What to Know About Working With Chad McMahan at eXp Realty

Chad McMahan brings experience in South Carolina real estate to eXp Realty's national platform

Chad McMahan is a real estate agent based in South Carolina who works through eXp Realty, a cloud-based brokerage that operates across all 50 states. Unlike traditional brick-and-mortar offices, eXp Realty agents work remotely and use virtual tools to list properties, show homes, and close transactions. McMahan's role as an agent means he can help you buy, sell, or lease residential or commercial property in South Carolina while drawing on eXp Realty's technology platform and support structure.

eXp Realty operates differently from conventional brokerages. The company uses a virtual office model, which typically means lower overhead costs and sometimes different commission structures. Agents at eXp Realty can also participate in the company's revenue-sharing program, where they earn a percentage of company profits based on their production and the production of agents they recruit. This model appeals to some agents because it offers flexibility and potential additional income beyond commissions.

Key Takeaways

• Chad McMahan is an eXp Realty agent in South Carolina who can assist with buying, selling, or leasing property through a cloud-based platform rather than a traditional office.
• eXp Realty uses virtual tools and remote work, which may affect how showings, inspections, and closings are coordinated compared to traditional brokerages.
• You should verify McMahan's specific experience, local market knowledge, and service area before deciding whether to work with him on your transaction.
• Like any real estate agent, McMahan earns commission when a transaction closes, so understanding how his compensation works helps you negotiate terms upfront.

How eXp Realty's Virtual Model Works

eXp Realty agents operate through a cloud-based platform called eXp World, a virtual office space where agents access tools, training, and support. Instead of meeting in a physical office, agents and clients communicate through video calls, email, and digital document systems. This setup can speed up some processes—like signing documents electronically—but it also means you should be clear about how McMahan will show you properties, schedule inspections, and handle in-person meetings if you need them.

The virtual model does not change the legal requirements for real estate transactions in South Carolina. Deeds still must be recorded with the county register of deeds, title searches still happen through title companies, and closing still requires a closing attorney or settlement agent. What changes is the logistics: you may sign documents electronically, attend a closing virtually, or have showings coordinated through video or photos rather than in-person visits. Ask McMahan upfront how he handles these steps and whether his process matches what you are comfortable with.

What to Ask Before You Work With McMahan

Before you hire any agent, including McMahan, ask about his experience in your specific market or neighborhood. Real estate is hyperlocal—an agent who knows Beaufort well may not know the Charleston market equally, and vice versa. Ask how long he has been selling in your area, how many transactions he closed in the past year, and whether he specializes in the type of property you are buying or selling (single-family homes, condos, commercial space, land, etc.).

Ask also about his commission structure and whether it is negotiable. Most agents earn a percentage of the sale price, typically split between the buyer's agent and the seller's agent, with each agent's brokerage taking a cut. At eXp Realty, commission percentages may differ from traditional brokerages, and McMahan may have flexibility to negotiate. Get this in writing before you sign any agreement.

Confirm how McMahan handles communication and availability. If you prefer phone calls and he prefers email, or if you need evening and weekend showings and he works standard hours, that mismatch can create friction. Ask about his response time, how he handles urgent questions, and whether he has a backup agent if he is unavailable.

Understanding Commission and Costs

When you sell through McMahan, the seller typically pays commission to both the seller's agent (McMahan or his brokerage) and the buyer's agent. The total commission is usually split 50-50, though this varies by transaction and can be negotiated. Commission is usually a percentage of the final sale price—commonly 5 to 6 percent total, but this is not fixed and can be lower or higher depending on the market, the property, and what you negotiate.

When you buy through McMahan, the seller's proceeds typically cover the buyer's agent commission, so you do not pay McMahan directly out of pocket. However, you should understand this arrangement and confirm it in writing. If McMahan is your buyer's agent, his commission comes from the seller's side of the transaction, which is why it is important to know the terms upfront.

Beyond commission, you may encounter costs for title insurance, property inspections, appraisals, and closing fees. These are separate from agent commission and are standard in South Carolina real estate transactions. McMahan should explain which costs are your responsibility and which are typically the seller's responsibility, though this can be negotiated as part of the offer.

How to Verify McMahan's Credentials

South Carolina requires all real estate agents to hold a current license issued by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (SCDHEC). You can verify McMahan's license status on the SCDHEC website by searching the real estate license database. This confirms he is legally authorized to represent you and that his license is active and in good standing.

You can also check for complaints or disciplinary history through the same database. If McMahan has faced complaints, they will be documented there. This does not mean one complaint disqualifies him, but it gives you information to weigh alongside his experience and references.

Ask McMahan for references from past clients—people who have bought or sold with him in the past year or two. A willingness to provide references is a good sign. Contact those references and ask about their experience: Was he responsive? Did the transaction close on time? Would they work with him again?

Buying vs. Selling With an eXp Realty Agent

If you are buying, McMahan's role is to help you find properties, negotiate offers, coordinate inspections, and guide you through closing. Because he works virtually, he may send you property listings and photos rather than scheduling in-person showings immediately. Ask whether he can arrange video tours or in-person showings when you need them, especially if you are relocating to South Carolina and cannot visit in person.

If you are selling, McMahan will list your property on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), market it to other agents and buyers, show it to interested parties, and negotiate offers on your behalf. With eXp Realty's virtual model, your property will still appear on all major real estate websites (Zillow, Realtor.com, etc.), but McMahan's marketing strategy may rely more on digital channels than traditional open houses or print advertising. Ask what his marketing plan includes and whether it fits your expectations.

What Happens at Closing

Closing is the final step where you sign documents, transfer funds, and officially transfer ownership. In South Carolina, a closing attorney or settlement agent conducts the closing and handles the legal paperwork. McMahan's role at closing is to coordinate timing, answer questions about the transaction, and ensure all parties are ready to sign.

Because eXp Realty operates virtually, your closing may happen in person at the attorney's office, or you may sign documents electronically and wire funds remotely. South Carolina law requires certain documents to be notarized, so you will need to work with a notary public—either in person or through a remote notarization service, depending on what the closing attorney allows. McMahan should explain the closing process specific to your transaction and confirm whether it will be in person or virtual.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if Chad McMahan is the right agent for me?

Interview at least two or three agents before deciding. Ask each about their experience in your market, their recent sales, their commission structure, and how they communicate. Choose the agent who knows your area well, explains the process clearly, and makes you feel confident in their ability to represent your interests.

Can I negotiate McMahan's commission?

Yes. Commission is negotiable on any real estate transaction. Discuss this upfront and get the agreed-upon rate in writing before you sign a listing agreement or buyer representation agreement. Different agents and brokerages may offer different rates depending on the market and the transaction.

What if I am buying and selling at the same time?

McMahan can represent you in both transactions, though you should discuss any potential conflicts of interest. Some agents prefer to focus on one side to avoid divided attention. If McMahan represents you in both, confirm that he is managing both timelines and that closing dates are coordinated so you are not left without a home in between.

Does eXp Realty's virtual model mean my property will sell for less?

No. Your property's sale price depends on market conditions, location, condition, and the offers you receive—not on whether your agent works virtually or from a traditional office. What matters is that your property is listed on the MLS and marketed effectively to reach may have access to buyers.

What should I do if I have a problem with McMahan during the transaction?

First, address the issue directly with McMahan. If he does not resolve it, contact eXp Realty's management or file a complaint with the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. You can also consult a real estate attorney if the problem involves a contract dispute or potential legal violation.