What to Know About Working With Mary Riley at Century 21 Properties Plus

Mary Riley brings local market knowledge and Century 21's national resources to South Carolina real estate transactions

Mary Riley is a real estate agent with Century 21 Properties Plus, operating within one of the largest real estate franchises in the country. Century 21 agents work with buyers and sellers on residential property transactions, listing homes for sale, representing buyers in purchase negotiations, and handling the paperwork and timelines that come with buying or selling property in South Carolina.

When you work with an agent like Riley, you're working with someone who operates under Century 21's standards and systems, but whose knowledge of local neighborhoods, market conditions, and South Carolina's specific real estate practices shapes how they serve you. The agent-client relationship is direct—you work with Riley on your specific transaction, not with a call center or automated system.

Key Takeaways

• Mary Riley works as an agent within Century 21 Properties Plus, meaning she lists homes for sale, represents buyers, and handles the transaction process for residential real estate in South Carolina.
• Real estate agents typically earn commission based on the sale price of the property, paid by the seller at closing—this is standard across the industry and should be discussed upfront.
• An agent's value comes from knowing local market conditions, neighborhood details, comparable sales data, and how to navigate South Carolina's specific closing and disclosure requirements.
• You can contact Riley directly to discuss whether you're buying or selling, what your timeline looks like, and what questions you have about the process in your area.

How Real Estate Agents Work in South Carolina

Real estate transactions in South Carolina involve several moving parts: listing the property (if you're selling), marketing it to potential buyers, negotiating offers, inspections, appraisals, title work, and closing. An agent like Mary Riley coordinates many of these steps and represents your interests throughout.

If you're selling, an agent lists your home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which is how other agents and their buyers see available properties. The agent prices the home based on comparable sales in your area, handles showings, negotiates offers, and manages the timeline to closing. If you're buying, an agent helps you search for properties, arranges showings, writes offers, and represents you in negotiations with the seller's agent.

South Carolina has specific requirements around disclosures, inspections, and title insurance that vary slightly by county. An agent familiar with your local area knows these details and can walk you through them.

What to Discuss When You First Contact an Agent

Before you commit to working with any agent, it's worth having a conversation about your specific situation. If you're selling, talk about your timeline, any work the home needs, what price range you're hoping for, and how the agent plans to market the property. If you're buying, discuss what you're looking for, your budget, how soon you need to move, and whether you're a first-time buyer.

Ask about the agent's experience in your specific neighborhood or the area where you want to buy. Real estate markets vary significantly across South Carolina—what's true in Charleston is different from the Upstate, and what works in a rural county differs from suburban areas. An agent who knows your area can give you realistic expectations about timing, pricing, and what homes typically sell for.

It's also reasonable to ask about the agent's process, how often they'll communicate with you, and how they handle problems or complications. You should understand upfront how commission works and what services are included.

Understanding Real Estate Commission and Costs

Real estate agents earn commission, which is a percentage of the sale price. This is paid at closing by the seller's proceeds, not by the buyer. The exact percentage is negotiable and varies by transaction, but it's typically discussed when you list your home or before you make an offer as a buyer.

If you're selling, the commission comes out of what you receive. If you're buying, you don't pay the agent's commission directly—it's part of the seller's costs. However, you will have other closing costs: loan origination fees, appraisal fees, title insurance, inspections, and other charges that vary based on your loan and the property.

Ask for a clear breakdown of what you'll owe and when. South Carolina law requires certain disclosures about costs and commissions, and a good agent will provide these in writing before you sign anything.

When to Work With a Buyer's Agent vs. Selling Agent

If you're buying a home, you can work with a buyer's agent—someone who represents your interests in finding and purchasing property. If you're selling, you work with a listing agent who markets your home and represents you in negotiations. Some agents do both, and some specialize in one or the other.

As a buyer, working with an agent doesn't cost you anything directly—the seller's agent's commission is typically split between the listing agent and the buyer's agent. This means you can have representation without paying out of pocket. However, you should understand that the buyer's agent's commission comes from the overall sale price, which is worth knowing as you negotiate.

If you're selling, you hire the listing agent and agree on commission before listing. The listing agent then splits commission with the buyer's agent, which is standard practice.

Questions to Ask Before You Sign Any Agreement

Real estate agreements—whether you're listing your home or signing a buyer representation agreement—are legal contracts. Before you sign, make sure you understand what you're agreeing to. Ask how long the agreement lasts, what happens if you want to end it, and what the agent's specific responsibilities are.

If you're listing, ask about the marketing plan: will the home be photographed professionally, listed on the MLS and the agent's website, advertised on social media or other platforms, and shown to other agents? Ask how often the agent will hold open houses or schedule showings, and how they'll communicate updates to you.

If you're buying, ask whether the buyer representation agreement is exclusive (meaning you work only with that agent) or non-exclusive (meaning you can work with other agents). Ask how the agent will search for homes, how often you'll hear from them, and what happens if you find a home on your own.

How to Find Mary Riley's Contact Information

Century 21 Properties Plus has offices across South Carolina. To reach Mary Riley, you can contact the Century 21 office in your area—they can connect you with her or provide her direct contact details. You can also search for her name and "Century 21" along with your city or region to find her phone number, email, or website.

When you reach out, have a general sense of what you're looking for: are you buying or selling, what's your timeline, and what area of South Carolina are you interested in? This helps the agent understand whether they're the right fit for your situation and whether they have availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You can buy or sell without an agent, though you'll handle all the paperwork, negotiations, and legal requirements yourself. Many people use agents because they handle the complex parts of the transaction, but it's not required by law.

What if I find a home I want to buy but I don't have an agent yet?

You can still make an offer, but you'll want to work with an agent or attorney to write it properly and protect your interests. If you contact an agent after you've found the home, they can still represent you in the purchase—the commission structure doesn't change.

How long does it typically take to sell a home in South Carolina?

This varies widely by location, price, and market conditions. Some homes sell in weeks; others take months. An agent familiar with your specific neighborhood can give you a realistic timeline based on recent sales in your area.

What happens if there's a problem during the transaction?

Your agent should help you work through it—whether it's an inspection issue, an appraisal that comes in low, or a title problem. If you're not satisfied with how your agent handles a problem, you can contact their broker or seek advice from a real estate attorney.

Can I negotiate the real estate commission?

Yes. Commission is negotiable on every transaction. If you're selling, you discuss it when you list. If you're buying, it's typically set by the listing agent, but you can ask about it before you commit to working with a buyer's agent.