What to Know About Working With Chris Del Rossi at Century 21 Vanguard
Who Chris Del Rossi is and what he does
Chris Del Rossi is a real estate agent with Century 21 Vanguard, a brokerage operating across South Carolina. He works with buyers and sellers navigating residential real estate transactions—helping people understand the market, find properties that match their needs, or prepare a home for sale. Like other agents at his brokerage, Del Rossi earns commission when a transaction closes, which means his financial incentive is tied to completing a deal, not to steering you toward any particular outcome.
Century 21 Vanguard operates under the Century 21 brand, a national franchise with local offices. The brokerage handles standard residential real estate services: listing homes for sale, showing properties to buyers, negotiating contracts, and coordinating the closing process. Del Rossi's specific role depends on whether you contact him as a buyer or a seller—or whether you're working with him as a listing agent (representing the seller) or a buyer's agent (representing you as a purchaser).
Key Takeaways
- Chris Del Rossi works as a real estate agent for Century 21 Vanguard and earns commission when transactions close, so his incentive is to complete a deal rather than to give you unbiased financial advice.
- Real estate agents in South Carolina must hold an active license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and follow state and federal fair housing laws.
- You can work with Del Rossi as a buyer's agent, a listing agent, or both—and the relationship you choose affects what information he is obligated to share with you.
- Before signing any agreement with an agent, understand whether you are entering a buyer representation agreement, a listing agreement, or a dual agency arrangement, and what each means for your transaction.
- You can verify an agent's license status and complaint history through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission's public records.
How agent representation works in South Carolina
When you work with a real estate agent in South Carolina, you are entering a business relationship governed by state law and the agent's brokerage policies. The agent represents either you (as a buyer or seller) or the other party—or, in some cases, both parties simultaneously. This matters because it determines what information the agent must share with you and what they can keep confidential.
If Del Rossi represents you as a buyer, he owes you loyalty, confidentiality, and honest dealing. He cannot share your financial limits, your motivation for buying, or your timeline with the listing agent without your permission. If he represents the seller (as the listing agent), his duty is to the seller, and anything you tell him about your offer or your circumstances can be shared with the seller to help them negotiate. South Carolina law requires agents to disclose who they represent before you share sensitive information, though the timing and clarity of that disclosure varies in practice.
Some transactions involve dual agency, where one agent or brokerage represents both buyer and seller. This is legal in South Carolina but creates a conflict of interest—the agent cannot fully advocate for either party. If you are considering working with Del Rossi and the property you want is also listed by Century 21 Vanguard, ask explicitly whether dual agency will be involved and what that means for your negotiating position.
What to ask before you hire an agent
Before signing a buyer representation agreement or listing agreement with Del Rossi, clarify the scope and terms of your relationship. Ask whether the agreement is exclusive (meaning you work only with him) or non-exclusive (meaning you can work with other agents). Ask how long the agreement lasts and what happens if you want to end it early. Ask what services he provides—some agents handle showings and negotiations themselves; others coordinate with a team. Ask about his experience in your specific market or neighborhood and what his typical timeline is for selling homes or showing properties to buyers.
If you are selling, ask how he prices homes, what marketing he uses, and whether he charges any fees beyond the commission split. If you are buying, ask whether he has relationships with lenders, inspectors, or title companies he recommends, and whether those relationships create any financial incentive for him to steer you toward particular vendors. Ask for references from recent clients—people who have actually worked with him on a transaction.
Get the agreement in writing before you begin. A buyer representation agreement or listing agreement should spell out the commission rate, the duration of the agreement, what services are included, and what happens if the deal falls through. Do not rely on a verbal understanding or a handshake.
Verifying an agent's license and background
South Carolina requires all real estate agents to hold an active license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. You can verify Del Rossi's license status, disciplinary history, and brokerage affiliation through the commission's public records search on its website. This search is free and takes a few minutes. If his license is inactive, expired, or suspended, you should not work with him—he is not legally permitted to represent you in a real estate transaction.
The commission's records also show whether any complaints have been filed against him, what those complaints alleged, and what action the commission took. A single complaint does not necessarily mean an agent is dishonest or incompetent—complaints can be frivolous or resolved in the agent's favor. But a pattern of complaints about the same issue (failure to disclose conflicts of interest, mishandling of earnest money, pressure tactics) is a red flag worth taking seriously.
You can also search for reviews and feedback from past clients on real estate websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, or Google. Keep in mind that online reviews are self-selected—satisfied clients are less likely to leave a review than dissatisfied ones—but they can give you a sense of how clients experienced working with him.
Commission and how agents are paid
Real estate agents earn commission, typically a percentage of the sale price, paid by the seller at closing. In most South Carolina transactions, the seller's agent and the buyer's agent split the commission—often 50-50, though the split can vary. The commission rate itself is negotiable and is not set by law or by Century 21 Vanguard; it is negotiated between the seller and the listing agent.
This payment structure means Del Rossi's financial incentive is to close a transaction, not to get you the best deal or to protect your interests above all else. If you are a buyer, your agent earns the same commission whether you pay $300,000 or $350,000 for a home—so he has no financial reason to negotiate harder on your behalf. If you are a seller, your agent earns more if the sale price is higher, which aligns your interests, but he also has an incentive to close quickly rather than wait for a better offer. Understanding this dynamic helps you evaluate the advice he gives you.
Some agents charge flat fees or hourly rates instead of commission, though this is less common in South Carolina residential real estate. If you are interested in a different payment structure, ask Del Rossi whether he offers alternatives.
Red flags and common problems
Watch for agents who pressure you to make a decision quickly, who discourage you from having an inspector examine a property, or who downplay problems with a home. Watch for agents who do not clearly disclose their representation or who seem to be working for both you and the other party without your explicit consent. Watch for agents who steer you toward particular lenders, inspectors, or title companies without explaining why, or who have a financial stake in those referrals.
If Del Rossi asks you to sign a document you do not understand, ask him to explain it in plain language before you sign. If he becomes defensive when you ask questions or if he discourages you from consulting a real estate attorney, that is a sign to reconsider the relationship. Real estate transactions are complex and involve significant money; a good agent welcomes your questions and your due diligence.
If you believe Del Rossi has violated state law or his brokerage's code of conduct, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. The commission investigates complaints and can take disciplinary action, including fines, license suspension, or license revocation.
How to find other agents if you want to compare
You are not obligated to work with Del Rossi or with Century 21 Vanguard. If you want to compare agents, contact several brokerages in your area and ask to speak with agents who have experience in your neighborhood or market segment. Ask each agent the same questions about pricing, marketing, timeline, and fees so you can compare their answers. Ask for references and follow up with at least two or three past clients.
You can also search for agents on Realtor.com, Zillow, or the websites of local brokerages. Many agents have profiles that show their experience, recent sales, and client reviews. Use these profiles as a starting point, but do your own vetting before you commit to working with anyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work with Chris Del Rossi if I am buying a home he is also listing?
Yes, but this creates a dual agency situation where Del Rossi or his brokerage represents both you and the seller. In dual agency, the agent cannot fully advocate for either party. Ask Del Rossi to disclose this conflict in writing before you proceed, and consider whether you want to work with a different buyer's agent to avoid the conflict.
What happens if I sign a buyer representation agreement and then want to work with a different agent?
It depends on the terms of your agreement. Some agreements are exclusive for a set period (like 90 days) and require you to pay a termination fee if you end early. Others allow you to end the agreement with notice. Read the agreement carefully before you sign, and ask Del Rossi to explain any terms you do not understand.
How do I know if Chris Del Rossi's commission rate is fair?
Commission rates are negotiable and vary by market, brokerage, and transaction. Ask Del Rossi what rate he typically charges and why. Ask other agents in your area what they charge. Compare rates, but also consider the agent's experience, marketing strategy, and track record—the cheapest agent is not always the best value.
Can I negotiate the commission if I am selling?
Yes. The commission rate is not set by law or by Century 21 Vanguard; it is negotiated between you and the listing agent. If Del Rossi quotes a rate you think is too high, ask whether he will lower it or explain why he believes that rate is justified for your property and market.
What should I do if I have a problem with Chris Del Rossi during a transaction?
First, try to resolve the issue directly with Del Rossi or his broker. If that does not work, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. The commission investigates complaints and can take disciplinary action. Keep copies of all written communication and documents related to the problem.