Larry Meyers and The Alliance Group Realty: What to Know Before You Work Together

Who Larry Meyers is and what The Alliance Group Realty does

Larry Meyers is a real estate agent operating through The Alliance Group Realty, a brokerage serving South Carolina. Before you contact him or his team, you should understand what services real estate agents typically provide, what questions to ask, and how to evaluate whether a particular agent matches what you need.

Real estate agents work on commission, meaning they earn money only when a sale closes. This structure shapes how they operate: they have financial incentive to move transactions forward, but they also depend on reputation and repeat business to stay in the field. Understanding this dynamic helps you work with any agent more effectively.

Key Takeaways

• Real estate agents earn commission on closed sales, so their financial interest aligns with completing a transaction but not necessarily with getting you the best price or terms.
• Before hiring any agent, ask about their experience in your specific market segment—whether that is waterfront property, investment rentals, first-time buyer homes, or commercial space.
• Request references from past clients and verify the agent's license status through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission.
• Clarify upfront whether the agent represents you, the seller, or both parties, because this affects what information they can share with you.
• A written agreement spelling out commission, term length, and what services are included protects both you and the agent.

What to ask a real estate agent before you hire them

Start with market knowledge. Ask how long the agent has worked in your target area and what types of properties they specialize in. An agent with ten years of experience selling waterfront homes in Beaufort has different expertise than one who primarily handles investment properties in Columbia. Their answer tells you whether they understand the specific market you are entering.

Ask about their recent sales. Request a list of properties they have sold in the past year, including sale price, days on market, and whether they represented the buyer, seller, or both. This information is public record in South Carolina, so a reputable agent will provide it without hesitation. It shows you their actual track record, not just their claims.

Clarify the representation structure. In South Carolina, an agent can represent the buyer, the seller, or—with written consent from both parties—act as a dual agent. Each arrangement has different legal obligations. If you are buying, you want to know whether the agent works for you or for the seller, because that determines what they can tell you about the property, the neighborhood, or the other party's position.

Understanding commission and written agreements

Commission rates are negotiable, though many agents in South Carolina work within a standard range. The seller typically pays commission, which is then split between the listing agent and the buyer's agent. If you are buying, you do not pay the agent directly—the seller's proceeds cover both sides. This does not mean the service is free; it means the cost is built into the sale price.

Always get a written agreement before the agent begins showing you properties or representing you in any transaction. The agreement should state the commission percentage, how long the agreement lasts, what services are included, and under what circumstances either party can end the relationship. South Carolina law does not require this in writing, but having it in writing protects you both and prevents misunderstandings later.

Ask whether the agent charges additional fees—for market analysis, transaction coordination, or other services. Some agents bundle everything into commission; others charge separately. Knowing this upfront prevents surprise bills at closing.

How to verify an agent's credentials and standing

Check the agent's license through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission website. You can search by name and see whether their license is active, what type of license they hold, and whether any disciplinary actions are on record. This takes five minutes and gives you factual information about their legal standing to conduct real estate business in the state.

Ask for references from past clients—specifically, ask for contact information for three to five people they have worked with in the past two years. When you call, ask whether the agent communicated clearly, met deadlines, handled problems professionally, and whether they would work with that agent again. Past clients will tell you things no marketing material will.

Look up reviews on Google, Zillow, and the Better Business Bureau. Read both positive and negative reviews, paying attention to specific complaints or praise. A single bad review means little; a pattern of complaints about communication or follow-through tells you something real.

What happens when you sign a buyer's agreement

A buyer's agreement is a contract between you and the agent stating that the agent will represent you in finding and purchasing property. It typically lasts 90 days to six months, though the term is negotiable. During that time, the agent agrees to show you properties, provide market information, and guide you through the offer and closing process. You agree not to work with another agent on the same property during the agreement term.

Read the agreement carefully before signing. Some agreements include an "exclusive" clause that means you cannot work with another agent on any property, even if you find it yourself. Others are more limited. Understand what you are committing to, and do not sign anything you do not fully understand. If something is unclear, ask the agent to explain it or have an attorney review it.

The agreement should also state what happens if you find a property the agent did not show you. Most agreements protect the agent's commission if you purchase a property within a certain period after the agreement ends, but the terms vary. Knowing this prevents disputes later.

Red flags and what to watch for

Be cautious if an agent pressures you to make an offer quickly or discourages you from having a home inspection. Legitimate agents want you to make an informed decision, even if it takes longer. They know that problems discovered after closing create liability and damage their reputation.

Watch for agents who are vague about their experience or who cannot provide references. If they say "I have sold hundreds of homes" but cannot name specific properties or past clients, that is a warning sign. Specificity matters.

Be wary of agents who discourage you from getting a real estate attorney or who seem uncomfortable with your questions. South Carolina allows you to have legal representation, and a good agent welcomes it because it protects everyone involved.

If an agent tells you they can may provide a certain sale price or timeline, that is a red flag. Real estate markets move based on supply, demand, and factors no individual agent controls. Anyone promising guarantees is not being honest with you.

How to work effectively with your agent

Be clear about your needs and budget from the start. Tell the agent your price range, the features that matter to you, the neighborhoods you are interested in, and your timeline. The more specific you are, the better they can help you. Vague requests waste both your time and theirs.

Communicate regularly. If you see a property online that interests you, tell the agent. If you have questions about a neighborhood or a property's history, ask. Good agents want to hear from you and will follow up with information you need.

Be realistic about what you can afford and what the market will bear. Your agent can show you what similar properties sold for recently, but they cannot change market conditions. If homes in your target area are selling for more than you want to pay, that is market reality, not the agent's fault.

If you are unhappy with the agent's service, address it directly. Tell them what is not working and give them a chance to improve. If things do not change and you want to end the relationship, review your agreement to understand the process and any potential obligations.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Not if you have signed exclusive buyer's agreements with each one. Most agreements require you to work with only that agent during the contract term. If you want to work with multiple agents, you can sign non-exclusive agreements, but this is less common and some agents will decline. Read any agreement carefully before signing to understand what you are committing to.

What should I do if I find a property myself but want my agent to represent me in the offer?

Tell your agent immediately. Most buyer's agreements allow the agent to represent you on any property you find, as long as you notify them before making an offer. If you do not tell them and they later discover you purchased a property without their involvement, disputes over commission can arise. Transparency prevents problems.

Is the agent's commission negotiable?

Yes. Commission rates are not set by law or by any board; they are negotiated between the agent and the client. If you are selling, you can negotiate the listing agent's commission. If you are buying, the buyer's agent's commission is typically paid from the seller's proceeds, but this can also be negotiated as part of your offer.

What if the agent shows me a property they also listed?

This is a dual agency situation. The agent represents both the buyer and the seller, which creates a conflict of interest. South Carolina law allows this only with written consent from both parties. Before agreeing, understand that the agent cannot fully advocate for your interests because they also represent the seller. You may want to have an attorney review any offer in this situation.

How do I know if an agent is actually licensed?

Visit the South Carolina Real Estate Commission website and search for the agent's name. You will see their license status, license type, and any disciplinary history. This takes minutes and gives you official confirmation that they are legally authorized to conduct real estate business in South Carolina.