Jane Hammond at Wilder Realty — What to Know Before You Work With Her
Who Jane Hammond is and what she does
Jane Hammond is a real estate agent with Wilder Realty in South Carolina. She works with buyers and sellers in the residential market, helping clients navigate property transactions from listing to closing. Like other agents in the Wilder Realty network, Hammond operates under the brokerage's license and follows South Carolina's real estate regulations.
Before deciding to work with any agent, it helps to understand what agents do, what they cost, and how to evaluate whether a particular agent is a good fit for your situation. This guide covers those basics and explains what you should know about working with an agent at a larger brokerage like Wilder Realty.
Key Takeaways
- Real estate agents in South Carolina must hold an active license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and work under a brokerage.
- Agents typically earn commission based on the sale price of the property, paid by the seller at closing — not by the buyer.
- You can interview multiple agents before choosing one, and you are not locked into an agreement until you sign a listing or buyer's contract.
- Wilder Realty is a brokerage firm; individual agents like Jane Hammond work under its license and are bound by its policies and South Carolina law.
- Asking an agent about their experience in your specific neighborhood, their marketing approach, and their communication style helps you decide if they are the right match.
How real estate agents work in South Carolina
A real estate agent is a licensed professional who represents either a buyer or a seller in a property transaction. In South Carolina, all agents must hold a license from the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and work under a brokerage — they cannot operate independently. The brokerage holds the master license and is responsible for overseeing the agents' conduct.
When you hire an agent to sell your home, you sign a listing agreement that gives the agent the right to market and show your property. The agent then lists the home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), a shared database that other agents can access. When a buyer's agent shows your home and a sale closes, the seller typically pays a commission split between the listing agent and the buyer's agent. This commission is usually a percentage of the sale price, though the exact rate is negotiable.
If you are buying, a buyer's agent represents your interests, shows you properties, and helps you make an offer. The buyer's agent is paid from the seller's commission at closing, so you do not write a separate check to the agent. However, you should understand the agent's incentives: because commission is based on sale price, an agent benefits when the price goes higher, which may not always align with your goal of paying less.
What to ask before hiring an agent
Before you commit to working with Jane Hammond or any agent, ask about their experience and approach. A few key questions help you decide if they are a good fit:
Experience in your area: How long has the agent worked in the neighborhood or town where you want to buy or sell? Do they know the local market — recent sales prices, school districts, property taxes, neighborhood trends? An agent who has closed deals in your specific area will have more useful insights than one who works across a wide region.
Marketing and communication: If you are selling, ask how the agent markets homes — do they use professional photography, virtual tours, social media, open houses, or direct outreach to other agents? How often will they update you on showings and offers? If you are buying, ask how they search for properties and how quickly they can show you new listings.
Availability and responsiveness: Will the agent be your primary contact, or will you work with a team? How quickly do they typically respond to calls and emails? Real estate moves fast; slow communication can cost you a deal.
References and track record: Ask for references from past clients — people who have bought or sold with this agent. You can also check public records to see how many homes the agent has sold and at what prices.
Understanding the brokerage: Wilder Realty
Jane Hammond works under Wilder Realty, which is the brokerage firm. The brokerage is the legal entity that holds the real estate license; individual agents like Hammond are licensed to work under that umbrella. This structure means Wilder Realty sets policies, provides support and training, and is responsible for ensuring agents comply with South Carolina law and real estate regulations.
When you work with an agent at a larger brokerage, you benefit from the firm's resources — marketing tools, transaction support, legal compliance — but you should still evaluate the individual agent's skills and fit for your needs. The brokerage's reputation matters, but so does the agent's personal experience and communication style.
If you have a complaint about an agent's conduct, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. The Commission investigates violations of state law and can take disciplinary action against agents or brokerages.
Costs and what to expect at closing
If you are selling, the commission you pay comes out of the sale proceeds at closing. The exact percentage varies but is negotiable — there is no set rate. A typical range is 5 to 6 percent of the sale price, split between the listing agent and the buyer's agent, though this can be higher or lower depending on the market and the agent's agreement with you.
If you are buying, you do not pay the agent directly. The buyer's agent's commission comes from the seller's proceeds. However, this does not mean the service is free; the commission is built into the overall transaction cost and ultimately affects the market price of homes.
At closing, you will also pay other costs beyond commission: property taxes, homeowner's insurance, loan origination fees (if financing), title insurance, and inspection or appraisal fees. Your agent or closing attorney can provide a detailed estimate of these costs before closing day.
When to work with an agent versus other options
A traditional agent like Jane Hammond is one way to buy or sell, but it is not the only way. Some sellers use discount brokerages that charge lower commissions but provide fewer services. Others sell directly to investors or use online platforms that connect buyers and sellers. Some buyers work without an agent and negotiate directly with sellers.
Working with an agent makes sense if you want professional guidance, access to the MLS, help with pricing and marketing, and support through the legal and financial details of closing. It is less necessary if you are highly knowledgeable about real estate, have time to handle marketing or showings yourself, or are buying or selling in a very simple transaction.
If you do decide to work with an agent, you can interview multiple agents before choosing one. You are not obligated to sign with the first person you meet, and comparing agents helps you find the best match for your needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work with Jane Hammond if I am buying and the seller is using a different agent?
Yes. Buyer's agents and listing agents work independently. You can hire Jane Hammond to represent you as a buyer even if the seller has hired a different agent to list the property. Both agents will work together on the transaction, and both will be paid from the seller's commission at closing.
What happens if I sign a listing agreement and then want to switch agents?
A listing agreement is a contract between you and the agent. The terms vary, but most agreements run for a set period — often 90 days or six months. If you want to end the agreement early, you may be able to do so, but you should review the contract carefully and discuss your concerns with the agent or the brokerage manager first. Some agreements include early termination clauses; others do not.
How do I know if an agent is licensed and in good standing?
You can search the South Carolina Real Estate Commission's website to verify that an agent holds an active license. The Commission's database shows the agent's license status, any disciplinary history, and the brokerage they work under. This is a free search and takes just a few minutes.
Do I need a lawyer if I am working with a real estate agent?
South Carolina does not require a lawyer for residential real estate transactions, but many buyers and sellers choose to hire one. A real estate attorney can review contracts, explain your rights and obligations, and handle closing details. Your agent can recommend attorneys, but the choice is yours.
What should I do if I have a problem with my agent?
Start by talking directly with the agent about your concern. If that does not resolve it, contact the brokerage manager at Wilder Realty. If you believe the agent has violated South Carolina real estate law, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission, which investigates and can take disciplinary action.