What to Know About Working With Larisa Esmat in South Carolina Real Estate

Who Larisa Esmat is and what she does

Larisa Esmat is a real estate agent based in South Carolina who specializes in residential property transactions. She works with buyers and sellers navigating the local market, handling everything from listing homes to representing purchasers through closing. Her background in real estate means she understands South Carolina's property landscape, from coastal communities to inland neighborhoods, and the specific steps involved in buying or selling in the state.

Real estate agents like Esmat earn commission on completed sales rather than hourly wages, which means their income depends on closing transactions. Understanding how she works, what services she offers, and how to communicate your needs clearly will help you decide whether her approach matches what you're looking for in a transaction.

Key Takeaways

• Larisa Esmat represents either buyers or sellers (or both in some cases) through property transactions in South Carolina.
• Real estate agents earn commission only when a sale closes, so their incentive is to complete the transaction, not necessarily to get you the highest price or lowest cost.
• Before working with any agent, confirm what geographic areas they serve, what types of properties they handle, and whether they represent buyers, sellers, or both.
• You can interview multiple agents before committing to representation, and you have the right to end a buyer or seller agreement if the relationship isn't working.

How real estate agents work in South Carolina

When you hire a real estate agent to sell your home, you sign a listing agreement that gives that agent (or their brokerage) the right to market and sell your property for a set period, usually 90 days to six months. The agent lists the home in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), a database that other agents can search, and coordinates showings, open houses, and offers. If the home sells, the seller typically pays a commission split between the listing agent and the buyer's agent—often around 5 to 6 percent of the sale price, though this varies and is negotiable.

If you're buying, a buyer's agent represents your interests, shows you properties, helps you make an offer, and guides you through inspection, appraisal, and closing. You don't pay the buyer's agent directly; their commission comes from the seller's proceeds. This arrangement means a buyer's agent has an incentive to close the sale but not necessarily to push you toward the lowest price—that's your job to negotiate.

South Carolina requires all real estate agents to hold an active license issued by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (SCDHEC). You can verify an agent's license status and any disciplinary history through the state's online licensing database before you work with them.

What to ask before hiring an agent

Before you commit to working with Larisa Esmat or any agent, ask specific questions about their experience and approach. Find out which neighborhoods or counties they work in most often, whether they have recent sales in the area where you want to buy or sell, and how long they've been in real estate. Ask how they market homes (online platforms, open houses, direct outreach to other agents), how often they communicate with clients, and what happens if you're unhappy with the representation.

If you're selling, ask the agent how they price homes—do they pull comparable sales data, or do they use a formula? Ask whether they handle all showings or coordinate with other agents. If you're buying, ask how the agent finds properties, whether they show homes listed by other brokerages, and how they handle multiple offers or negotiations.

You should also confirm the agent's policy on dual representation—some agents represent both buyer and seller in the same transaction, which can create conflicts of interest. South Carolina allows this, but you have the right to know about it upfront and to decline if you prefer an agent who represents only you.

Understanding the buyer's agent relationship

If Larisa Esmat is your buyer's agent, she will show you homes, help you understand the local market, and represent your interests in negotiations and inspections. She does not work for the seller, even though the seller's proceeds pay her commission. This is an important distinction: her legal duty is to you, the buyer, even though the financial arrangement comes from the other side.

A buyer's agent relationship typically begins with a buyer representation agreement, a contract that says you'll work exclusively with that agent for a set period (often 90 days). You can negotiate the terms—some agents will agree to shorter periods or will release you if you find a home on your own. Read this agreement carefully before signing, and ask what happens if you want to end the relationship early.

Understanding the seller's agent relationship

If you hire Larisa Esmat to sell your home, you'll sign a listing agreement that gives her the authority to market your property and accept offers on your behalf. The agreement specifies the commission rate, the listing period, and what happens if the home doesn't sell. Most listing agreements include a clause that requires you to pay commission even if you find a buyer yourself during the listing period—read this carefully, as it can affect your options.

As your listing agent, she has a legal duty to market your home honestly, disclose known defects, and present all offers to you. She does not have to recommend an offer you don't like, but she must tell you about it. Ask upfront how she'll handle multiple offers, whether she'll negotiate on your behalf or bring offers directly to you, and how she'll keep you informed about showings and feedback from other agents.

What happens during a real estate transaction

A typical home sale in South Carolina takes 30 to 45 days from offer to closing, though this varies. Once an offer is accepted, the buyer orders an inspection (usually within 7 to 10 days), the lender orders an appraisal, and the title company begins a title search. Your agent coordinates these steps, keeps you informed, and helps you navigate any issues that come up—a low appraisal, inspection findings, or title problems.

South Carolina does not require an attorney for residential real estate transactions, though many buyers and sellers hire one anyway. Your agent can explain the documents you're signing but cannot give you legal advice. If you have questions about the contract, contingencies, or your rights, consider consulting a real estate attorney.

How to verify an agent's credentials

Before you hire any agent, verify their license through the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation website. Search for the agent's name and confirm their license is active and in good standing. You can also see whether there are any complaints or disciplinary actions on record.

Ask for references from recent clients—people who bought or sold homes with the agent in the past year. A good agent should be willing to provide at least two or three names. You can also check online reviews on Google, Zillow, or the agent's brokerage website, though keep in mind that reviews are subjective and may not reflect your own experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work with multiple real estate agents at the same time?

As a buyer, you can interview multiple agents, but once you sign a buyer representation agreement with one agent, you're typically committed to working only with that agent for the period specified in the contract. You can negotiate the length of this period or ask for an early release clause. As a seller, you can only list with one agent at a time under a standard listing agreement.

What if I'm unhappy with my agent?

If you signed a buyer representation agreement, you can ask the agent to release you from the contract. Some agents will do this without issue; others may require a written request or may negotiate terms. If you signed a listing agreement to sell, you can ask to terminate it, though the agent may push back or require you to pay a fee. Review your contract to understand the termination process.

Do I have to use the agent's recommended inspector, appraiser, or title company?

No. Your agent may recommend service providers, but you have the right to choose your own inspector, appraiser, lender, and title company. It's often a good idea to get recommendations from multiple sources and compare costs and reviews before deciding.

What if the home doesn't appraise for the offer price?

If the appraisal comes in lower than the offer price, the buyer, seller, and lender must negotiate a solution. The buyer can renegotiate the price, the seller can lower the price, or the buyer can make up the difference in cash. Your agent will help facilitate these conversations, but the decision is yours.

Can an agent represent both the buyer and seller in the same transaction?

Yes, South Carolina allows dual representation, but the agent must disclose this to both parties and get written consent from both the buyer and seller. Some people prefer this because it can speed up negotiations; others avoid it because the agent's loyalty is divided. You have the right to decline dual representation and request an agent who represents only you.