What to Know About Working With Melissa Gardner at Realty ONE Group

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

Melissa Gardner is a real estate agent with Realty ONE Group, a national brokerage operating in South Carolina. She works with buyers and sellers navigating residential property transactions in the state. Before choosing an agent, it helps to understand what services agents typically provide, what questions to ask, and how to evaluate whether a particular agent's approach matches your needs.

Real estate agents in South Carolina must hold an active license issued by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (SCDHEC). This means Gardner has completed required coursework and passed a state exam. However, licensing does not indicate experience level, specialization, or track record—those are factors you assess separately when deciding whether to work with any particular agent.

Key Takeaways

• Real estate agents in South Carolina are licensed by the state but operate under a brokerage, which handles trust accounts, compliance, and dispute resolution.
• An agent's local market knowledge—recent sales data, neighborhood trends, school districts, and property values—matters more than national brand recognition.
• Before signing a listing agreement or buyer's contract, ask an agent about their experience in your specific area, their communication style, and how they handle negotiations.
• You can interview multiple agents before committing, and you have the right to end a buyer's representation agreement if the relationship is not working.

What Realty ONE Group Does and How Agents Operate Within It

Realty ONE Group is a brokerage firm, meaning it provides the legal framework and support systems that allow agents like Gardner to conduct transactions. The brokerage holds client trust accounts, ensures agents comply with South Carolina real estate law, and handles dispute resolution if problems arise. Agents work under the brokerage's license and are bound by its policies.

When you work with an agent, you are entering into a contractual relationship with that agent's brokerage, not with the agent personally. This matters because the brokerage is responsible for ensuring transactions follow state law and ethical standards. If you have a complaint about an agent's conduct, you can file it with the brokerage first, and if unresolved, with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission.

How to Evaluate an Agent's Local Knowledge

South Carolina's real estate market varies significantly by region. Coastal areas like Charleston and Beaufort operate differently from the Midlands or Upstate markets. An agent's value lies largely in understanding the specific area where you are buying or selling—recent comparable sales, neighborhood amenities, school performance, property tax rates, and local development trends.

When speaking with Gardner or any agent, ask specific questions: How long have you worked in this neighborhood? What were the average days on market for homes like mine last quarter? What price ranges are moving fastest? Can you show me recent sales of comparable properties? An agent who can answer these questions with data and examples has done the work to know the market. An agent who speaks only in generalities may not have that depth.

Questions to Ask Before Signing a Listing or Buyer's Agreement

Before you commit to working with an agent, clarify the terms and expectations. Ask whether you are signing an exclusive right-to-sell agreement (which means the agent earns commission even if you find the buyer yourself) or an exclusive agency agreement (which protects you if you locate the buyer). Ask how long the agreement lasts and whether you can end it early if you are unhappy.

Discuss communication: How often will the agent contact you? Will they send weekly market updates? How do they prefer to communicate—phone, email, text? Ask about their negotiation approach. Do they advise clients to accept the first offer or hold out for better terms? Ask whether they have experience with your specific situation—a short sale, a new construction purchase, a waterfront property, or a commercial property. Experience in your type of transaction matters.

Understanding Commission and Costs

In South Carolina, real estate commission is negotiable and is typically paid by the seller from the sale proceeds. The seller's agent and buyer's agent usually split the commission, though this varies by transaction. Commission rates are not set by law or by the brokerage—they are negotiated between the seller and the listing agent.

As a buyer, you do not pay commission directly; it comes from the sale price. However, commission is built into the final price you negotiate. As a seller, you negotiate the commission rate with your listing agent before signing the agreement. Ask Gardner to explain her commission structure and what services are included at that rate. Some agents offer lower commissions but provide fewer services; others charge higher rates and offer more extensive marketing or negotiation support.

What Happens During a Transaction

A typical residential transaction in South Carolina involves several stages: listing or offer, inspection period, appraisal, title search, and closing. The agent's role is to guide you through each stage, coordinate with other professionals (inspectors, appraisers, title companies, lenders), and handle negotiations if issues arise.

Your agent should explain what to expect at each step and give you realistic timelines. South Carolina does not have a standard closing timeline—it depends on the lender, the title company, and whether issues surface during inspection or appraisal. A good agent manages expectations upfront so you are not surprised by delays or unexpected costs.

How to Know If an Agent Is Right for You

You can work with multiple agents before committing to one. If you are a buyer, you can interview agents and ask them to show you properties without signing a buyer's representation agreement. If you do sign an agreement, most are exclusive for a set period (often 90 days), but you can end them if the relationship is not working. Read the agreement carefully and ask the agent to explain any terms you do not understand.

Pay attention to how an agent responds to your questions. Do they listen to what you want, or do they push you toward properties that may not fit your needs? Do they return calls and emails promptly? Do they seem knowledgeable about the areas you are interested in? Trust your instincts. Real estate is a significant financial decision, and you should feel confident in the person representing you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work with Melissa Gardner if I am buying in a different state?

No. Real estate licenses are state-specific, and Gardner's license is valid only in South Carolina. If you are relocating to another state, you would need to find an agent licensed in that state. Realty ONE Group operates nationally, so the brokerage may be able to refer you to an agent in your destination state, but that agent would be a separate professional.

What if I want to buy a home but do not want to sign a buyer's representation agreement?

You can ask an agent to show you properties without signing an agreement, though many agents prefer a signed agreement because it clarifies the relationship and ensures they are compensated if you purchase. If an agent refuses to work with you without an agreement, you can find another agent. Some agents are willing to show properties on a case-by-case basis, especially if you are a serious buyer.

What should I do if I have a problem with my agent during a transaction?

First, speak directly with the agent and try to resolve the issue. If that does not work, contact the brokerage manager at Realty ONE Group and file a formal complaint. If the brokerage does not resolve it, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. Keep records of all communications and agreements.

How do I know if an agent's commission rate is fair?

Commission rates vary by market, property type, and agent experience. In South Carolina, rates typically range from 4 to 6 percent of the sale price, but this is negotiable. Ask Gardner what her rate is and what services are included. You can also interview other agents to compare rates and services before deciding. Remember that the lowest rate is not always the best value if the agent provides fewer services or has less market knowledge.

Can I switch agents if I am unhappy with my current one?

If you signed a buyer's representation agreement, you can usually end it by providing written notice, though you may need to wait until the agreement expires or pay a fee depending on the terms. If you signed a listing agreement to sell your home, ending it early may be more complicated and could involve legal costs. Read your agreement carefully and discuss your concerns with the agent and brokerage before taking action.