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What to Know About Working With Nicole Polfliet at NextHome Specialists

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

Nicole Polfliet brings local knowledge and a straightforward approach to South Carolina real estate

Nicole Polfliet is a real estate agent with NextHome Specialists, a brokerage operating across South Carolina. She works with buyers and sellers in residential transactions, drawing on familiarity with local markets, neighborhoods, and the practical steps involved in buying or selling a home. If you are considering working with an agent in South Carolina, understanding what an agent does and how to evaluate one—including Polfliet's background and approach—helps you make an informed decision about representation.

NextHome Specialists is part of the NextHome franchise network, which operates brokerages in multiple states. The company focuses on residential real estate and works with agents who serve specific regions. Polfliet's role is to represent either buyers or sellers through the listing, showing, negotiating, and closing process.

Key Takeaways

  • Nicole Polfliet works as an agent with NextHome Specialists, a South Carolina-based residential real estate brokerage.
  • Real estate agents typically represent either the buyer or the seller and guide clients through listing, negotiation, and closing steps.
  • When choosing an agent, you can review their transaction history, ask about their experience in your specific neighborhood or market, and discuss their communication style and availability.
  • Agents are paid through commission, which is typically split between the buyer's agent and seller's agent and comes from the sale proceeds—not from you directly as a buyer.
  • You can interview multiple agents before deciding who to work with; there is no obligation to sign with the first person you meet.

What a real estate agent does in a residential transaction

A real estate agent's job differs depending on whether they represent the buyer or the seller. A seller's agent (also called a listing agent) prepares your home for sale, lists it on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), shows it to potential buyers, and negotiates offers on your behalf. They also coordinate inspections, appraisals, and the closing process. A buyer's agent helps you search for homes, arranges showings, researches neighborhoods and comparable sales, and negotiates the purchase price and terms.

Both types of agents are bound by state real estate laws and a code of ethics. In South Carolina, all agents must hold a current license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. An agent's responsibilities include disclosing known defects, representing their client's interests honestly, and following through on contractual obligations. You can verify an agent's license status and any disciplinary history through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission's website.

How to evaluate an agent's experience and fit

Before working with any agent, including those at NextHome Specialists, ask about their experience in your specific market or neighborhood. An agent who has closed sales in your area in the past year or two will understand local pricing, buyer demand, and what homes typically sell for. You can ask directly: "How many homes have you sold in this neighborhood in the past 12 months?" and "What was the average time on market?"

It is also worth asking about their communication style and availability. Will they send you listings as soon as they hit the market, or do you check in weekly? Do they respond to calls and texts the same day, or do they batch communications? Some buyers and sellers prefer frequent updates; others want to hear only when something significant happens. Clarifying this upfront prevents frustration later.

You can also ask for references—names of past clients you can contact to ask about their experience. A willingness to provide references is a good sign; reluctance is a red flag. Finally, ask whether the agent works full-time in real estate or part-time. Full-time agents typically have more availability and deeper market knowledge, though part-time agents can still be effective if they specialize in your area.

Understanding how agents are paid

Real estate agents are paid through commission, which is a percentage of the sale price. The seller typically pays the total commission, which is then split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent. Commission rates vary but commonly range from 4.5 to 6 percent of the sale price, depending on the market and the brokerage. This means if you are a buyer, you do not pay the agent directly—the seller's proceeds cover both agents' commissions.

If you are a seller, you negotiate the commission rate with your listing agent before signing a listing agreement. The rate is not set by law; it is negotiable. Some sellers negotiate a lower rate, especially in hot markets where homes sell quickly. Others accept a standard rate in exchange for the agent's marketing effort and network. Make sure you understand the exact commission structure and what services are included before you commit.

Questions to ask before signing an agreement

Whether you are buying or selling, ask the agent to explain the contract you will sign. If you are listing your home, the listing agreement specifies the commission rate, the length of the listing period (usually 90 days or six months), and what marketing the agent will do. If you are buying, some agents ask you to sign a buyer's representation agreement, which commits you to working exclusively with that agent for a set period. Read these carefully and ask questions about any terms you do not understand.

Ask what happens if you want to end the agreement early. Some listing agreements allow you to cancel with notice; others have penalties. Buyer representation agreements vary too. It is better to clarify these details before signing than to discover them later when you want out.

How to find and contact NextHome Specialists

NextHome Specialists maintains a web presence where you can view current listings, search by neighborhood, and find contact information for individual agents including Nicole Polfliet. You can also search the MLS directly through local real estate websites or apps like Zillow and Realtor.com, which show all homes for sale in your area regardless of which brokerage lists them. This means you are not limited to homes listed by NextHome—any agent can show you any home on the market.

If you want to work with Polfliet specifically, you can reach out through NextHome Specialists' website or ask for her directly. If you are still exploring options, interview agents from multiple brokerages. There is no cost to meet with an agent, and most will spend 30 minutes to an hour discussing your situation, answering questions, and explaining how they work. Use these conversations to get a sense of their knowledge, communication style, and whether you feel comfortable working together.

What to expect during the buying or selling process

If you hire an agent to sell your home, the process typically begins with a market analysis—the agent researches comparable homes that sold recently to suggest a listing price. You then sign the listing agreement, and the agent lists your home on the MLS and markets it through their brokerage's website, social media, and direct outreach to other agents. Showings begin, and the agent presents offers as they come in. Once you accept an offer, the agent coordinates inspections, appraisals, and any repairs or credits negotiated between you and the buyer.

If you hire an agent to buy a home, they will search the MLS for homes matching your criteria, arrange showings, and help you understand the neighborhood and comparable sales. When you find a home you want to make an offer on, the agent drafts the purchase agreement, negotiates terms with the seller's agent, and guides you through inspections, appraisals, and financing. Both processes typically take 30 to 45 days from offer acceptance to closing, though this varies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work with an agent from a different brokerage to buy a home listed by NextHome Specialists?

Yes. Any licensed agent can show you any home on the market, regardless of which brokerage lists it. The seller's agent and your agent will split the commission. You are not required to use the listing agent or an agent from the same brokerage.

What should I do if I am unhappy with my agent?

If you signed a listing agreement or buyer representation agreement, review the cancellation terms. Most allow you to end the relationship with written notice, though some have early-termination fees. If you are unsure, contact your state's real estate commission or a real estate attorney for guidance on your specific contract.

How do I verify that an agent is licensed?

Visit the South Carolina Real Estate Commission website and use their license lookup tool. You can search by name or license number to confirm the agent is currently licensed and to check for any disciplinary actions or complaints on record.

What is the difference between a real estate agent and a real estate broker?

An agent is licensed to represent buyers and sellers under the supervision of a broker. A broker holds a higher license, manages a brokerage office, and oversees agents. NextHome Specialists is a brokerage; Nicole Polfliet is an agent working under that brokerage's license.

Do I need to pay an agent upfront, or only after the sale closes?

Agents are paid only after closing, from the sale proceeds. You should never pay an agent a fee upfront to list your home or to help you buy one. If someone asks for payment before closing, that is a warning sign of fraud.