Skip to main content

What to Know About Working With Kelly Goggin at Realty ONE Group

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

Kelly Goggin brings local market knowledge and a client-focused approach to South Carolina real estate

Kelly Goggin is a real estate agent with Realty ONE Group, a national brokerage with a presence across South Carolina. She works with buyers and sellers navigating the state's residential market, from coastal properties to inland communities. Her background includes familiarity with South Carolina neighborhoods, market conditions, and the practical steps involved in buying or selling a home.

If you are considering working with a real estate agent in South Carolina, understanding what an agent does, how they are compensated, and what questions to ask before you hire one will help you make an informed decision about whether Goggin or another agent is the right fit for your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • Kelly Goggin works as a real estate agent through Realty ONE Group, which operates multiple offices across South Carolina.
  • Real estate agents are licensed professionals who represent either buyers or sellers (or both) and earn commission based on the sale price of a property.
  • Before hiring any agent, you should ask about their experience in your specific neighborhood or market segment, their marketing strategy, and how they handle communication.
  • South Carolina real estate transactions typically involve title companies, inspectors, appraisers, and lenders in addition to the agent and broker.
  • You can interview multiple agents before committing to one, and you have the right to understand all fees and terms in writing before signing an agreement.

What a real estate agent does in a South Carolina transaction

A real estate agent's role differs depending on whether they represent the buyer or the seller. A seller's agent (also called a listing agent) markets the property, schedules showings, negotiates offers, and coordinates with the buyer's agent and title company through closing. A buyer's agent helps you search for properties, arranges viewings, writes and submits offers, and represents your interests during negotiations and inspections.

In South Carolina, most real estate transactions involve both a listing agent and a buyer's agent. The seller typically pays both commissions from the sale proceeds—usually split between the two brokers. This means a buyer can work with an agent at no direct cost, though the agent's commission comes from the overall sale price. Understanding this structure helps you see why agents have incentives to close sales and why you should still verify that their advice serves your interests.

Beyond the sale itself, agents handle paperwork, coordinate timing with lenders and inspectors, and troubleshoot problems that arise during the transaction. They are not lawyers, appraisers, or inspectors—those are separate professionals you will hire or whose services are arranged by the lender.

How to evaluate whether Kelly Goggin is the right agent for you

Start by asking about her experience in the specific area or price range you are interested in. An agent who has sold ten homes in your neighborhood in the past year has more current market data than one who works across five counties. Ask how many transactions she closed in the past twelve months, what the average sale price was, and how long homes typically stayed on the market.

Request her marketing plan if you are selling. How will she list the property? Will she use professional photography, video tours, or virtual staging? How many days does she typically keep a listing active before it sells? If you are buying, ask how she searches for properties and how often she sends you new listings that match your criteria.

Discuss communication expectations. How often will she contact you? What is her response time to calls and emails? Will you work directly with her or with a team member? These details matter because real estate moves quickly—a delayed response can mean missing a showing or a deadline.

Understanding real estate commissions and fees in South Carolina

Real estate commissions in South Carolina are negotiable and not set by law. The typical range is 5 to 6 percent of the sale price, split between the listing agent's broker and the buyer's agent's broker. However, this percentage can vary based on market conditions, the property type, and what the agent and seller agree to.

If you are selling, you negotiate the commission rate with your agent before signing a listing agreement. If you are buying, you generally do not pay the buyer's agent directly—their commission comes from the seller's proceeds. However, you should still understand the commission structure because it can affect how motivated an agent is to negotiate a lower price on your behalf.

Beyond commission, watch for additional fees. Some brokers charge for things like photography, virtual tours, or market analysis. These should be disclosed in writing before you sign any agreement. Title insurance, inspections, appraisals, and lender fees are separate from the agent's commission and are standard costs in any South Carolina real estate transaction.

What to ask before you sign a listing or buyer agreement

If you are selling, the listing agreement is a contract between you and the broker (Realty ONE Group in this case). Before signing, confirm the commission percentage, the length of the listing period (typically 90 days, but negotiable), and what happens if you sell the home yourself or if it does not sell by the end date. Ask whether the broker will list the property on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which is how most buyers and their agents find homes.

If you are buying, a buyer representation agreement outlines the terms under which the agent will work for you. Ask whether the agreement is exclusive (meaning you can only work with this agent) or non-exclusive (meaning you can work with other agents). Ask what happens if you find a property on your own or if you want to end the agreement early. Most buyer agreements are non-exclusive and do not lock you in, but you should confirm this in writing.

In both cases, ask for a written explanation of all terms, timelines, and fees before you sign. Do not rely on verbal promises. If something is not in the agreement, it is not binding.

How Realty ONE Group operates in South Carolina

Realty ONE Group is a national real estate brokerage with multiple offices throughout South Carolina, including locations in Charleston, Greenville, Columbia, and other communities. The brokerage operates under a franchise model, meaning individual offices are independently owned and operated but use the Realty ONE Group brand and systems.

This structure means that the specific services, technology, and support available to you may vary depending on which Realty ONE Group office you work with. Some offices may offer additional resources like in-house staging, photography, or marketing services, while others may focus on core transaction services. When you contact Kelly Goggin or another agent at Realty ONE Group, ask what services and tools are available through her specific office.

Steps to take before hiring any real estate agent

Interview at least two or three agents before making a decision. Ask each the same questions about their experience, marketing approach, communication style, and fees. Pay attention to how they listen to your needs and whether they pressure you to sign an agreement immediately. A good agent will give you time to think and will answer your questions clearly.

Check references if possible. Ask the agent for contact information from recent clients (both buyers and sellers) and reach out to them about their experience. Ask whether the agent was responsive, whether the transaction closed on time, and whether they would work with that agent again.

Verify that the agent is licensed. South Carolina real estate agents must be licensed through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. You can search the commission's database online to confirm an agent's license status and check for any disciplinary history.

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 a home without an agent, though most transactions involve at least one. If you sell without an agent, you handle marketing and showings yourself and typically pay a buyer's agent commission (usually 2.5 to 3 percent). If you buy without an agent, you negotiate directly with the seller or their agent and may have less representation during the process.

What if I am not happy with my agent after I sign an agreement?

Listing agreements typically allow you to terminate early, though there may be penalties or conditions. Buyer representation agreements are usually non-exclusive and easier to exit. Review your agreement for the termination clause, and contact the broker's office manager if you want to discuss ending the relationship. Get any termination in writing.

How long does a typical home sale take in South Carolina?

From listing to closing typically takes 30 to 45 days, though this varies based on market conditions, inspection results, and lender timelines. A cash sale can close faster. Ask your agent what the average timeline is in your specific market and neighborhood.

What is the difference between a real estate agent and a real estate broker?

A real estate agent is a licensed professional who works under a broker. A broker is a licensed professional who supervises agents and holds the brokerage license. Realty ONE Group is the broker; Kelly Goggin is an agent working under that broker's license. All agents must work under a broker.

Can I negotiate the real estate commission?

Yes. Commissions are negotiable in South Carolina and not set by law. You can discuss the rate with your agent and broker before signing a listing agreement. However, lowering the listing agent's commission may also lower the buyer's agent commission, which could affect how motivated buyer's agents are to show your property.