What to Know About Working With Jane Jasien at Coldwell Banker Chicora

Jane Jasien brings two decades of South Carolina real estate experience to Coldwell Banker Chicora

Jane Jasien is a licensed real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Chicora Real Estate, one of South Carolina's largest independent real estate firms. She specializes in residential sales across the Midlands region, with particular depth in the Columbia area and surrounding communities. Her background spans two decades in the market, giving her detailed knowledge of neighborhood trends, school districts, and local property values.

Coldwell Banker Chicora operates as a full-service brokerage with offices throughout South Carolina. The firm handles residential sales, property management, and commercial real estate. Working with an agent means having someone who knows the local market, can guide you through the buying or selling process, and has access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) where most properties are listed.

Key Takeaways

• Jane Jasien works for Coldwell Banker Chicora, an independent South Carolina brokerage with decades of market presence in the Midlands.
• Real estate agents represent either buyers or sellers (or both in some transactions) and earn commission only when a sale closes.
• An agent's value comes from MLS access, market knowledge, negotiation experience, and understanding of local closing procedures.
• You can interview multiple agents before deciding who to work with, and there is no cost to you as a buyer if your agent's commission comes from the seller's proceeds.

What a real estate agent does in a home sale

A real estate agent's primary job is to represent either the buyer or the seller in a transaction. If you are selling, your agent (called the listing agent) markets the property, schedules showings, and negotiates offers. If you are buying, your agent (the buyer's agent) shows you homes, helps you understand the market, and negotiates on your behalf. In some cases, one agent represents both sides, though this creates a conflict of interest that must be disclosed.

Agents access the Multiple Listing Service, a database where most homes for sale are listed. This is not the same as Zillow or Realtor.com—those sites pull data from the MLS, but the MLS itself is where real estate professionals work. An agent can tell you which homes are coming on the market before they appear online, what similar homes sold for, and whether a price is realistic for the neighborhood.

Agents also handle the logistics: coordinating inspections, appraisals, and title work; explaining contracts; and managing the timeline from offer to closing. They know South Carolina's specific closing procedures, which vary slightly from other states, and they coordinate with title companies, lenders, and attorneys.

How agent commissions work

Real estate agents earn commission only when a sale closes. The commission is typically a percentage of the sale price and is paid by the seller from the proceeds of the sale. This commission is then split between the listing agent's brokerage and the buyer's agent's brokerage, and further divided between the individual agents and their firms according to their agreements.

If you are a buyer, you do not pay your agent directly—the seller's proceeds cover both sides of the commission. This means you can work with a buyer's agent at no out-of-pocket cost to you. If you are a seller, you negotiate the commission rate with your listing agent as part of your listing agreement. Commission rates vary and are negotiable; there is no set percentage.

Finding and interviewing agents in the Columbia area

You can find Jane Jasien and other Coldwell Banker Chicora agents through the firm's website or by calling their local office. Before committing to work with any agent, it is common practice to interview two or three agents, especially if you are selling. Ask about their experience in your specific neighborhood, how they market homes, what technology they use, and how they handle communication.

For sellers, the listing agreement is a contract that specifies the commission rate, the length of time the agent will represent you, and what happens if you sell the home yourself or it sells after the agreement ends. Read this carefully before signing. For buyers, there is typically no written agreement, though some agents ask for one. You are free to work with multiple buyer's agents until you find one you trust.

Coldwell Banker Chicora's size means agents have access to the firm's resources, training, and technology. Larger brokerages often have more robust marketing tools and administrative support than smaller independent agents, though individual agent skill and market knowledge matter more than firm size.

What to expect during the buying process with an agent

A buyer's agent typically starts by understanding your budget, timeline, and priorities. They will show you homes that match your criteria, answer questions about neighborhoods, and help you understand what you are seeing. Once you find a home you want to make an offer on, your agent drafts the offer, advises on price and terms, and submits it to the listing agent.

If your offer is accepted, your agent coordinates the inspection, appraisal, and any repairs or credits negotiated after inspection. They keep you informed of deadlines and next steps. South Carolina requires a title search and title insurance, and your agent will coordinate with the title company. Closing typically happens at a title company or attorney's office, where you sign documents and receive the keys.

What to expect during the selling process with an agent

When you list with an agent, you sign a listing agreement that gives them the right to market and sell your home. The agent will photograph the home, write a description, and enter it into the MLS. They will schedule showings, host open houses if you agree, and communicate offers to you. You decide whether to accept, reject, or counter any offer.

Once an offer is accepted, the buyer's agent and your agent coordinate inspections, appraisals, and any repairs. Your agent keeps you informed and helps you understand what is negotiable. At closing, you sign the deed and other documents, and the buyer receives the keys. The title company or attorney handles the money transfer and records the deed with the county.

Questions to ask before working with an agent

Before you commit, ask an agent how long they have worked in your area, how many homes they sold last year, and whether they work full-time or part-time in real estate. Ask how they stay in touch with you and how quickly they respond to messages. If you are selling, ask how they market homes and whether they use video, drone photography, or virtual tours. Ask about their negotiation style and whether they have experience with your type of property or situation.

For sellers, ask what the agent's commission rate is and whether it is negotiable. Ask what happens if the home does not sell within the listing period. For buyers, ask whether the agent works exclusively with buyers or also lists homes, and whether they have experience in the neighborhoods you are interested in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work with more than one buyer's agent at the same time?

Technically yes, but it is not standard practice and can create confusion. Most agents expect exclusivity once you begin working together seriously. If you are interviewing agents, it is fine to see homes with different agents. Once you find an agent you want to work with, let the others know you are moving forward with someone else.

What if I find a home on my own—do I still need an agent?

You can buy a home without an agent, but you lose access to MLS data and professional guidance on price, terms, and local procedures. The seller's agent will still be involved, and they may try to negotiate directly with you. Having your own agent protects your interests and costs you nothing as a buyer.

How long does it take to sell a home in the Columbia area?

This varies by neighborhood, season, price, and condition. An agent with local experience can tell you how long homes typically sit on the market in your area and what price point moves fastest. Spring and early summer are usually busier than fall and winter, and homes priced competitively sell faster than overpriced ones.

What if I disagree with my agent's advice?

You are in control of your own transaction. An agent advises based on market data and experience, but you make the final decision on price, terms, and whether to accept an offer. If you feel your agent is not listening to you or giving you poor advice, you can end the relationship and work with someone else.

Does Coldwell Banker Chicora charge any upfront fees?

Coldwell Banker Chicora is a brokerage, not a fee-based service. Agents earn commission when homes sell. There are no upfront costs to you as a buyer. As a seller, you pay commission only after closing, taken from your sale proceeds.