What to Know About Working With Kathy Harrison, South Carolina Real Estate Professional
Kathy Harrison brings two decades of experience to South Carolina real estate transactions
Kathy Harrison is a licensed real estate professional operating in South Carolina with a background spanning residential sales, property management, and client representation across multiple market conditions. Her work centers on helping buyers and sellers navigate transactions in South Carolina's varied neighborhoods—from coastal properties to upstate communities—and understanding the practical steps involved in each sale or purchase.
Like any real estate professional, Harrison works within South Carolina's licensing requirements and follows the state's real estate commission standards. Before engaging any agent, you should understand what their role involves, what questions to ask during an initial conversation, and how agent compensation typically works in the state.
Key Takeaways
- Real estate agents in South Carolina must hold an active license from the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and work under a brokerage firm, not independently.
- An agent's primary duty is to their brokerage's client—either the buyer or the seller—though dual agency (representing both) is permitted with written consent in South Carolina.
- Commission rates are negotiable and not set by law; they typically range from 5 to 6 percent of the sale price but vary by property, market, and agreement.
- When interviewing an agent, ask about their experience in your specific neighborhood or property type, their marketing approach, and how they handle communication during a transaction.
How real estate agents work in South Carolina
A real estate agent's job is to represent either a buyer or a seller through a purchase or sale transaction. In South Carolina, agents must work under a licensed brokerage firm—they cannot operate independently. The brokerage holds the license and is responsible for oversight and compliance with state law.
When you hire an agent to sell your home, you sign a listing agreement that gives that agent (and their brokerage) the right to market and show your property. If you are buying, you may sign a buyer's representation agreement, though this is less common in South Carolina than in some other states. Without a written agreement, an agent showing you homes is typically working for the seller's brokerage, not you.
South Carolina allows dual agency—one agent representing both buyer and seller in the same transaction—but only with written consent from both parties. This arrangement can create a conflict of interest, so many buyers prefer to work with an agent who represents them alone.
What to ask when you first contact an agent
Before committing to work with any agent, including Harrison, have a conversation about their experience and approach. Ask how long they have been licensed, how many transactions they closed in the past year, and whether they have sold properties in your specific neighborhood or price range. An agent with deep knowledge of your area can speak to school districts, property taxes, market trends, and comparable sales with confidence.
Ask how they market homes if you are selling—do they use professional photography, video tours, social media, and multiple listing services? Ask how often they communicate with clients and through what channels. Ask whether they handle their own showings or coordinate with other agents. For buyers, ask how they search for properties, whether they have access to off-market or pocket listings, and how they prepare offers in a competitive market.
It is also worth asking about their negotiation style and how they have handled difficult transactions. Real estate deals often involve inspection issues, appraisal gaps, or financing complications; an agent who has worked through these problems before can guide you through them more smoothly.
Understanding commission and costs
Real estate commission in South Carolina is negotiable—there is no set rate by law. Commission typically ranges from 5 to 6 percent of the sale price, though it can be higher or lower depending on the property, the market, and what you agree to. The seller usually pays the commission, which is then split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent (each receiving roughly half).
Commission is paid only if the sale closes. If a deal falls through, the agent receives nothing. This structure aligns the agent's incentive with yours—they want the transaction to complete.
Beyond commission, you may encounter other costs: title insurance, appraisal fees, inspection fees, and closing costs. These vary by transaction and are separate from the agent's commission. Ask your agent to explain what costs you should expect and when they typically appear in the process.
How to evaluate an agent's track record
One way to assess an agent's experience is to ask for references—past clients who can speak to their professionalism, communication, and results. You can also search the South Carolina Real Estate Commission's website to verify that an agent holds an active license and to check for any disciplinary history.
Look at their online presence: do they have a website, social media profiles, or listings you can review? Do their property descriptions and photos suggest care and attention to detail? Do they respond promptly to inquiries? These small signals often reflect how they will work with you during a transaction.
If you are selling, ask the agent to provide a comparative market analysis—a report showing what similar homes in your area have sold for recently. This gives you a realistic sense of your home's value and whether the agent's pricing strategy is grounded in data.
What happens during a real estate transaction
A typical home sale in South Carolina involves several stages: listing (if selling), showing and offer, inspection, appraisal, financing approval, and closing. An agent guides you through each step, handles paperwork, coordinates with the other side's agent, and troubleshoots problems as they arise.
For sellers, the agent prepares your home for market, sets the listing price, markets the property, shows it to buyers, negotiates offers, and manages the transaction until closing. For buyers, the agent searches for properties, arranges showings, helps you understand neighborhoods and values, prepares and submits offers, and coordinates inspections and appraisals.
The timeline varies. A straightforward sale might close in 30 to 45 days; a complicated one with financing issues or inspection disputes can take longer. Your agent should give you a realistic timeline upfront and keep you informed as the process moves forward.
Red flags and how to protect yourself
Be cautious of an agent who pressures you to list at an inflated price, refuses to show you homes in your budget, or discourages you from getting a home inspection. Be cautious if they are vague about their experience, do not return calls promptly, or seem more interested in closing quickly than in your interests.
Always read agreements before signing. A listing agreement or buyer's representation agreement should be clear about the agent's duties, the commission rate, and how long the agreement lasts. If something is unclear, ask for clarification in writing.
If you have a complaint about an agent's conduct, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. The commission investigates violations of state real estate law and can take disciplinary action if warranted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use a real estate agent to buy or sell a home in South Carolina?
No. You can buy or sell without an agent, though most transactions involve at least one. If you sell without an agent, you handle marketing, showings, and negotiations yourself. If you buy without an agent, you may miss properties listed only through the multiple listing service and will negotiate directly with the seller's agent, who represents the seller, not you.
Can I work with multiple agents at the same time?
You can show homes with different agents, but if you sign a buyer's representation agreement with one agent, you are typically bound to work with that agent for a set period. If you sign with multiple agents, you risk owing commission to more than one if a deal closes. Read any agreement carefully before signing.
What if I am unhappy with my agent during a transaction?
If you signed a listing or buyer's representation agreement, you may be able to terminate it early, though this depends on the agreement's terms. If the agent has breached their duties or violated state law, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. Discuss your concerns with the agent's broker first—brokers often intervene to resolve disputes.
How do agents stay current on market changes and regulations?
South Carolina requires real estate agents to complete continuing education hours each year to maintain their license. Most agents also belong to professional organizations like the National Association of Realtors, which provides training and market data. Ask an agent about their recent training or certifications—it shows they are invested in staying informed.
What is the difference between a real estate agent and a real estate broker?
A broker holds a higher license than an agent and can operate their own brokerage firm. Agents work under a broker. In a transaction, you typically work with an agent, but that agent's broker is ultimately responsible for compliance and oversight. If you have a serious complaint, it may go to the broker first.