Deanna Kastner: Real Estate Agent in South Carolina

Who Deanna Kastner is and where she works

Deanna Kastner is a real estate agent serving South Carolina. To find her current brokerage, service areas, and contact information, search her name through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission's public database or contact local real estate offices in the region where you are buying or selling.

Real estate agents in South Carolina must hold an active license issued by the state, which means their credentials and disciplinary history are part of the public record. Before working with any agent, you can verify their license status and review their background through the commission's website.

Key Takeaways

• You can verify any South Carolina real estate agent's license and disciplinary history through the state Real Estate Commission's public database.
• Real estate agents work on commission, typically paid by the seller at closing, so you should understand how their compensation affects the transaction.
• Interviewing multiple agents before hiring one helps you find someone familiar with your specific neighborhood and price range.
• A buyer's agent represents your interests and is paid from the seller's proceeds, so using one does not cost you extra money.

How to find an agent's license and background information

The South Carolina Real Estate Commission maintains a searchable database of all licensed agents in the state. You can look up Deanna Kastner by name to confirm her license is current, see what brokerage she is affiliated with, and check whether any complaints or disciplinary actions are on file.

This public record is your first step before contacting any agent. It tells you whether someone is legally authorized to represent you in a real estate transaction and gives you a baseline understanding of their standing in the industry.

What to ask a real estate agent before you hire them

When you contact an agent, ask how long they have worked in real estate, which neighborhoods they know best, and how many homes they have sold in your price range in the past year. Agents with deep local knowledge and recent sales experience in your specific market are more likely to price your home correctly or find you the right property.

Also ask whether they represent buyers, sellers, or both. If you are buying, a buyer's agent works for your interests and is paid from the seller's side of the transaction—meaning you do not pay them directly. If you are selling, ask how they market homes and what their average time on market is compared to other agents in your area.

Understanding how real estate agents are paid

Real estate agents earn commission, which is typically a percentage of the sale price and is paid at closing. The seller usually pays the total commission, which is then split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent. This structure means a buyer can work with an agent without paying out of pocket.

Commission rates vary and are negotiable—there is no set percentage in South Carolina. Before you sign a listing agreement or buyer representation agreement, make sure you understand what percentage the agent will receive and when payment occurs.

Comparing agents in your area

Do not hire the first agent you speak with. Call or meet with at least two or three agents who work in your neighborhood or price range. Ask each one the same questions about their experience, their marketing strategy, and their recent sales. This comparison helps you see who has the strongest track record in your specific market.

Pay attention to how each agent listens to your needs and answers your questions. A good agent should ask you detailed questions about what you want, not just launch into a sales pitch about themselves.

What happens after you hire an agent

If you are selling, you will sign a listing agreement that gives the agent the right to market and sell your home for a set period, usually 90 days to six months. The agent will schedule a home inspection, order a market analysis, and list your property on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which is how other agents and buyers find homes for sale.

If you are buying, you will sign a buyer representation agreement that says the agent will show you homes and negotiate on your behalf. The agent will search the MLS, schedule showings, help you make an offer, and guide you through inspections, appraisals, and closing. Either way, you should receive regular updates and have a clear understanding of the next steps in the process.

Red flags and how to protect yourself

Be cautious of agents who pressure you to sign documents quickly, refuse to answer questions about their fees, or make promises about sale price or timeline that sound unrealistic. Real estate transactions take time, and a trustworthy agent will explain what is normal and what is not.

If you have a complaint about an agent's conduct, you can file a formal complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. Keep copies of all emails, texts, and signed agreements so you have documentation if a dispute arises.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a real estate agent is licensed in South Carolina?

Search the South Carolina Real Estate Commission's public database by the agent's name. The database shows whether their license is current, which brokerage they work for, and any disciplinary history. If the agent does not appear in the database, they are not licensed to practice real estate in South Carolina.

Do I have to pay a real estate agent if I am buying a home?

No. The seller typically pays the total commission, which is split between both agents. A buyer's agent is paid from the seller's proceeds, so you do not write a check to your agent. However, you should still interview agents carefully to find one who represents your interests well.

Can I negotiate the commission rate with an agent?

Yes. Commission rates are not set by law in South Carolina—they are negotiable between you and the agent. Before you sign a listing or buyer representation agreement, discuss the percentage and make sure you understand when and how you will pay it.

What should I do if I have a problem with an agent?

First, try to resolve the issue directly with the agent or their brokerage manager. If that does not work, you can file a formal complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. Keep all documentation—emails, texts, and signed agreements—to support your complaint.

How long does a listing agreement last?

Listing agreements typically run for 90 days to six months, though the length is negotiable. Make sure you understand the term before you sign, and ask what happens if you want to end the agreement early or if the home does not sell by the end date.