What to Expect When Working with Marlene Hehnke at Coldwell Banker Chicora

Marlene Hehnke's Background and Service Area

Marlene Hehnke is a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Chicora Real Estate, one of South Carolina's longest-established brokerages. Coldwell Banker Chicora operates across the state with multiple offices, and Hehnke works within that network to serve buyers and sellers in her market area. Her role involves listing properties for sale, representing buyers in purchase transactions, and providing market knowledge specific to her region.

Coldwell Banker as a brand has operated since 1906 and maintains a presence in all 50 states. The Chicora office brings that national backing to local South Carolina transactions, meaning Hehnke can draw on both regional expertise and resources from a larger organization when needed.

Key Takeaways

• Marlene Hehnke works for Coldwell Banker Chicora Real Estate, a brokerage with multiple South Carolina locations and access to national resources.
• Real estate agents typically represent either buyers or sellers (or both), handle contract negotiation, and coordinate inspections, appraisals, and closing documents.
• Coldwell Banker agents can list your property on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which makes it visible to other agents and their clients across the region.
• Commission rates and service terms vary by agent and transaction, so discussing these details directly with Hehnke before signing any agreement is essential.
• You can contact Coldwell Banker Chicora's main office to request Hehnke specifically or to learn which agent serves your area.

How Real Estate Agents Work in South Carolina

A real estate agent's job is to represent either a buyer or a seller (sometimes both, though this creates a conflict of interest that must be disclosed). If you are selling, the agent lists your property, markets it, shows it to potential buyers, and negotiates offers on your behalf. If you are buying, the agent searches for properties that match your needs, arranges showings, helps you make an offer, and guides you through inspection and appraisal.

In South Carolina, agents must be licensed by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (SCDHEC). This license requires passing an exam and completing continuing education. Agents work under a broker—in Hehnke's case, Coldwell Banker Chicora—who holds the brokerage license and is responsible for the agents' conduct.

When you list a property with an agent, it typically goes into the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), a shared database that all licensed agents in the region can access. This is how your home reaches the widest pool of potential buyers. The agent then coordinates open houses, responds to inquiries, and negotiates with buyers' agents.

Commission, Fees, and What to Discuss Upfront

Real estate agents are paid by commission, which is a percentage of the sale price. In South Carolina, commission rates are not set by law or by any board—they are negotiated between the seller and the agent for each transaction. Typical rates range, but this varies widely by market, property type, and individual agent. The listing agent and the buyer's agent typically split the commission, though this split is also negotiable.

Before signing a listing agreement or buyer representation agreement, you should discuss commission, the length of the agreement, what services are included, and what happens if you want to end the relationship early. These terms are not standard across all agents, and Hehnke's terms may differ from another agent's. Getting this in writing protects both you and the agent.

Some agents offer additional services—staging advice, professional photography, market analysis reports—while others keep services minimal. Ask what is included and what costs extra. If you are buying, confirm whether the agent will show you properties from other agents or only Coldwell Banker listings.

Contacting Marlene Hehnke or Finding Your Local Agent

To reach Marlene Hehnke directly, contact Coldwell Banker Chicora Real Estate through their main office. You can ask for Hehnke by name, or if you do not know which agent serves your specific area, the office staff can tell you. Coldwell Banker Chicora has multiple locations across South Carolina, so confirm which office handles your neighborhood or the area where you want to buy.

When you call or visit, be ready to describe what you need: Are you selling a home? Buying? Looking in a specific neighborhood or price range? This helps the office connect you with the right agent. You can also ask about the agent's experience, how long they have worked in the area, and what types of properties they typically handle.

What Happens During a Real Estate Transaction

Once you sign a representation agreement with an agent, the process follows a standard path. For sellers, the agent will schedule a market analysis to determine a listing price, prepare the listing for the MLS, and begin marketing. For buyers, the agent will search listings, arrange showings, and help you decide on an offer price.

After an offer is accepted, the transaction moves into a due diligence period (typically 10 days in South Carolina) when the buyer can have the property inspected and appraised. The agent coordinates these appointments and helps interpret the results. If issues arise, the agent negotiates repairs or credits between buyer and seller.

Closing happens at a title company or attorney's office. The agent does not close the sale—a title company or real estate attorney does—but the agent ensures all paperwork is in order and answers questions up to closing day. After closing, the agent's role ends, though many agents stay in touch with past clients for referrals or future transactions.

Questions to Ask Before Choosing an Agent

Before committing to work with any agent, including Marlene Hehnke, ask about their experience in your specific market. How long have they worked in the area? How many homes have they sold in the past year? Do they specialize in a particular price range or property type? An agent who knows your neighborhood well can price your home more accurately and find buyers more quickly.

Ask how they market properties. Do they use professional photography? Social media? Open houses? Broker tours? The more tools an agent uses, the wider the exposure your listing receives. If you are buying, ask how they search for properties and whether they have access to off-market or pocket listings that may not yet be on the MLS.

Finally, ask about communication. How often will they update you? What is their preferred method—phone, email, text? A good agent is responsive and keeps you informed at every stage. If you feel rushed, ignored, or pressured during your initial conversation, that is a sign to talk to another agent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use a real estate agent to buy or sell a home in South Carolina?

No. You can sell your home privately (called "for sale by owner") or buy directly from a seller without an agent. However, most buyers search through the MLS, which requires a listing agent. If you sell privately, you reach fewer buyers. If you buy without an agent, you may miss properties or misunderstand contracts. Most people use agents because they simplify the process and reduce risk.

Can I work with Marlene Hehnke if I live outside her area?

Coldwell Banker Chicora has multiple offices across South Carolina. If Hehnke does not serve your area, the office can refer you to an agent who does. You can also ask Hehnke directly whether she works in your location or can recommend a colleague.

What if I am not happy with my agent?

Review your representation agreement to see how long it lasts and what the cancellation terms are. Most agreements allow you to end the relationship with written notice, though some require a waiting period. If you want to switch agents, discuss it with your current agent first—they may be able to address your concerns. If not, contact the brokerage manager to discuss your options.

How much does it cost to work with a real estate agent?

If you are buying, it typically costs nothing—the seller's agent pays the buyer's agent from the commission. If you are selling, you pay commission from the sale proceeds. The rate is negotiable and should be discussed before you sign a listing agreement. Ask for the exact percentage and what services are included for that rate.

How long does a real estate transaction take?

From listing to closing, most transactions take 30 to 45 days in South Carolina. This includes the time for showings, offer negotiation, inspection, appraisal, and final closing. Complications—like appraisal issues or inspection repairs—can extend this timeline. Your agent can give you a more specific estimate based on current market conditions.