What to Know About Working With Paul Arvay at Keller Williams Realty

Paul Arvay brings two decades of South Carolina real estate experience to Keller Williams

Paul Arvay is a real estate agent with Keller Williams Realty who has spent more than 20 years working in South Carolina's residential market. He works with buyers and sellers across the state, focusing on helping clients navigate transactions in their local communities. His background includes experience with both single-family homes and investment properties, and he works within the Keller Williams franchise system, which operates through a network of local offices and agents.

If you are considering buying or selling property in South Carolina, understanding how an agent like Arvay works—what services they offer, how they are compensated, and what to expect from the process—can help you decide whether to work with them or explore other options.

Key Takeaways

• Paul Arvay is a Keller Williams agent with over 20 years of experience in South Carolina residential real estate.
• Keller Williams agents typically earn commission from the sale price, paid by the seller's side of the transaction, and this is negotiable before you sign a listing or buyer agreement.
• You can reach out to Arvay directly through Keller Williams' local office to discuss your specific property or purchase needs and ask about his experience in your area.
• Real estate agents are not required—you can buy or sell without one, though many people find an agent's market knowledge and negotiating experience valuable.

How Keller Williams agents work in South Carolina

Keller Williams is a national franchise with local offices throughout South Carolina, including locations in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and other major markets. Agents like Paul Arvay operate within these offices and typically handle the day-to-day work of listing properties, showing homes to buyers, negotiating offers, and coordinating inspections and closing.

When you list a home with a Keller Williams agent, the agent lists it on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which is the database that other agents and brokers use to find properties for their buyers. When you buy through an agent, they show you homes on the MLS and help you make an offer. The agent's role is to represent your interests—either as a seller or buyer—and to handle the paperwork and logistics of the transaction.

Commission and how agents are paid

Real estate agents earn commission, which is a percentage of the sale price. In South Carolina, the commission rate is negotiable and not set by law or by Keller Williams—you and the agent agree on it before you sign a listing agreement or buyer agreement. Commission typically ranges from 4 to 6 percent of the sale price, though this varies by market, property type, and individual negotiation.

When a home sells, the commission is usually split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent. The seller typically pays the full commission from the proceeds of the sale, and it is divided between both sides. If you are a buyer working with an agent, you do not pay commission directly—the seller's proceeds cover it. If you are selling, you negotiate the commission rate with your agent before listing.

What to ask Paul Arvay before working together

Before you commit to working with any agent, including Paul Arvay, it is worth having a conversation about their experience and approach. Ask whether they have worked in your specific neighborhood or area, how many homes they have sold in the past year, and what their average time on market is. These details tell you whether they have active buyers and sellers and whether they know the local market well.

Ask about their communication style—how often they will update you, what time of day they are typically available, and how they prefer to be reached. Ask what services are included: Do they handle photography and staging advice? Do they attend inspections? Will they negotiate on your behalf or just present offers? Ask whether they work full-time in real estate or part-time, since that affects their availability.

If you are selling, ask what their marketing plan is for your home—whether they use video tours, social media, open houses, or other strategies. If you are buying, ask how they identify properties that match your needs and whether they have access to off-market or pocket listings in your area.

Alternatives to working with a real estate agent

You are not required to work with an agent to buy or sell property in South Carolina. Some people sell their homes directly to buyers (called a "for sale by owner" or FSBO sale), though this means you handle marketing, showing, negotiating, and paperwork yourself. Selling without an agent typically saves you the commission, but it also means you do the work an agent would do.

Some buyers work without an agent and search for homes on the MLS through a real estate website, then contact the seller's agent directly to make an offer. The seller's agent can still represent you in this scenario, though they are technically representing the seller's interests. You can also hire a real estate attorney to review contracts and handle closing, which some buyers do in addition to or instead of working with an agent.

How to contact Paul Arvay

To reach Paul Arvay, contact the Keller Williams office in your area. Keller Williams has multiple South Carolina locations, and Arvay's specific office and contact information can be found through the Keller Williams website or by searching for "Paul Arvay Keller Williams" along with your city or region. You can also call the main Keller Williams office in your area and ask to be connected with him.

When you contact him, be ready to describe what you are looking for—whether you are buying, selling, or exploring options—and your timeline. This helps him understand whether he is the right fit for your needs and whether he has availability to take on your transaction.

What happens after you sign an agreement

If you decide to work with Paul Arvay, you will sign either a listing agreement (if you are selling) or a buyer representation agreement (if you are buying). These agreements spell out what the agent will do, how long the agreement lasts, and what commission or fee you have agreed to. Read these carefully before signing, and ask questions about anything that is unclear.

Once you are under agreement, the agent's job is to market your home (if selling) or show you homes and help you make offers (if buying). They coordinate with inspectors, appraisers, lenders, title companies, and the other agent to move the transaction forward. Most transactions take 30 to 45 days from offer to closing, though this varies based on financing, inspections, and other factors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work with Paul Arvay if I live outside South Carolina but want to buy property here?

Yes. Many agents, including those at Keller Williams, work with out-of-state buyers. Arvay can show you properties remotely using video tours and photos, arrange in-person showings when you visit, and coordinate with lenders and inspectors on your behalf. Let him know your timeline and budget upfront so he can focus on properties that match your needs.

What if I am not happy with the agent after I sign an agreement?

Listing and buyer agreements typically last 90 days or until the property sells or you find a home. If you want to end the agreement early, review the contract to see what it says about termination. Some agreements allow you to cancel with written notice; others require you to stay through the term. Talk to the agent first about your concerns—they may be able to adjust their approach.

Does Paul Arvay handle commercial real estate or only residential?

This guide focuses on residential real estate agents. If you are interested in commercial property, investment land, or other commercial transactions, contact Arvay directly to ask whether he works in that area or can refer you to someone who does. Keller Williams has agents who specialize in different property types.

How do I know if the commission rate Paul Arvay quotes is fair?

Commission rates vary by market and property type. Ask Arvay what rate he typically charges and why. You can also contact other agents in your area to compare. Remember that commission is negotiable—you can propose a different rate and discuss it before signing. Lower commission does not always mean better service, and higher commission does not may provide faster sales.

What if the home does not sell while I am under agreement with Paul Arvay?

If your listing agreement expires and the home has not sold, you and Arvay can renew the agreement, adjust the price or marketing strategy, or part ways and list with someone else. Some agents offer to extend the agreement at no additional cost; others may ask to renegotiate terms. Discuss this before the agreement expires so you have time to make a decision.