What to Know About Working With Mary Perez Castro at Coldwell Banker Realty

Who Mary Perez Castro Is and What She Does

Mary Perez Castro is a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Realty who works with buyers and sellers across South Carolina. She represents clients in residential transactions, helping them navigate the process of buying or selling a home. Her background and approach to real estate work are shaped by her experience in the South Carolina market and her connection to the communities she serves.

Coldwell Banker Realty is one of the largest real estate networks in the United States, with a presence throughout South Carolina. Agents within the network have access to shared listings, market data, and training resources. When you work with an agent like Mary Perez Castro, you're working with someone connected to that broader infrastructure while also getting local market knowledge.

Key Takeaways

• Mary Perez Castro is a Coldwell Banker Realty agent who works with both buyers and sellers on residential real estate transactions in South Carolina.
• Coldwell Banker Realty provides agents with access to a large network of listings and market data across the state and nationally.
• Before choosing any real estate agent, you should understand what services they offer, how they charge, and what their track record looks like in your specific area.
• Real estate agents in South Carolina must be licensed by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and follow state and federal fair housing laws.
• You can ask potential agents about their experience, their marketing approach, and how they handle negotiations on your behalf.

How Real Estate Agents Work in South Carolina

Real estate agents in South Carolina operate under a commission structure, meaning they earn a percentage of the sale price when a transaction closes. That commission is typically split between the buyer's agent and the seller's agent, and each agent's brokerage takes a portion. The seller usually pays the full commission, which is then divided. If you're a buyer, you generally don't pay the agent directly—the commission comes from the sale proceeds.

All agents in South Carolina, including those at Coldwell Banker Realty, must hold a license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. This license requires passing an exam and completing continuing education. Agents must also follow the South Carolina Code of Ethics and Conduct, which covers fair dealing, honesty, and compliance with fair housing laws.

When you work with an agent, they represent your interests in the transaction. A buyer's agent helps you search for properties, negotiate offers, and navigate inspections and financing. A seller's agent lists your property, markets it, shows it to potential buyers, and negotiates on your behalf. Some agents work exclusively with buyers or sellers; others do both.

What to Ask Before Choosing an Agent

Before you decide to work with any agent, including Mary Perez Castro, it's worth asking specific questions about their experience and approach. Ask how long they've been selling real estate, how many transactions they've closed in the past year, and how many of those were in the specific neighborhood or price range you're interested in. Local knowledge matters—an agent who knows your area well can tell you about school districts, property taxes, market trends, and comparable sales.

Ask about their marketing strategy if you're selling. How will they list your property? Will it appear on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which is how most buyers search for homes? Will they use photography, virtual tours, or open houses? Ask how they handle showings and feedback from other agents. If you're buying, ask how they search for properties, whether they use alerts to notify you of new listings, and how they approach negotiations.

You can also ask about their communication style and availability. How often will they contact you with updates? What's the best way to reach them? Do they work alone or as part of a team? Understanding these details helps you know whether the working relationship will feel right for you.

Understanding the Coldwell Banker Realty Network

Coldwell Banker Realty operates as a franchise system, meaning individual brokerages across South Carolina operate under the Coldwell Banker brand while maintaining local ownership and management. This structure gives agents access to national resources and a large database of listings while keeping decision-making and client relationships local.

Agents at Coldwell Banker offices can access the company's market research tools, training programs, and technology platforms. The network also provides marketing support and brand recognition, which can be helpful when listing a property. However, the quality of service and the agent's individual skill and experience are what matter most in your transaction. The brand name is a starting point, not a may provide of outcome.

How to Research an Agent's Background

You can research any real estate agent's license status and disciplinary history through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission website. This public database shows whether an agent's license is active, whether they've had complaints filed against them, and whether any disciplinary action has been taken. This is a straightforward way to verify that an agent is properly licensed and to see if there are any red flags in their record.

You can also ask for references from past clients—both buyers and sellers. A good agent should be willing to provide names of people they've worked with recently. When you contact references, ask about their experience: Did the agent communicate clearly? Did the transaction close on time? Would they work with that agent again? Online reviews on Google, Zillow, or other platforms can also give you a sense of how clients have experienced working with an agent, though remember that reviews are subjective and may not reflect your own experience.

What Happens During a Real Estate Transaction

Whether you're buying or selling, a real estate transaction in South Carolina typically follows a standard sequence. For sellers, the agent lists the property on the MLS, markets it, and shows it to potential buyers. Once an offer comes in, the agent helps you understand the terms and negotiate if needed. Once you accept an offer, the buyer typically has a period for inspections and appraisal, and your agent keeps you informed of progress toward closing.

For buyers, the agent helps you search for properties that match your criteria, schedules showings, and helps you make an offer when you find something you like. After your offer is accepted, your agent helps coordinate inspections, works with your lender on the appraisal, and keeps you on track toward closing. Throughout the process, your agent should be your main point of contact for questions and updates.

Closing typically happens at a title company or attorney's office, where documents are signed and funds are transferred. Your agent may or may not attend closing, depending on the brokerage's practice, but they should have prepared you for what to expect and answered your questions beforehand.

Questions to Ask About Fees and Costs

As a buyer, you should understand that you typically don't pay the real estate agent directly. The commission comes from the seller's proceeds. However, you will have other costs: a home inspection (usually $300 to $500), an appraisal (usually $400 to $600), and closing costs that may include title insurance, attorney fees, and lender fees. These vary depending on the purchase price and your lender's requirements.

As a seller, you should discuss the commission rate with your agent before listing. Commission rates are negotiable and typically range from 4 to 6 percent of the sale price, split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent. You should also ask what other costs you might encounter—for example, some sellers pay for a home inspection or repairs discovered during the buyer's inspection. Your agent should give you a clear picture of what you'll net after all costs are paid.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if Mary Perez Castro is the right agent for me?

The right agent is someone with experience in your specific market, clear communication, and a track record you can verify. Ask about their recent sales, request references, and check their license status with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. Meet with a few agents before deciding—most will give you a free consultation to discuss your needs and their approach.

Can I work with an agent who isn't Mary Perez Castro but is also at Coldwell Banker Realty?

Yes. Coldwell Banker Realty has many agents across South Carolina. You can choose to work with any licensed agent, whether they're at Coldwell Banker or another brokerage. The agent you choose matters more than the brokerage name.

What if I'm unhappy with my agent during a transaction?

If you're unhappy with your agent's service, you can discuss your concerns directly with them first. If that doesn't resolve the issue, you can speak with the broker or office manager at their brokerage. You may also have the option to end the relationship, though this depends on any agreement you signed and the stage of your transaction.

Do real estate agents in South Carolina have to disclose conflicts of interest?

Yes. South Carolina law requires agents to disclose material facts and conflicts of interest. For example, if an agent represents both the buyer and seller in a transaction, that dual agency must be disclosed and both parties must consent. Ask your agent upfront about any potential conflicts.

What should I bring to a closing?

Your agent should tell you what to bring before closing day. Typically, you'll need a photo ID, proof of insurance (for buyers), and any documents the title company or attorney requested. Your agent should walk you through the closing process beforehand so you know what to expect.