What to Know About Working With Mandy Saunders at United Real Estate Columbia

Who Mandy Saunders is and what she does

Mandy Saunders is a real estate agent with United Real Estate Columbia, serving the Columbia area and surrounding communities. She works with buyers and sellers navigating residential real estate transactions—helping clients understand the local market, find properties that fit their needs, and move through the buying or selling process.

United Real Estate Columbia is an independent brokerage operating in the Midlands region. Agents at the firm work with clients on residential purchases, sales, and sometimes rental placements. Saunders' role is to represent either a buyer or seller, depending on the transaction, and to guide them through inspections, appraisals, financing, and closing.

Key Takeaways

• Mandy Saunders works as a residential real estate agent with United Real Estate Columbia, helping buyers and sellers in the Columbia area.
• You can contact her directly through United Real Estate Columbia's office or website to discuss buying, selling, or learning about the local market.
• Real estate agents typically earn commission on completed sales rather than charging hourly or flat fees, so there is no upfront cost to work with an agent as a buyer.
• Sellers usually pay commission from the sale proceeds, split between the listing agent and the buyer's agent, so you should understand the rate before listing.
• A buyer's agent represents your interests during negotiations and inspections, while a listing agent markets the property and manages showings.

How to reach Mandy Saunders

Contact United Real Estate Columbia directly through their office phone, website, or local address to ask for Mandy Saunders or to learn whether she is currently taking new clients. You can also search for her name and the brokerage online to find her profile, which may include her phone number, email, or a contact form.

When you reach out, be ready to describe what you need—whether you are looking to buy a home, sell a property, or explore the market in a particular neighborhood. This helps the agent understand your timeline and priorities from the start.

What a buyer's agent does

If you are buying a home, a buyer's agent like Mandy Saunders represents your interests throughout the process. She searches for properties matching your budget and preferences, schedules showings, explains neighborhood details and school information, and advises you on making an offer that is competitive but fair.

During negotiations, she communicates with the seller's agent, helps you understand inspection reports, and coordinates with your lender and title company as you move toward closing. She does not charge you a fee directly—her commission comes from the seller's proceeds at closing, typically split between the listing agent and the buyer's agent.

What a listing agent does

If you are selling a home, a listing agent markets your property, schedules showings, and manages inquiries from buyer's agents. She helps you set a competitive price based on recent sales of similar homes in your area, prepares the listing for online platforms like the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), and coordinates open houses or private showings.

The listing agent also reviews offers, advises you on negotiations, and manages the timeline from offer acceptance through closing. Commission for the listing agent typically comes from the sale price and is split with the buyer's agent; you should discuss the exact rate and what services are included before signing a listing agreement.

Understanding real estate commissions and costs

Real estate agents earn commission on completed sales, not hourly wages or flat fees. The commission rate is negotiable and varies by market and brokerage, but is often in the range of 5 to 6 percent of the sale price, split between the listing agent and the buyer's agent. This means a buyer working with an agent pays nothing out of pocket—the seller's proceeds cover the commission at closing.

If you are selling, the commission comes from your sale price, so you should understand the exact percentage and what services are included before you list. Some brokerages offer different commission structures or discounts, so it is worth discussing options with Mandy Saunders or another agent before deciding.

Questions to ask before working together

Before you commit to working with Mandy Saunders or any agent, ask about her experience in your neighborhood or price range, how long she has been in real estate, and what her typical timeline looks like for buying or selling. Ask whether she is a full-time agent and how quickly she typically responds to calls or emails.

If you are selling, ask for her recommended listing price and the reasoning behind it, what marketing strategies she uses, and whether she handles showings or uses a showing service. If you are buying, ask how she searches for properties, whether she has relationships with other agents that might give you early notice of new listings, and how she approaches negotiations.

How the buying and selling process works

The buying process typically starts with getting pre-approved for a mortgage (if you need financing), then searching for properties, making an offer, and scheduling a home inspection. After inspection, you may negotiate repairs or credits, finalize your mortgage, and complete a title search before closing—usually 30 to 45 days after an offer is accepted.

The selling process begins with listing your home, showing it to potential buyers, reviewing and negotiating offers, and accepting one. From acceptance, you typically have 30 to 45 days to closing, during which the buyer arranges financing and inspection, and a title company prepares closing documents. Your agent coordinates these steps and keeps you informed at each stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay Mandy Saunders if I am buying a home?

No. As a buyer's agent, she is paid commission from the seller's proceeds at closing, split between her and the listing agent. You do not pay her directly, and there is no upfront cost to work with her.

Can I work with Mandy Saunders if I am selling through another agent?

If you are selling through a different listing agent, Mandy Saunders can still represent you as a buyer. The two agents coordinate through the MLS and split commission at closing. You should let your listing agent know you are working with a buyer's agent so there is no confusion.

How do I know if Mandy Saunders is the right agent for me?

Meet with her or speak by phone to discuss your needs, timeline, and budget. Ask about her experience in your area, how she communicates, and what her process looks like. You are not obligated to sign anything in an initial conversation, so take time to compare agents if you want to.

What happens if a deal falls through?

If a buyer backs out after inspection or financing falls through, the sale ends and the agent does not earn commission. If you are selling and a buyer walks away, your home goes back on the market. Your agent should explain what contingencies protect you and what happens if the deal breaks down.

Can I negotiate the commission rate?

Yes. Commission is negotiable, especially for sellers. Discuss the rate, what services are included, and whether the brokerage offers different options before you list or sign an agreement to work together.