What to Know About Working With Kate Gene Dixon at Carter Realtors

Kate Gene Dixon brings local market knowledge and residential expertise to Carter Realtors

Kate Gene Dixon is a real estate agent with Carter Realtors who works with buyers and sellers in South Carolina's residential market. She combines familiarity with local neighborhoods, schools, and community character with the practical steps involved in buying or selling a home. If you are considering a move in South Carolina or want to understand how a real estate agent works, knowing what to expect from an agent like Dixon—and what questions to ask before you choose one—helps you make a more informed decision.

Real estate agents in South Carolina must hold a license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and work under a brokerage firm, which in Dixon's case is Carter Realtors. The agent's role is to represent either the buyer or the seller (or, in some cases, both, though that requires written consent from all parties), guide you through the process, handle paperwork, and negotiate on your behalf. Understanding what an agent does, what they cost, and how to work with them effectively shapes the entire experience of buying or selling a home.

Key Takeaways

• Real estate agents in South Carolina work under a brokerage firm and must hold a license from the South Carolina Real Estate Commission.
• An agent's primary role is to represent your interests, guide you through the buying or selling process, and handle the legal and financial paperwork involved.
• Agent compensation typically comes from a commission split between buyer's and seller's agents, paid by the seller at closing—not by the buyer upfront.
• Before choosing an agent, ask about their experience in your specific neighborhood, their communication style, and how they handle negotiations.
• A good agent should be able to explain local market conditions, comparable home prices, and the timeline for your transaction in plain language.

What a real estate agent actually does during a transaction

If you are selling, an agent's job includes listing your home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which is the database that other agents and their buyers search. They photograph and describe the property, set a price based on comparable sales in your area, market the home to other agents and the public, show it to potential buyers, negotiate offers, and manage the paperwork through closing. They also advise you on repairs, staging, or price adjustments if the home is not attracting offers.

If you are buying, an agent searches the MLS for homes that match your criteria, arranges showings, explains what you are seeing in each property, helps you understand the neighborhood and local schools, negotiates your offer, manages inspections and appraisals, and coordinates with lenders and title companies. A buyer's agent also reviews contracts and protects your interests when problems arise—for example, if an inspection reveals foundation damage or if the appraisal comes in lower than the purchase price.

In both cases, the agent handles communication between parties, keeps timelines on track, and explains what happens at each step. This is especially valuable if you are new to South Carolina or buying or selling for the first time, because the agent knows local practices, tax implications, and which neighborhoods have good schools, walkability, or access to recreation.

How agent compensation works and what it costs you

Real estate agents in South Carolina are paid by commission, which is a percentage of the home's sale price. The commission is typically split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent, and it comes out of the seller's proceeds at closing. As a buyer, you do not pay the agent directly; the seller's sale price is what funds both commissions.

Commission rates are not set by law or by the MLS—they are negotiable between the seller and their agent. Rates vary, but many transactions in South Carolina involve a combined commission of 5 to 6 percent, split roughly equally between the two agents. This means if a home sells for $300,000 and the total commission is 5.5 percent, that is $16,500 total, with roughly $8,250 going to each side.

Before you hire an agent, ask what commission they charge and whether it is negotiable. Some agents offer lower rates for certain types of sales, and some brokerages have different structures. The commission should be in writing in your listing agreement or buyer representation agreement before you sign.

Questions to ask before you choose an agent

Not every agent is right for every client. Before you commit to working with someone, ask about their experience in your specific neighborhood or price range. An agent who has sold ten homes in your area in the past year knows the market, the schools, the commute times, and the typical buyer profile far better than an agent who has sold homes all over the state.

Ask how they communicate—do they text, email, or call? How often will they update you? What is their response time if you have a question? Ask how they handle negotiations: do they advise you on every offer, or do they make decisions without consulting you? Ask whether they have experience with your specific situation—if you are a first-time buyer, a relocating professional, or selling a rental property, an agent who has worked with clients in your position can anticipate problems and guide you more effectively.

Ask for references from recent clients, and actually call them. Ask whether the agent was responsive, whether they explained things clearly, and whether they felt represented fairly. Ask about the agent's track record: how many homes have they sold in the past year, what is the average time on market, and what is the average sale price compared to the list price? These numbers tell you whether the agent prices homes realistically and markets them effectively.

Understanding South Carolina's real estate market and local conditions

South Carolina's real estate market varies significantly by region and by season. Coastal areas like Charleston and Hilton Head have different market dynamics than the Upstate around Greenville or Spartanburg. Urban markets move faster than rural ones. Spring and early summer are typically the busiest seasons for buying and selling, while winter is slower.

A good agent explains what is happening in your specific market right now. Are homes selling quickly or sitting on the market? Are prices rising, falling, or stable? Are buyers negotiating aggressively or accepting list price? Are sellers making repairs before sale or asking buyers to take homes as-is? These conditions change month to month and neighborhood to neighborhood, and they affect your strategy—whether you should price aggressively, stage extensively, or negotiate hard on inspection items.

An agent also knows local costs and requirements. Property taxes vary by county. Some areas have HOA fees; others do not. Flood insurance requirements depend on whether a property is in a flood zone. Septic systems are common in rural areas but not in cities. An agent familiar with your area can explain these factors and help you understand what they mean for your monthly costs and long-term investment.

How to work effectively with your agent

The relationship between agent and client works best when both sides are clear about expectations. If you are selling, be honest about your timeline, your bottom-line price, and any issues with the home. If you are buying, be clear about your budget, your must-haves versus nice-to-haves, and your timeline. The more your agent knows about your actual situation, the better they can serve you.

Respond promptly to your agent's requests for information or decisions. If they ask for documents, provide them quickly. If they ask whether you want to make an offer, give them an answer rather than leaving them waiting. Real estate moves on timelines—inspections, appraisals, and closing dates are scheduled weeks in advance, and delays cost money and create stress.

Ask questions when you do not understand something. Contracts, disclosures, inspection reports, and appraisals are full of technical language. Your agent should be able to explain what these documents mean in plain English. If they cannot or will not, that is a sign to find a different agent.

What happens if something goes wrong

Real estate transactions sometimes hit problems: an inspection reveals damage, an appraisal comes in low, a lender denies financing, a title issue surfaces, or a party backs out. Your agent's job is to help you navigate these situations. They should explain your options, the costs involved, and the timeline for resolution.

If you feel your agent is not representing your interests or is pressuring you into a decision you are uncomfortable with, you have the right to end the relationship. Buyer representation agreements can usually be terminated, though seller listing agreements typically require more notice. If you believe an agent has violated South Carolina real estate law or the code of ethics, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a real estate agent to buy or sell a home in South Carolina?

No, you can buy or sell without an agent. However, agents handle complex paperwork, negotiate on your behalf, and know local market conditions. Selling without an agent means you handle showings, marketing, and negotiations yourself. Buying without an agent means you negotiate directly with the seller's agent, who represents the seller's interests, not yours.

Can I work with an agent who is not affiliated with Carter Realtors?

Yes. Real estate agents work for many different brokerages across South Carolina. You can choose any licensed agent. If you are interested in working with Kate Gene Dixon specifically, she works through Carter Realtors, so that is where you would contact her.

What if I want to buy a home that is listed by the same brokerage as my agent?

This is called a "dual agency" situation and is legal in South Carolina with written consent from both buyer and seller. However, it creates a conflict of interest because the brokerage profits from both sides of the transaction. Many buyers prefer to work with an agent from a different brokerage to ensure their interests are represented independently.

How long does a typical home sale take in South Carolina?

From listing to closing typically takes 30 to 45 days, though it varies. The inspection period is usually 7 to 10 days, the appraisal takes 7 to 14 days, and lender approval takes 10 to 20 days. If problems arise—a low appraisal, inspection issues, or financing delays—the timeline extends.

What should I do if I disagree with my agent's advice?

Ask them to explain their reasoning in detail. A good agent will walk you through comparable sales, market data, and their experience. If you still disagree, you have the right to make your own decision. Your agent should support your choice even if they advised differently. If they pressure you or refuse to move forward, that is a sign to find a different agent.