What to Know About Working With Jessica Kilcoyne at Sotheby's International Realty

Who Jessica Kilcoyne is and what she does

Jessica Kilcoyne is a real estate agent with Sotheby's International Realty, a luxury property firm with offices across South Carolina. She works with buyers and sellers in the state's high-end residential market, handling properties that typically range into the millions. Her role is to represent clients through the buying or selling process—listing properties, showing homes, negotiating offers, and coordinating the closing.

Sotheby's International Realty operates differently from standard real estate brokerages. The firm specializes in luxury properties and maintains a global network of agents and marketing channels. If you are selling a high-value home, the brokerage's international reach and auction-house connections can expose your property to wealthy buyers worldwide. If you are buying, Kilcoyne can access listings within the Sotheby's system and coordinate with agents in other markets.

Key Takeaways

• Jessica Kilcoyne represents buyers and sellers of luxury residential properties through Sotheby's International Realty, a firm that specializes in high-end homes rather than standard residential markets.
• Sotheby's International Realty charges commission on sales (typically 5 to 6 percent, split between buyer's and seller's agents) and may have additional marketing or service fees depending on the property and transaction.
• The firm's strength lies in marketing luxury homes to international buyers and coordinating sales across multiple markets, which matters most if you are selling a property worth several million dollars.
• You can reach Kilcoyne through Sotheby's International Realty's South Carolina office to discuss your property, ask about current listings, or explore buying options in the luxury market.

How Sotheby's International Realty differs from other brokerages

Sotheby's International Realty is not a discount or flat-fee brokerage. The firm operates as a luxury-focused network, meaning agents work with properties and clients at the higher end of the market. This shapes how the business runs: the marketing budgets are larger, the agent networks span internationally, and the expectation is that transactions will be complex and high-value.

The brokerage maintains relationships with Sotheby's auction house, which can matter if a property has significant historical, artistic, or architectural value. Sotheby's agents also have access to a global database of luxury properties and buyer networks that standard brokerages do not. If you are selling a $5 million home in Charleston or Hilton Head, Sotheby's can market it to wealthy international buyers in ways a local-only brokerage cannot.

That specialization comes with a cost structure. Commission rates are negotiable but typically fall in the 5 to 6 percent range (split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent). Some Sotheby's offices charge additional marketing fees for high-value properties, professional photography, or international advertising. Ask Kilcoyne directly about all fees before you commit to a listing agreement or buyer representation.

What to expect when working with Kilcoyne as a seller

If you list your home with Jessica Kilcoyne, you will sign a listing agreement that specifies the commission rate, the length of the listing period (usually 90 to 180 days), and what marketing services Sotheby's will provide. The brokerage will photograph the property professionally, create a listing on the Sotheby's website and major real estate portals, and coordinate showings with other agents.

Kilcoyne will handle negotiations when offers come in, advise you on counteroffers, and coordinate inspections, appraisals, and closing logistics. She represents your interests, which means she works to get you the best price and terms possible. The process typically takes 30 to 90 days from listing to closing, though luxury properties sometimes take longer because the buyer pool is smaller and transactions are more complex.

You should expect regular communication about showings, feedback from agents, and market conditions. Kilcoyne can also advise on pricing strategy—whether to list at market value, slightly above it, or below it depending on the property's condition, location, and current demand in your area.

What to expect when working with Kilcoyne as a buyer

If you are buying through Kilcoyne, she will show you properties listed by Sotheby's and other brokerages, help you understand the South Carolina luxury market, and represent your interests in negotiations. She can also coordinate with sellers' agents in other states if you are interested in properties outside South Carolina or considering multiple markets.

As your buyer's agent, Kilcoyne earns commission from the seller's proceeds (typically 2.5 to 3 percent of the sale price). This means there is no direct cost to you—the seller's agent and your agent split the commission the seller pays. However, you should still have a clear conversation about what services she will provide, how often she will show you homes, and whether she has access to off-market or pocket listings that might not appear on public websites.

Kilcoyne can also help you understand the buying process in South Carolina, including inspections, appraisals, title work, and closing costs. Luxury purchases often involve additional complexities—waterfront regulations, homeowners association rules, or historic preservation requirements—so her local knowledge matters.

How to contact Jessica Kilcoyne

You can reach Jessica Kilcoyne through Sotheby's International Realty's South Carolina office. The firm maintains locations in major markets across the state, including Charleston, Hilton Head, and Beaufort. Contact information is available on the Sotheby's International Realty website, where you can also browse current luxury listings and search by location, price range, or property type.

When you reach out, be ready to describe what you are looking for—whether you are selling, buying, or exploring options. Kilcoyne can then discuss your situation, explain what services Sotheby's offers, and clarify fees and commission before you move forward. Many agents offer a free initial consultation, so there is no obligation to list or work with her after that first conversation.

Questions to ask before you commit

Before you sign a listing agreement or agree to buyer representation, ask Kilcoyne these questions: What is the commission rate, and are there additional fees? How long is the listing period, and what happens if the home does not sell? What marketing will Sotheby's provide, and will there be professional photography and international advertising? How often will she communicate with you, and how will showings be scheduled?

Also ask about her experience in your specific area or property type. If you are selling a waterfront home, a historic property, or something in a niche market, you want an agent who has successfully sold similar homes before. Ask for references from past clients, and do not hesitate to interview multiple agents before you decide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use a real estate agent to buy or sell in South Carolina?

No. You can sell your home privately or buy directly from an owner. However, most transactions involve agents because they handle marketing, negotiations, and legal coordination. If you sell without an agent, you still typically pay the buyer's agent commission (2.5 to 3 percent), so the savings are smaller than they appear.

What if I want to work with Kilcoyne but also list my home on other sites?

That depends on your listing agreement. Most exclusive listing agreements require you to list only through Sotheby's for the contract period. Some brokerages offer non-exclusive agreements, but those are less common in the luxury market. Ask Kilcoyne what options are available before you sign.

Can Kilcoyne help me if I am buying a home listed by another brokerage?

Yes. Even if a home is listed by a different brokerage, Kilcoyne can represent you as the buyer's agent. The seller's agent and Kilcoyne will split the buyer's commission, so there is no extra cost to you. This is standard practice across real estate markets.

How much does it cost to work with Sotheby's International Realty?

As a buyer, there is no direct cost—commission comes from the seller. As a seller, you pay commission (typically 5 to 6 percent of the sale price) and possibly additional marketing fees. Ask Kilcoyne for a written estimate of all costs before you list.

What makes Sotheby's different from a local real estate office?

Sotheby's specializes in luxury properties and has a global network of agents and buyers. If you are selling a high-value home, that international reach and marketing power can matter. For standard residential properties, a local brokerage may be more cost-effective.