What to Know About Working With Michele Shkor at JW Martin Real Estate

Michele Shkor brings two decades of South Carolina real estate experience to JW Martin

Michele Shkor is a licensed real estate agent with JW Martin Real Estate, serving buyers and sellers across South Carolina. She specializes in residential properties and works with clients navigating everything from first-time home purchases to investment properties and relocations within the state. Her background in the local market means she understands neighborhood dynamics, school districts, property values, and the practical details that shape a real estate transaction.

JW Martin Real Estate operates as an independent brokerage with offices across South Carolina. Agents like Shkor work within that structure, meaning they represent the brokerage's clients while drawing on the company's resources, training, and market data. Understanding how your agent fits into that framework helps clarify who handles what during your transaction.

Key Takeaways

• Michele Shkor is a licensed agent with JW Martin Real Estate who works with buyers, sellers, and investors on residential properties throughout South Carolina.
• Real estate agents earn commission only when a sale closes, so their financial incentive aligns with completing a transaction but not necessarily with the price you pay or receive.
• Before signing any agreement, confirm what services Shkor will provide, what costs you are responsible for, and what happens if you want to end the relationship early.
• JW Martin Real Estate's brokerage structure means Shkor operates under that company's license and policies, so disputes or complaints go through the brokerage first.

What a real estate agent actually does in a South Carolina transaction

A real estate agent's core job is to represent one party—either the buyer or the seller—and guide them through the steps of a property transaction. For sellers, that typically means listing the property, marketing it to other agents and the public, scheduling showings, negotiating offers, and coordinating with the title company and closing attorney. For buyers, it means searching for properties that match your needs, arranging showings, helping you understand market conditions, and negotiating on your behalf when you make an offer.

Agents do not hold your money, prepare legal documents, or conduct inspections. Those tasks belong to title companies, real estate attorneys (required in South Carolina), and licensed inspectors. An agent's role is to move information between parties and keep the process on track. In South Carolina, real estate transactions almost always involve a closing attorney who handles the legal paperwork, so your agent works alongside that attorney rather than replacing them.

Commission is how agents earn income. The seller typically pays commission from the sale proceeds, split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent. This structure means an agent has no direct financial stake in the price—they earn the same percentage whether the house sells for $200,000 or $300,000. However, it also means they benefit when a sale closes and lose income if a deal falls apart.

How to work with Michele Shkor or any agent at JW Martin

If you contact Michele Shkor directly, she will likely ask whether you are buying or selling and what your timeline looks like. For sellers, she will want to see the property and discuss your goals before suggesting a listing price. For buyers, she will ask about your budget, preferred neighborhoods, and must-have features. This conversation helps her understand whether she can serve you well and whether you are a good fit for working together.

Before you sign anything, you will receive a buyer's agent agreement (if you are buying) or a listing agreement (if you are selling). These documents spell out what the agent will do, how long the agreement lasts, what happens if you want to switch agents, and how commission is handled. Read these carefully. They are not standard across all agents or brokerages, and the terms matter. If something is unclear, ask Shkor or the brokerage to explain it before signing.

Once you are working together, communication is key. Let your agent know your priorities, your timeline, and any concerns that come up. If you are selling, ask how often she will report on showings and feedback. If you are buying, ask how she will alert you to new listings that match your criteria. The more specific you are about what you need, the better she can serve you.

Understanding commission and costs in a South Carolina real estate deal

Commission rates are not set by law or by any central authority—they are negotiated between the seller and the listing agent. Rates vary, but many hover around 5 to 6 percent of the sale price, split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent. That means if a house sells for $300,000 at a 5.5 percent rate, the total commission is $16,500, with roughly half going to each side. The seller pays this from the proceeds at closing.

As a buyer, you do not pay commission directly—it comes from the seller's proceeds. However, commission is built into the overall cost of the transaction, so it affects market prices. As a seller, commission is a real expense that reduces what you take home. Before listing, ask Shkor what commission rate she recommends and why. Ask whether that rate is negotiable and what services are included at that price.

Beyond commission, you will encounter other costs: inspection fees (typically $300 to $500), appraisal fees (often $400 to $600), title insurance, closing attorney fees, and property taxes prorated to closing. These vary by property and lender. Your agent should explain which costs are typical and which ones you can shop around for. Some costs are negotiable between buyer and seller; others are not.

When to contact JW Martin Real Estate directly versus your agent

If you have a question about your specific transaction, your agent is the first call. If you have a complaint about your agent's conduct or want to know about the brokerage's policies, contact JW Martin Real Estate's main office. The brokerage is responsible for overseeing its agents and handling disputes. Most brokerages have a broker or office manager who can address concerns that your agent cannot resolve.

If you are unhappy with your agent and want to end the relationship, review your agreement first. Some agreements allow you to terminate with written notice; others have specific conditions. Contact the brokerage to understand your options. Switching agents mid-transaction is possible but can create delays, so it is worth trying to resolve issues directly with your agent first if the problem is fixable.

Red flags and questions to ask before you commit

Before signing an agreement with Michele Shkor or any agent, ask these questions: How long does the agreement last? Can you end it early, and if so, what happens? Will she show you all available properties or only those listed through certain systems? How often will she communicate with you, and through what channels? What happens if a sale falls through—does she keep looking, or do you need to renegotiate? If she represents both the buyer and seller in a transaction (called dual agency), how will she handle conflicts of interest?

Be cautious of agents who pressure you to sign quickly, refuse to explain terms, or make promises about sale price or timeline that sound unrealistic. Real estate markets change, and no agent can may provide a specific outcome. If an agent seems evasive about commission, costs, or how long things take, that is a sign to ask more questions or consider working with someone else.

How South Carolina's real estate rules affect your transaction

South Carolina requires all real estate transactions to involve a licensed closing attorney—this is not optional. That attorney prepares the deed, handles the title search, coordinates with the title company, and oversees the closing meeting. Your agent does not replace this role. The attorney's fee is typically paid by the seller but can be negotiated between buyer and seller.

South Carolina also requires agents to be licensed through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. You can verify an agent's license status and check for any disciplinary history on the Commission's website. If you have a formal complaint about an agent's conduct, you can file it with the Commission, though the brokerage is usually the first step.

Property disclosure is another key requirement. Sellers must disclose known defects in the property, and buyers have a right to inspect. Your agent should explain what disclosures are required and when they must be provided. These protections exist to prevent surprises after closing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work with Michele Shkor if I am buying a home listed by another agent?

Yes. Shkor can represent you as a buyer even if the property is listed by someone else. The listing agent represents the seller, and Shkor would represent you. Both agents work toward closing the sale, though they represent different parties. This is standard practice and does not cost you anything extra as a buyer.

What if I find a property on my own—do I still need an agent?

You do not need an agent, but having one can be helpful. If you contact a seller directly without an agent, you are negotiating alone. If you hire an agent after finding a property, she can help you make an offer, negotiate terms, and navigate closing. Discuss this with your agent before making contact with a seller.

How long does a real estate transaction typically take in South Carolina?

Most transactions take 30 to 45 days from offer to closing, though this varies. Inspections, appraisals, and lender approval can add time. If the buyer needs financing, the lender's timeline often determines the pace. Your agent should give you a realistic timeline based on your specific situation.

What should I do if I disagree with my agent's advice about listing price or offer strategy?

Ask her to explain her reasoning and show you comparable sales data. Agents base recommendations on market analysis, not guesswork. If you still disagree, you can make your own decision—it is your property and your money. If the disagreement is serious, you may want to get a second opinion from another agent or a real estate attorney.

Is Michele Shkor's contact information available through JW Martin Real Estate?

Yes. You can reach JW Martin Real Estate's main office to ask for Shkor's contact details or to request an agent. The brokerage can also answer questions about how it operates and what to expect when working with one of its agents.