How Kathy Garrick Works With Buyers and Sellers in South Carolina

Who Kathy Garrick is and what she does

Kathy Garrick is a licensed real estate agent in South Carolina who represents both buyers looking for homes and sellers preparing to list. She operates within the state's licensing system through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and works through the multiple listing service (MLS)—the network that connects agents across the state and displays homes on major real estate websites. Her approach centers on understanding what clients actually need from a property or a sale, rather than pushing toward the fastest transaction.

As a seller's agent, she lists your property on the MLS, handles showings, negotiates offers, and guides you through closing. As a buyer's agent, she shows you available homes, helps you understand neighborhoods and property values, and represents your interests during negotiation and inspection. In either role, she coordinates with title companies, inspectors, appraisers, and lenders—though she does not replace any of those professionals.

Key Takeaways

• Kathy Garrick is a licensed South Carolina real estate agent who represents both buyers and sellers in MLS transactions.
• As a seller's agent, she lists your property on the MLS, handles showings, negotiates offers, and coordinates with lenders and title companies through closing.
• As a buyer's agent, she shows you homes, provides comparable sales data to inform your offers, and represents your interests during negotiation and inspection.
• Real estate commissions in South Carolina are negotiable and typically range from 5 to 6 percent of the sale price, split between listing and buyer's agents.
• You can interview multiple agents before choosing one; there is no obligation to sign with the first person you meet, and most agreements allow early termination.

What a seller's agent does in a South Carolina transaction

When you list a home with Kathy, she prepares your property for market by advising on presentation, sets a price based on comparable sales in your area, and photographs and describes it for the MLS. She then shows the home to other agents and their clients, handles inquiries, and presents offers to you. Her job is to negotiate the best terms on your behalf—not just the price, but also the closing timeline, what repairs the buyer will request, and contingencies that protect you.

Throughout the process, she coordinates with the buyer's lender, the title company, and the home inspector. She explains what each step means, what to expect during appraisal, and what happens if the inspection uncovers problems. When you reach closing, she ensures all documents are in order and walks you through signing. Her commission is typically a percentage of the final sale price, split between the listing agent and the buyer's agent—you discuss this percentage before listing.

What a buyer's agent does in a South Carolina transaction

If you are buying a home, Kathy's role is to show you properties that match what you are looking for, answer questions about neighborhoods and schools, and help you understand whether a price is fair for that area. She can pull comparable sales data to show you what similar homes sold for recently, which informs how much to offer. She also explains the inspection process, appraisal, and what contingencies protect you if something goes wrong.

When you make an offer, she submits it to the seller's agent, negotiates counteroffers, and keeps you informed of deadlines and next steps. She does not order the inspection or appraisal—you or your lender does—but she explains what those reports mean and flags issues that might affect your decision. Her commission comes from the seller's side of the transaction, so you do not pay her directly; the seller's agent and buyer's agent split the commission the seller agreed to.

How to decide if Kathy Garrick is the right agent for you

Choosing an agent is a personal decision. You might interview Kathy alongside one or two other agents to compare how they explain the process, what they know about your target neighborhood, and whether their communication style matches yours. Ask how long they have been licensed, how many transactions they completed in the past year, and whether they have experience with the type of property or neighborhood you are interested in.

You can also ask for references from past clients—not everyone will provide them, but those who do give you a sense of how they handle problems and whether they stay in touch throughout the process. There is no obligation to sign with the first agent you meet. A good agent should explain their fees clearly, answer your questions without pressure, and show genuine interest in your specific situation rather than rushing you toward a decision.

Understanding real estate commissions and costs in South Carolina

Real estate commissions in South Carolina are negotiable—there is no set percentage. Most agents charge between 5 and 6 percent of the final sale price, split between the listing agent and the buyer's agent. You discuss this rate with your agent before listing or signing a buyer's agreement. If you sell a $300,000 home at 5.5 percent commission, the total commission is $16,500, typically split evenly between the two agents.

As a seller, you pay the commission from the proceeds of the sale at closing. As a buyer, you do not pay the agent directly—the seller's commission covers both sides. Beyond commission, you will encounter other costs: title insurance, appraisal fees, inspection fees, and lender fees if you are financing. These vary by lender and property, and your agent or lender can estimate them before you proceed.

What happens after you sign a listing or buyer's agreement

If you list with Kathy, you sign a listing agreement that specifies the commission rate, the list price, and how long the listing lasts (typically 90 days, renewable). Your home enters the MLS within 24 hours and appears on Zillow, Realtor.com, and other major sites. Showings begin, and Kathy tracks feedback from agents and buyers to help you understand market interest.

If you are buying and sign a buyer's agreement with her, you commit to working with her as your agent for a set period (often 90 days). She then shows you homes that match your criteria, sends you new listings as they appear, and represents you in negotiations. Either agreement can usually be terminated early if the relationship is not working, though the terms depend on what you signed. Read the agreement carefully and ask Kathy to explain any part you do not understand before signing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell my home without an agent?

Yes. Selling without an agent is called "for sale by owner" (FSBO). You handle marketing, showing, negotiating, and coordinating with the title company and lender yourself. You save the commission but take on significant work and risk—pricing mistakes, missed showings, and negotiation errors can cost more than the commission would have. Most sellers find an agent's expertise worth the cost.

What if I find a home that is not listed by Kathy's brokerage?

You can still work with her. She can show you any home on the MLS, regardless of which brokerage listed it. The listing agent and buyer's agent split the commission regardless of which brokerage either agent works for. If a home is for sale by owner (not on the MLS), you can still ask Kathy to represent you, though the seller may not have agreed to pay a buyer's agent commission.

What if the inspection finds problems?

The inspection report is yours to use as you wish. You can ask the seller to repair the issues, ask for a credit toward repairs, or walk away if problems are severe. Kathy explains what the inspector found, helps you understand whether repairs are urgent, and advises on negotiating with the seller. The final decision is yours.

How long does a real estate transaction take in South Carolina?

Most transactions close 30 to 45 days after an offer is accepted. The timeline depends on the lender's speed, the appraisal, the inspection, and whether any issues arise. Kathy keeps you informed of deadlines and coordinates with all parties to stay on schedule.

What if I change my mind after signing a buyer's agreement?

Buyer's agreements typically allow you to end the relationship with notice, though the terms vary. Read your agreement to see what it says about early termination. If you are unhappy with how Kathy is representing you, discuss it with her first—many issues can be resolved with a conversation.