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What to Know About Working With Michelle Rabon at Coldwell Banker Chicora

Michelle Rabon brings two decades of South Carolina real estate experience to Coldwell Banker Chicora's team

Michelle Rabon is a licensed real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Chicora 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. Her background in the local market means she understands neighborhood values, school districts, and community character across the regions she covers.

Coldwell Banker Chicora is part of the Coldwell Banker franchise network, one of the largest real estate companies in the United States. The brokerage operates multiple offices throughout South Carolina and provides agents with market data, marketing tools, and transaction support. When you work with Michelle Rabon, you're working with an individual agent backed by a larger organization's resources and systems.

Key Takeaways

  • Michelle Rabon is a licensed agent with Coldwell Banker Chicora who works with buyers, sellers, and investors on residential properties across South Carolina.
  • Coldwell Banker Chicora provides agents with market data, marketing platforms, and transaction management tools that support the buying and selling process.
  • Real estate agents typically earn commission based on the sale price of a property, paid by the seller's proceeds—a structure you should understand before listing or buying.
  • Your agent's local knowledge of neighborhoods, market trends, and comparable sales directly affects the price you list at or the offer you make.
  • Before choosing an agent, you can verify their license status through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and review their transaction history and client references.

How real estate agents work and what they do

A real estate agent's job is to represent either the buyer or the seller in a property transaction. If you're selling, your agent lists the property, markets it to other agents and the public, schedules showings, and negotiates offers on your behalf. If you're buying, your agent searches for properties that match your criteria, arranges viewings, helps you understand the local market, and negotiates the purchase price and terms.

Real estate agents earn commission, typically a percentage of the final sale price. The seller usually pays this commission from the proceeds of the sale, and it is split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent. This structure means the agent has an incentive to close the sale, but it also means you should be clear about what you're paying for and what services are included. Ask Michelle Rabon directly about her commission rate and what's covered in her representation before you sign any agreement.

What to expect when selling with an agent

If you list your home with Michelle Rabon, the process typically begins with a market analysis—a review of comparable homes in your area that have sold recently. This analysis informs the listing price. A price that's too high may sit on the market; a price that's too low leaves money on the table. Your agent should walk you through the data behind their recommendation.

Once listed, your home goes into the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), a database that all licensed agents can access. This is how most buyers find homes. Your agent will market the property through Coldwell Banker's website, social media, and direct outreach to other agents. You should ask what marketing plan is included—some agents use professional photography, virtual tours, or targeted advertising; others rely on the MLS listing alone.

When offers come in, your agent negotiates on your behalf. They advise you on offer strength, contingencies, and timing. Once you accept an offer, the transaction moves into the inspection and appraisal phase. Your agent coordinates these steps and helps resolve any issues that arise. Closing typically takes 30 to 45 days from accepted offer to final signing.

What to expect when buying with an agent

As a buyer, working with Michelle Rabon means she searches the MLS for properties that match your budget, location preferences, and must-haves. She arranges showings and provides insight into neighborhoods—school ratings, walkability, property tax rates, and local amenities. This local knowledge is one of the main reasons buyers work with agents rather than searching online alone.

When you find a property you want to purchase, your agent prepares and submits your offer. She advises you on offer price, earnest money deposit, inspection contingencies, and closing timeline. Once your offer is accepted, she coordinates the home inspection, appraisal, and mortgage approval process. She also reviews the closing disclosure and attends the final signing with you.

Buyer's agents are paid from the seller's commission, so there is no direct cost to you as a buyer. However, you should still have a clear conversation with Michelle Rabon about what she will and won't do—for example, whether she'll attend inspections, how often she'll send you new listings, and how quickly she responds to questions.

Verifying an agent's license and background

Before working with any real estate agent in South Carolina, you can verify their license status through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC). Visit their website and search for the agent's name to confirm they hold an active license and check for any disciplinary history. This is a public record and takes only a few minutes.

You can also ask Michelle Rabon directly for references from past clients—both buyers and sellers. A reputable agent should be willing to provide names of people you can contact. Ask references about communication, negotiation skills, market knowledge, and whether they felt represented fairly. You can also search online reviews on Google, Zillow, or Coldwell Banker's website, though keep in mind that reviews are self-selected and may not represent the full picture.

Understanding the listing agreement and buyer representation

If you decide to sell with Michelle Rabon, you'll sign a listing agreement. This document specifies the commission rate, the length of time your home will be listed (typically 90 days to six months), what happens if you sell the home yourself during that period, and what marketing will be provided. Read this carefully and ask questions about anything unclear. The listing agreement is a contract, and you're bound by its terms.

If you're buying, you may be asked to sign a buyer representation agreement. This agreement says that Michelle Rabon represents you and that you won't work with other agents during the term of the agreement. Not all buyer representation is exclusive—some agents work with multiple buyers at once. Understand what you're signing and whether the agreement is exclusive to Michelle Rabon or whether you can work with other agents simultaneously.

Questions to ask before you hire an agent

Before you commit to working with Michelle Rabon, have a conversation about her experience, her approach, and her availability. Ask how long she's been selling real estate, how many transactions she closes per year, and what types of properties she specializes in. Ask about her marketing strategy if you're selling, or her search process if you're buying. Ask how she stays in touch with clients and how quickly she responds to calls and emails.

Ask about her knowledge of the specific neighborhoods or areas you're interested in. Ask whether she works full-time in real estate or part-time. Ask what happens if you're unhappy with her representation—can you end the agreement early, and if so, what are the terms? These conversations help you decide whether Michelle Rabon is the right fit for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a real estate agent is right for me?

The right agent knows your local market well, responds quickly to your questions, listens to what you want rather than pushing you toward what they want to sell, and explains their strategy clearly. Meet with a few agents before deciding. Trust matters—you'll be working closely with this person through a major financial decision.

Can I sell my home without an agent?

Yes, you can list your home for sale by owner (FSBO). You'll handle marketing, showings, and negotiations yourself. You'll save the commission, but you'll also do the work an agent does. Many buyers still expect to work with an agent, so you may need to pay a buyer's agent commission even if you don't use a seller's agent.

What if I'm not happy with my agent?

If you signed a listing agreement, review the terms for early termination. Some agreements allow you to end the relationship with notice; others have penalties. If you signed a buyer representation agreement, the terms vary. Talk to Michelle Rabon directly first—sometimes issues can be resolved. If not, ask about your options in writing.

Do I need a real estate agent to buy a home?

No, you can buy a home on your own. However, agents have access to the MLS, which lists most homes for sale. Agents also know local market conditions and can advise you on fair pricing. Many buyers find an agent's guidance valuable, especially in a competitive market or unfamiliar area.

How much commission does a real estate agent charge?

Commission rates vary and are negotiable. The typical range is 5 to 6 percent of the sale price, split between the seller's agent and buyer's agent. However, rates differ by market, by brokerage, and by individual agent. Always discuss commission before you sign any agreement.