What to Know About Working With Kayla Thompson at eXp Realty
Who Kayla Thompson is and what she does
Kayla Thompson is a real estate agent with eXp Realty, a cloud-based brokerage that operates across all 50 states and several countries. She works with buyers and sellers in South Carolina, helping them navigate property transactions, market conditions, and the paperwork involved in buying or selling a home. Like other agents at eXp Realty, Thompson operates within a brokerage model that differs from traditional brick-and-mortar firms—eXp Realty agents work remotely and use digital tools to manage listings, showings, and client communication.
Real estate agents in South Carolina must hold a current license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. Before working with any agent, you can verify their license status and any disciplinary history through the commission's website. This step takes a few minutes and gives you confidence that the person representing you has met state requirements and maintains good standing.
Key Takeaways
- Kayla Thompson is licensed through eXp Realty, a cloud-based brokerage where agents work remotely and use digital platforms for transactions.
- You can verify any South Carolina real estate agent's license and disciplinary record through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission website.
- eXp Realty agents typically earn commission when a sale closes, so their financial incentive aligns with completing your transaction.
- Before hiring any agent, discuss their experience with your type of property, their knowledge of your neighborhood, and how they communicate with clients.
- Real estate transactions in South Carolina involve title work, inspections, appraisals, and closing documents that an agent helps coordinate but does not complete alone.
How eXp Realty operates differently from traditional brokerages
eXp Realty runs as a fully remote brokerage, meaning agents do not work from physical offices. Instead, they use cloud-based software to list properties, schedule showings, manage documents, and stay in touch with clients. This model can mean lower overhead costs for the brokerage, which sometimes translates to different commission structures or agent benefits compared to traditional firms.
The remote model also means that communication with your agent happens through phone, email, video call, or messaging apps rather than in-person meetings at an office. Some buyers and sellers prefer this flexibility; others want face-to-face interaction. Before you commit to working with Thompson or any eXp Realty agent, ask how they prefer to communicate and whether they can meet you in person when needed—for example, at a property showing or closing.
What to ask before you hire an agent
When you first speak with Kayla Thompson or any real estate agent, come prepared with questions about their experience. Ask how long they have been selling real estate, how many transactions they closed in the past year, and whether they have worked with properties like yours—whether that means a specific price range, neighborhood, or property type like condos, land, or investment properties.
Ask also about their knowledge of the neighborhoods where you want to buy or sell. An agent who knows the local schools, commute times, property tax rates, and recent sales in your area can give you better guidance on pricing and market timing. Finally, discuss how they handle the closing process: who coordinates with the title company, inspector, and lender, and what you should expect at each stage. A clear answer tells you the agent has done this work before.
Understanding commission and how agents are paid
Real estate agents in South Carolina earn commission when a sale closes. The commission is typically a percentage of the sale price and is paid by the seller's proceeds—not by you as a buyer out of pocket. The exact percentage is negotiable and varies by transaction; there is no set rate. If you are selling, you will discuss commission with your agent before listing. If you are buying, the seller's agent commission is already built into the sale, and your agent's commission comes from that same pool.
This commission structure means your agent's financial incentive is to close the sale. It also means the agent has no incentive to delay or walk away from a deal. However, it does not mean the agent will push you into a bad decision—your long-term satisfaction is how agents build their reputation and get referrals, which is how they sustain their business.
The steps involved in buying or selling with an agent
If you are buying, your agent will help you search for properties, schedule showings, write an offer, and coordinate inspections and appraisals. They will also connect you with a lender if you need one and walk you through the closing documents. The agent does not conduct the inspection or appraisal themselves—those are done by licensed professionals—but the agent makes sure those steps happen on time.
If you are selling, your agent will help you price the home, prepare it for listing, take photos and write the listing description, show the property to buyers, negotiate offers, and coordinate the inspection and appraisal on the buyer's side. Again, the agent does not do the inspection or appraisal, but manages the timeline so nothing stalls the sale. Your agent will also work with a title company to handle the deed transfer and closing documents.
Throughout both processes, your agent keeps you informed of deadlines, contingencies, and next steps. The closing itself happens at a title company or attorney's office, where you sign final documents and transfer or receive the deed. Your agent attends closing to make sure everything runs smoothly, though the title company or attorney handles the legal paperwork.
What to expect from eXp Realty's technology and tools
eXp Realty agents use a platform called eXp World to manage their business. This platform includes a multiple listing service (MLS) connection, document management, transaction coordination, and client portals where you can track the status of your sale or purchase. You may receive login credentials so you can check inspection reports, appraisal results, and closing documents as they come in.
The digital-first approach means fewer printed documents and more email updates, but it also means you have a record of every communication and can access information 24/7. If you prefer phone calls or paper documents, discuss that preference with Thompson upfront so she can adjust her communication style to match your needs.
Verifying your agent's credentials and experience
Before you sign any paperwork, verify Kayla Thompson's license through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission website. You will need her license number or full name. The commission's database shows whether her license is active, whether she has any disciplinary actions on record, and what brokerage she is currently affiliated with. This takes five minutes and is public information.
You can also ask Thompson directly for references from past clients—people who have bought or sold with her in the past year. A willingness to provide references is a good sign. You can also search online reviews on Google, Zillow, or the Better Business Bureau, though remember that online reviews are self-selected and do not represent all clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if Kayla Thompson is the right agent for me?
The right agent is someone with experience in your neighborhood or property type, clear communication style that matches yours, and a track record of closed sales. Schedule a brief call or meeting to see if you feel comfortable working together. Trust your instinct—if an agent pressures you or does not answer your questions clearly, it is fine to keep looking.
Can I work with an agent who is not in my area?
Real estate agents can sell property anywhere they are licensed, so Kayla Thompson can represent you even if she does not live in your neighborhood. However, local knowledge matters. If she is not familiar with your area, ask how she will research the market and neighborhood conditions. Some agents build expertise in specific regions even if they do not live there.
What happens if I am unhappy with my agent?
If you signed a buyer's agent agreement, you can usually end it by giving written notice. If you signed a listing agreement to sell your home, the terms vary—some allow you to cancel with notice, others have specific conditions. Read your contract carefully or ask an attorney to review it. Switching agents mid-transaction can delay your sale or purchase, so try to resolve concerns directly first.
Does eXp Realty charge buyers or sellers any fees?
eXp Realty agents are paid by commission when a sale closes. As a buyer, you do not pay the agent directly—the commission comes from the seller's proceeds. As a seller, you negotiate the commission rate with your agent before listing. There are no separate fees to eXp Realty itself for using their platform or services.
How long does a typical real estate transaction take?
A typical sale takes 30 to 45 days from offer acceptance to closing, though this varies. Inspections, appraisals, and lender reviews can add time. Your agent will give you a timeline based on your specific situation and the lender's requirements. Delays often happen during inspection or appraisal phases, so building in extra time is wise.