How to Work with Deanna Dickson at Open House Realty
Who Deanna Dickson is and what she does
Deanna Dickson is a real estate agent with Open House Realty who works with buyers and sellers in South Carolina. She helps people navigate the process of buying a home, selling a property, or understanding the local real estate market in her service areas. Like other agents in the Open House Realty network, she earns commission when a transaction closes—typically paid by the seller's side of the deal.
Real estate agents in South Carolina must hold an active license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. Before working with any agent, you can verify their license status and disciplinary history through the commission's public records, which are searchable online. This step takes a few minutes and gives you confidence that the person representing you is in good standing.
Key Takeaways
- Deanna Dickson works through Open House Realty and can help with buying, selling, or understanding the market in her service areas.
- You can verify any South Carolina real estate agent's license and history through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission's public database.
- Real estate agents earn commission when a sale closes, typically from the seller's proceeds, so their incentive is to complete the transaction.
- Before signing any agreement, ask about the agent's experience in your specific neighborhood or property type and request references from recent clients.
- Your agent should explain all costs, timelines, and next steps in writing so you know what to expect at each stage.
What to expect when you contact Deanna Dickson
When you reach out to an agent at Open House Realty, the first conversation is usually exploratory. If you are selling, the agent will ask about your home—its size, condition, when you bought it, any recent improvements, and why you are selling. If you are buying, they will ask about your budget, the neighborhoods you prefer, the type of home you want, and your timeline. This information helps the agent understand whether they can serve you well and what the next steps look like.
If you are selling, the agent will typically schedule a time to visit your home in person. This is called a listing appointment. During this visit, the agent walks through the property, takes notes on its condition and features, and gathers information needed to list it. After the appointment, the agent prepares a comparative market analysis (CMA)—a report showing what similar homes in your area have sold for recently. This report helps you and the agent agree on a listing price.
If you are buying, the agent will show you homes that match your criteria, answer questions about neighborhoods and schools, and explain the offer process. They will also discuss financing and whether you should get pre-approved for a mortgage before making an offer.
How agents are paid and what that means for you
Real estate agents in South Carolina work on commission, not salary. The commission is typically a percentage of the final sale price—often around 5 to 6 percent of the total, though this varies and is negotiable. The seller usually pays this commission from the proceeds of the sale, and it is split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent.
This structure means the agent's income depends on closing a sale. It also means that if you are a buyer working with an agent, you typically do not pay them directly—the seller's proceeds cover both sides. However, this does not mean the buyer's agent has no incentive to represent you well. Your agent still wants the deal to close smoothly and at a price that works for you, because a failed transaction means no commission for anyone.
Before you sign any agreement with an agent, ask them to explain their commission structure in writing. Some agents offer different rates for different services, and some may negotiate. There is no standard rate set by law, so it is fair to discuss this upfront.
Questions to ask Deanna Dickson before you work together
A good agent should be willing to answer these questions clearly and in writing:
- How long have you worked in real estate, and how long in this specific area? Experience matters, especially if you are buying or selling in a neighborhood where the market moves quickly or where property values vary widely.
- Can you give me the names and phone numbers of three clients you have worked with in the past year? Speaking to recent clients gives you a sense of how the agent communicates, handles problems, and follows through.
- What is your commission rate, and is it negotiable? Get this in writing so there are no surprises at closing.
- How do you stay in touch with clients, and how often will I hear from you? Some agents send weekly updates; others check in less frequently. Know what to expect.
- If I am buying, will you represent me exclusively, or do you also represent sellers in the same transaction? This is called a dual agency, and it is legal in South Carolina but creates a conflict of interest. You have the right to know.
Understanding the buying process with a real estate agent
If you are buying a home with Deanna Dickson's help, the process typically unfolds in this order: first, you and the agent discuss your budget, preferences, and timeline. Second, you get pre-approved for a mortgage (or confirm you have cash) so the agent knows your actual buying power. Third, the agent shows you homes that fit your criteria. Fourth, when you find a home you want, the agent helps you prepare an offer, including the price, earnest money amount, inspection period, and closing date.
Once you make an offer, the seller has time to accept, reject, or counter. If the seller counters, you and the seller may go back and forth on price and terms until you reach an agreement or one side walks away. After the offer is accepted, you enter the due diligence period—typically 7 to 10 days—during which you can have the home inspected, get a survey, and review the seller's disclosures. Your agent should explain what each of these steps is for and help you understand the inspection report.
Next comes the mortgage approval process, which usually takes 30 to 45 days. Your lender orders an appraisal, verifies your income and assets, and issues a clear-to-close letter. Your agent should keep you updated on the lender's timeline and alert you to any issues. Finally, you do a final walkthrough of the home, sign closing documents at a title company or attorney's office, and receive the keys.
Understanding the selling process with a real estate agent
If you are selling with an agent, the process begins with the listing appointment and the comparative market analysis. Once you and the agent agree on a price, the agent prepares the listing—a detailed description of your home, its features, and its condition—and uploads it to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which is the database that all agents in the area use to find homes for their buyers.
The agent then markets the home through the MLS, their brokerage's website, social media, and sometimes print advertising or open houses. Buyers' agents show the home to their clients, and offers come in. When you receive an offer, your agent explains the terms—price, earnest money, inspection period, and any contingencies—and advises you on whether to accept, counter, or reject it.
Once you accept an offer, the buyer enters their due diligence period and arranges financing. Your agent keeps you informed of the buyer's progress and alerts you to any issues—for example, if the appraisal comes in low or the inspection reveals problems. If the buyer's lender requires repairs or credits, your agent negotiates on your behalf. At closing, you sign documents, receive your proceeds (minus the agent's commission, property taxes, and other costs), and hand over the keys.
Red flags and how to protect yourself
Not all agent relationships work out. Watch for these warning signs: an agent who pressures you to list at a price you are not comfortable with, who does not return calls or emails within a day, who does not explain things in plain language, or who discourages you from getting a home inspection or having an attorney review your contract.
You are not locked into working with an agent forever. If you signed a listing agreement and want to end it, review the contract for the cancellation terms—some allow you to cancel with written notice, while others require you to wait until the agreement expires. If you are a buyer working with an agent and want to switch, you can usually do so without penalty, though some buyer agreements do require notice.
Always read any contract before you sign it. If you do not understand a clause, ask the agent to explain it or have an attorney review it. South Carolina allows real estate attorneys to represent buyers and sellers, and many charge a flat fee for contract review. This is money well spent if it prevents a costly mistake.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if Deanna Dickson is the right agent for me?
The right agent has experience in your area, communicates clearly, answers your questions without pressure, and has references from recent clients who will speak to their work. Meet with a few agents before you decide. You should feel comfortable asking them anything and confident they understand your goals.
Can I negotiate the agent's commission?
Yes. Commission rates are not set by law and are negotiable between you and the agent. Some agents offer lower rates for certain services or property types. Discuss this before you sign a listing agreement or buyer agreement.
What happens if the home does not sell?
If your home is listed and does not sell within the listing agreement period, the agreement expires and you are free to list with another agent, take the home off the market, or try a different strategy. Your agent does not earn commission if the home does not sell, so they have incentive to help you price it competitively and market it well.
Do I need an attorney if I am working with a real estate agent?
South Carolina does not require an attorney for real estate transactions, but many buyers and sellers choose to hire one to review contracts and protect their interests. An attorney can be especially helpful if the transaction is complex, the inspection reveals major issues, or you feel uncertain about the terms.
What should I do if I have a complaint about my agent?
You can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission if you believe an agent has violated state law or professional standards. The commission investigates complaints and can take disciplinary action, including license suspension or revocation. You can also pursue a civil claim against the agent if you suffered financial harm.