What to Know About Christopher Howard Homes and 803 Realty in South Carolina

Christopher Howard Homes and 803 Realty: Who They Are

Christopher Howard Homes is a real estate brokerage operating in South Carolina, and 803 Realty is the company name you'll see associated with their listings and services. The "803" refers to South Carolina's area code, a common branding choice for state-based real estate firms. Christopher Howard Homes operates as a full-service brokerage, meaning they handle both buying and selling transactions across the state.

The company maintains an active presence in South Carolina's real estate market, listing residential properties and working with buyers and sellers. Like any real estate brokerage, they earn commission on completed transactions—typically a percentage of the final sale price, split between the buyer's agent and seller's agent. Understanding how a brokerage operates helps you know what to expect when you contact them or work with one of their agents.

Key Takeaways

• Christopher Howard Homes operates under the 803 Realty brand name and functions as a full-service real estate brokerage in South Carolina.
• Real estate agents at this brokerage earn commission on sales, which is typically paid by the seller and split between both agents involved in a transaction.
• You can find their listings through major real estate platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, and the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) that serves your region.
• Before working with any agent, verify their license through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission's website to confirm they are in good standing.

How to Find Their Listings

Christopher Howard Homes listings appear on the same platforms where you'd search for any South Carolina property. The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is the primary database that real estate agents use to share listings with each other. When you search on Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, or Trulia, you're viewing MLS data that includes properties listed by Christopher Howard Homes agents alongside listings from every other brokerage in the state.

You can also contact the brokerage directly through their website or phone number to ask about specific properties or neighborhoods. Many brokerages maintain their own website with featured listings, though the MLS remains the most complete source. If you're working with a buyer's agent from a different brokerage, they can show you any Christopher Howard Homes listing without any additional cost to you—the seller's agent and buyer's agent split the commission.

Understanding Commission and Costs

When you buy or sell through a Christopher Howard Homes agent, commission is typically paid by the seller and is usually split between the listing agent (who represents the seller) and the buyer's agent (who represents you). This split is negotiable and varies by transaction, but the standard range in South Carolina is around 5 to 6 percent of the sale price, divided equally between both sides.

If you're a buyer, you generally do not pay commission directly—it comes from the seller's proceeds. If you're a seller, the commission is deducted from your sale price before you receive your net proceeds. This is why it's important to understand the commission structure before you list your home. Ask any agent upfront what percentage they charge and whether that rate is negotiable based on the property type or local market conditions.

Verifying an Agent's License and Background

Before you work with any agent from Christopher Howard Homes or any other brokerage, you can verify their license through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission website. This free search lets you confirm that an agent is licensed, check their license status, and see if there are any disciplinary actions on record. A valid license means the agent has passed the state exam and completed required education.

You can also ask the agent directly for their license number and brokerage affiliation. A legitimate agent will provide this information without hesitation. If you're buying, you have the right to work with any licensed agent you choose—you are not obligated to use the listing agent, and using a buyer's agent does not cost you anything extra since commission is typically paid by the seller.

What to Ask Before You Work Together

When you contact Christopher Howard Homes or any agent, ask specific questions about their experience in your target neighborhood or property type. How long have they been selling real estate? How many transactions have they closed in the past year? Do they specialize in certain areas of South Carolina, or do they work statewide? An agent with deep knowledge of a specific neighborhood can often provide better insight into local market conditions, school districts, and community character.

Ask also about their communication style and availability. Will they send you listings as soon as they hit the market? How often will they contact you with updates? Can you reach them by phone, email, or text? Real estate transactions move quickly, and you want an agent who is responsive and keeps you informed at each step. Get these expectations in writing or documented in an email so you both have a record of what was agreed.

Buying or Selling Through a Brokerage

If you're buying, a buyer's agent from Christopher Howard Homes or any brokerage will show you properties, help you understand the local market, and guide you through the offer and inspection process. They work for you and are paid from the seller's commission, so their incentive is to help you find the right home at the best price. You can work with only one agent at a time, and this relationship is typically formalized in a buyer's agent agreement.

If you're selling, a listing agent will market your home, show it to potential buyers, and negotiate on your behalf. They handle the listing on the MLS, coordinate open houses, and manage the paperwork. The listing agreement specifies the commission rate, the length of the listing period (usually 90 days or 6 months), and what marketing services the agent will provide. Read this agreement carefully before you sign, because you are legally bound to pay the agreed commission if the home sells during the listing period, even if you find the buyer yourself.

South Carolina's Real Estate Market Context

South Carolina's real estate market varies significantly by region. Coastal areas like Charleston and Hilton Head see higher prices and faster sales, while inland areas and rural counties move more slowly. The Midlands region around Columbia has steady demand for both residential and investment properties. Understanding your local market helps you evaluate whether an agent's experience matches your needs.

Real estate agents in South Carolina must follow state and federal fair housing laws, which prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status. If you ever feel an agent has treated you unfairly or violated these protections, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. This is a free process and is one of the few ways to hold agents accountable for their conduct.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if Christopher Howard Homes is the right brokerage for me?

The right brokerage depends on where you want to buy or sell and what kind of support you need. Look at their listings in your target area and see if they have active inventory. Read online reviews from past clients, though remember that unhappy people are often more likely to leave reviews than satisfied ones. Interview agents from multiple brokerages before you decide—there is no penalty for talking to several agents before you commit to one.

Can I change agents if I'm not happy with the one I'm working with?

If you signed a buyer's agent agreement, you may be able to end it early depending on the terms. If you signed a listing agreement to sell your home, you are typically locked in for the agreed period unless the agent agrees to release you. Read your agreement carefully to understand the cancellation terms. If you have concerns about an agent's conduct, you can also file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission.

What happens if the same brokerage represents both the buyer and seller?

This is called "dual agency" and is legal in South Carolina, but it creates a conflict of interest because the brokerage profits from both sides of the deal. If this happens, you should understand that the brokerage cannot fully represent both parties equally. Ask the agent to disclose this arrangement in writing before you proceed, and consider whether you want to work with a different agent to represent your interests exclusively.

Do I have to use the listing agent to buy a home?

No. You can work with any licensed agent you choose, and using a buyer's agent does not cost you anything extra—the seller's agent and your agent split the commission. In fact, working with your own buyer's agent ensures someone is looking out for your interests rather than the seller's. You have the right to representation, and you should exercise it.

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

From offer to closing usually takes 30 to 45 days, though this varies based on inspection results, appraisal issues, and financing timelines. If the buyer needs a mortgage, the lender's timeline often controls the pace. Cash offers can close faster, sometimes in two to three weeks. Your agent should give you a realistic timeline based on the specific circumstances of your transaction.