What to Know About Working With Michael Gosnell at CENTURY 21 Blackwell & Company
Michael Gosnell's role at CENTURY 21 Blackwell & Company
Michael Gosnell is a real estate agent with CENTURY 21 Blackwell & Company Realty, a brokerage operating in South Carolina. He works with buyers and sellers on residential property transactions, helping clients navigate the local real estate market and connect with properties that match their needs.
CENTURY 21 is a national franchise with a long history in real estate. Blackwell & Company operates as an independent brokerage under that brand, meaning it maintains its own management and policies while using the CENTURY 21 name and systems. Gosnell operates within that structure, bound by both the brokerage's standards and state licensing requirements.
Key Takeaways
- Michael Gosnell is a licensed agent at a CENTURY 21 franchise brokerage in South Carolina, working with buyers and sellers on residential transactions.
- Before working with any agent, you should verify their license status through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and ask about their experience in your specific market or property type.
- Real estate agents earn commission on completed sales, typically paid by the seller, which means their financial incentive is to close the deal rather than to protect your interests alone.
- Your relationship with an agent is not automatically exclusive—you can work with multiple agents, though some may ask for written agreements that limit your options.
- South Carolina law requires agents to disclose their role (buyer's agent, seller's agent, or dual agent) and any conflicts of interest before you sign documents.
How to verify an agent's license and background
Before you commit to working with Michael Gosnell or any agent, check their license status through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC). You can search agents by name on the SCREC website, which shows whether their license is active, what type of license they hold, and whether any complaints or disciplinary actions are on record.
Ask Gosnell directly about his experience in the specific area or property type you are interested in. An agent who specializes in waterfront homes in Charleston may not have the same depth of knowledge about rental properties in the Upstate. Request references from past clients—not just names, but permission to contact them—and follow up. A few minutes on the phone with someone who has actually worked with an agent tells you far more than marketing materials.
What to expect from the buyer's side
If you are buying, an agent like Gosnell typically shows you properties, helps you understand the local market, and negotiates on your behalf. In South Carolina, the seller usually pays both the seller's agent and the buyer's agent through commission, which comes out of the sale price. This means you do not pay Gosnell directly, but it also means his financial incentive is to close the sale—not necessarily to steer you toward the best deal or away from a property with problems.
Ask Gosnell upfront whether he represents you as a buyer's agent, meaning his legal duty is to your interests, or whether he is a dual agent (representing both you and the seller). Dual agency creates a conflict of interest and is legal in South Carolina only with written consent from both parties. If you are not sure, ask directly: "Are you my buyer's agent, or do you also represent the seller?"
What to expect from the seller's side
If you are selling, Gosnell's job is to market your property, show it to potential buyers, and negotiate offers. He will likely suggest a listing price based on comparable sales in your area, handle the listing on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service), and coordinate showings. The commission he earns comes from the sale price, so he benefits when the price is higher and the sale closes faster.
Discuss the marketing plan upfront: how will the property be photographed, advertised, and shown? What is his timeline for getting offers? How often will he report back to you? These conversations prevent misunderstandings later. Also ask about his experience selling homes similar to yours in your neighborhood—an agent who has sold five homes on your street knows the market better than one who has never listed there.
Understanding commission and costs
Real estate commission in South Carolina is negotiable, not set by law. The typical range is 5 to 6 percent of the sale price, split between the buyer's agent and the seller's agent, but this varies by brokerage and market. If you are selling, discuss the commission rate with Gosnell before you sign a listing agreement. If you are buying, you do not negotiate commission directly—it is already built into the seller's costs—but you should understand that the agent's incentive is to close the sale, not to protect you from overpaying.
Other costs—inspection, appraisal, title search, closing attorney—are separate from agent commission and vary depending on the transaction. Gosnell should explain what costs are typical in your area and what you can expect to pay.
When to work with an agent versus going solo
Hiring an agent costs money (through commission) and means sharing control of the process. Selling without an agent means you handle showings, marketing, and negotiation yourself, which saves commission but requires time and knowledge. Buying without an agent means you do not have someone negotiating on your behalf, and you may miss properties that are only shown through the MLS.
Many buyers and sellers in South Carolina work with agents because the complexity of contracts, inspections, and closing justifies the cost. Others, particularly in hot markets or with straightforward properties, go without. There is no single right answer—it depends on your comfort level, the time you have, and the local market conditions.
Red flags and what to ask before you commit
Be cautious if an agent pressures you to sign a contract immediately, refuses to answer questions about their experience, or avoids discussing commission and costs upfront. A good agent should be willing to explain their process, provide references, and give you time to decide whether to work together.
Ask Gosnell: How long have you been licensed? How many transactions have you closed in the past year? What is your average time on market for listings? Do you have references from recent clients? What happens if I want to end our agreement early? These questions help you gauge whether he is a good fit for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if Michael Gosnell is the right agent for me?
Check his license status on the SCREC website, ask about his experience in your specific neighborhood or property type, and request references from past clients. A good fit depends on your comfort level with his communication style, his knowledge of your market, and whether his approach matches what you need.
Can I work with multiple agents at the same time?
Yes, unless you have signed an exclusive buyer or seller agreement. However, many agents will ask you to sign an agreement that limits you to working with them alone. Read any contract carefully before signing, and ask what happens if you want to end the agreement early.
What if I have a complaint about an agent's conduct?
You can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. The SCREC investigates violations of state real estate law and can take disciplinary action, including license suspension or revocation. Document the issue in writing and contact SCREC directly.
Do I have to pay the agent if the sale falls through?
No. Real estate agents earn commission only when a sale closes. If the deal falls apart before closing, neither the buyer's agent nor the seller's agent is paid. This is why agents are motivated to help close the sale.
What should I ask about before signing a listing or buyer agreement?
Ask about the commission rate, how long the agreement lasts, what happens if you want to end it early, what marketing or services are included, and how often the agent will communicate with you. Get everything in writing and read it carefully before you sign.