Delaney Morgan and The Highland Company: What to Know Before You Buy or Sell

Who Delaney Morgan is and what The Highland Company does

Delaney Morgan is a real estate agent with The Highland Company, a South Carolina-based firm that handles residential property sales across the state. Morgan works with buyers and sellers in transactions ranging from first-time home purchases to investment properties and relocations. The Highland Company operates as a full-service brokerage, meaning agents there can represent either side of a transaction and handle the paperwork, negotiations, and logistics that come with buying or selling a home.

Real estate agents in South Carolina must hold an active license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and complete continuing education requirements. When you work with an agent like Morgan, you're working with someone bound by state law to disclose known property defects, represent their client's interests honestly, and follow fair housing rules. The agent's commission typically comes from the seller's proceeds at closing, though this can vary depending on the agreement you negotiate.

Key Takeaways

• Delaney Morgan is a licensed real estate agent with The Highland Company, a South Carolina brokerage that handles residential property transactions statewide.
• Real estate agents in South Carolina must hold an active license and follow state disclosure laws, fair housing rules, and fiduciary duties to their clients.
• You can contact The Highland Company directly to learn about Morgan's experience with your specific neighborhood, property type, or transaction stage.
• Before hiring any agent, ask about their local market knowledge, how they price homes, and what services they include in their representation.
• South Carolina has no state-imposed cap on real estate commissions, so rates and services vary by agent and brokerage.

What to ask an agent before you hire them

When you're considering working with Delaney Morgan or any agent, the conversation should start with specifics about your situation. If you're selling, ask how the agent prices homes in your neighborhood—do they pull comparable sales data, order a professional appraisal, or use a formula? Ask what marketing they do: online listings, open houses, direct mail to neighbors, social media, or all of these. Ask whether they handle showings themselves or coordinate with other agents, and how often they'll update you on activity.

If you're buying, ask the agent how they search for properties that match your criteria, whether they have access to off-market or pocket listings, and how they handle multiple-offer situations. Ask about their experience with your specific neighborhood or the type of property you want—a new construction home in a development requires different knowledge than a 1970s ranch in an established area. Ask what they charge for their services and whether that's negotiable. In South Carolina, there is no state-set commission rate, so agents and brokerages set their own fees.

You can reach The Highland Company directly to ask these questions and learn whether Morgan's background and approach match what you need. A good agent should be able to answer clearly and without pressure.

How the buying process works with a real estate agent

When you work with an agent to buy a home, they typically show you listings, help you understand the market value of properties you're interested in, and guide you through making an offer. The agent prepares the purchase agreement, which includes the price, earnest money deposit, inspection period, financing contingencies, and closing date. Once the seller accepts your offer, the agent coordinates with the seller's agent, the lender, the home inspector, and the title company to move toward closing.

Your agent should explain what happens at each stage: the inspection period (usually 7 to 10 days), the appraisal (which the lender orders), the final walkthrough, and closing itself. They should tell you what costs to expect—down payment, closing costs, homeowners insurance, property taxes—and connect you with a lender if you don't have one. The agent does not make lending decisions or give legal advice; a real estate attorney can review your contract if you want independent counsel.

How the selling process works with a real estate agent

When you sell through an agent, they list your home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which is the database that all licensed agents in South Carolina can search. The agent prepares the listing with photos, a description, and your asking price. They market the property to other agents and the public, schedule showings, and present offers to you as they come in.

Once you accept an offer, the agent coordinates the inspection period, appraisal, and any repairs or credits you agree to. They work with the buyer's agent and lender to keep the transaction on track and handle the paperwork leading up to closing. At closing, the title company or attorney handles the final transfer of ownership, and your agent's commission is paid from the sale proceeds. You should understand upfront what percentage or flat fee the agent will receive and whether that's negotiable.

Understanding South Carolina real estate law and disclosures

South Carolina law requires sellers to disclose known defects in the property to buyers. This includes structural issues, water damage, foundation problems, roof condition, and any repairs or replacements done in the past. The disclosure form is called the Residential Property and Owners' Association Disclosure Statement, and it must be given to the buyer before or at the time of the offer. If you're buying, you have the right to inspect the property and walk away during the inspection period if you find problems you're not willing to accept.

Fair housing law in South Carolina prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status. An agent cannot steer you toward or away from neighborhoods based on these protected characteristics, cannot refuse to show you a property, and cannot quote different prices or terms based on these factors. If you believe an agent has violated fair housing law, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

What to know about commissions and costs

Real estate commissions in South Carolina are negotiable and not set by law. Typical rates range from 4 to 6 percent of the sale price, split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent, but this varies. Some brokerages charge flat fees, some charge a percentage, and some use a tiered structure. You should discuss commission before you sign a listing agreement or buyer representation agreement.

As a seller, your agent's commission comes out of your sale proceeds at closing. As a buyer, the seller typically pays both agents' commissions, so you don't pay your agent directly—but this is built into the seller's asking price. If you're paying cash or working with a discount brokerage, the commission structure may be different. Ask The Highland Company to explain their fee structure clearly so you understand what you're paying for.

How to verify an agent's license and background

You can verify that Delaney Morgan holds a current South Carolina real estate license by visiting the South Carolina Real Estate Commission website and using their license lookup tool. The tool shows the agent's license status, any disciplinary history, and the brokerage they're affiliated with. This is a public record and takes less than a minute to check.

You can also ask The Highland Company for references from past clients, particularly clients who bought or sold in your neighborhood or in a situation similar to yours. A reputable agent should be willing to provide contact information for recent clients who can speak to their communication, market knowledge, and follow-through. Reading online reviews on Google, Zillow, or the Better Business Bureau can give you additional perspective, though remember that reviews are subjective and may not reflect your own experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work with Delaney Morgan if I'm buying and the seller is using a different agent?

Yes. In most transactions, the buyer has their own agent and the seller has their own agent. Both agents are represented in the Multiple Listing Service, and both receive a commission from the sale. You can hire Morgan to represent you as a buyer even if the seller's agent is someone else.

What happens if I want to back out of a contract?

During the inspection period, you can usually walk away without penalty if you find problems you don't want to accept. After the inspection period ends, backing out typically means losing your earnest money deposit unless the seller fails to meet a contractual obligation or financing falls through. Your agent should explain the specific terms in your contract and what happens if you cancel.

Does the agent's commission come out of my down payment?

No. If you're the buyer, the seller's proceeds pay both agents' commissions at closing. If you're the seller, your agent's commission is deducted from the sale price before you receive your net proceeds. Your down payment is separate and goes toward your purchase price.

How long does it usually take to sell a home in South Carolina?

Market time varies by neighborhood, season, price point, and property condition. In some areas, homes sell in days; in others, it takes weeks or months. Your agent should be able to tell you the average days on market for comparable homes in your area and what price point moves fastest.

What if I disagree with my agent about the asking price?

You and your agent should discuss comparable sales, market conditions, and your timeline before you list. If you disagree on price, you can ask for a second opinion or hire a different agent. The asking price is ultimately your decision as the seller, but a good agent will explain the market reality and how price affects how quickly your home sells.