What to Know About Working With Kyle Spivey as Your Real Estate Agent

Kyle Spivey brings South Carolina real estate experience to buyers and sellers across the state

Kyle Spivey is a real estate agent operating in South Carolina who works with both buyers looking to purchase property and sellers preparing to list homes. Like other agents in the state, Spivey holds a South Carolina real estate license and operates under a brokerage firm. Before choosing to work with any agent—including Spivey—it helps to understand how real estate agents are paid, what services they typically offer, and what questions to ask during your first conversation.

Real estate agents in South Carolina earn commission, which is a percentage of the final sale price paid by the seller. This commission is typically split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent. Because of this structure, a buyer's agent costs you nothing directly—the seller's proceeds cover both sides of the transaction. If you are selling, you will negotiate the commission rate with your agent before listing.

Key Takeaways

• Real estate agents in South Carolina work on commission paid from the sale price, so a buyer's agent does not charge you directly.
• An agent's job includes marketing the property, scheduling showings, negotiating offers, and handling paperwork through closing.
• You can interview multiple agents before deciding who to work with, and there is no penalty for switching agents if the relationship is not working.
• South Carolina requires all real estate transactions to be handled by licensed agents or attorneys, so your agent's license is a legal requirement, not optional.

What a real estate agent does during a sale

If you are selling a home, your agent's responsibilities begin with a market analysis—looking at comparable homes in your area to suggest a listing price. They then prepare marketing materials, which may include professional photography, a written description, and online listings on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), Zillow, Realtor.com, and other platforms. Your agent schedules showings, answers buyer inquiries, and represents your interests during negotiations.

Once an offer is accepted, the agent coordinates with the buyer's agent, the title company, and your lender to move toward closing. They track deadlines for inspections, appraisals, and final walk-throughs. On closing day, your agent may or may not attend in person—this varies by brokerage—but they ensure all paperwork is in order and that funds are transferred correctly.

What a real estate agent does when you are buying

A buyer's agent shows you homes that match your criteria, answers questions about neighborhoods and schools, and helps you understand what you can afford. They prepare and submit your offer, negotiate on your behalf if the seller counters, and coordinate inspections and appraisals. Your agent also reviews the title report and closing documents to catch any issues before you sign.

Throughout the process, a buyer's agent acts as a buffer between you and the seller's agent, protecting your interests and keeping emotions out of negotiations. They also explain South Carolina-specific requirements—for instance, South Carolina law requires either a licensed attorney or a licensed real estate agent to handle the closing, so your agent may coordinate with a closing attorney depending on your brokerage's practices.

How to evaluate whether an agent is right for you

Before committing to work with any agent, ask about their experience in your specific market. If you are buying or selling in Charleston, the Midlands, or the Upstate, an agent familiar with that region will know local trends, school districts, and neighborhood dynamics better than someone who works statewide. Ask how long they have been licensed and whether they specialize in residential, commercial, or investment properties.

Request references from recent clients—ideally both buyers and sellers—and ask about their communication style. Some agents send daily updates; others check in weekly. Find out how they handle conflict and whether they have experience with your specific situation, such as a short sale, a new construction purchase, or a rental property investment. You should also confirm they are actively licensed with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission before you sign any agreement.

Understanding the buyer's agent agreement

When you work with a buyer's agent, you will sign a buyer's agent agreement that outlines the terms of your relationship. This agreement specifies how long the agent represents you, what geographic area they cover, and what happens if you find a home on your own. Read this document carefully before signing, and ask your agent to explain any section you do not understand.

In South Carolina, these agreements are typically exclusive, meaning you work with one agent for a set period—often 90 days. If you want to work with a different agent or end the relationship early, you can usually do so by providing written notice, though the terms depend on what you signed. Some agreements include a "protection clause" that requires you to pay the original agent's commission if you purchase a home they showed you within a certain window after the agreement ends.

The listing agreement when you are selling

If you decide to list your home with an agent, you will sign a listing agreement that gives that agent the right to represent your property. This agreement specifies the listing price, the commission rate, how long the listing will be active, and what marketing the agent will provide. It also outlines what happens if you receive an offer while the listing is active versus after it expires.

Before signing, confirm that your agent will list the property on the MLS, which is how most buyers and their agents find homes. Ask what happens if you want to cancel the listing early—some agreements allow cancellation without penalty, while others may require you to pay a fee. Discuss the commission split and whether the agent will offer incentives to buyer's agents to encourage showings.

Questions to ask before you hire an agent

Start by asking about their track record: How many homes have they sold in the past year? What is the average time on market for their listings? What is their average sale price compared to the original list price? These numbers tell you whether they price homes realistically and whether they close deals efficiently.

Ask how they communicate and how often you can expect to hear from them. Confirm they are licensed and ask whether they carry errors and omissions insurance, which protects you if they make a mistake. Find out whether they work full-time in real estate or part-time, and whether they have a team or work independently. Ask about their experience with your specific situation—whether you are a first-time buyer, relocating to South Carolina, or selling an investment property—and request the names and phone numbers of three recent clients you can contact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use a real estate agent to buy or sell a home in South Carolina?

No, but South Carolina law requires that either a licensed real estate agent or a licensed attorney handle the closing. Many people sell without an agent (called a "for sale by owner" or FSBO sale), but they still need an attorney at closing. Using an agent is optional; using a licensed professional at closing is not.

What if I find a home I want to buy but I do not have an agent yet?

You can still make an offer, but you will need representation to do so legally. Contact a buyer's agent, explain the situation, and they can help you submit an offer. Most agents will represent you even if you found the home yourself, though some listing agreements include protection clauses that may affect the commission.

Can I switch agents if I am not happy with the one I hired?

Yes, but the process depends on what agreement you signed. If you signed a buyer's agent agreement, you can usually end it with written notice, though you may owe a commission if you purchase a home the original agent showed you within the protection period. If you listed your home, ending a listing agreement early may involve a cancellation fee depending on your contract.

How much commission do real estate agents charge in South Carolina?

Commission rates are negotiable and vary by agent, brokerage, and market. The typical range is 5 to 6 percent of the sale price, split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent, but you can negotiate this rate when you sign your listing agreement. Buyer's agents do not charge you directly—their commission comes from the seller's proceeds.

What should I look for in an agent's online presence?

Check their website, social media, and reviews on Google, Zillow, and Realtor.com. Look for recent client testimonials, photos of homes they have sold, and evidence that they stay active in the market. Be cautious of agents with very few reviews or no online presence, as this may indicate they are not actively working or do not prioritize client communication.