Matthew Sells Charleston: What to Know About This Real Estate Agent
Who Matthew Sells Charleston Is and What He Does
Matthew Sells Charleston is a real estate agent operating in the Charleston area who works with buyers and sellers in the local residential market. Like other agents in South Carolina, he holds a state real estate license and represents clients in property transactions—helping sellers list homes, assisting buyers in finding properties, and negotiating contracts on behalf of his clients.
The name itself is a marketing phrase: "Matthew Sells Charleston" emphasizes his focus on the Charleston market and his role as a seller's agent or dual-market agent. This branding approach is common among real estate professionals who want to make their market specialty immediately clear to potential clients searching online.
Key Takeaways
- Matthew Sells Charleston is a licensed real estate agent in the Charleston area who works with both buyers and sellers on residential property transactions.
- 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.
- When choosing an agent, you can verify their license status, check their transaction history, and review client feedback before deciding to work with them.
- Agent commissions are negotiable and typically paid by the seller, though the exact split between buyer's and seller's agents varies by agreement.
- Understanding what an agent does—and what they don't do—helps you decide whether to work with one and what to expect during a transaction.
How to Verify an Agent's License and Background
Before working with any real estate agent in South Carolina, you can verify their license through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission website. The commission maintains a public database where you can search by name or license number to confirm the agent is currently licensed and check for any disciplinary history or complaints.
You can also ask the agent directly for their license number and brokerage name. A licensed agent should provide this information without hesitation. The brokerage—the company the agent works for—is responsible for oversight and must also be licensed. If an agent cannot or will not share this information, that is a red flag.
Beyond licensing, you can research an agent's track record by asking how many transactions they have completed in the past year, what neighborhoods they know best, and whether they can provide references from recent clients. Some agents publish their sales history online; others will share it if you ask.
What an Agent Does During a Sale or Purchase
A seller's agent (also called a listing agent) markets your home, schedules showings, screens potential buyers, and negotiates offers on your behalf. They typically handle the listing on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), coordinate inspections and appraisals, and guide you through closing.
A buyer's agent helps you search for properties, arranges showings, writes offers, negotiates terms, and represents your interests during inspections and appraisals. They coordinate with the seller's agent and the title company to move the transaction forward.
In South Carolina, an agent can represent both the buyer and seller in the same transaction—called dual agency—though this must be disclosed to both parties in writing. Some agents work exclusively for one side; others work for brokerages that handle both sides of transactions.
How Agent Commissions Work in South Carolina
Real estate commissions in South Carolina are not set by law—they are negotiated between the seller and the listing agent. The typical range is 5 to 6 percent of the sale price, though this varies and can be negotiated lower or higher depending on the market, the property, and the agent's services.
The commission is usually paid by the seller at closing and is then split between the listing agent's brokerage and the buyer's agent's brokerage. The exact split between the two sides is determined by the listing agreement and the MLS rules in your area. Individual agents may receive a different percentage of the commission depending on their brokerage's split policy.
If you are a buyer, you typically do not pay the agent directly—the seller's proceeds cover both sides. However, if you are a seller, you should understand the commission structure before signing a listing agreement. You can negotiate the rate, the services included, and the length of the listing period.
When to Work With an Agent Versus Going It Alone
Working with an agent is optional. Some sellers choose to list their homes without an agent (called "for sale by owner" or FSBO), and some buyers search for properties on their own. However, agents bring market knowledge, access to the MLS, negotiating experience, and legal familiarity that can save time and money—or cost you money if you make mistakes.
Agents also handle paperwork, coordinate with title companies and inspectors, and manage timelines. In South Carolina, real estate transactions involve state-specific forms and disclosures; an agent knows what is required and what is not. A buyer or seller who goes it alone must learn these rules or hire a real estate attorney to review contracts.
If you are selling a home worth several hundred thousand dollars, the cost of an agent is often worth the exposure and expertise. If you are buying in a competitive market, an agent can help you move quickly and avoid overpaying. If you are in a slow market or selling a simple property, you may save money by handling it yourself—but you take on legal and financial risk.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Agent
Before you commit to working with Matthew Sells Charleston or any agent, ask these questions: How long have you been licensed? How many transactions have you completed in the past year? What is your average days-on-market for listings? What neighborhoods do you specialize in? What is your commission rate, and is it negotiable? Will you represent me exclusively, or do you work with other clients in the same area?
Also ask what services are included in the commission. Some agents offer staging advice, professional photography, or marketing beyond the MLS. Others offer the basics only. Clarify what you are paying for and what you are responsible for yourself.
Finally, ask for references—at least two or three recent clients who can speak to the agent's communication, honesty, and follow-through. A good agent will provide these without hesitation.
Understanding the Charleston Real Estate Market
Charleston's real estate market has its own character. The historic district, downtown neighborhoods, and surrounding suburbs each have different price ranges, buyer profiles, and market speeds. An agent who specializes in Charleston should know these differences and be able to advise you on where to buy or how to price a sale.
The market also changes seasonally. Spring and early summer are typically busier for sales; winter is slower. Interest rates, inventory levels, and economic conditions all affect how fast homes sell and what prices they command. An agent with current market data can help you time a sale or purchase strategically.
If you are new to Charleston or unfamiliar with specific neighborhoods, an agent's local knowledge is valuable. They can tell you about schools, commute times, property taxes, flood risk, and community character—information that affects your decision but is not always obvious from a listing or a drive-by.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if an agent is trustworthy?
Check their license status through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission, ask for references from recent clients, and review online feedback if available. A trustworthy agent is transparent about commissions, responsive to your questions, and willing to provide documentation of their experience and track record.
Can I negotiate the agent's commission?
Yes. Commissions are not set by law and are negotiable between you and the agent. You can discuss the rate, what services are included, and the length of the listing agreement before you sign. Some agents will negotiate; others will not. You are free to interview multiple agents and choose based on commission and services.
What happens if I want to switch agents mid-transaction?
If you have signed a listing agreement with an agent, you are typically bound to that agreement for the term stated (often 90 days). Ending it early may require written notice and could involve penalties depending on the contract. If you are a buyer working with an agent, you can usually switch without penalty, though you should clarify this before you start working together.
Do I need an agent to buy or sell a home in South Carolina?
No. You can buy or sell without an agent, though you will handle all the paperwork, marketing, and negotiation yourself. Many people hire a real estate attorney to review contracts even if they do not use an agent. The choice depends on your comfort level with real estate law and your time availability.
What should I do if I have a complaint about an agent?
You can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission if you believe an agent has violated state law or professional standards. The commission investigates complaints and can take disciplinary action, including license suspension or revocation. You can also pursue a civil claim through small claims court or hire an attorney if you have suffered financial harm.