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What to Know About Working With Paul Delzotto as Your Real Estate Agent

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

Paul Delzotto brings South Carolina real estate experience to buyers and sellers

Paul Delzotto is a real estate agent operating in South Carolina who works with both buyers looking to purchase property and sellers preparing to list. 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 working with any agent, you should understand how real estate transactions work, what to expect from agent representation, and how to evaluate whether a particular agent's experience matches your needs.

This guide explains what real estate agents do, how to research an agent's background and track record, and what questions to ask before signing a representation agreement. The information here applies to working with Paul Delzotto or any other licensed agent in South Carolina.

Key Takeaways

  • Real estate agents in South Carolina must hold a license from the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and work under a brokerage firm.
  • Agents typically earn commission based on the sale price of the property, usually split between the buyer's agent and seller's agent.
  • Before hiring an agent, you can research their license status, disciplinary history, and transaction record through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission website.
  • A representation agreement puts in writing what services the agent will provide, how long the agreement lasts, and what commission or fees apply.
  • Asking an agent about their experience in your specific neighborhood, their marketing approach, and their typical timeline helps you decide if they are the right fit.

How real estate agents work in South Carolina

A real estate agent represents either the buyer or the seller in a transaction, though some agents represent both (called dual agency, which requires written consent from both parties). The agent's job is to help their client navigate the purchase or sale process, which includes listing the property, showing it to potential buyers, negotiating offers, and coordinating inspections and closing.

Agents earn money through commission, which is a percentage of the final sale price. The seller typically pays the commission, which is then split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent. The exact commission rate is negotiable and varies by transaction. Agents do not work for a salary; they earn only when a transaction closes.

All agents in South Carolina must hold a license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. The license requires passing an exam and completing continuing education. Agents work under a brokerage firm, which is the company that holds the broker's license and oversees the agents' work.

Researching an agent's background and experience

You can look up any agent's license status and disciplinary history through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission website. This public database shows whether the license is active, whether any complaints have been filed against the agent, and whether any disciplinary action has been taken. This is the most reliable way to verify that an agent is licensed and to see if there are any red flags.

Beyond the license check, ask the agent directly about their experience. How long have they been selling real estate? How many transactions have they completed in the past year? Do they have experience in the specific neighborhood or type of property you are interested in? An agent with deep knowledge of your area can speak to market conditions, comparable sales, and neighborhood trends in a way that matters to your decision.

You can also ask for references from past clients. A reputable agent should be willing to provide names of people they have worked with recently. Speaking to past clients gives you a sense of how the agent communicates, whether they follow through on promises, and how they handle problems that come up during a transaction.

Understanding representation agreements

Before an agent begins showing you properties or listing your home, you will sign a representation agreement. This document spells out the terms of your working relationship: what services the agent will provide, how long the agreement lasts, what commission or fees you will pay, and what happens if you want to end the agreement early.

Read the agreement carefully before signing. Pay attention to the length of the contract—some are 30 days, others 90 days or longer. Understand what happens if you find a property on your own or if you want to work with a different agent. Some agreements include an exclusivity clause that prevents you from working with other agents during the contract period. Ask the agent to explain any terms you do not understand.

What to ask before hiring an agent

Before committing to work with an agent, schedule a conversation to ask about their approach. Here are questions that matter:

  • How do you market properties? Ask whether they use online listings, social media, open houses, direct mail, or other methods. If you are selling, understand how they plan to get your home in front of buyers.
  • What is your typical timeline? How long does it usually take to sell a home in your area? How long does the closing process take?
  • How do you communicate? Will they respond to texts, emails, or phone calls? How often will you hear from them?
  • What is your commission rate? Confirm the exact percentage and whether it is negotiable.
  • Have you worked in this neighborhood before? Ask for specific examples of recent sales they have handled nearby.

An agent who can answer these questions clearly and who listens to your concerns is more likely to be a good fit than one who rushes through the conversation or avoids specifics.

Buyer representation versus seller representation

If you are buying, a buyer's agent represents your interests and typically does not cost you anything directly—the seller's agent commission covers both sides. Your agent will show you properties, help you understand the market, negotiate on your behalf, and guide you through inspections and closing. You should feel comfortable asking your buyer's agent to focus on specific neighborhoods, price ranges, or property types.

If you are selling, a seller's agent lists your property, markets it to other agents and the public, shows it to potential buyers, and negotiates offers. You pay the seller's agent commission from the proceeds of the sale. A good seller's agent will give you an honest assessment of your home's market value, suggest repairs or improvements that will help it sell, and keep you informed as offers come in.

Red flags and how to protect yourself

Be cautious if an agent pressures you to sign an agreement without time to review it, refuses to answer questions about their experience, or makes promises about the price your home will bring or how quickly it will sell. Real estate markets change, and no agent can may provide an outcome.

If you have a complaint about an agent's conduct, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. The commission investigates complaints and can take disciplinary action if an agent violates state law or the code of ethics.

You are not locked into working with an agent forever. If you sign a representation agreement and later decide the agent is not the right fit, you can end the agreement. Review the contract to understand what happens if you terminate early—some agreements have cancellation fees, while others do not.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if Paul Delzotto is licensed to sell real estate in South Carolina?

Visit the South Carolina Real Estate Commission website and search for his name in their license database. The database will show whether his license is active and whether any disciplinary action has been taken against him. This is the official way to verify that any agent is licensed to practice.

What does a real estate agent actually do for a buyer?

A buyer's agent shows you properties that match your criteria, explains the local market, helps you understand what homes are worth, negotiates offers on your behalf, and guides you through inspections, appraisals, and closing. You typically do not pay the buyer's agent directly; the commission comes from the seller's proceeds.

Can I negotiate the commission rate with a real estate agent?

Yes. Commission rates are not set by law and are negotiable between you and the agent. Different agents may charge different rates, and you can ask an agent whether their rate is flexible. Discuss commission before you sign a representation agreement.

What should I do if I have a problem with my real estate agent?

First, try to resolve the issue directly with the agent or their broker. If that does not work, 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 professional standards.

How long does a representation agreement usually last?

Representation agreements vary in length. Some last 30 days, others 60 or 90 days. The length is negotiable and should be spelled out in the contract. Before signing, make sure you understand how long you are committing to work with the agent and what happens if you want to end the agreement early.