What to Know About Working With Cathy & Alan Harry at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services

Who Cathy & Alan Harry Are and What They Do

Cathy and Alan Harry are real estate agents based in South Carolina who work through Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, one of the largest residential real estate networks in the country. They help buyers and sellers navigate property transactions in their market area, which includes communities across the state. Like all agents at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, they have access to the company's technology platform, training resources, and national network—but your experience depends on their individual knowledge of local neighborhoods, market conditions, and how they work with clients.

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services operates as a franchise system, meaning each office is independently owned and operated. The Harrys' specific office handles its own client relationships, contracts, and service standards. Before you decide to work with them, it helps to understand what they actually do, what questions to ask, and how to evaluate whether they're the right fit for your situation.

Key Takeaways

• Cathy and Alan Harry are independent agents working under the Berkshire Hathaway Home Services brand, which means they operate their own business while using the company's systems and support.
• Real estate agents in South Carolina must hold a current license from the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and follow state and federal fair housing laws.
• Before hiring any agent, you should ask about their experience in your specific neighborhood or price range, how they market properties, and what their commission structure is.
• You can verify an agent's license and check for complaints through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission's public records.
• Working with an agent is optional—you can buy or sell property on your own, though most people use representation because agents know local market data and handle complex paperwork.

What Real Estate Agents Actually Do in South Carolina

A real estate agent's job is to represent either the buyer or the seller in a property transaction. If you're selling, your agent (called the listing agent) markets the property, shows it to potential buyers, and negotiates on your behalf. If you're buying, your agent (called the buyer's agent) helps you search for properties, arranges showings, and negotiates the purchase price and terms. In South Carolina, agents must be licensed by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and follow the state's real estate laws, which include fair housing protections and disclosure requirements.

Agents typically earn money through commission—a percentage of the sale price, usually split between the listing agent and the buyer's agent. This means the agent's paycheck depends on the sale closing. That structure can create a conflict of interest: an agent might push you toward a faster sale or higher price rather than what's actually best for you. Understanding this dynamic helps you work with an agent more effectively and know when to get a second opinion.

South Carolina law requires agents to disclose certain information to buyers and sellers, including property defects, liens, and whether the agent represents the buyer, the seller, or both (called dual agency). Agents must also follow federal fair housing law, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status.

How to Research Cathy & Alan Harry Before You Work With Them

Start by verifying their license. Go to the South Carolina Real Estate Commission's website and search for their names. The public records will show whether their licenses are current, active, or have any disciplinary history. This is public information and takes five minutes.

Next, ask them directly about their experience. How long have they been selling real estate? How many transactions have they closed in the past year? Do they specialize in a particular neighborhood, price range, or type of property? If you're buying in a specific area, ask whether they know that neighborhood well and can speak to schools, commute times, and recent sales. If you're selling, ask how they plan to market your property—will they list it on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), use social media, hold open houses, or send direct mail to neighbors?

Ask about their commission structure. In South Carolina, commission rates are negotiable and not set by law or by Berkshire Hathaway. The standard is often around 5 to 6 percent of the sale price, split between listing and buyer's agents, but this varies. If you're selling, you can negotiate the listing agent's commission before you sign a listing agreement. If you're buying, your agent's commission is typically paid by the seller, so you don't pay it directly—but it's still worth understanding how much your agent stands to earn, because it affects their incentives.

Questions to Ask Before Signing an Agreement

If you decide to work with Cathy and Alan Harry, get the details in writing before you commit. For sellers, this means a listing agreement—a contract that specifies how long they'll represent you, what commission they'll earn, what marketing they'll do, and what happens if you want to end the agreement early. For buyers, you may sign a buyer representation agreement, which says they'll represent you and typically includes a commission split.

Ask how long the agreement lasts. Listing agreements in South Carolina are often 90 days or 6 months. If you're unhappy with the agent's work, you want to know when you can end the relationship without penalty. Ask what happens if the property doesn't sell—do you owe them anything? Ask whether they'll show your property to other agents and how they'll handle offers. Ask what happens if you find a buyer on your own—do you still owe them commission?

For buyers, ask whether the agreement is exclusive (meaning you can only work with them) or non-exclusive (meaning you can work with other agents too). Ask how they'll search for properties and how often they'll send you listings. Ask whether they'll represent you in negotiations or whether you'll handle that yourself.

Understanding the Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Brand

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services is owned by Berkshire Hathaway Inc., the investment company run by Warren Buffett. The real estate brand operates through independently owned franchises across the United States. Each franchise office—including the one where Cathy and Alan Harry work—is run by a local owner who hires agents and sets policies for that office.

This structure means you get some benefits of a national brand (training, technology, national referral network) but your actual service depends on the local office and the individual agents. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services does not directly employ the agents or control their day-to-day work. The Harrys' office may have different policies, technology, or service standards than another Berkshire Hathaway Home Services office in a different state.

If you have a complaint about an agent's conduct, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. The Commission investigates violations of state real estate law. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services itself is not a regulatory body and cannot override state law, though the franchise office may have its own internal complaint process.

Alternatives to Working With an Agent

You don't have to work with a real estate agent to buy or sell property in South Carolina. Some people sell their own homes (called "for sale by owner" or FSBO) and save the commission. Some people buy directly from sellers without an agent. This is legal and happens regularly, though it requires you to handle marketing, showings, negotiations, and paperwork yourself.

If you sell without an agent, you'll need to list your property on the MLS yourself (which usually requires paying a flat fee to a discount broker) or market it privately. You'll need to know fair market value, handle inspections and appraisals, and negotiate the purchase agreement. Many sellers find this more work than they expected and end up hiring an agent partway through.

If you buy without an agent, you'll need to search for properties, arrange inspections, and negotiate terms. You won't pay a buyer's agent commission directly, but the seller may offer less because they're not splitting commission with your agent. Some buyers hire a real estate attorney instead of an agent to review contracts and handle closing—this costs money upfront but can protect you legally.

What Happens at Closing and After

Once you and the seller agree on price and terms, the transaction moves toward closing. In South Carolina, a real estate attorney typically handles the closing—not the agent. The attorney prepares the deed, reviews the title, and makes sure all legal requirements are met. Your agent's job is mostly done at this point, though they may attend closing to make sure everything goes smoothly.

At closing, you'll sign documents, transfer money, and receive the deed (if you're buying) or hand over the keys (if you're selling). The agent's commission is paid from the sale proceeds at closing. After closing, the agent's involvement typically ends, though they may follow up to ask for a review or referral.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if Cathy and Alan Harry are the right agents for me?

The best way is to interview them alongside one or two other agents. Ask each about their experience in your neighborhood or price range, how they market properties, and what their commission is. Check their license and any complaints through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. Choose the agent you trust most and who understands your specific situation.

Can I negotiate the commission with Cathy and Alan Harry?

Yes. Commission rates in South Carolina are negotiable and not set by law or by Berkshire Hathaway. If you're selling, you can discuss commission before you sign the listing agreement. If you're buying, the commission is typically paid by the seller, so you may not negotiate it directly—but you can ask your agent to explain how it works.

What if I'm unhappy with their service?

If you signed a listing or buyer representation agreement, review the terms to see how you can end it. Most agreements allow you to terminate with written notice, though you may owe commission if a buyer they brought comes back later. If you believe the agent violated state law or acted unethically, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission.

Do I have to use an agent to buy or sell property in South Carolina?

No. You can buy or sell on your own, though most people use an agent because agents know local market data, handle complex paperwork, and negotiate on your behalf. Selling without an agent means you handle marketing and showings yourself. Buying without an agent means you negotiate terms and review contracts yourself, though you can hire a real estate attorney to help.

How long does a real estate transaction take in South Carolina?

Most transactions take 30 to 45 days from offer to closing, though this varies based on financing, inspections, and appraisals. If you're paying cash or if there are no issues with the title or inspection, it can be faster. If there are problems, it can take longer. Your agent can give you a timeline based on your specific situation.