What to Know About Working With Kathryn Mahar at Coldwell Banker Chicora

Who Kathryn Mahar is and what she does

Kathryn Mahar is a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Chicora Real Estate, one of South Carolina's largest and longest-established brokerages. She works with buyers and sellers in the South Carolina market, helping clients navigate property transactions from listing to closing. Her role includes marketing properties, showing homes to potential buyers, negotiating offers, and coordinating the paperwork and inspections that move a sale forward.

Coldwell Banker Chicora operates across multiple offices throughout South Carolina and has been in business for decades. The brokerage provides agents like Mahar with access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), market data, transaction support, and training. When you work with an agent at Coldwell Banker Chicora, you're working with someone backed by that company's systems and resources, though your relationship is with the individual agent.

Key Takeaways

• Kathryn Mahar represents either buyers or sellers (or both) in real estate transactions and is employed by Coldwell Banker Chicora Real Estate.
• Coldwell Banker Chicora is a full-service brokerage with offices across South Carolina and access to statewide MLS data.
• Real estate agents earn commission on completed sales, typically paid by the seller and split between the listing agent and the buyer's agent.
• Before hiring any agent, you should confirm their license status, ask about their experience in your specific market or property type, and discuss how they communicate and what services they provide.
• Your agent's primary legal duty is to their client (the person who hired them), though they must treat all parties honestly and fairly.

How to find and contact Kathryn Mahar

To reach Kathryn Mahar, start by visiting the Coldwell Banker Chicora website and using their agent search or directory. You can also call the local Coldwell Banker Chicora office nearest to the area where you want to buy or sell. Office locations and phone numbers are listed on the brokerage's main website. When you contact the office, ask to speak with Mahar or request her direct contact information if it's available.

Many agents also maintain their own websites, social media profiles, or email addresses separate from the brokerage. If you've been referred to Mahar by a friend or colleague, they may have her direct contact details. Before reaching out, it's helpful to have a general sense of what you're looking for—whether you're buying, selling, or exploring the market—so the conversation can be focused and productive.

What to expect when working with a real estate agent

When you hire a real estate agent, you enter into a business relationship governed by a contract called a listing agreement (if you're selling) or a buyer's representation agreement (if you're buying). This agreement spells out what the agent will do, how long the relationship lasts, and how they are paid. Read it carefully before signing, and ask questions about anything unclear.

If you're selling, your agent will list your property on the MLS, market it through various channels, show it to potential buyers, and negotiate offers on your behalf. If you're buying, your agent will search for properties that match your criteria, arrange showings, help you understand market conditions and pricing, and represent your interests during negotiation and inspection. In both cases, your agent coordinates with the other party's agent, the title company, inspectors, appraisers, and lenders to move the transaction forward.

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's proceeds. The seller's agent and the buyer's agent usually split this commission, though the exact split can vary. This means your agent has a financial incentive to close the deal, which aligns with your goal if you're selling, but you should be aware of it when negotiating.

Questions to ask before hiring an agent

Before you commit to working with Kathryn Mahar or any agent, ask about their experience. How long have they been selling real estate? How many transactions have they closed in the past year? Do they have specific experience in the neighborhood or type of property you're interested in? An agent with deep knowledge of your local market can be a real advantage.

Ask how they communicate and how often you can expect to hear from them. Some agents send weekly updates; others check in less frequently. Ask what services they provide beyond the basics—do they help with staging, photography, open houses, or contractor referrals? Ask whether they work full-time in real estate or part-time. Ask how they handle conflicts of interest, especially if they represent both buyer and seller in the same transaction.

Verify that the agent holds a current South Carolina real estate license. You can check this through the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (SCDHEC). Ask for references from past clients, and follow up with at least two or three of them. A good agent should be willing to provide references and answer your questions directly.

Understanding the agent's legal duties

A real estate agent's primary legal duty is to their client—the person who hired them. If you hire Kathryn Mahar to sell your home, her fiduciary duty is to you, not to the buyer. That said, South Carolina law requires all agents to treat all parties honestly and fairly, disclose material facts about the property, and avoid misrepresentation. An agent cannot lie to a buyer to help their seller client, even though their loyalty is to the seller.

If both the buyer and seller are represented by agents from the same brokerage, the brokerage may act as a "dual agent" or "transaction broker." In this arrangement, the brokerage represents both parties but does not take sides. Dual agency is legal in South Carolina but can create conflicts of interest. If this situation arises, make sure you understand it and consent to it in writing before proceeding.

What to know about Coldwell Banker Chicora

Coldwell Banker is a national real estate brand with a long history in the United States. Coldwell Banker Chicora is the South Carolina franchise, independently owned and operated but using the Coldwell Banker name and systems. The brokerage maintains multiple offices across the state and provides agents with training, technology, marketing support, and access to the MLS.

Working with an agent at a large, established brokerage like Coldwell Banker Chicora means you benefit from the company's resources and reputation. However, the quality of your experience depends primarily on the individual agent. A good agent at a large firm will be more helpful than a poor agent at a small firm, and vice versa. The brokerage's size and resources matter, but so does the agent's skill, knowledge, and responsiveness.

Alternatives if you want to explore other options

If you're not sure whether Kathryn Mahar is the right fit, or if you want to compare options, you can interview multiple agents before deciding. Most agents will meet with you for a free consultation. This is a normal part of the process and does not obligate you to hire anyone. Meeting with two or three agents can help you understand the market, get different perspectives on pricing or strategy, and find someone you trust and communicate well with.

You can also work with agents from different brokerages. There's no rule that says you must use Coldwell Banker Chicora or any particular company. The MLS is shared across most brokerages in a given area, so agents from different firms can show you the same properties. The key is finding an agent whose experience, communication style, and approach align with your needs and goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to hire a real estate agent?

If you're selling, the seller typically pays the commission, which is deducted from the sale proceeds at closing. If you're buying, the seller's commission usually covers both the listing agent and the buyer's agent, so you don't pay out of pocket. However, you should confirm this with your agent before you begin. Commission rates vary and are negotiable, though they often fall in the 5 to 6 percent range of the sale price.

Can I work with an agent part-time or only when I need them?

Most buyer representation agreements require you to work exclusively with one agent for a set period, typically 90 days or longer. Listing agreements also lock you into a contract with one agent for a specific term, usually three to six months. You can't simply hire an agent for a single showing or transaction without signing an agreement. Read any contract carefully before signing.

What happens if I'm unhappy with my agent?

If you signed a representation agreement, you may be able to terminate it early, but this depends on the terms of the contract and the reason for termination. Some agreements allow cancellation with written notice; others require cause or payment of a fee. If you're unhappy, discuss your concerns with the agent first. If that doesn't resolve the issue, contact the brokerage manager. As a last resort, consult a real estate attorney about your options.

Is the agent's job to get me the best price, or to close the deal?

If you're selling, your agent's job is to get you the best price and terms possible. If you're buying, your agent's job is to help you find a property at the best price and terms for you. Because agents earn commission only on closed sales, they have an incentive to close the deal, but their primary duty is to their client. A good agent balances both: they work hard to close, but not at the expense of your interests.

How do I verify that an agent is licensed?

You can check a South Carolina real estate agent's license status through the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation website. Search by the agent's name or license number. A current license means the agent has met the state's education and testing requirements and is authorized to conduct real estate transactions. If an agent's license is expired or inactive, do not work with them.