What to Know About Working With the Padalino Team at Keller Williams Realty
The Padalino Team specializes in residential real estate across South Carolina with a focus on local market knowledge and client service
The Padalino Team operates as part of Keller Williams Realty, one of the largest real estate franchises in the United States. The team serves buyers and sellers in South Carolina residential markets, drawing on experience with local neighborhoods, school districts, and community features that matter to families and individuals making a move. Like other real estate agents, they earn commission on completed sales rather than charging upfront fees to clients.
Real estate agents in South Carolina must hold a current license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. Before working with any agent, you can verify their license status and any disciplinary history through the commission's public database. This step takes a few minutes and gives you confidence in who you're working with.
Key Takeaways
- The Padalino Team works within Keller Williams Realty's national network while focusing on South Carolina residential properties and local market conditions.
- Real estate agents earn commission only when a sale closes, so there is no upfront cost to you as a buyer or seller.
- You can verify any agent's license and check for disciplinary history through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission's public records.
- Agents typically represent either the buyer or the seller in a transaction, and you should understand which side they represent before sharing financial or personal information.
How real estate agents work in South Carolina transactions
When you buy a home, the seller's agent and buyer's agent typically split the commission, which is paid from the sale proceeds. As a buyer, you do not pay the agent directly—the commission comes from the seller's side of the transaction. As a seller, your agent's commission is deducted from your sale price at closing.
Agents help with tasks like listing your home, marketing it to other agents and the public, scheduling showings, negotiating offers, and coordinating inspections and appraisals. On the buyer side, agents help you search for properties, arrange viewings, write and submit offers, and navigate the inspection and closing process. The agent you work with should represent your interests in these negotiations.
What Keller Williams Realty offers as a brokerage
Keller Williams operates as a brokerage, meaning it holds the licenses of individual agents and provides them with tools, training, and support systems. The company maintains offices across South Carolina and uses a national multiple listing service (MLS) that shows properties listed for sale in your area. This network means agents can access a wide range of listings and market data.
Keller Williams also provides agents with technology platforms for marketing, client communication, and transaction management. These tools are available to clients indirectly—for example, through online property searches, virtual tours, and digital document signing. The brokerage's size means it has established relationships with lenders, inspectors, and title companies, which can streamline the closing process.
Questions to ask before working with any real estate agent
Before you commit to working with the Padalino Team or any agent, clarify a few key points. Ask how long they have worked in real estate, what areas they know best, and how many transactions they completed in the past year. Ask whether they will represent you exclusively or whether they also represent other clients in your area. Ask what their communication style is—how often they check in, what methods they use (phone, email, text), and their typical response time.
Ask about their marketing strategy if you are selling. Ask what they charge for services beyond the standard commission, if anything. Ask for references from past clients—people who bought or sold with them in the past year. A good agent should be comfortable answering these questions directly and should not pressure you to sign anything before you feel ready.
Understanding buyer's agent and seller's agent roles
A buyer's agent represents you as the person purchasing a home. They show you properties, help you understand the market, write offers on your behalf, and negotiate with the seller's agent. They have a legal duty to act in your best interest, which means they should not share your financial information, your maximum offer price, or your timeline with the other side without your permission.
A seller's agent (also called a listing agent) represents the homeowner selling the property. They list the home on the MLS, market it to other agents and the public, schedule showings, and present offers to the seller. The seller's agent has a duty to the seller, not to you as a buyer. If you are a buyer viewing a home listed by an agent, that agent represents the seller, and anything you tell them can be shared with the seller. If you do not have your own buyer's agent, you are unrepresented in that conversation.
How to verify an agent's license and background
The South Carolina Real Estate Commission maintains a public database where you can search for any licensed agent by name. Visit the commission's website and use the license lookup tool to confirm the agent's current status, the brokerage they work for, and any public disciplinary actions. This takes five minutes and is free.
You can also ask the agent directly for their license number and brokerage information. A legitimate agent will provide this without hesitation. If an agent seems evasive about their credentials or cannot provide a license number, that is a red flag and a reason to work with someone else.
What happens during a real estate transaction
A typical home purchase in South Carolina follows these steps: you make an offer, the seller accepts or counters, you schedule a home inspection, you arrange financing (if needed), the lender orders an appraisal, title work is completed, and you close at a title company or attorney's office. The entire process usually takes 30 to 45 days from offer to closing, though it can be faster or slower depending on financing, inspections, and negotiations.
Your agent coordinates many of these steps but does not perform them all. The lender handles financing, the inspector examines the home, the title company researches ownership history, and the attorney or closing agent handles the final paperwork. Your agent keeps you informed, reminds you of deadlines, and makes sure nothing falls through the cracks. If something goes wrong—an inspection reveals a major problem, the appraisal comes in low, or financing falls through—your agent helps you understand your options and next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay a real estate agent upfront?
No. Real estate agents in South Carolina work on commission, which means they are paid only when a sale closes. The commission comes from the sale proceeds, not from you directly. As a buyer, you typically pay nothing out of pocket to an agent. As a seller, the commission is deducted from your sale price at closing.
Can I work with an agent from a different brokerage than Keller Williams?
Yes. You can work with any licensed real estate agent in South Carolina. All agents have access to the same multiple listing service (MLS) and can show you the same properties. Your choice of agent should be based on their experience, communication style, and how well you trust them—not on which brokerage they work for.
What if I want to buy a home listed by the Padalino Team?
You can still work with your own buyer's agent, who will represent your interests in the negotiation. If you do not have a buyer's agent and you contact the listing agent directly, remember that they represent the seller, not you. Anything you share with them—your budget, your timeline, how much you love the home—can be used in negotiations against you.
How do I know if an agent is right for me?
Meet with the agent, ask about their experience in your area, and see how they communicate. A good agent listens to what you want, answers your questions clearly, and does not pressure you. Ask for references from past clients and follow up with them. Trust your instinct—if you do not feel comfortable with an agent after a conversation or two, it is fine to work with someone else.
What should I do if I have a problem with an agent?
Start by talking to the agent directly about the issue. If that does not resolve it, contact the broker who supervises the agent—every agent works under a broker's license. If you believe the agent violated state law or ethical rules, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. The commission investigates complaints and can take disciplinary action if warranted.