What to Know About Working With Linda Palmer at Keller Williams Realty

Linda Palmer brings local market knowledge and a client-focused approach to South Carolina real estate

Linda Palmer is a real estate agent with Keller Williams Realty who works with buyers and sellers across South Carolina. She operates within the Keller Williams franchise system, one of the largest real estate networks in the country, which means she has access to their training resources, technology platforms, and market data tools. Before working with any agent, it helps to understand what services they typically offer, what questions to ask, and how the agent-client relationship actually works.

This guide explains how to evaluate a real estate agent, what to expect from the buying or selling process, and how to determine whether an agent's approach matches your needs. The information here applies broadly to working with agents in South Carolina, whether they work independently or through a franchise like Keller Williams.

Key Takeaways

• Real estate agents in South Carolina must hold an active license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and work under a broker—they cannot operate independently.
• An agent's job differs depending on whether they represent you as a buyer, a seller, or both, and understanding these roles helps you know what to expect.
• Keller Williams provides agents with training, market databases, and transaction management tools, but the agent's individual knowledge of your local market matters more than the franchise name.
• Before committing to work with an agent, ask about their experience in your neighborhood, their communication style, and how they handle negotiations.
• You can interview multiple agents before deciding to work with one, and you are not locked into an exclusive agreement unless you sign a formal contract.

How real estate agents are licensed and regulated in South Carolina

Every real estate agent working in South Carolina, including those at Keller Williams, must hold a license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. This license requires passing an exam, completing pre-licensing education, and renewing every two years. The commission investigates complaints and can suspend or revoke a license if an agent violates state law or the code of ethics.

Agents also work under a broker—a licensed individual or company responsible for overseeing the agent's conduct and transactions. At Keller Williams locations, the broker is typically the office owner or manager. If you have a complaint about an agent's conduct, you can file it with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission, which maintains a public record of disciplinary actions. You can verify an agent's license status and any disciplinary history on the South Carolina Real Estate Commission website. This is a free public search and takes less than a minute.

What agents do for buyers versus sellers

A buyer's agent represents you when you are purchasing a home. Their job includes showing you properties, explaining the local market, helping you understand what you can afford, preparing offers, and negotiating on your behalf. They are paid through the seller's listing agent, who splits their commission with the buyer's agent—you do not pay the buyer's agent directly out of pocket.

A seller's agent (also called a listing agent) represents you when you are selling. They list your home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), market it to other agents and the public, show it to potential buyers, and handle negotiations when offers come in. The seller pays the listing agent's commission, which is then split with the buyer's agent. Some agents work with both buyers and sellers, while others specialize in one side. Before working with an agent, ask which side of the transaction they focus on and whether they have experience in your specific situation—for example, if you are selling a rental property or buying a foreclosure.

Questions to ask before working with an agent

Interview at least two or three agents before deciding to work with one. Here are the questions that matter most:

• How long have you worked in this neighborhood or area? An agent who has sold homes in your specific community knows the schools, property taxes, flood zones, and what similar homes have sold for recently.
• What is your communication style, and how often will we talk? Some agents send weekly updates; others check in only when something changes. Clarify what works for you.
• How do you handle negotiations? Ask for a specific example of a recent negotiation and what the outcome was. This tells you whether they are aggressive, collaborative, or cautious.
• What is your commission rate, and is it negotiable? Commission rates vary and are not set by law. You can discuss this before signing any agreement.
• Will you represent me exclusively, or do you work with multiple clients in the same area? Exclusive representation means the agent focuses only on your transaction; non-exclusive means they may show other homes in your price range to other buyers.

Pay attention to how the agent answers these questions. A good agent will give you specific examples, listen to your concerns, and explain their approach clearly. If an agent rushes through these questions or seems dismissive, that is a signal to interview someone else.

Understanding the buyer's agent agreement

If you are buying, the agent will ask you to sign a buyer's agent agreement (sometimes called a buyer representation agreement). This contract says you will work exclusively with that agent for a set period—usually 30 to 90 days. During that time, if you find a home through any source and want to make an offer, that agent represents you.

Before signing, read the agreement carefully. Check the end date, the geographic area it covers, and whether there are any exceptions (for example, homes you were already looking at before signing). You can negotiate the terms, and you can ask for a shorter initial period if you want to test the relationship first. If you are not happy with the agent, you can end the agreement early, though some contracts require written notice. Ask about this before you sign.

What to expect during the buying process

Once you have an agent and are ready to look, the process typically unfolds in this order: the agent learns what you are looking for and your budget, shows you homes that match your criteria, you make an offer on a home you want, the agent negotiates with the seller's agent, you get a home inspection, you arrange financing, and you close on the home. The whole process usually takes 30 to 60 days from offer to closing.

Your agent should explain each step before it happens, answer questions about local market conditions, and be available when you need to make decisions quickly. Real estate moves fast—offers can sit on the market for only a few hours, and you may need to decide within a day. If you are working with an agent at Keller Williams, they have access to the MLS, which lists most homes for sale in the area, and to Keller Williams' own transaction management software. These tools help them track your preferences and alert you when new homes come on the market.

What to expect during the selling process

If you are selling, your agent will tour your home, discuss pricing strategy, prepare a listing for the MLS, arrange professional photography, market the home through various channels, show it to other agents and buyers, and negotiate offers when they come in. The listing usually stays active for 30 to 90 days, though this varies by market conditions.

Your agent should give you a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)—a report showing what similar homes in your area have sold for recently. This helps you price your home competitively. If your home sits on the market without offers, a good agent will suggest adjustments: lowering the price, making repairs, or changing the marketing approach. Communication matters here too. Ask your agent how often they will report back on showings, feedback from other agents, and market activity. Some agents send weekly updates; others provide them only when something significant happens.

How Keller Williams differs from independent agents

Keller Williams is a franchise, which means agents pay to join and use the Keller Williams brand, systems, and training. The main advantages are access to a large network of agents (useful if you are relocating), training programs, and proprietary technology. The main disadvantage is that you are working within a corporate structure, which some people prefer and others do not.

An independent agent works alone or with a small team and may have more flexibility in how they operate. Neither approach is inherently better—what matters is the individual agent's knowledge, responsiveness, and fit with your needs. A skilled independent agent in your neighborhood may serve you better than a Keller Williams agent who is new to the area, or vice versa. Ask any agent—whether they work for Keller Williams or independently—about their track record in your specific area. Request references from recent clients and ask to see examples of homes they have sold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the agent if I find a home on my own?

If you sign a buyer's agent agreement, the agent is paid through the seller's listing agent commission, regardless of how you found the home. However, if you find a home before signing an agreement with an agent, you can often exclude it from the agreement. Always clarify this in writing before you sign.

Can I work with multiple agents at the same time?

Most buyer's agent agreements require exclusive representation, meaning you work with only one agent during the contract period. If you want to work with multiple agents, you can ask for a non-exclusive agreement, though not all agents will agree to this. Always discuss this upfront.

What happens if I disagree with my agent's advice?

The agent works for you, not the other way around. If you disagree with their pricing strategy, marketing approach, or negotiation tactics, you can discuss it and ask them to explain their reasoning. If you remain uncomfortable, you can end the agreement and find a different agent.

How much does a real estate agent cost?

As a buyer, you do not pay the agent directly—the seller's commission covers both agents. As a seller, you typically pay a commission of 5 to 6 percent of the sale price, split between your listing agent and the buyer's agent. This rate is negotiable and varies by market and agent.

What should I do if I have a complaint about an agent?

Start by discussing the issue directly with the agent or their broker. If that does not resolve it, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. The commission investigates violations of state law and the code of ethics and can take disciplinary action if warranted.