What to Know About Working With Nancy Mullen at Realty One Group

Nancy Mullen brings local market knowledge and a client-focused approach to South Carolina real estate

Nancy Mullen is a real estate agent with Realty One Group, a national brokerage with offices across South Carolina. She works with buyers and sellers navigating the state's residential market, drawing on familiarity with local neighborhoods, pricing trends, and the practical steps involved in buying or selling a home. Whether you're relocating to South Carolina, downsizing, or investing in property, understanding how an agent like Mullen operates—and what to expect from the process—helps you make informed decisions about representation.

Real estate transactions involve legal documents, financing coordination, inspections, and negotiations that move quickly. An agent's role is to guide you through those steps, connect you with lenders and inspectors, market your property or show you homes that match your needs, and handle the back-and-forth that closes a deal. Mullen's background and approach shape how she does that work.

Key Takeaways

• Nancy Mullen works with Realty One Group, a brokerage with multiple South Carolina locations, and focuses on residential sales for buyers and sellers.
• Real estate agents earn commission only when a sale closes, so their financial incentive is to complete the transaction, not to rush you into one.
• Before contacting an agent, clarify whether you're buying, selling, or exploring options—this shapes which conversations and showings make sense.
• An agent's local knowledge matters: they know which neighborhoods appreciate, where schools and amenities are, and what similar homes have sold for recently.
• You can interview multiple agents before choosing one; there's no obligation to sign with the first person you meet.

What a real estate agent actually does

A real estate agent is a licensed professional who represents either the buyer or the seller in a transaction. If you're buying, your agent shows you homes, explains the market, helps you make an offer, and coordinates inspections and financing. If you're selling, your agent prices your home, markets it through photos and showings, negotiates offers, and manages the closing process. Mullen, like all agents, earns commission only when a sale closes—typically split between the buyer's agent and the seller's agent, and paid from the seller's proceeds.

Because commission depends on closing a deal, an agent's incentive is to complete the transaction, not to pressure you into a bad one. A sale that falls through or a buyer who walks away earns nothing. That said, an agent's commission is the same whether your home sells for $300,000 or $350,000, so their motivation to negotiate hard on your behalf isn't always as strong as your own. This is why understanding the process and asking direct questions matters.

How to start a conversation with an agent

If you're thinking about buying or selling, reaching out to an agent like Mullen is straightforward. You can call, email, or visit a Realty One Group office in your area. Be clear about what you're looking for: Are you buying your first home? Selling a property you've owned for years? Relocating to South Carolina and need to understand the market? An agent who knows what you're trying to accomplish can give you relevant information and next steps.

During an initial conversation, a good agent asks questions about your timeline, budget, and what matters to you—location, school district, lot size, walkability. They explain how the market works in your area, what homes like yours typically sell for, and what the current pace of sales looks like. They should also explain their process, what they'll do for you, and what they'll need from you. If something feels unclear or you're not comfortable, it's fine to talk to another agent before deciding.

Understanding local market conditions in South Carolina

South Carolina's real estate market varies by region. Coastal areas like Charleston and Hilton Head see different buyer demand and price ranges than inland communities like Columbia or Greenville. Neighborhoods within the same city can have very different characters—some are walkable and urban, others suburban or rural. An agent's knowledge of these differences is part of what you're paying for when you work with someone local.

Market conditions also shift: sometimes homes sell quickly and prices rise, other times inventory builds and buyers have more negotiating power. An agent who tracks sales data, days-on-market, and price trends can tell you whether it's a buyer's market or a seller's market right now, and what that means for your strategy. Mullen's experience with Realty One Group's network across the state gives her access to data and insights about multiple markets.

What to bring and prepare before you meet

If you're selling, gather documents about your home: the deed, property tax records, homeowners insurance information, any recent repairs or upgrades, and utility bills. Photos of the home in good condition are helpful too. If you're buying, have a sense of your budget and what you're pre-approved for (if you're financing). Bring a list of neighborhoods or areas you're interested in, and be ready to talk about what matters most—commute time, schools, outdoor space, proximity to downtown.

Having this information ready makes the conversation more productive. An agent can't show you homes if they don't know your price range, and they can't price your home accurately without knowing its condition and recent improvements. The more specific you are, the better they can help.

Questions to ask before working with an agent

Before you commit to working with someone, ask how long they've been in real estate, what areas they know best, and how many homes they've sold in the past year. Ask what their marketing strategy is if you're selling—will they list on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service), use social media, hold open houses? Ask how they communicate: do they text, email, or call? How often will you hear from them? Ask what happens if you're not happy with the service.

You can also ask about their commission structure. The seller's agent and buyer's agent split commission, but the exact percentage can vary. Some agents offer discounts or negotiate differently. It's a fair question to ask upfront so there are no surprises at closing. If an agent seems defensive about these questions or won't answer directly, that's information too.

How the buying and selling process unfolds

Buying typically starts with pre-approval for a mortgage, then showings and offers. Once an offer is accepted, you'll have an inspection period (usually 7 to 10 days), a financing contingency period, and a closing date—often 30 to 45 days from offer to closing. Your agent coordinates with the lender, inspector, and title company, and keeps you informed at each step.

Selling starts with pricing and listing, then showings and offers. Once an offer is accepted, you'll work through the buyer's inspection and financing approval, then closing. Your agent markets the home, schedules showings, negotiates offers, and manages the timeline. Both processes involve paperwork, deadlines, and decisions that move quickly. An organized agent keeps everything on track and flags issues before they become problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You can buy or sell without an agent, though it's less common. Selling without an agent means you handle marketing, showings, and negotiations yourself. Buying without an agent means you negotiate directly with the seller's agent, who represents the seller's interests, not yours. Many people find an agent's expertise and network worth the commission cost.

Can I work with multiple agents at the same time?

You can talk to multiple agents before choosing one, but once you sign a buyer's representation agreement or list your home with an agent, you're typically committed to that person for a set period. Read any agreement carefully before signing. If you're unhappy, ask about the terms for ending the relationship early.

What if I find a home I want to see but it's listed by a different brokerage?

Your agent can still show you homes listed by other brokerages. That's how the MLS works—all agents can access all listings and show them to their clients. Your agent will coordinate the showing with the listing agent and represent your interests in any offer.

How much does it cost to work with a real estate agent?

If you're buying, there's typically no direct cost to you—the seller's proceeds pay both agents' commissions. If you're selling, commission comes from your sale price and is split between your agent and the buyer's agent. The exact percentage varies but is negotiable. Ask about it upfront.

What should I do if I'm not happy with my agent?

Talk to them first. Explain what's not working—maybe communication style, marketing strategy, or something else. If the issue doesn't improve, review your agreement to understand the terms for ending the relationship. You have options, and you shouldn't feel stuck with someone who isn't serving you well.