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What to Know About Working With Patrick Graw as Your Real Estate Agent

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

Patrick Graw brings local market knowledge and transaction experience to South Carolina real estate

Patrick Graw is a real estate agent operating in South Carolina who works with buyers and sellers on residential property transactions. Like other agents in the state, he holds a license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and operates under a brokerage firm. Before choosing any agent—including Graw—it helps to understand what agents do, how they're compensated, and what questions to ask during your first conversation.

Real estate agents in South Carolina represent either the buyer or the seller (or, in some cases, both, though this creates a conflict of interest). An agent's main job is to help their client navigate the buying or selling process: listing the property, showing homes, negotiating offers, and coordinating inspections and closing. They do not work for the government and cannot determine loan approval, property value, or title issues—those are handled by lenders, appraisers, and title companies.

Key Takeaways

  • Real estate agents in South Carolina must hold a license from the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and work under a licensed brokerage.
  • Agents are typically paid by commission—a percentage of the sale price—split between the buyer's and seller's agents, and this comes from the seller's proceeds.
  • You can interview multiple agents before signing a listing agreement or buyer's agent contract to compare their market knowledge, communication style, and experience in your area.
  • The South Carolina Real Estate Commission website allows you to verify an agent's license status and check for any disciplinary history.
  • Asking an agent about their recent sales, their marketing plan, and how they handle communication helps you understand whether they're a good fit for your needs.

How real estate agents are licensed and regulated in South Carolina

All real estate agents in South Carolina, including Patrick Graw, must hold an active license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. To obtain a license, agents complete pre-licensing education, pass a state exam, and work under a licensed brokerage firm. The brokerage is responsible for supervising the agent's conduct and ensuring compliance with state law.

You can verify an agent's license status and check for any disciplinary action by visiting the South Carolina Real Estate Commission website and using their license lookup tool. This search will show you whether the license is active, inactive, or suspended, and whether any complaints have been filed. If you have concerns about an agent's conduct, you can file a complaint with the Commission, which investigates violations of state real estate law.

What agents do and how they're paid

A real estate agent's role differs depending on whether they represent the buyer or the seller. A seller's agent (also called a listing agent) markets the property, schedules showings, and negotiates offers on behalf of the seller. A buyer's agent helps the buyer search for properties, arrange viewings, and submit offers. Some agents work with both buyers and sellers, though this creates a potential conflict of interest that must be disclosed.

Agents are typically paid by commission—a percentage of the final sale price. The seller usually pays the total commission, which is then split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent. Commission rates vary and are negotiable; there is no set percentage in South Carolina. If you are selling, you can discuss the commission rate when interviewing agents. If you are buying, the buyer's agent is typically paid from the seller's proceeds, so you do not pay them directly, though you should still clarify this arrangement upfront.

Questions to ask before hiring an agent

Before signing a listing agreement or buyer's agent contract, interview at least two or three agents to compare their experience, approach, and communication style. Ask each agent about their recent sales in your neighborhood or price range—this tells you whether they have active market knowledge. Request their marketing plan if you are selling, including how they will list the property, which platforms they use, and whether they offer professional photography or staging advice.

Ask how they prefer to communicate and how quickly they typically respond to calls or emails. Clarify what happens if you want to end the agreement early, and whether there are any fees for doing so. If you are buying, ask whether they work exclusively with one brokerage or can show you homes listed by any brokerage. Understanding these details upfront prevents mismatches later and helps you make an informed decision about which agent to work with.

Understanding buyer's and seller's agent agreements

If you hire an agent to sell your home, you will sign a listing agreement that specifies the commission rate, the length of the agreement (usually 90 days or six months), and what marketing services the agent will provide. The agreement also outlines your responsibilities—for example, disclosing known defects in the property. You have the right to end the agreement early, though some agreements include early termination fees.

If you hire an agent to help you buy, you may sign a buyer's agent agreement that commits you to working exclusively with that agent for a set period. This agreement protects the agent's commission if you find a home through their efforts. However, you can negotiate the terms—for example, whether the agreement covers only homes shown by that agent or all homes you purchase during the agreement period. Read any agreement carefully before signing, and ask the agent to explain any terms you do not understand.

How to verify an agent's track record and reputation

Beyond checking the South Carolina Real Estate Commission database, you can research an agent's reputation through online reviews on Google, Zillow, or Realtor.com. These reviews come from past clients and can give you insight into their communication, negotiation skills, and professionalism. Keep in mind that reviews are subjective and may not reflect your own experience.

You can also ask the agent directly for references—names and contact information of recent clients (both buyers and sellers) who are willing to speak with you. Speaking to past clients is one of the most reliable ways to learn how an agent actually works. Ask references about the agent's responsiveness, whether the transaction closed on time, and whether they felt the agent represented their interests fairly.

What to know about real estate transactions in South Carolina

South Carolina real estate transactions typically involve several steps: listing or searching for a property, making an offer, inspection, appraisal, title search, and closing. An agent guides you through these steps but does not perform all of them. For example, a lender orders the appraisal, a title company conducts the title search, and an inspector examines the property. The agent coordinates timing and communication among all parties.

Closing in South Carolina usually takes 30 to 45 days from the time an offer is accepted, though this varies depending on financing, inspections, and other factors. At closing, you sign final documents and transfer funds. A closing attorney (required in South Carolina) oversees the process and ensures all documents are correct. Your agent will explain what to expect at each stage and answer questions about the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if Patrick Graw is the right agent for me?

Interview multiple agents, including Graw, and compare their experience in your area, their communication style, and their approach to buying or selling. Ask for references from past clients and check online reviews. Choose the agent you feel most comfortable working with and who has demonstrated knowledge of your local market.

Can I change agents if I'm not happy with the one I hired?

Yes, but it depends on your agreement. If you signed a listing or buyer's agent agreement, you may be able to end it early, though some agreements include early termination fees. Review your contract or ask the agent about the terms for ending the relationship.

What if a dispute arises between me and my agent?

Start by discussing the issue directly with the agent or their broker. If the problem is not resolved, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. The Commission investigates complaints and can take disciplinary action if the agent violated state law or ethical standards.

Do I have to use the agent's recommended inspector, appraiser, or title company?

No. While agents often recommend service providers they have worked with, you have the right to choose your own inspector, appraiser, lender, or title company. However, using providers recommended by your agent may speed up the process since they are familiar with how your agent works.

Is the agent's commission negotiable?

Yes. Commission rates are not set by law and are negotiable between you and the agent. If you are selling, discuss the commission rate when interviewing agents. If you are buying, the buyer's agent commission is typically paid from the seller's proceeds, but you can discuss this arrangement with your agent.