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What to Know About Working With Mater Johnson at Realty One Group

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

Mater Johnson's background and approach

Mater Johnson is a real estate agent with Realty One Group, a national brokerage with offices across South Carolina. Johnson works with buyers and sellers in the state's residential market, bringing experience in local property values, neighborhood conditions, and the mechanics of closing a sale or purchase.

Realty One Group operates as a full-service brokerage, meaning agents like Johnson can help with listing homes for sale, showing properties to buyers, negotiating offers, and coordinating the steps between offer acceptance and closing. The brokerage handles the paperwork, compliance, and transaction management that state law requires.

Before choosing any agent, it helps to understand what agents do, what they cost, and how their incentives work. An agent's commission typically comes from the seller's proceeds at closing—usually split between the listing agent and the buyer's agent—so the buyer pays nothing directly. That structure means an agent benefits when a sale closes, which aligns their interest with yours in that moment, but it also means they earn nothing if you decide not to buy or sell.

Key Takeaways

  • Realty One Group is a national brokerage with South Carolina locations, and Mater Johnson operates as an agent within that firm's systems and oversight.
  • Real estate agents in South Carolina must hold an active license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and follow state and federal fair housing laws.
  • Agent commissions are typically paid by the seller at closing and split between the listing and buyer's agents, so buyers do not pay the agent directly.
  • You can interview multiple agents before signing a listing agreement or choosing a buyer's agent, and you should ask about their experience in your specific neighborhood or price range.
  • All real estate transactions in South Carolina require a written contract, and agents coordinate with title companies, lenders, and inspectors to move the sale forward.

How Realty One Group operates in South Carolina

Realty One Group maintains multiple offices across South Carolina, including locations in Charleston, Columbia, and the Upstate. The brokerage is owned and operated independently in each market, though all offices follow Realty One Group's brand standards and technology platform.

Agents like Mater Johnson work under a broker's license held by the office manager or owner. That broker is responsible for ensuring all agents comply with South Carolina's real estate laws, maintain their licenses, and follow the South Carolina Real Estate Commission's rules. If you have a complaint about an agent's conduct, you can file it with the Real Estate Commission, which investigates violations of state law.

Realty One Group uses a digital transaction platform that allows buyers, sellers, agents, and lenders to upload documents, sign electronically, and track the status of a sale in one place. This system does not replace the title company or the closing attorney—South Carolina law requires a closing attorney to oversee every residential real estate transaction—but it does reduce the amount of paper and email that moves between parties.

What to expect when working with an agent

If you are selling a home, an agent's main job is to list the property on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), market it to other agents and the public, show it to interested buyers, and negotiate offers on your behalf. The agent will advise you on pricing, based on comparable sales in your area, and will help you understand what repairs or inspections might be needed before closing.

If you are buying a home, an agent will search the MLS for properties that match your criteria, arrange showings, help you understand the neighborhood and local market, and negotiate the purchase contract. The agent will also coordinate with your lender, the title company, and the seller's agent to ensure inspections, appraisals, and final walk-throughs happen on schedule.

In both cases, the agent is not a lawyer and cannot give legal advice. South Carolina law requires that a closing attorney review all contracts and oversee the closing meeting. Many buyers and sellers also hire their own attorney if they have questions about the contract or want independent legal review.

Licensing and credentials to verify

Every real estate agent in South Carolina must hold an active license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. You can verify an agent's license status, disciplinary history, and current brokerage affiliation on the Real Estate Commission's website by searching the agent's name.

Some agents pursue additional certifications, such as the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) credential or the Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR) designation. These are voluntary and require extra training and experience, but they are not required to practice real estate. Ask an agent what credentials they hold and what they mean.

You can also ask an agent how long they have been licensed, how many transactions they close in a typical year, and whether they specialize in a particular neighborhood, price range, or type of property. An agent with deep knowledge of your specific area can often negotiate better terms and spot problems that a generalist might miss.

Commission structure and costs

Real estate commissions in South Carolina are not set by law or by any board—they are negotiable between the seller and the listing agent. Most listing agreements specify a commission percentage, typically between 5 and 6 percent of the sale price, though this varies by market and by the agent's experience.

The listing agent's commission is split with the buyer's agent, usually 50-50, though the split can vary. The seller pays the full commission at closing from the sale proceeds. If you are a buyer, you do not pay the agent directly; the seller's proceeds cover both agents' commissions.

If you are selling, you can negotiate the commission rate before you sign the listing agreement. Some agents offer lower rates for higher-priced homes or for sellers who do not need as much marketing support. If you are buying, you do not negotiate the buyer's agent commission directly—that is set by the listing agent and the seller—but you can ask your agent what their commission will be before you begin working together.

Steps in a typical South Carolina real estate transaction

Once an offer is accepted, South Carolina law gives the buyer a period to conduct inspections, order an appraisal, and finalize financing. The standard inspection period is 10 days, though this can be negotiated. During this time, the buyer can hire a home inspector, a pest inspector, or other specialists to examine the property.

The buyer's lender will order an appraisal to confirm the property's value supports the loan amount. If the appraisal comes in lower than the purchase price, the buyer and seller must renegotiate, or the buyer can walk away if the contract allows it.

The title company will conduct a title search to confirm the seller owns the property free of liens or other claims. If problems appear, they must be resolved before closing. The closing attorney reviews all documents, ensures the seller can legally transfer the property, and oversees the signing and fund transfer at the closing meeting.

Closing typically happens 30 to 45 days after the offer is accepted, though this timeline can shift if inspections reveal problems, the appraisal is delayed, or the lender needs additional documentation. Your agent and the title company will keep you informed of the schedule.

How to choose or interview an agent

You are not obligated to work with the first agent you meet. It is normal to interview two or three agents before deciding who to hire as your listing agent or buyer's agent. Ask each agent about their experience in your neighborhood, their marketing strategy if you are selling, and how they stay in touch with clients during a transaction.

If you are selling, ask the agent to provide a comparative market analysis (CMA)—a report showing recent sales of similar homes in your area. This helps you understand what price range is realistic. Be wary of an agent who suggests a price far higher than comparable sales; that often signals the agent is more interested in signing you than in selling your home.

Ask about the agent's response time and communication style. Some agents prefer phone calls, others email, and some use the brokerage's transaction platform. Clarify what you expect and confirm the agent can meet that standard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work with an agent who is not at Realty One Group?

Yes. You can work with any licensed agent in South Carolina, regardless of which brokerage they work for. Agents from different brokerages cooperate through the MLS and can show you the same properties. Your choice of agent should be based on their experience, communication style, and knowledge of your area—not on which brokerage they represent.

What happens if I am unhappy with my agent?

If you signed a buyer's agent agreement, you can usually end it by giving written notice, though the terms depend on what you signed. If you signed a listing agreement to sell your home, you are typically locked in for the contract period unless the agent agrees to release you. Read your contract carefully and ask the agent or a lawyer what your options are if the relationship is not working.

Do I need a lawyer if I am buying or selling a home?

South Carolina law requires a closing attorney to oversee every residential real estate transaction, so you will work with an attorney at closing whether you hire your own or use the one the title company recommends. Many buyers and sellers also hire their own attorney earlier in the process to review the contract or advise on specific issues. This is optional but can be helpful if you have questions or concerns.

How do I verify an agent's license and background?

Visit the South Carolina Real Estate Commission's website and search the agent's name in their license lookup tool. You will see their license status, the brokerage they work for, and any disciplinary actions taken against them. You can also ask the agent directly for their license number and brokerage information.

What should I ask an agent about their experience?

Ask how many years they have been licensed, how many transactions they close per year, and whether they specialize in your neighborhood or price range. Ask about their marketing strategy if you are selling, and ask for references from recent clients. An agent with strong local knowledge and a track record of closed sales is usually a safer choice than one with little experience.