent the full range of experiences. A mix of positive and neutral reviews is often more realistic than all five-star ratings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use an agent to buy or sell property in South Carolina?
No. You can buy or sell without an agent, though most transactions involve at least one agent. If you sell without an agent, you handle marketing, showings, and negotiations yourself. If you buy without an agent, you may miss properties listed only in the MLS and will negotiate directly with the seller's agent, who represents the seller's interests, not yours.
Can I work with multiple agents at the same time?
You can speak with multiple agents and get their input before committing. Once you sign a buyer's agent agreement, you are typically obligated to work exclusively with that agent for a set period. Read the agreement carefully to understand the terms, including how long it lasts and whether you can terminate it early.
What happens if I am not happy with my agent?
If you have not signed an exclusive agreement, you can simply stop working with them. If you have signed an agreement, review the termination clause—some allow you to end the relationship with written notice, while others may require you to wait out the contract period. Discuss any concerns directly with the agent first; many issues can be resolved through communication.
Does Coldwell Banker may provide the sale of my home?
No. Coldwell Banker and The Hunt Team do not may provide a sale or a specific price. They provide marketing and negotiation services, but the market, property condition, price, and timing all affect whether and when a home sells. Be wary of any agent who promises a may provide sale or price.
What should I do if I am relocating to South Carolina from out of state?
Coldwell Banker's national presence can help coordinate your move. Contact The Hunt Team and let them know your timeline, budget, and preferred areas. They can provide information about neighborhoods, schools, and local amenities, and they can schedule virtual or in-person showings. You may also want to visit in person before making an offer, and consider hiring an inspector before closing.