What to Expect When Working with Lisa Chastie at Coldwell Banker Chicora
Who Lisa Chastie is and what she does
Lisa Chastie is a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Chicora Real Estate, one of South Carolina's established brokerage firms. She works with buyers and sellers navigating residential property transactions across the state. Her role is to represent clients in finding, marketing, or selling homes—handling showings, negotiations, paperwork, and the steps between offer and closing.
Coldwell Banker Chicora operates multiple offices throughout South Carolina and maintains access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which means Lisa can show you homes listed by other agents and list your home where other agents' buyers can find it. The brokerage provides support staff, legal compliance oversight, and transaction management that individual agents cannot provide alone.
Key Takeaways
- Lisa Chastie represents either buyers or sellers in residential real estate transactions and is employed by Coldwell Banker Chicora, a licensed brokerage firm.
- Real estate agents earn commission only when a transaction closes, so their financial incentive is to complete the sale, not to pressure you into a bad one.
- You should ask Lisa directly about her experience in your specific neighborhood or property type before deciding to work together.
- Coldwell Banker Chicora's brokerage backing means transactions include legal review and compliance oversight that protect both parties.
How to contact Lisa Chastie
To reach Lisa, contact Coldwell Banker Chicora directly through their main office or website and ask for her by name. You can also search for her profile on the Coldwell Banker website, which typically lists agent contact information, recent sales, and the neighborhoods where they work most often.
When you first call or email, have a clear sense of what you need: Are you looking to buy in a specific area? Selling a home? Relocating to South Carolina? This helps Lisa determine whether she is the right fit for your situation and whether her current workload allows her to take on a new client.
What to ask before you hire her
Before committing to work with Lisa, ask about her experience in the neighborhoods or property types you care about. If you are buying a historic home in Charleston, you want an agent who has closed sales on similar homes in that market. If you are selling a waterfront property in the Lowcountry, ask how many waterfront sales she has handled and what price range they fell into.
Ask also about her availability. Real estate agents often work with multiple clients at once, and some are busier than others. If you need someone who can show you homes on short notice or be present for inspections and appraisals, confirm that her schedule allows it. Ask how she prefers to communicate—phone, text, email—and how quickly she typically responds.
Request references from past clients if possible. A buyer or seller who has worked with her recently can tell you whether she was responsive, knowledgeable about the local market, and honest about what to expect during the process.
How real estate agents are paid
Lisa earns commission only when a transaction closes. The commission is typically split between the buyer's agent and the seller's agent, and each agent then shares their portion with their brokerage. This means Lisa's financial incentive is to close the sale—not to rush you, but to see the transaction through to the end.
Commission rates vary by market and by agreement between the agent and the seller. In South Carolina, rates typically range from 4 to 6 percent of the sale price, but this is negotiable. If you are selling, you can discuss the commission rate with Lisa before listing your home. If you are buying, you do not pay commission directly—it comes from the seller's proceeds—but understanding how it works helps you see why your agent is motivated to find you a home and close the deal.
What happens during a typical transaction
If you are buying, Lisa will show you homes that match your criteria, help you understand the local market and fair pricing, and guide you through making an offer. Once an offer is accepted, she coordinates inspections, appraisals, and the underwriting process, keeping you informed at each step. She attends the closing and ensures all paperwork is signed correctly.
If you are selling, Lisa will list your home on the MLS, market it to other agents and the public, show it to potential buyers, and negotiate offers on your behalf. She handles the paperwork, coordinates inspections and appraisals, and works with the buyer's lender to keep the transaction on track. She also manages the closing process and ensures you understand what you are signing.
Throughout either process, Lisa's job is to keep you informed, answer your questions, and protect your interests within the bounds of the law. She cannot give you legal advice—that is the role of a real estate attorney—but she can explain what is normal in a South Carolina transaction and flag anything unusual.
Understanding the South Carolina real estate market
South Carolina's real estate market varies significantly by region. Coastal areas like Charleston and Hilton Head have different pricing, inventory, and buyer demand than the Upstate or the Midlands. Lisa's knowledge of her local market—what homes are selling for, how long they stay on the market, what buyers in that area typically want—is one of her most valuable assets.
If you are relocating to South Carolina from another state, ask Lisa to explain the local market to you. She can tell you which neighborhoods are appreciating, where young families tend to buy, where retirees cluster, and what the typical timeline is from listing to closing. This context helps you make decisions that align with your long-term goals, not just the current market moment.
Red flags and how to protect yourself
A good agent listens more than she talks, asks questions about your needs and timeline, and gives you honest feedback even when it is not what you want to hear. If an agent pushes you toward a home or an offer that does not match what you said you wanted, that is a sign to reconsider the relationship.
Always read documents before you sign them. Your agent should explain what each form means, but you are responsible for understanding what you are agreeing to. If something is unclear, ask Lisa to explain it again, or bring it to a real estate attorney. Do not sign anything under pressure or without understanding it.
Keep records of all conversations, offers, and agreements. Email confirmations of verbal conversations. If a dispute arises later, documentation protects you. Coldwell Banker Chicora's brokerage keeps records of all transactions, but having your own copies is wise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work with Lisa Chastie even if I am not sure I want to buy or sell yet?
Yes. Many agents are happy to talk with you about the market, answer questions about neighborhoods, or help you understand what your home might be worth—even if you are not ready to move forward immediately. This conversation helps you decide whether to work together and whether the timing is right for a transaction.
What if I want to buy a home that another agent listed?
Lisa can still represent you. When you make an offer on a home listed by another agent, that agent represents the seller, and Lisa represents you. Both agents are bound by the same ethical rules and legal requirements. The commission is split between the two agents, so Lisa's compensation does not change based on which agent listed the home.
Do I have to sign a contract with Lisa before she shows me homes?
Practices vary. Some agents ask for a buyer representation agreement before showing homes; others show homes first and formalize the relationship later. Ask Lisa what her practice is. A representation agreement protects both of you by clarifying expectations and commission terms, but you should understand what you are signing before you commit.
What if I am unhappy with Lisa's service?
Talk to her directly first. If the issue is responsiveness, communication style, or a mismatch in what you need, an honest conversation often resolves it. If the problem persists or is serious, you can end the relationship—most buyer representation agreements allow either party to terminate with written notice. You can also file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission if you believe an agent has violated ethical or legal rules.
How long does a typical home sale take in South Carolina?
From listing to closing typically takes 30 to 45 days, though it varies. A cash sale can close in two weeks; a purchase with financing usually takes longer because the lender's underwriting process takes time. Ask Lisa what the typical timeline is in your specific market and neighborhood.