What Hodge Properties & Appraisals Does and How to Work With Them

Hodge Properties & Appraisals is a South Carolina real estate firm offering property appraisals and sales services

Hodge Properties & Appraisals combines two services under one roof: real estate appraisals and property sales. If you are buying, selling, or refinancing property in South Carolina, you may encounter this firm either as your appraiser (hired by your lender to determine property value) or as your real estate agent (hired by you to list or find a home). Understanding which service you need and how each one works will help you decide whether to work with them.

The firm operates in South Carolina's real estate market, where appraisals and agent services are separate professional roles with different licensing requirements and responsibilities. Knowing the difference matters because an appraiser works for the lender, not for you, while an agent works directly for the buyer or seller.

Key Takeaways

• Hodge Properties & Appraisals offers both property appraisals (determining value for lenders) and real estate sales services (listing or finding homes for buyers and sellers).
• If you are refinancing or getting a mortgage, your lender may order an appraisal from them, but you do not choose the appraiser—the lender does.
• If you are buying or selling a home, you can hire Hodge Properties as your real estate agent, and they work on commission based on the sale price.
• Real estate agents in South Carolina must hold an active license; appraisers must hold a separate appraisal license and follow state valuation standards.
• You can contact the firm directly to discuss listing your home or to ask about their services, but you cannot request them as your appraiser if you are the borrower.

How property appraisals work when Hodge Properties is hired by your lender

When you take out a mortgage or refinance, your lender orders an appraisal to confirm the property is worth at least what you are borrowing. The lender hires and pays the appraiser—not you. If Hodge Properties is selected to do the appraisal, they will visit the property, measure it, photograph it, research comparable sales, and produce a written report stating the property's estimated market value.

You will receive a copy of the appraisal report, usually within one to two weeks of the inspection. If the appraisal comes in lower than the purchase price or loan amount, you have options: renegotiate the price with the seller, increase your down payment, or walk away from the deal. The appraiser's job is to be neutral and accurate, not to help you get the loan approved.

You cannot choose your appraiser when you are the borrower. Your lender selects from a panel of licensed appraisers. If you have concerns about the appraisal, you can ask your lender about ordering a second opinion, though this costs extra money and is not always worth pursuing.

How to hire Hodge Properties as your real estate agent

If you want to sell your home or need help finding one to buy, you can contact Hodge Properties directly and ask to work with one of their agents. Real estate agents help you navigate the market, price your home competitively, market it to buyers, negotiate offers, and handle paperwork. They work on commission, typically taking a percentage of the final sale price—usually split between the buyer's agent and the seller's agent.

Before hiring an agent, ask about their experience in your neighborhood or price range, how they market homes (online listings, open houses, direct outreach), and what they charge. In South Carolina, commission rates are negotiable and not set by law, so different agents and firms may charge different percentages.

When you list your home with an agent, they enter it into the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), a shared database that other agents use to show homes to their buyers. This is how most homes get sold in South Carolina. Your agent will also handle showings, communicate with other agents, and guide you through the closing process.

Licensing and credentials to verify

South Carolina requires real estate agents to hold an active license issued by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (SCDHEC). You can verify an agent's license on the state website by searching their name. The license confirms they have passed the state exam and completed required training.

Appraisers in South Carolina must hold a separate appraisal license or certification from the state. Licensed appraisers follow the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), a national code that governs how appraisals are conducted. If you want to confirm an appraiser's credentials, you can check the South Carolina Appraisal Board's registry.

Both licenses require continuing education to stay current. If you are working with Hodge Properties in either capacity, it is reasonable to ask about their credentials and how long they have been in business.

When to contact Hodge Properties directly

Contact them if you are selling your home and want a listing agent, or if you are buying and want representation. You can also reach out to ask questions about their services, get a market analysis of your home's value, or discuss your real estate goals. Most agents offer free consultations.

Do not contact them to request them as your appraiser if you are a borrower—your lender makes that choice. However, if you are curious about an appraisal that was done on your property, you can ask your lender who performed it and request a copy of the report.

Finding their contact information and location

Hodge Properties & Appraisals operates in South Carolina. You can search for their office location, phone number, and website through a standard online search or by asking for a referral from friends, family, or your lender. Many real estate firms have websites showing their agents, recent sales, and how to schedule a consultation.

If you are looking for a real estate agent in your area, you can also contact multiple firms to compare services and commission rates before deciding. There is no obligation to work with the first agent you speak with.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose Hodge Properties as my appraiser if I am getting a mortgage?

No. Your lender selects the appraiser from their approved panel. You have no say in who is hired. If you have concerns about the appraisal result, you can ask your lender about ordering a second appraisal, but you still cannot choose the appraiser.

How much does it cost to hire Hodge Properties as a real estate agent?

Real estate agent commissions in South Carolina are negotiable and vary by firm and agent. Typically, commission is a percentage of the sale price and is split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent. Contact them directly to discuss their rates for your situation.

What is the difference between an appraiser and a real estate agent?

An appraiser estimates property value for lenders and follows strict professional standards. A real estate agent helps buyers and sellers navigate the market, list homes, and negotiate deals. They are separate professions with different licenses and responsibilities.

How do I verify that Hodge Properties' agents and appraisers are licensed?

You can search for real estate agent licenses on the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation website. Appraiser licenses can be verified through the South Carolina Appraisal Board. Ask the firm for their license numbers if you want to check.

How long does a property appraisal take?

The physical inspection usually takes one to three hours depending on the property size. The full appraisal report, including research and writing, typically takes one to two weeks to complete. Your lender will give you a timeline when they order the appraisal.