What to Know About Working With Michael Murphy at Lakes Home Realty

Michael Murphy brings local knowledge and residential expertise to South Carolina real estate

Michael Murphy is a real estate agent with Lakes Home Realty, serving buyers and sellers across South Carolina's residential market. His background centers on helping clients navigate home purchases, sales, and the specific conditions of properties in lake communities and surrounding areas. If you are looking for an agent in South Carolina, understanding what Murphy offers—and how to evaluate whether his approach matches your needs—helps you make an informed decision about representation.

Real estate agents in South Carolina work on commission, typically earning a percentage of the sale price when a transaction closes. Murphy's role is to represent either a buyer or a seller (or in some cases both, though this requires disclosure), handle negotiations, coordinate inspections and appraisals, and guide clients through the closing process. The specific services, market focus, and communication style vary by agent, so knowing what to expect before you engage is important.

Key Takeaways

• Michael Murphy works with Lakes Home Realty, a firm focused on residential properties in South Carolina, particularly in lake communities and surrounding regions.
• Real estate agents earn commission only when a sale closes, so their financial incentive is to complete transactions rather than to stall or delay.
• Before hiring any agent, confirm their experience in your specific market area, their communication preferences, and how they handle conflicts of interest.
• South Carolina real estate transactions typically involve title companies, inspectors, appraisers, and lenders—the agent coordinates but does not replace these professionals.

How real estate agents work in South Carolina

When you hire a real estate agent to sell your home, you sign a listing agreement that gives the agent the right to market and sell your property for a set period, usually three to six months. The agent lists the property in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), a database that other agents can access. When another agent brings a buyer, both agents typically split the commission—often around 5 to 6 percent of the sale price, though this varies and is negotiable.

If you are a buyer, you can work with an agent without signing a formal agreement, though many agents ask for a buyer representation contract. The buyer's agent shows you properties, helps you make an offer, and negotiates on your behalf. The seller's agent pays the buyer's agent's commission from the seller's proceeds, so you do not pay the buyer's agent directly.

South Carolina requires real estate agents to hold a license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. This means the agent has passed an exam covering state law, contract terms, and ethical standards. However, licensing does not may provide expertise in a particular market or property type—that comes from experience and local knowledge.

What to ask before working with an agent

Before you commit to working with Michael Murphy or any agent, ask about their experience in your specific area. If you are buying or selling near a lake, ask how many lake-community transactions they have handled in the past year. Ask how they market properties—whether they use photography, video tours, social media, or open houses. Ask how often they communicate with clients and through what channels (phone, email, text).

Ask about their negotiation approach. Some agents are aggressive negotiators; others prioritize smooth transactions. Neither is inherently better, but knowing the style helps you decide if it matches your comfort level. If you are selling, ask what price range they typically work in and whether they have sold properties similar to yours.

Ask how they handle conflicts of interest. In South Carolina, an agent can represent both buyer and seller in the same transaction if both parties agree and the agent discloses this arrangement in writing. Some buyers and sellers prefer this (it can speed closing); others prefer separate representation. Knowing the agent's policy upfront prevents surprises later.

The role of other professionals in a South Carolina real estate transaction

The real estate agent is one part of a larger team. A title company conducts a title search to confirm the seller owns the property free and clear (or with only a mortgage), handles the closing meeting, and issues title insurance. An appraiser (hired by the lender) estimates the property's value to ensure the loan amount is reasonable. A home inspector (hired by the buyer) examines the structure, systems, and condition of the home and produces a detailed report.

The agent does not perform these services but coordinates timing and communicates results to all parties. If an inspection reveals problems, the agent helps the buyer and seller negotiate repairs or price adjustments. If the appraisal comes in low, the agent advises on next steps—renegotiating the price, requesting a second appraisal, or walking away.

Understanding commission and costs

Commission is the agent's only payment and is earned only when the sale closes. This means the agent has a financial incentive to complete the transaction, but it also means the agent's interests are not always perfectly aligned with yours. For example, a seller's agent might push for a lower price to close faster, while a buyer's agent might encourage you to offer more to win a competitive bid.

Commission rates are not set by law or by the real estate board—they are negotiable between you and the agent. If you are selling, you can discuss the commission percentage before signing the listing agreement. If you are buying, you typically do not pay the buyer's agent directly, but you can ask whether the buyer's agent commission is included in the offer price or negotiable separately.

Other costs in a South Carolina real estate transaction include the title search and insurance (usually a few hundred dollars), the appraisal (typically $400 to $600), the home inspection (usually $300 to $500), and closing costs (which vary but often run 2 to 5 percent of the purchase price). These are separate from the agent's commission.

How to find and contact Michael Murphy

Michael Murphy can be reached through Lakes Home Realty's website or by phone. Most real estate agents maintain a website with their current listings, a bio, and contact information. You can also search the South Carolina Real Estate Commission's database to confirm an agent's license status and any disciplinary history.

When you contact an agent, expect an initial conversation to discuss your needs, timeline, and budget (if you are buying) or your property and goals (if you are selling). This conversation is typically free and helps both you and the agent decide whether to work together. If you are not comfortable with the agent's approach or communication style, it is fine to speak with other agents before deciding.

Evaluating whether an agent is right for you

The best agent for you depends on your specific situation. If you are buying a lake home for the first time, you want an agent who understands lake-community financing, seasonal market shifts, and waterfront property values. If you are selling a property quickly, you want an agent with a strong buyer network and marketing reach. If you prefer hands-on communication, you want an agent who responds promptly and keeps you informed at every step.

After your first conversation with an agent, ask yourself: Did they listen to what I said, or did they push a predetermined approach? Did they answer my questions clearly, or did they use jargon without explaining it? Did they seem knowledgeable about my area, or did they seem to be learning as we talked? Trust your instincts—you will be working closely with this person for weeks or months, so the relationship matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work with multiple real estate agents at the same time?

As a buyer, you can speak with multiple agents and view properties with different ones until you sign a buyer representation agreement with a specific agent. Once you sign, you are typically committed to that agent for a set period. As a seller, you can only list with one agent at a time, though you can switch agents if the listing agreement expires or if you and the agent mutually agree to end it early.

What happens if I find a property on my own but my agent wants credit for the sale?

This depends on your buyer representation agreement. Some agreements state that any property you view with the agent is their responsibility, even if you find it yourself later. Others limit the agent's claim to properties they show you directly. Read your agreement carefully and ask the agent to clarify before signing.

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

No. You can buy or sell without an agent, though this requires you to handle negotiations, contracts, and coordination yourself. Many people use agents because they have market knowledge, access to the MLS, and experience with the legal and financial details. If you choose to sell without an agent, you still pay for title insurance, appraisal, and closing costs.

What should I do if I have a complaint about a real estate agent?

You can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission, which investigates violations of state law and the real estate code of ethics. The commission's website has a complaint form and instructions. You can also pursue a civil claim in court if you believe the agent caused you financial harm.

How long does a typical home sale take in South Carolina?

From listing to closing, most sales take 30 to 45 days, though this varies based on market conditions, financing, and inspection results. If the buyer needs a mortgage, the lender's approval process typically takes two to three weeks. If problems arise during inspection or appraisal, closing can be delayed by weeks.