What to Know About Cornerstone Property Solutions in South Carolina
Cornerstone Property Solutions is a real estate brokerage operating in South Carolina
Cornerstone Property Solutions is a real estate firm based in South Carolina that works with buyers and sellers in residential property transactions. Like other brokerages in the state, it operates under South Carolina's real estate licensing requirements and follows the rules set by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission.
Before working with any real estate agent or brokerage, it helps to understand what services they offer, how they structure their fees, and what to expect from the process. This guide covers what you should know when considering a real estate professional for your transaction.
Key Takeaways
- Real estate brokerages in South Carolina must be licensed by the state and follow commission rules about disclosure, contracts, and handling client money.
- Most residential real estate agents work on commission, typically split between the buyer's agent and seller's agent, and these costs are usually paid from the sale proceeds.
- You can interview multiple agents or brokerages before choosing one, and asking about their experience in your specific area or property type is a standard part of that conversation.
- South Carolina law requires agents to disclose their role in a transaction—whether they represent the buyer, the seller, or both—before you sign any contract.
How real estate commissions work in South Carolina
Real estate commissions in South Carolina are negotiable between the seller and the listing agent, not set by law or by any single brokerage. The listing agent's commission is typically split: part goes to the listing brokerage, part to the buyer's agent's brokerage, and part to the individual agents involved. Commission rates vary and are not standardized across the state.
When you buy a home, the buyer's agent's commission usually comes from the seller's proceeds, not from your pocket directly. However, the total sale price reflects these costs, so understanding how commissions work helps you see the full picture of what a transaction will cost. You can ask any agent upfront what their commission structure is before you decide to work with them.
What to ask a real estate agent before you hire them
When you meet with an agent or brokerage, ask about their experience in your specific neighborhood or with your type of property. An agent who has sold homes in your area recently will know local market conditions, school districts, property values, and common buyer concerns in ways that matter to your sale or purchase.
Ask how they market properties, what their average time on market is, and how they handle communication with you during the process. Find out whether they work full-time in real estate and how many active clients they typically handle at once. These details affect how much attention your transaction will receive.
You should also ask about their experience with any special circumstances in your situation—whether that is a short sale, a property that needs work, a commercial transaction, or a purchase in a specific price range. Not all agents have the same depth of experience across all transaction types.
South Carolina's disclosure requirements for real estate agents
South Carolina law requires real estate agents to disclose their role in a transaction before you sign a contract. An agent must tell you whether they represent the seller, the buyer, or both parties. This disclosure must be in writing, and you must acknowledge it before the contract is signed.
Agents must also disclose any material facts they know about a property—things like structural problems, previous flooding, or neighborhood issues that would affect a buyer's decision. The seller is responsible for disclosing known defects, but the agent cannot hide information they are aware of.
If you are working with an agent who represents both the buyer and seller in the same transaction (called dual agency), South Carolina allows this, but both parties must consent in writing. Dual agency creates a conflict of interest, so understand what it means before you agree to it.
How to verify an agent's license and background
You can verify that a real estate agent or broker is licensed in South Carolina by checking the South Carolina Real Estate Commission's website. The commission maintains a public database where you can search by name or license number to confirm someone is currently licensed and to see if there are any disciplinary actions on record.
This verification takes just a few minutes and is worth doing before you sign any agreement or hand over money for earnest money, inspections, or appraisals. If an agent's license has been suspended or revoked, that information will show up in the database.
Understanding earnest money and how it is handled
When you make an offer on a home in South Carolina, you typically submit earnest money—a deposit that shows the seller you are serious about the purchase. This money is usually held by a third party, often the listing brokerage's escrow account or a title company, not by the agent personally.
South Carolina law requires that earnest money be held in a trust account and accounted for carefully. If the sale falls through for a reason allowed by the contract, you should receive your earnest money back. If it does not, ask for a written explanation of where it went. Your real estate agent should be able to tell you exactly who is holding the money and how to track it.
What happens after you sign a purchase contract
After you and the seller sign a contract, your agent's role shifts to coordinating the next steps: scheduling the home inspection, arranging the appraisal, communicating with the lender, and working with the title company. Your agent should keep you informed about deadlines for inspections, appraisal contingencies, and the final walkthrough.
Most contracts in South Carolina include an inspection period (usually 10 days) during which you can hire an inspector to examine the property. Your agent can recommend inspectors, but you choose and pay for the inspection yourself. After the inspection, you have time to negotiate repairs or credits with the seller if problems are found.
The appraisal is ordered by your lender and is separate from the inspection. It determines whether the home's value supports the loan amount. Your agent does not control the appraisal, but they should explain what happens if the appraisal comes in low.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I negotiate the real estate commission?
Yes. Commission rates are negotiable between you and the agent or brokerage. There is no set rate in South Carolina. You can discuss commission structure before you sign a listing agreement or buyer's representation agreement. Some agents may offer different rates depending on the property type or price range.
What if I want to work with a different agent after I have already started?
If you signed a buyer's representation agreement with an agent, you may be bound to that agreement for a set period. Review what you signed to see the terms. If you signed a listing agreement to sell your home, you are typically locked in for the contract period unless both you and the agent agree to end it early. Ending an agreement early may have financial consequences.
Do I need a real estate agent to buy or sell a home in South Carolina?
No. You can buy or sell a home without an agent, though you will handle all negotiations, paperwork, and coordination yourself. Many people work with agents because they have market knowledge, access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), and experience with contracts and closing procedures. The choice depends on your comfort level and the complexity of your transaction.
What should I do if I have a complaint about a real estate agent?
You can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. The commission investigates complaints about license violations, fraud, or unethical conduct. You will need to provide details about the complaint and any supporting documents. The commission's website has a complaint form and instructions for filing.
How long does a typical home sale take in South Carolina?
A typical home sale takes 30 to 45 days from contract to closing, though this varies. The timeline depends on how quickly the inspection, appraisal, and loan approval move forward. Your agent should give you a realistic timeline based on current market conditions and your specific situation.