What to Know About Working With Patricia Hensley at Realty One Group
Patricia Hensley brings residential and commercial real estate experience to South Carolina buyers and sellers
Patricia Hensley is a real estate agent with Realty One Group, a national brokerage operating in South Carolina. She works with clients buying and selling residential properties, and her background includes both single-family homes and commercial real estate transactions. If you are exploring real estate options in South Carolina, understanding what an agent does and how to evaluate one for your situation helps you make an informed decision about representation.
Real estate agents in South Carolina must hold a current license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. When you work with an agent, you are entering into a business relationship where they represent your interests in a transaction—either as a buyer's agent, seller's agent, or both. The agent's role includes market research, property showings, negotiation, and coordination with inspectors, appraisers, and closing attorneys.
Key Takeaways
- Patricia Hensley works through Realty One Group, a national brokerage with local South Carolina operations, and holds a South Carolina real estate license.
- Real estate agents represent either buyers or sellers (or both in some cases) and handle showings, market analysis, negotiation, and transaction coordination.
- You can verify an agent's license status and complaint history through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission website.
- Commission rates, contract terms, and agent responsibilities vary by brokerage and individual agreement, so discussing these details upfront prevents misunderstandings later.
- Choosing an agent involves evaluating their local market knowledge, transaction history, communication style, and whether their services match your specific needs.
How to verify an agent's license and background
Before working with any real estate agent in South Carolina, you can confirm their license status through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission website. The commission maintains a public database where you can search by agent name and view their license type, expiration date, and any disciplinary actions or complaints on record. This step takes five minutes and gives you factual information about whether someone is currently authorized to practice real estate in the state.
The commission's database also shows which brokerage an agent is affiliated with. Realty One Group is a nationally recognized brokerage, but the individual agent's license is what matters legally. If you have questions about an agent's background or want to understand what a particular complaint means, the commission's office can explain the record, though they do not make recommendations about individual agents.
What to discuss before signing a representation agreement
When you first meet with an agent, the conversation should cover how they work, what they charge, and what you can expect from them. If you are a seller, the agent will explain their commission rate (typically a percentage of the sale price, split between the seller's and buyer's agents), their marketing plan, and how often they will communicate with you about showings and offers. If you are a buyer, discuss whether they represent you exclusively or work with multiple buyers, how they handle offers, and what happens if you find a property through another source.
Ask about their experience in your specific market—whether they know the neighborhoods you are interested in, what homes have sold for recently, and how long properties typically stay on the market. An agent who has closed transactions in your area can speak to local conditions, school districts, property taxes, and buyer demand in ways that matter to your decision. Also clarify communication preferences: how often will they contact you, what method do they prefer (phone, text, email), and who do you call if you have questions when they are unavailable.
Understanding buyer and seller representation
In South Carolina, an agent typically represents either the buyer or the seller in a transaction, though some agents work both sides (representing both parties). If an agent represents you as a buyer, they work to find properties that match your needs and negotiate the best terms on your behalf. If they represent the seller, their job is to market the property, show it to potential buyers, and negotiate to get the best price and terms for the seller.
When you work with a seller's agent and they show you a property, that agent represents the seller, not you—even if they are friendly and helpful. This is called a "subagency" or "seller's agent" relationship. If you want representation as a buyer, you can ask to sign a buyer's agent agreement with a different agent, or you can work without representation and negotiate directly. Understanding who represents whom prevents confusion during offers and negotiations.
What happens during the buying or selling process
If you are selling, the agent's work includes listing the property on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), scheduling showings, hosting open houses if appropriate, reviewing offers, negotiating terms, and coordinating inspections, appraisals, and the closing process. They communicate with the buyer's agent, the title company, and your closing attorney. The timeline from listing to closing typically ranges from 30 to 60 days, though it varies by market conditions and the specific transaction.
If you are buying, the agent shows you properties, helps you understand the market and fair pricing, prepares your offer, negotiates terms with the seller's agent, and manages the inspection and appraisal process on your behalf. They coordinate with your lender, the title company, and the closing attorney. Your agent does not order the inspection or appraisal—you do—but they help you understand what those reports mean and flag issues that might affect your offer or financing.
Questions to ask before choosing an agent
Beyond verifying their license, ask an agent about their transaction volume in the past year, how many homes they have sold in your target area, and whether they have experience with the type of property you are buying or selling (new construction, historic homes, commercial, investment property, etc.). Ask how they price homes for sale—do they use a comparative market analysis, and will they share that analysis with you? Ask what their average days-on-market is for listings and what percentage of their listings sell versus expire.
For buyers, ask how they handle multiple offers, whether they have relationships with lenders or inspectors they recommend, and what their process is if a deal falls through. Ask about their availability—some agents work full-time and some part-time, and that affects how quickly they can show you properties or respond to questions. Ask whether they charge any fees beyond commission (some brokerages charge transaction fees or administrative costs), and get those details in writing.
How commission and fees work in South Carolina real estate
Real estate commission in South Carolina is negotiable and not set by law or the state. The seller typically pays commission, which is split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent. Commission rates vary but commonly range from 4 to 6 percent of the sale price, though this is not fixed. When you list a property, you negotiate the commission rate with your agent and brokerage before signing the listing agreement. When you buy, you do not pay commission directly—the seller's proceeds cover it—but your agent's commission comes from that pool.
Some brokerages charge additional fees for transaction coordination, marketing, or administrative work. These fees should be disclosed in writing before you sign any agreement. If an agent quotes you a rate or fee, ask for it in the contract so there are no surprises at closing. Commission is one factor in choosing an agent, but it should not be the only one—an agent who sells your home faster or negotiates better terms may be worth a higher rate than one who charges less but takes longer or gets fewer offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if an agent is right for me?
Meet with at least two or three agents before deciding. Ask about their experience in your market, their communication style, and their approach to your specific situation. You should feel comfortable asking them questions and confident they understand what you are looking for. Trust your instinct—if an agent pressures you or does not listen, that is a sign to keep looking.
Can I switch agents if I am not happy with the one I hired?
If you signed a buyer's agent agreement, you may be able to terminate it depending on the terms. If you signed a listing agreement to sell your home, you are typically locked in for the contract period unless the agent agrees to release you. Read your contract carefully and discuss any concerns with the agent or their broker before signing.
What if I find a property on my own—do I still need an agent?
You can buy or sell without an agent, but you will handle negotiations, paperwork, and coordination yourself. Many buyers and sellers work with agents even when they have found a property because the agent's experience with contracts, inspections, and closing saves time and often money. If you find a property listed by an agent, that agent represents the seller, so you may want your own agent to represent your interests.
How long does a real estate transaction typically take?
From offer to closing usually takes 30 to 60 days, depending on financing, inspections, appraisals, and any issues that come up. If you are paying cash or the appraisal comes in high, the process can be faster. If there are inspection repairs to negotiate or appraisal issues to resolve, it may take longer.
What should I do if I have a complaint about an agent?
Contact the South Carolina Real Estate Commission with details about the complaint. The commission investigates violations of state real estate law and can take disciplinary action if warranted. You can also file a complaint with the agent's brokerage, which may address the issue internally.