What to Know About Working With Destry Looney at Weichert Realtors
Who Destry Looney is and what she does
Destry Looney is a real estate agent with Weichert Realtors who works with buyers and sellers across South Carolina. She represents clients in residential transactions—helping people find homes, list properties for sale, and navigate the paperwork and negotiations that come with buying or selling real estate. Like other agents at Weichert, she earns commission on completed sales rather than a flat fee.
Weichert Realtors is a national franchise with local offices throughout South Carolina. The company provides agents with training, marketing tools, and access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which shows all homes currently for sale in a given area. When you work with Destry, you're working with an individual agent who operates under the Weichert brand and follows the company's standards and policies.
Key Takeaways
- Destry Looney is a licensed real estate agent representing buyers and sellers through Weichert Realtors in South Carolina.
- Real estate agents earn commission only when a sale closes, so their payment depends on your transaction completing.
- You can interview multiple agents before choosing one—there is no obligation to sign with the first person you meet.
- Weichert provides agents with MLS access and marketing resources, but the agent you choose handles your individual transaction.
- Buyer representation is typically free because the seller's agent commission is split between both sides of the deal.
How agent representation works in a real estate transaction
When you hire a real estate agent to represent you as a buyer, that agent shows you homes, helps you understand the market, and negotiates on your behalf. The agent does not charge you a fee directly. Instead, the seller pays a commission (usually 5 to 6 percent of the sale price, though this varies), which is then split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent. This means representation costs you nothing out of pocket.
If you are selling, you and the agent agree on a commission rate before listing your home. That commission comes from your sale proceeds. The agent's job is to market your property, show it to potential buyers, and help you negotiate offers. The agent also handles much of the paperwork and coordinates with the buyer's agent and title company to move the sale toward closing.
In both cases, the agent's income depends entirely on the sale closing. If a deal falls through, the agent receives nothing. This creates an incentive for agents to work hard on your behalf, but it also means agents sometimes push for quick closings rather than taking time to address problems.
What to ask before choosing an agent
Before you commit to working with Destry or any agent, ask about their experience in your specific situation. If you are a first-time buyer, ask how many first-time buyers they have represented. If you are selling a historic home or a property in a particular neighborhood, ask whether they have sold similar homes recently and what prices those homes achieved. An agent who knows your market well can give you realistic expectations and spot opportunities.
Ask how they communicate and how often you can expect to hear from them. Some agents send daily updates; others check in weekly. Ask what happens if you disagree on price or strategy. Ask whether they work full-time in real estate or part-time. Ask for references from past clients—people who have actually worked with them on a transaction.
You should also ask about their marketing plan if you are selling. Will they list the home on the MLS? Will they use professional photography? Will they hold open houses? Will they advertise on social media or other platforms? The answers tell you how seriously they will promote your property.
Understanding the MLS and how homes get listed
The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is a database that real estate agents use to share information about homes for sale. When an agent lists a property, that listing goes into the MLS, where all other agents in the area can see it. This is how most home sales happen—through the MLS, not through private networks or word of mouth.
When you work with Destry as a buyer, she can search the MLS for homes that match what you are looking for. She can set up alerts so you see new listings as soon as they hit the system. She can also access information about recent sales in your target neighborhoods, which helps you understand whether a price is reasonable.
If you are selling through Destry, your home will be listed on the MLS. This is standard practice and is how most buyers find homes. Without an MLS listing, your property is invisible to the vast majority of potential buyers and their agents.
Commission, contracts, and what happens if you change your mind
When you sign a buyer representation agreement with an agent, you are agreeing to work exclusively with that agent for a set period—usually 30 to 90 days. During that time, if you find a home and make an offer, your agent represents you. If you buy a home during that period, even if you found it yourself, your agent may still be may have access to to commission because of the agreement you signed.
Read the representation agreement carefully before signing. Understand the length of the commitment, what happens if you want to end it early, and whether there are any exceptions (for example, homes you had already seen before signing). If something in the agreement concerns you, ask the agent to explain it or negotiate different terms.
When you list your home for sale, you sign a listing agreement with the agent. This agreement sets the commission rate, the length of the listing (usually 90 days), and what happens if the home does not sell. Some agreements include a clause that requires you to pay commission even if you sell the home yourself after the listing expires—read this carefully and understand what you are agreeing to.
Red flags and what to do if something feels wrong
Be cautious if an agent pressures you to make a decision quickly, especially on price. Real estate moves fast, but you should never feel rushed into a choice you are not comfortable with. A good agent explains the market and your options; a problematic one creates artificial urgency.
Be cautious if an agent discourages you from having a home inspection or from getting a professional appraisal. These are standard steps that protect you. An agent who wants to skip them may be more interested in closing the deal than in your interests.
If you feel an agent is not communicating with you, is not showing you homes that match your criteria, or is steering you toward properties that benefit them more than you, you have the right to end the representation agreement and work with someone else. Real estate is a relationship, and you should feel confident in the person representing you.
How to find Destry Looney's contact information and next steps
To reach Destry Looney, contact the Weichert Realtors office in your area. Weichert has multiple locations throughout South Carolina, and each office can connect you with individual agents. You can search for her name on the Weichert website or call a local Weichert office to ask for her directly.
When you contact her, be prepared to describe what you are looking for—whether you are buying or selling, what neighborhoods interest you, what your timeline is, and what your budget is. This helps her understand whether she is a good fit for your situation. If she is not available or if you do not feel the match is right, ask the office for a referral to another agent.
Remember that you are interviewing the agent as much as they are learning about you. Take your time, ask questions, and choose someone you trust to represent your interests in what is likely the largest financial transaction of your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay the agent if I am buying a home?
No. The seller pays commission, which is split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent. You do not write a check to the agent. However, you do sign a representation agreement that commits you to working with that agent for a set period.
What if I find a home on my own and then hire an agent?
If you sign a buyer representation agreement and then find a home yourself, the agent may still be may have access to to commission because of the agreement. Read the contract carefully and ask about exceptions before signing. Some agreements allow you to list homes you found before the agreement started.
Can I work with multiple agents at the same time?
Most representation agreements require you to work exclusively with one agent. If you sign an agreement with Destry, you typically cannot also work with another agent during that period. If you want to work with multiple agents, discuss this upfront and get it in writing.
What should I do if I am unhappy with my agent?
Review your representation agreement to understand how to end it. Most agreements allow you to terminate early, though there may be conditions. Contact the agent or the office manager to discuss your concerns and explore your options.
How much commission does a real estate agent make?
Commission rates vary and are negotiable. The typical range is 5 to 6 percent of the sale price, split between the buyer's agent and seller's agent, but this can be higher or lower depending on the market and the agreement you make with the agent.