What to Know About Century 21 Barefoot Realty in South Carolina
Century 21 Barefoot Realty operates across South Carolina's coastal and inland markets, with offices in Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, and surrounding areas
Century 21 Barefoot Realty is a regional franchise within the Century 21 network, one of the largest real estate brands in the United States. The company focuses on residential sales, rentals, and property management in the Lowcountry and Grand Strand regions. If you are looking to buy, sell, or rent property in these areas, understanding how this agency works and what services they offer can help you decide whether to contact them.
The agency operates under the Century 21 brand standards, which means agents must meet national training and licensing requirements. However, like all real estate agents, they work on commission—typically a percentage of the sale price—rather than a flat fee. This means their income depends on closing a transaction, which is important context as you evaluate their advice.
Key Takeaways
- Century 21 Barefoot Realty has multiple offices in Myrtle Beach and Pawleys Island, serving buyers and sellers in coastal South Carolina.
- Agents at this brokerage are licensed by South Carolina and must follow state real estate laws, but you can verify individual licenses through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission.
- The company offers residential sales, rentals, and property management services, though specific services may vary by office location.
- Real estate agents work on commission, so their financial incentive is to close a sale rather than to steer you toward the best outcome for your situation.
How to find Century 21 Barefoot Realty office locations
The main office is located in Myrtle Beach, with additional locations in Pawleys Island and nearby communities. You can find their current addresses and phone numbers through the Century 21 website by searching for "Barefoot Realty" or by searching online for "Century 21 Barefoot Realty" plus the specific town where you are looking to buy or sell.
When you contact an office, ask which agent specializes in the neighborhood or property type you are interested in. Some agents focus on waterfront homes, others on investment properties or vacation rentals, and others on primary residences in specific price ranges. Matching your needs to an agent's experience can make the process smoother.
What services Century 21 Barefoot Realty typically provides
Residential sales are the core service. Agents list properties for sale, show homes to buyers, and negotiate contracts. They handle marketing, photography, and listing placement on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which is the database all licensed agents use to share available properties.
Rental services include listing rental properties and helping tenants find homes to rent. The agency may manage the application process, background checks, and lease agreements, depending on the specific office and agent.
Property management services involve handling day-to-day operations for property owners—collecting rent, arranging maintenance, managing tenant issues, and handling evictions if necessary. This service is common for investors or owners who do not live in South Carolina year-round.
How to verify an agent's license and background
Every real estate agent in South Carolina must hold a current license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. You can verify an agent's license status, disciplinary history, and complaint record by visiting the commission's website and searching by name or license number. This is a free public database and takes only a few minutes.
If an agent has had complaints filed against them, that information appears in the database along with the outcome. This does not mean one complaint disqualifies an agent, but a pattern of complaints or disciplinary action is worth noting. You have the right to ask an agent directly about their experience, how many transactions they have closed, and whether they have any complaints on record.
Understanding how real estate commissions work
Real estate agents do not charge buyers a fee directly. Instead, the seller pays a commission—typically 5 to 6 percent of the sale price—which is then split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent. This structure means both agents have an incentive to close the sale, but it also means the agent's financial interest may not always align perfectly with yours.
For example, an agent may encourage you to accept a lower offer quickly rather than wait for a stronger one, because the commission is the same either way. Or an agent may push you toward a more expensive property because the commission is higher. Understanding this dynamic helps you make decisions based on your own priorities rather than assuming the agent's advice is neutral.
Questions to ask before hiring an agent
Before signing any agreement with Century 21 Barefoot Realty or any agent, ask these questions: How long have you been selling real estate? How many homes have you sold in this neighborhood in the past year? What is your average time on market? What marketing will you use? How often will you communicate with me? What is the commission rate, and is it negotiable?
You should also ask whether the agent represents you exclusively or whether they also represent the other side of the transaction. Dual agency—where one agent represents both buyer and seller—is legal in South Carolina but creates a conflict of interest. Some buyers and sellers prefer to avoid it.
What to know about buying or selling in Myrtle Beach and Pawleys Island
The Grand Strand and Lowcountry real estate markets have distinct characteristics. Myrtle Beach has a large vacation rental market, seasonal price fluctuations, and a mix of primary residences and investment properties. Pawleys Island is quieter and more residential, with higher price points and a focus on waterfront and near-waterfront homes.
If you are buying, understand the local market conditions—whether it is a buyer's market or seller's market, what homes in your price range typically sell for, and how long properties stay on the market. If you are selling, know that timing matters; summer is peak season for vacation rentals and tourism-related moves, while winter may be slower. An agent familiar with these seasonal patterns can advise you on when to list and how to price competitively.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if Century 21 Barefoot Realty is the right choice for me?
Interview multiple agents from different brokerages before deciding. Ask each about their experience in your specific neighborhood, their marketing approach, and their communication style. The right agent is someone you trust, who understands your goals, and who has a track record in your market.
Can I negotiate the real estate commission?
Yes. Commission rates are not set by law or by the Century 21 brand; they are negotiated between you and your agent. Some agents may offer lower rates for high-value properties or in competitive markets. Always ask before signing a listing agreement.
What happens if I want to switch agents after signing an agreement?
Listing agreements typically run for a set period, often 90 days. If you want to end the agreement early, you may be able to negotiate a release, but you could also be liable for the full commission if the property sells during the contract period. Read the agreement carefully and ask about exit terms before signing.
Do I need a real estate agent to buy or sell property in South Carolina?
No. You can buy or sell without an agent, though you will handle marketing, showings, negotiations, and paperwork yourself. Many people hire agents because they have market knowledge, access to the MLS, and experience navigating contracts and closing.
What should I do if I have a complaint about an agent?
Contact the South Carolina Real Estate Commission to file a formal complaint. You can also contact the local Century 21 office manager to discuss the issue directly. The commission investigates complaints and can take disciplinary action if warranted.