What to Know About Working With Cerah Warner at CENTURY 21 Properties

Who Cerah Warner is and what she does

Cerah Warner is a real estate agent with CENTURY 21 Properties who works with buyers and sellers in South Carolina. She helps people navigate the process of buying or selling residential property, from initial consultation through closing. Her role is to represent your interests, explain how the local market works, and guide you through the steps involved in a real estate transaction.

CENTURY 21 is a national franchise with local offices across South Carolina. Agents like Cerah Warner work within that network but are independent contractors, meaning they operate their own business while using the CENTURY 21 brand and support systems. Understanding this structure matters because it affects how you communicate with her, what services she can offer, and what happens if you need to file a complaint.

Key Takeaways

• Cerah Warner represents either buyers or sellers (or both, depending on the transaction) and earns commission only when a deal closes.
• CENTURY 21 agents in South Carolina must hold a current real estate license issued by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.
• You can verify her license status and any disciplinary history through the state's online licensing database before you work with her.
• Real estate agents are bound by state law and a code of ethics that requires them to disclose conflicts of interest and act in good faith.
• The commission rate and who pays it are negotiable items in any real estate transaction, not fixed amounts.

How to verify her license and background

Before working with any real estate agent in South Carolina, you can check whether they hold a valid license. The South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (SCDHEC) maintains a public database where you can search by agent name or license number. This database shows whether the license is active, what type of license it is, and whether there are any disciplinary actions on record.

To search, visit the SCDHEC website and use their license lookup tool. Enter Cerah Warner's name and the search will return her license status. If you find no record, that means she is not currently licensed to practice real estate in South Carolina. If you do find a record, note the license type (broker, salesperson, or broker-in-charge) and the expiration date. You can also ask her directly for her license number and brokerage information—any agent should provide this without hesitation.

Beyond the state license, you can also ask about her experience, training, and any professional designations she holds. Some agents pursue additional certifications like Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) or Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR), which indicate extra education. These are optional, not required, but they can signal commitment to professional development.

What to expect when you work with her

If you are buying, Cerah Warner would help you search for properties, schedule showings, understand the local market, and prepare an offer. She would explain what contingencies mean, what inspections typically cost, and what happens during the underwriting phase. She does not lend you money or make lending decisions—that is the bank's role—but she can explain the process and help coordinate timing.

If you are selling, she would list your property, market it to other agents and the public, show it to potential buyers, and negotiate offers on your behalf. She would advise you on pricing based on comparable sales in your area, help you prepare the home for showings, and explain what disclosures you are required to make. She would also coordinate with the buyer's agent, the title company, and any inspectors or appraisers involved.

In both cases, she earns money only when the deal closes. Her commission is typically a percentage of the sale price, split between the buyer's agent and the seller's agent. The exact rate is negotiable and should be discussed upfront. If a deal falls through before closing, she receives no payment for that transaction.

Understanding agent representation and conflicts of interest

South Carolina law requires real estate agents to disclose who they represent. Cerah Warner might represent the seller, the buyer, or both (called dual agency). Each arrangement has different implications. If she represents the seller, her primary duty is to the seller, though she must still treat the buyer fairly. If she represents the buyer, her primary duty is to the buyer. If she represents both, she has duties to both parties but cannot advocate for one side over the other.

Dual agency is legal in South Carolina but must be disclosed in writing before it happens. Some buyers and sellers prefer to avoid it because it can create conflicts—for example, the agent has an incentive to push the price higher (good for the seller) and lower (good for the buyer) at the same time. If you are uncomfortable with dual agency, you can ask to work with an agent who represents only your side.

Agents are also required to disclose if they have a personal interest in the transaction—for example, if they own the property being sold or have a family member involved. These disclosures protect you and ensure the agent is acting in good faith.

How commission works and what you can negotiate

Real estate commission is not set by law or by CENTURY 21. It is negotiated between the agent and the client. Typically, the seller pays commission to both the seller's agent and the buyer's agent, but this is not automatic—it is part of the listing agreement and the offer terms.

Commission rates vary. Some agents charge 5 or 6 percent of the sale price; others charge less or more depending on the market, the property, and what services they provide. You should ask Cerah Warner what her commission rate is before you sign any agreement. You should also understand what that commission covers—does it include staging advice, professional photography, open houses, or other services? Different agents bundle services differently.

If you are a buyer, you typically do not pay commission directly. The seller's proceeds are used to pay both agents. However, this is built into the sale price, so understanding commission structure helps you understand the overall cost of the transaction. If you are a seller, commission is a direct cost that reduces your net proceeds, so it is worth negotiating.

What to do if you have a complaint or concern

If you believe Cerah Warner has violated state law or the real estate code of ethics, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. The complaint process is free and begins with a written statement describing what happened, when, and why you believe it violated the law or code.

The department will investigate and may take disciplinary action if they find a violation. Possible outcomes include a warning, a fine, license suspension, or license revocation. You can also pursue a civil claim through small claims court or hire an attorney if you believe you suffered financial harm.

Before filing a formal complaint, you might try resolving the issue directly with Cerah Warner or with her broker (the managing agent at her CENTURY 21 office). Many disputes can be settled through conversation or mediation. Your broker's contact information should be in any agreement you signed with her.

Questions to ask before you hire her

Before you commit to working with Cerah Warner, ask her these questions: How long has she been licensed? How many transactions has she completed in your area? What is her commission rate and what does it cover? Will she represent you exclusively or might she represent the other side? What is her process for communication—how often will you hear from her, and what is the best way to reach her? Can she provide references from past clients?

You should also ask about her knowledge of your specific neighborhood or market segment. If you are buying a historic home in Charleston, does she have experience with historic properties? If you are selling a commercial property, does she work with commercial clients? Specialization matters because it affects how well she can advise you.

Finally, ask what happens if you are unhappy with her services. Can you end the agreement early? What notice do you need to give? Understanding the exit terms protects you if the relationship is not working.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if Cerah Warner is the right agent for me?

The right agent is someone you trust, who has experience in your market or property type, and whose communication style matches yours. Interview at least two or three agents before you decide. Ask them the same questions and compare their answers. Trust your instinct—if you do not feel comfortable with someone, keep looking.

Can I work with Cerah Warner if I am buying and she is also the listing agent?

Yes, but this is dual agency and must be disclosed in writing. Some buyers prefer this because it can speed up communication. Others avoid it because the agent's incentives are split. The choice is yours, but make sure you understand what dual agency means before you agree to it.

What if I sign a buyer's agreement with Cerah Warner and then find a property on my own?

This depends on the terms of your agreement. Some buyer's agreements say that any property you find during the agreement period must go through the agent, even if you found it yourself. Others have exceptions for properties you knew about before signing. Read your agreement carefully and ask Cerah Warner to explain any terms you do not understand before you sign.

How long does a real estate transaction typically take?

From offer to closing usually takes 30 to 45 days, depending on financing, inspections, and appraisal. If there are complications—like a low appraisal or inspection issues—it can take longer. Cerah Warner can give you a timeline based on your specific situation.

What should I do if I think Cerah Warner misrepresented a property to me?

Document what was misrepresented and when you learned the truth. Contact her in writing (email is best) and describe the issue. If she does not respond or refuses to help, contact her broker. If the issue is not resolved, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation or consult an attorney about your legal options.