Mackenzie Crabtree Real Estate: What to Know About This South Carolina Agent

Who Mackenzie Crabtree is and what she does

Mackenzie Crabtree is a real estate agent operating in South Carolina who works with buyers and sellers on residential property transactions. Like other agents in the state, she holds a license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and represents clients in negotiating offers, managing inspections, and closing sales.

Before choosing any agent, it helps to understand what agents do and what questions to ask. Agents typically earn commission on the sale price—usually split between the buyer's agent and seller's agent—so their financial incentive is to close a sale, not necessarily to get you the best price or terms. This is why many buyers and sellers find it useful to interview multiple agents, check their track record in your specific neighborhood, and clarify in writing what services they will provide.

Key Takeaways

• Real estate agents in South Carolina must hold a license from the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and work under a broker.
• Commission rates are negotiable and not set by law, so it is worth discussing fees before signing any agreement.
• You can interview multiple agents before choosing one, and asking about their sales history in your neighborhood tells you more than their overall volume.
• All real estate transactions in South Carolina require a written contract, and an agent should explain your rights and obligations before you sign.
• If you have a complaint about an agent's conduct, the South Carolina Real Estate Commission has a formal process to investigate.

How to find and vet a real estate agent in South Carolina

Start by asking for referrals from friends, family, or your mortgage lender—people who have worked with an agent recently can tell you whether the agent was responsive, honest about market conditions, and easy to work with. You can also search the South Carolina Real Estate Commission's website to confirm an agent's license status and see whether any complaints have been filed against them.

When you meet with an agent, ask specifically about their experience in your neighborhood or price range. An agent who has closed five sales on your street in the past year knows the market there better than one who has closed fifty sales across three counties. Request a list of homes they have sold in the past year, the list price, the sale price, and how long each took to sell. This tells you whether they consistently get close to asking price and whether homes move quickly in their hands.

Ask also whether they represent the buyer, the seller, or both in a transaction. A dual agent represents both sides, which can create a conflict of interest—they cannot push hard for you without pushing against themselves. Some buyers and sellers prefer to work with a single agent who represents only them.

What to expect from a listing or buyer's agent

If you are selling, a listing agent will typically prepare a market analysis, suggest a list price, arrange photography and showings, advertise the property, and negotiate offers on your behalf. They should explain the South Carolina real estate contract, walk you through inspections and appraisals, and coordinate the closing. Before you sign a listing agreement, confirm how long the agreement lasts (often 90 days), what happens if you want to end it early, and whether you owe commission if you sell the home yourself during or shortly after the agreement ends.

If you are buying, a buyer's agent will search for homes that match your criteria, arrange showings, help you understand the market, and negotiate your offer. They should explain contingencies (such as inspection and appraisal contingencies), walk you through due diligence, and coordinate with your lender and the title company. Ask whether they charge a flat fee, take a percentage of the purchase price, or work on commission from the seller's side—this varies by agent and by market.

Commission, fees, and what you actually owe

Real estate commission in South Carolina is negotiable. There is no standard rate set by law. Typically, the seller pays commission to both the listing agent and the buyer's agent, but the exact split and total percentage is negotiated between the seller and the listing broker. If you are a buyer, you usually do not pay commission directly—it comes out of the seller's proceeds—but this means the buyer's agent's commission depends on the sale closing, which can affect their advice.

Before you sign any agreement, ask the agent in writing what their commission will be, when it is due, and what happens if the sale falls through. Some agents charge flat fees instead of a percentage, which can be worth exploring if you are selling a high-value home or buying in a competitive market. Do not assume commission is non-negotiable; many agents will discuss it, especially if you are a serious buyer or seller.

South Carolina real estate contracts and your rights

All real estate sales in South Carolina must be in writing. The standard form is the South Carolina Residential Contract for Sale of Real Property, which includes sections for the purchase price, earnest money deposit, inspection period, appraisal contingency, and closing date. Your agent should explain each section and what it means for you before you sign.

Pay close attention to contingencies—these are conditions that must be met for the sale to go through. A typical inspection contingency gives you a set number of days to have the home inspected and to ask the seller for repairs or credits if problems are found. An appraisal contingency protects you if the home appraises for less than the purchase price. If you waive these contingencies, you are taking on more risk. Your agent should explain the trade-off between removing contingencies (which makes your offer more attractive to a seller) and keeping them (which protects you).

What to do if you have a problem with an agent

If an agent has misrepresented a property, failed to disclose a known defect, breached a contract, or engaged in discriminatory conduct, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. The commission investigates complaints and can take disciplinary action, including suspending or revoking an agent's license.

To file a complaint, visit the South Carolina Real Estate Commission website or contact them by phone. You will need to describe what happened, provide dates and any written communications, and explain what harm you suffered. The commission will contact the agent for their response and may request additional documentation from both sides. The investigation process typically takes several months.

If the dispute involves money—for example, a disagreement over commission or earnest money—you may also have a claim in small claims court or civil court, depending on the amount. An attorney who specializes in real estate can advise you on whether litigation makes sense in your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I negotiate commission with a real estate agent?

Yes. Commission rates are not set by law in South Carolina and are negotiable between you and the agent or broker. It is worth discussing before you sign a listing agreement or buyer representation agreement. Some agents may be willing to negotiate, especially if you are selling a high-value property or if the market is competitive.

What is earnest money and do I get it back?

Earnest money is a deposit you make when you submit an offer to show the seller you are serious. It is typically held by the listing broker or a title company in escrow. If your offer is accepted and you close the sale, the earnest money is credited toward your down payment. If your offer is rejected or you walk away for a reason not covered by a contingency, you may lose it.

Do I have to use the agent's title company or attorney?

No. You can choose your own title company or attorney to handle closing, though the agent may recommend one. It is your right to shop around for title insurance rates and closing services. Make sure whoever you choose is licensed and insured in South Carolina.

What happens if the home inspection finds problems?

If you have an inspection contingency in your contract, you can ask the seller to repair the problems, offer a credit toward repairs, or renegotiate the price. The seller can agree, refuse, or offer a partial solution. If you cannot reach agreement, you can usually walk away without losing your earnest money, as long as you notify the seller within the inspection period stated in your contract.

How do I verify a real estate agent's license?

Visit the South Carolina Real Estate Commission website and use their license lookup tool. You can search by agent name or license number to confirm the license is active, see which broker they work under, and check whether any disciplinary actions have been taken against them.