What to Know About Working With Justin Gaskill at BIG REALTY

Who Justin Gaskill is and what he does

Justin Gaskill is a real estate agent with BIG REALTY, a South Carolina-based brokerage. He works with buyers and sellers on residential property transactions across the state. Like any real estate agent, Gaskill represents clients through the process of listing homes for sale, showing properties to interested buyers, negotiating offers, and managing the paperwork that closes a deal.

Real estate agents in South Carolina must hold a current license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. Before working with any agent, you can verify their license status and disciplinary history through the commission's public records—a step worth taking before signing any agreement or sharing financial information.

Key Takeaways

• Justin Gaskill is a licensed real estate agent with BIG REALTY who handles residential property sales and purchases in South Carolina.
• You can verify any agent's license and background through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission's public records.
• Real estate agents typically earn commission based on the sale price of the property, paid by the seller at closing.
• Working with an agent means having someone who knows local market conditions, can handle negotiations, and manages the legal and financial steps of buying or selling.
• You should interview multiple agents and understand their experience in your specific area before deciding who to work with.

How real estate agents work in South Carolina

When you hire a real estate agent to sell your home, you sign a listing agreement that gives the agent the right to market and sell your property for a set period—usually 90 days to six months. The agent lists your home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), a database that all licensed agents can access. Buyers' agents show the property to their clients, and when an offer comes in, your agent negotiates on your behalf.

If you are buying, an agent represents you by showing you available properties, helping you understand the local market, and submitting and negotiating your offer. In South Carolina, the seller typically pays commission to both the listing agent and the buyer's agent—usually split as a percentage of the final sale price. This means you do not pay the buyer's agent directly; the cost comes out of the seller's proceeds at closing.

The agent's job includes handling disclosures (required documents about the property's condition), coordinating inspections, managing the timeline, and communicating between you, the other party, and the title company or attorney closing the deal.

What to expect when you work with an agent

If you contact Justin Gaskill or any agent at BIG REALTY to sell your home, the first step is usually a consultation where the agent tours your property, discusses your timeline and price expectations, and explains how they market homes. The agent will provide a comparative market analysis (CMA)—a report showing what similar homes in your area have sold for recently—to help you set a realistic price.

Once you sign a listing agreement, the agent photographs and describes your home, uploads it to the MLS, and advertises it through their brokerage website, social media, and other channels. You will typically receive regular updates on showings, feedback from agents who bring buyers, and any offers that come in. The agent coordinates open houses if you choose to hold them and manages the negotiation if multiple offers arrive.

For buyers, the agent shows you homes that match your budget and preferences, explains the neighborhoods, and walks you through making an offer. They handle the back-and-forth if the seller counters your price or terms, and they stay involved through inspection, appraisal, and closing to make sure everything stays on track.

Questions to ask before you commit

Before signing with any agent, ask how long they have been licensed, how many homes they have sold in your specific area in the past year, and what their average sale price is. An agent with deep roots in your neighborhood will know which streets are most desirable, what buyers are willing to pay, and which inspectors, lenders, and title companies work smoothly in your area.

Ask how they market homes—do they use professional photography, video tours, social media, and open houses, or do they rely mainly on the MLS listing? Ask what their communication style is: will they call you weekly with updates, or do you check in as needed? Ask whether they have ever had complaints filed against them with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission, and ask for references from recent clients.

Understand the terms of the listing agreement before you sign. How long is the agreement? What happens if you want to cancel? What is the commission rate, and is it negotiable? Some agents offer lower rates for certain types of sales or for clients who also use them to buy another home.

How to verify an agent's credentials

The South Carolina Real Estate Commission maintains a public database where you can search any agent's license status, disciplinary history, and current brokerage affiliation. Visit the commission's website and use their license lookup tool. You can see whether the agent is in good standing, whether any complaints have been filed, and what the outcomes were.

You can also ask the agent directly for their license number and brokerage information, then verify it yourself. A legitimate agent will have no problem with this—it is a standard step. If an agent seems evasive or cannot provide clear information about their license, that is a red flag.

Commission and costs you should understand

Real estate commission in South Carolina is not set by law—it is negotiable between you and your agent. The typical range is 5 to 6 percent of the sale price, split between the listing agent and the buyer's agent, but this varies. Some agents charge less, and some charge more depending on the market, the property type, and the services they provide.

Commission is paid at closing from the seller's proceeds. If your home sells for $300,000 and the total commission is 5.5 percent, that is $16,500 split between the two agents. As the seller, you do not write a separate check—it comes out before you receive your net proceeds.

Beyond commission, you may have other costs: a home inspection (typically $300 to $500), a professional appraisal if the buyer's lender requires one (usually $400 to $600), and closing costs such as title insurance and attorney fees (typically 1 to 2 percent of the sale price). Your agent can explain which costs are standard in your area and which are negotiable.

Finding the right fit for your situation

Choosing a real estate agent is a personal decision. Some people prioritize an agent who is a strong negotiator; others want someone who is highly responsive and easy to reach. Some want an agent who specializes in a particular neighborhood or property type; others prefer someone with broad experience across the region.

Interview at least two or three agents before deciding. Ask the same questions of each so you can compare their answers. Pay attention to how they listen to what you want, whether they ask thoughtful questions about your situation, and whether they seem confident without being pushy. Trust matters in this relationship—you are giving someone access to your home and relying on them to represent your financial interests.

If you decide to work with Justin Gaskill at BIG REALTY, make sure you understand the listing agreement, the commission structure, and what services are included. Ask for clarification on anything that is unclear before you sign.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell my home without a real estate agent?

Yes. Selling without an agent is called a "for sale by owner" (FSBO) sale. You handle marketing, showing, negotiating, and paperwork yourself. Many people do this successfully, but it requires time, knowledge of the market, and comfort with legal documents. You still need a title company or attorney to handle closing, and you may miss out on exposure to buyers whose agents only show MLS listings.

What if I am not happy with my agent?

Review your listing agreement to see the terms for cancellation. Most agreements allow you to cancel with written notice, though some require you to pay a fee or give the agent a set number of days to find a buyer. If you have a serious complaint about an agent's conduct, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission.

How long does it usually take to sell a home?

The time varies by market, season, price, and condition. In a strong seller's market, homes may sell in weeks. In a slower market, it can take several months. Your agent can tell you the average days on market for homes like yours in your area based on recent sales data.

Do I have to use the buyer's agent the seller's agent recommends?

No. If you are buying, you can choose any licensed agent you want. The buyer's agent does not have to work for the same brokerage as the listing agent. You can interview and hire your own agent to represent your interests.

What should I do before listing my home?

Most agents recommend a pre-listing home inspection so you know what issues exist and can decide whether to disclose them, repair them, or adjust your price. Decluttering, cleaning, and minor repairs (fresh paint, landscaping) can help your home show better. Your agent will give you specific suggestions based on what similar homes in your area look like.