What to Know About Working With Kristen Cotton at Burris & Pressley Realty
Who Kristen Cotton Is and What She Does
Kristen Cotton is a real estate agent with Burris & Pressley Realty, a South Carolina firm that handles residential and commercial property transactions. Cotton works with buyers and sellers in the local market, helping them navigate the process of finding property, listing homes, and closing deals. Her role involves property showings, market analysis, contract negotiation, and coordination with lenders, inspectors, and title companies to move transactions toward closing.
Burris & Pressley Realty operates as an independent brokerage rather than a franchise, which means Cotton's office structure and support systems are specific to that firm. If you are considering working with her, understanding how her brokerage operates and what services she offers will help you decide whether the fit is right for your situation.
Key Takeaways
- Kristen Cotton is a licensed real estate agent at Burris & Pressley Realty, an independent South Carolina brokerage handling both residential and commercial sales.
- Real estate agents typically earn commission on completed sales rather than hourly wages, so their incentive is to close transactions successfully.
- Before signing any agreement with an agent, you should understand the terms of the listing contract or buyer's agreement, including commission rates and how long the agreement lasts.
- You can contact Burris & Pressley Realty directly to learn about Cotton's current market focus, recent sales, and availability for your specific needs.
How Real Estate Agents Work in South Carolina
In South Carolina, real estate agents must hold a license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. Licensed agents work under a broker—in Cotton's case, Burris & Pressley Realty—and the broker holds the responsibility for compliance with state law and ethical standards. When you work with an agent, you are technically working with the brokerage, though your day-to-day contact is with the individual agent.
Agents earn income through commission, which is typically a percentage of the sale price and is paid only when a transaction closes. The seller's agent and buyer's agent split the commission, which comes from the seller's proceeds. This structure means an agent has financial incentive to close deals, but it also means they earn nothing if a sale does not happen.
South Carolina does not require agents to specialize in a particular type of property or market segment, so agents may work with single-family homes, investment properties, commercial real estate, or a mix. Cotton's specific focus—whether residential, commercial, or both—is something to confirm directly with her or the brokerage.
What to Ask Before Signing a Listing or Buyer Agreement
If you are selling property, you will sign a listing agreement with the brokerage (represented by Cotton). If you are buying, you may sign a buyer's agreement. Both are contracts that spell out the terms of the relationship. Before you sign, ask about commission rate, the length of the agreement, what marketing the brokerage will provide, and what happens if you want to end the agreement early.
For sellers, the listing agreement typically grants the agent the right to list your property in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which is how most homes are marketed to other agents and their buyers. Ask whether the brokerage charges any upfront fees for listing, photography, or marketing materials. Some brokerages include these; others pass costs to the seller.
For buyers, a buyer's agreement commits you to working with that agent and typically states that if you purchase property shown to you by that agent, the agent's brokerage will receive commission. Ask whether the agreement is exclusive (you work only with this agent) or non-exclusive (you can work with other agents), and how long it lasts.
Verifying an Agent's License and History
You can verify that Kristen Cotton holds a current real estate license by visiting the South Carolina Real Estate Commission website and using their license lookup tool. The tool shows whether a license is active, what type of license it is, and whether there are any disciplinary actions on record. This is a free public search and takes less than a minute.
The same database shows the brokerage information—confirming that Cotton is licensed under Burris & Pressley Realty. If you want to know about an agent's sales history, transaction volume, or client reviews, you can ask the agent directly or contact the brokerage. Not all agents publish this information publicly, but reputable agents are usually willing to share their track record with prospective clients.
How to Contact Burris & Pressley Realty
To learn more about Kristen Cotton's services, current listings, or availability, contact Burris & Pressley Realty directly. You can ask for Cotton by name, describe the type of property or transaction you are considering, and request a consultation. Most brokerages offer initial consultations at no cost.
When you call or visit, have a clear sense of what you need: Are you selling a home? Buying? Looking for investment property? Knowing this helps the agent or broker determine whether Cotton is the right fit or whether another agent in the office might be better suited to your situation.
What Happens During a Real Estate Transaction
If you hire Cotton to sell your home, the process typically begins with a market analysis—Cotton will look at comparable homes in your area to suggest a listing price. Once listed, the property appears in the MLS and is shown to buyers through other agents. Cotton will coordinate showings, present offers, negotiate terms, and work with the buyer's lender and title company to move toward closing.
If you hire Cotton to help you buy, she will show you properties that match your criteria, help you understand the local market, prepare and submit offers, and coordinate inspections, appraisals, and financing. Throughout the process, Cotton acts as a liaison between you, the seller's agent, lenders, and other parties involved in the transaction.
Closing typically takes 30 to 45 days from the time an offer is accepted, though this varies based on financing, inspections, and any issues that arise. Cotton's role includes making sure all documents are prepared, deadlines are met, and the transaction closes on schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if Kristen Cotton is the right agent for me?
The best way is to meet with her or speak by phone about your specific situation. Ask about her experience with properties like yours, her knowledge of your neighborhood, and her approach to marketing or buying. A good fit means you trust her judgment, feel comfortable communicating with her, and believe she understands your goals.
What if I am not happy with the service I am receiving?
If you signed a listing agreement, review the contract to see the terms for termination. Some agreements allow you to end them early; others require cause or payment. If you signed a buyer's agreement, the same applies. If you have a complaint about the agent's conduct, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission, which investigates violations of state law and ethical standards.
Do I have to use the agent's recommended lender or title company?
No. You can choose your own lender and title company. The agent may recommend vendors they work with regularly, but you are not obligated to use them. It is your transaction, and you have the right to select the professionals you want involved.
What if the property does not appraise for the offer price?
If you are the buyer and the appraisal comes in low, your lender may not approve the full loan amount. Cotton can help you renegotiate the price with the seller, request a second appraisal, or decide whether to walk away. If you are the seller, a low appraisal often means the buyer will ask for a price reduction or may withdraw the offer.
Can I negotiate the commission rate?
Yes. Commission is negotiable. Before you sign a listing agreement, discuss the rate with Cotton or the broker. Different agents and brokerages charge different rates, and some will negotiate based on the property type, price, or market conditions. It is appropriate to ask about this before you commit.