Katherine Potts and KP & Associates: What to Know About This South Carolina Real Estate Firm

Who Katherine Potts and KP & Associates Are

Katherine Potts operates KP & Associates, a real estate firm serving South Carolina buyers and sellers. The firm focuses on residential real estate transactions across the state, working with clients navigating purchase, sale, and property management decisions. Like any real estate agent or brokerage, KP & Associates earns commission on completed sales rather than charging upfront fees to clients.

Real estate agents in South Carolina must hold a license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and follow state and federal fair housing laws. Before working with any agent, you can verify their license status and any disciplinary history through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission's public records.

Key Takeaways

• KP & Associates is a residential real estate firm in South Carolina; verify the agent's current license through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission before signing any agreement.
• Real estate agents earn commission only when a sale closes, so their fee comes from the sale proceeds, not from you upfront.
• You can interview multiple agents before choosing one, and you are not obligated to sign a listing agreement or buyer's agreement with the first agent you meet.
• South Carolina real estate transactions typically involve title companies, inspectors, appraisers, and lenders—not just the agent—so understand each party's role before closing.

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's commission is typically split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent, and it comes out of the sale price at closing. In South Carolina, commission rates are negotiable—there is no set percentage, so you can discuss what you are willing to pay before signing.

If you are buying, a buyer's agent represents your interests at no upfront cost to you. The buyer's agent's commission comes from the seller's proceeds at closing. You can work with a buyer's agent without signing a formal agreement, though many agents ask for a buyer representation agreement to clarify expectations and protect both parties.

An agent's job includes marketing the property (or searching for properties if you are buying), scheduling showings, negotiating offers, coordinating inspections and appraisals, and communicating with the other party's agent and the title company. Agents do not conduct inspections, appraisals, or title searches themselves—those are separate professionals you hire or the lender requires.

What to Ask Before Hiring an Agent

Interview at least two or three agents before deciding who to work with. Ask each agent how long they have been licensed, what areas of South Carolina they know best, how many homes they sold in the past year, and whether they have experience with your type of transaction (new construction, investment property, short sale, etc.). Ask how they market homes, whether they use professional photography and video, and what their communication style is—daily updates, weekly, or as-needed.

Ask about their commission rate and whether it is negotiable. Ask what happens if the home does not sell within the listing period, and what their plan is if the market shifts. If you are buying, ask whether they represent buyers exclusively or also list homes, because some agents do both and may have a conflict of interest if they represent the seller too.

Request references from past clients and follow up with at least one or two. A reference can tell you whether the agent was responsive, honest about the market, and easy to work with—qualities that matter more than any single sale price.

Understanding Contracts and Closing in South Carolina

Once an offer is accepted, you enter a contract period that typically lasts 30 to 45 days before closing. During this time, the buyer arranges a home inspection, the lender orders an appraisal, and the title company researches the property's ownership history and any liens or claims against it. Your agent coordinates these steps but does not perform them.

South Carolina requires a title company to handle the closing, which is the final meeting where you sign documents and transfer money. The title company is a neutral third party that ensures the seller owns the property free and clear (or that liens are paid off), that the buyer's lender approves the property, and that all documents are recorded correctly with the county. Your agent attends closing to answer questions but does not control the process.

Before closing, you receive a Closing Disclosure from your lender at least three business days in advance. This document shows the final loan amount, interest rate, monthly payment, and all closing costs. Review it carefully and ask your agent or lender to explain any line item you do not understand.

Red Flags and How to Protect Yourself

Be cautious if an agent pressures you to sign a listing agreement without time to review it, refuses to discuss commission, or discourages you from getting a home inspection. A legitimate agent wants you to make an informed decision and will answer your questions directly.

If you are buying, watch for an agent who steers you toward a specific lender or inspector without offering alternatives. Agents can recommend professionals they trust, but you have the right to choose your own. If an agent makes promises about the sale price, the timeline, or the final cost—especially promises that sound too good to be true—ask for those in writing.

Check the agent's license status on the South Carolina Real Estate Commission website before you sign anything. If you have a complaint about an agent's conduct after closing, you can file a complaint with the Commission, which investigates violations of state real estate law.

What Happens After You Sign a Listing Agreement

Once you sign, the agent enters your home into the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), a database that all licensed agents in the area can access. This is how most homes are marketed to other agents and their buyers. The agent also typically creates online listings on Zillow, Realtor.com, and other portals, and may use professional photography, video tours, or drone footage depending on what you agreed to.

The agent schedules showings, which means other agents bring their buyers to see your home. You are not required to be home during showings, and many sellers prefer not to be. The agent reports feedback from showings and adjusts the marketing strategy if the home is not generating interest.

When an offer comes in, your agent presents it to you, explains the terms, and advises you on whether to accept, counter, or reject it. The agent negotiates on your behalf if you decide to counter. Once an offer is accepted, the agent stays in touch with the buyer's agent and the title company to keep the transaction on track toward closing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell my home without a real estate agent?

Yes. You can list your home as "For Sale by Owner" (FSBO) and handle showings, negotiations, and closing yourself. However, you will still need a title company, and you may miss buyers who only work with agents. Many sellers find the agent's commission worth the time and expertise saved.

What if I want to switch agents before my listing agreement expires?

You can ask the agent to release you from the agreement, but they are not required to do so. If the agent refuses, you may need to wait until the agreement expires or consult a real estate attorney about your options. This is why it is important to choose an agent carefully before signing.

How much does a real estate agent cost?

Commission is negotiable and typically ranges from 4 to 6 percent of the sale price, split between the seller's agent and buyer's agent. You discuss and agree on the rate before signing a listing agreement. As a buyer, you pay nothing directly—the buyer's agent's commission comes from the seller's proceeds.

What if the home does not sell?

If the listing agreement expires without a sale, you can choose to renew it with the same agent, sign with a different agent, or stop listing. The agent earns no commission if the home does not sell, so they have incentive to market it well, but they cannot force a sale if the market or price does not support one.

Do I need a real estate attorney in South Carolina?

South Carolina does not require an attorney for residential real estate transactions, but some buyers and sellers hire one to review contracts or handle complex situations. The title company handles most legal paperwork. If you are uncertain about any term in a contract, you can ask an attorney to review it before you sign.