What to Expect When Working With Bryan Butler at Century 21 Properties Plus
Bryan Butler brings local market knowledge and residential sales experience to Century 21 Properties Plus
Bryan Butler is a real estate agent at Century 21 Properties Plus, a franchise operating across South Carolina. He works with buyers and sellers on residential properties, meaning single-family homes, townhouses, and condos rather than commercial or investment real estate. If you are considering buying or selling a home in South Carolina, understanding what an agent does and how to work with one can help you make decisions about whether representation makes sense for your situation.
Real estate agents in South Carolina must hold a license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. That license requires passing a state exam and completing continuing education. Century 21 is a national franchise, so agents operating under that brand follow both state law and the company's own standards and training. Knowing who your agent is, what their background covers, and how they are compensated helps you decide whether to work with them.
Key Takeaways
- Bryan Butler works as a residential real estate agent at Century 21 Properties Plus, helping buyers and sellers with home transactions in South Carolina.
- Real estate agents in South Carolina must hold a state license and follow both state regulations and their brokerage's policies.
- Agents are typically paid through commission, which comes from the sale price and is split between the buyer's and seller's agents and their brokerages.
- You can interview multiple agents before deciding to work with one, and you are not obligated to sign a contract with the first agent you meet.
- An agent's role includes market analysis, property showings, negotiation, and paperwork coordination, but the final decisions about price and terms belong to you.
How Real Estate Agents Work in South Carolina
A real estate agent represents either the buyer or the seller in a home transaction, though some agents work with both (called a dual agent). The agent's job is to guide their client through the process: pricing the home, marketing it, showing it to interested parties, negotiating offers, and coordinating inspections and closing. Agents do not make the decisions—you do—but they provide information and advice based on market conditions and their experience.
In South Carolina, agents work under a broker, who holds the actual license and oversees the agents in their office. Century 21 Properties Plus is the brokerage; Bryan Butler is an agent working under that brokerage's license. The broker is responsible for making sure agents follow state law and the brokerage's policies. If you have a complaint about an agent's conduct, you can report it to the South Carolina Real Estate Commission, which investigates violations of state law.
What Agents Are Paid and How That Affects Your Deal
Real estate agents are paid through commission, which is a percentage of the sale price. The commission is paid by the seller at closing and is typically split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent. Each agent then shares their portion with their brokerage. The exact percentage varies by transaction and is negotiable—there is no set rate in South Carolina.
Because the seller pays the commission, the buyer does not write a separate check to their agent. However, the commission is factored into the sale price, so it affects what the home ultimately costs. If you are a buyer, your agent's commission does not come out of your pocket directly, but it is part of the overall transaction cost. If you are a seller, you negotiate the commission rate with your agent and brokerage before listing the home.
Deciding Whether to Work With an Agent
Working with an agent is optional. You can buy or sell a home without one, though most people find representation helpful because agents know the market, handle paperwork, and negotiate on your behalf. If you choose to work with an agent, you can interview several before deciding. There is no obligation to sign a contract with the first agent you meet.
When you meet with an agent, ask about their experience in your area, what services they provide, how they market homes (if you are selling), and what their commission rate is. Ask for references from past clients if you want to hear about their experience. You can also ask how long they have been licensed and whether they have any complaints filed against them—that information is public through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission.
What Happens During a Home Sale or Purchase
If you are selling, your agent will help you price the home based on comparable sales in your area, prepare it for showing, list it on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), market it to other agents and the public, show it to buyers, and negotiate offers. Once an offer is accepted, the agent coordinates inspections, appraisals, and closing details with the title company or attorney handling the transaction.
If you are buying, your agent will search for homes that match your criteria, arrange showings, help you understand the market and fair pricing, write and submit offers on your behalf, and negotiate terms with the seller's agent. Your agent will also coordinate inspections and work with your lender to make sure financing is on track. Throughout the process, your agent answers questions and explains what is happening at each step.
Understanding the Listing Agreement
If you hire an agent to sell your home, you will sign a listing agreement. This contract says how long the agent will represent you (usually 90 days or six months), what the commission rate is, and what services the agent will provide. Read this carefully before signing. The agreement also says whether the agent can represent both the buyer and seller in the same transaction, and what happens if you sell the home yourself during the listing period.
A listing agreement is not permanent. If you are unhappy with your agent's work, you can discuss ending the agreement early, though there may be terms about how that works. Some agreements allow early termination without penalty; others do not. Make sure you understand the terms before you sign.
Finding and Contacting Century 21 Properties Plus
Century 21 Properties Plus operates multiple offices across South Carolina. To find Bryan Butler or another agent at the brokerage, you can visit the Century 21 website, search for the office location nearest you, and call or visit in person. You can also ask for referrals from friends, family, or your lender if you are financing a purchase.
When you contact an agent, be clear about what you need: are you buying or selling, what area are you interested in, and what is your timeline? This helps the agent determine whether they are the right fit for your situation and what information they should gather before your first meeting.
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 find representation helpful. Agents handle marketing, showings, negotiations, and paperwork coordination. If you sell without an agent, you are responsible for pricing, marketing, showing the home, and negotiating with buyers.
What if I want to work with an agent but I am not sure about the commission rate?
Commission rates are negotiable in South Carolina. There is no set percentage. When you interview agents, ask what rate they charge and what services are included. You can compare rates and services across agents before deciding. If you are selling, you negotiate the rate with your agent before signing the listing agreement.
Can an agent represent both the buyer and seller in the same transaction?
Yes, but it is called dual agency and it creates a conflict of interest because the agent works for both sides. South Carolina law allows it, but the agent must disclose it to both parties in writing. Some buyers and sellers prefer not to work with a dual agent. You can ask your agent whether they represent only you or both parties.
What should I ask an agent before hiring them?
Ask how long they have been licensed, how many homes they have sold in your area in the past year, what their commission rate is, what services they provide, and whether they have any complaints filed against them. You can also ask for references from past clients and check their background through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission website.
What happens if I am unhappy with my agent?
If you signed a listing agreement to sell, review the terms about early termination. Some agreements allow you to end the relationship without penalty; others have specific conditions. Talk to your agent first about your concerns. If you cannot resolve it, you may be able to end the agreement, though the terms depend on what you signed.