What to Know About Working With Mary Braaten at Advantage Realty Group

Mary Braaten brings local market knowledge and a focus on client communication to South Carolina real estate transactions

Mary Braaten is a real estate agent with Advantage Realty Group, operating in South Carolina's residential market. Her background emphasizes understanding what matters to buyers and sellers in the communities where she works—the practical details of neighborhoods, school districts, commute times, and how properties fit into actual life rather than just transaction paperwork.

If you are considering buying or selling property in South Carolina, knowing what an agent does, how they work, and what questions to ask before you hire one helps you make a decision that fits your situation and timeline.

Key Takeaways

• Mary Braaten works with Advantage Realty Group, a South Carolina brokerage, and can represent buyers, sellers, or both depending on the transaction structure.
• Real estate agents earn commission on completed sales, typically split between buyer's and seller's agents, so understanding how that works prevents surprises later.
• Before hiring any agent, ask about their experience in your specific neighborhood or price range and request references from recent clients.
• Agents can show you comparable sales data, help you understand local market conditions, and handle the legal and logistical steps of a transaction.

What a Real Estate Agent Does in a South Carolina Transaction

A real estate agent's core job is to represent either the buyer or the seller (or in some cases both, though that requires clear disclosure). For sellers, an agent lists the property, markets it to other agents and the public, schedules showings, and negotiates offers. For buyers, an agent shows available properties, helps you understand what you are seeing, negotiates on your behalf, and guides you through inspections, appraisals, and closing.

Mary Braaten, working through Advantage Realty Group, handles the same responsibilities. That means she knows how to navigate South Carolina's specific real estate laws, local market conditions, and the particular quirks of neighborhoods across the state. She can pull comparable sales data—what similar homes sold for recently—which is essential information for pricing a home to sell or making an offer as a buyer.

Agents also manage the timeline and paperwork. South Carolina real estate transactions involve title searches, deed preparation, earnest money deposits, and coordination with lenders, inspectors, and appraisers. An agent keeps those pieces moving and flags problems before they become expensive.

How Agent Commissions Work and What You Pay

Real estate agents earn commission only when a sale closes. The commission is typically a percentage of the sale price and is paid by the seller's proceeds—not an extra cost added to the buyer's price. That commission is then split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent, and each agent shares their portion with their brokerage.

Commission rates vary and are negotiable. There is no standard percentage set by law. When you interview agents, ask what commission they charge and what services that includes. Some agents may charge differently for different services or offer reduced rates for certain transaction types.

Understanding this structure matters because it shapes how an agent's incentives work. An agent benefits when a sale closes, so they are motivated to help you complete the transaction. However, they do not benefit from you paying more or less—only from the sale happening. If you feel pressured to accept an offer or price that does not match your goals, that is a sign to get a second opinion or switch agents.

Finding Out if Mary Braaten Is the Right Fit for Your Situation

Before you hire any agent, including those at Advantage Realty Group, ask specific questions about their experience. Do they know the neighborhood where you want to buy or sell? Have they closed transactions in your price range recently? Can they provide references from clients in the past year?

You should also ask about their communication style. How often will they contact you with updates? What is their response time to calls and emails? Some buyers and sellers want daily contact; others prefer weekly check-ins. Knowing this upfront prevents frustration later.

If you are selling, ask how they plan to market your home—what photos, online platforms, open houses, or agent networks they will use. If you are buying, ask how they search for properties and whether they have access to the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) in your area, which is where most homes for sale are listed.

What to Expect During the Buying Process

If you work with Mary Braaten as a buyer's agent, the process typically starts with a conversation about your budget, timeline, and what you are looking for in a home. She will show you properties that match those criteria, answer questions about neighborhoods and schools, and help you understand what you are seeing during showings.

Once you find a home you want to make an offer on, your agent prepares the offer, negotiates terms with the seller's agent, and manages the back-and-forth until both sides agree. After an offer is accepted, the agent coordinates inspections, helps you understand the inspection report, and stays involved through the appraisal and final walkthrough before closing.

Throughout this process, your agent should explain what is happening at each step and answer questions. South Carolina has specific timelines and requirements—for example, the state allows a certain number of days for inspections and appraisals—and a good agent keeps you informed about those deadlines.

What to Expect During the Selling Process

If you are selling through Mary Braaten and Advantage Realty Group, the process begins with a market analysis—your agent will look at comparable homes that sold recently to suggest a listing price. Pricing matters enormously; too high and the home sits on the market, too low and you leave money on the table.

Your agent will then prepare the listing, which includes professional photos, a written description, and details about the property's features and condition. The listing goes on the MLS and is shown to other agents, who bring their buyers to see your home. Your agent schedules showings, may hold an open house, and communicates feedback from showings back to you.

When offers come in, your agent presents them, explains the terms, and helps you decide whether to accept, counter, or reject. Once an offer is accepted, the agent coordinates inspections, appraisals, and any repairs or negotiations that follow. The agent's job continues through closing, when the deed transfers and you receive payment.

Questions to Ask Before You Hire an Agent

Before you commit to working with any agent, have a conversation that covers these points: How long have you been in real estate? What is your experience in this specific neighborhood or area? How many transactions have you closed in the past year? What is your commission rate, and what does that include?

Also ask about their availability and communication style, their marketing plan (if you are selling), their search process (if you are buying), and whether they have references you can contact. You can also ask whether they work full-time in real estate or part-time, and whether they specialize in certain types of properties or price ranges.

Do not feel obligated to hire the first agent you meet. It is normal to interview multiple agents and compare what they offer. Real estate is a significant transaction, and choosing an agent who understands your goals and communicates clearly makes the process smoother.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work with an agent even if I have not found a home yet?

Yes. Buyer's agents show you homes and help you search the market. You do not pay them directly—they earn commission only if you close on a home they showed you or helped you purchase. Starting with an agent early means they learn what you want and can alert you to new listings that match your criteria.

What happens if I want to switch agents partway through?

You can switch agents, though the details depend on whether you signed an exclusive buyer's agreement. If you did, review that agreement to understand the terms. If you did not sign anything, you are free to work with someone else. If you are selling, switching is more complicated because the listing agreement is recorded, but it is still possible—talk to a real estate attorney about your options.

Do I need an agent to buy or sell property in South Carolina?

No. You can buy or sell without an agent, though you will handle negotiations, paperwork, and coordination yourself. Many people find an agent's knowledge of local market conditions, comparable sales data, and legal requirements worth the commission cost. Others prefer to save the commission and manage the process independently.

What if the home inspection finds major problems?

Your agent will explain your options, which typically include asking the seller to repair the problems, asking for a credit toward repairs, renegotiating the price, or walking away if the problems are severe enough. Your agent does not make the decision for you, but they help you understand what is reasonable to ask for and what the seller is likely to accept.

How long does a real estate transaction usually take?

In South Carolina, most transactions take 30 to 45 days from offer acceptance to closing, though it can be faster or slower depending on inspections, appraisals, and financing. Your agent will give you a timeline at the start and update you as the process moves forward.