What to Expect When Working With Paula Simon at Allen Tate
Paula Simon brings two decades of South Carolina real estate experience to her work with Allen Tate
Paula Simon is a licensed realtor with Allen Tate, one of the largest independent real estate companies in the Southeast. She works primarily in the Midlands region, helping buyers and sellers navigate residential transactions across Columbia and surrounding areas. Her background spans more than twenty years in real estate, with a focus on understanding local market conditions and connecting clients to properties that match their needs.
Allen Tate operates as a full-service brokerage with offices throughout South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia. As an agent within that network, Simon has access to the company's listing database, market research tools, and support staff. She can represent buyers looking to purchase, sellers preparing to list, or both depending on the transaction structure.
Key Takeaways
- Paula Simon works with Allen Tate's Columbia-area office and specializes in residential real estate across the Midlands region.
- Allen Tate provides agents with market data, listing tools, and administrative support that shape how transactions move forward.
- Contacting an agent directly—rather than browsing listings alone—lets you discuss your timeline, budget, and specific property preferences before searching begins.
- Real estate agents in South Carolina must hold an active license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and work under a sponsoring broker.
How to reach Paula Simon and start a conversation
The most direct way to connect with Paula Simon is through Allen Tate's website or by phone. Allen Tate maintains a searchable agent directory where you can find her contact information, recent listings, and client reviews. You can also visit a local Allen Tate office in Columbia during business hours to speak with an agent in person.
When you first reach out, be ready to describe what you're looking for: whether you're buying or selling, your approximate timeline, and the general area where you want to focus. This conversation helps an agent understand your situation before showing properties or discussing your home's market value. Many agents also offer a free initial consultation to discuss your goals without any obligation to move forward.
What Paula Simon can do as your buyer's agent
If you're purchasing a home, a buyer's agent like Paula Simon represents your interests throughout the process. She can show you properties that match your criteria, explain neighborhood details and school information, help you understand what similar homes have sold for recently, and guide you through making an offer. She also coordinates inspections, appraisals, and the closing process once an offer is accepted.
Buyer's agents typically do not charge you directly—instead, they receive a commission split from the seller's side of the transaction, usually paid at closing. This means you can work with an agent without paying out of pocket. However, you should always confirm this arrangement in writing before beginning your search.
What Paula Simon can do as your seller's agent
If you're selling a home, a listing agent like Paula Simon prepares your property for market, sets a competitive price based on recent sales data, markets the home through multiple channels, and manages showings and offers. She handles the paperwork required by South Carolina law, coordinates inspections and appraisals on the buyer's side, and works toward closing.
Sellers pay the listing agent's commission, which is negotiable but typically ranges from 5 to 6 percent of the sale price, split between the listing agent and the buyer's agent. This cost is usually deducted from your proceeds at closing. Before listing, you should discuss the commission rate and what services are included in that fee.
Understanding Allen Tate's role and resources
Allen Tate provides the legal framework and support systems that allow Paula Simon to operate as a licensed agent. The company holds the broker's license required by South Carolina law, meaning all agents work under Allen Tate's sponsorship. The brokerage also maintains errors and omissions insurance, provides transaction coordination staff, and offers agents access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)—the database where most residential properties are listed.
Allen Tate's size means agents have access to market research, training, and administrative support that smaller independent agents may not have. However, the quality of your experience ultimately depends on your individual agent's knowledge, communication style, and responsiveness to your needs.
What to ask before you commit to working together
Before signing any agreement with Paula Simon or any agent, clarify a few key points. Ask how she will keep you informed—how often you'll hear updates, and through what channels (phone, email, text). Ask what happens if you want to end the relationship early and whether there are any penalties. Ask her to explain the timeline for your specific situation, whether that's a sale or a purchase.
If you're a seller, ask for a detailed breakdown of what's included in her services: will she handle photography and staging advice, create a marketing plan, hold open houses, or coordinate with other agents? If you're a buyer, ask whether she works with any lenders or inspectors she recommends, and whether those recommendations come with any financial arrangement. These conversations protect both you and the agent by setting clear expectations upfront.
How South Carolina real estate licensing works
Paula Simon holds a license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission, which regulates all agents and brokers in the state. To hold an active license, an agent must complete pre-licensing education, pass a state exam, and work under a sponsoring broker—in this case, Allen Tate. The commission enforces a code of ethics and handles complaints from the public.
You can verify that an agent's license is current and in good standing by searching the South Carolina Real Estate Commission's online database. This is a free resource available to anyone and takes less than a minute. If you ever have a complaint about an agent's conduct, the commission is the body that investigates and can take disciplinary action.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if Paula Simon is the right agent for me?
The best fit depends on your comfort level with her communication style, her knowledge of the neighborhoods you care about, and her experience with your type of transaction (first-time buyer, investment property, estate sale, etc.). Ask for references from past clients, and don't hesitate to interview multiple agents before deciding. You're not obligated to work with the first person you meet.
What if I want to work with Paula Simon but I'm not ready to buy or sell yet?
Many agents are happy to have preliminary conversations about the market, your goals, and timing without any commitment. You can reach out to discuss what your home might be worth, what neighborhoods fit your budget, or what the market looks like in six months. This helps you plan without pressure.
Can I negotiate the commission rate?
Yes. Commission rates are not set by law or by Allen Tate—they are negotiable between you and the agent. Discuss this openly before you sign a listing agreement or buyer representation agreement. Different agents may offer different rates or service packages, so it's worth comparing.
What should I do if I have a problem with Paula Simon or Allen Tate?
Start by speaking directly with Paula Simon or her broker at the local Allen Tate office to resolve the issue. If that doesn't work, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission, which investigates violations of state law and the code of ethics. The commission's website has instructions for filing.
Is there a cost to working with a buyer's agent?
No. Buyer's agents are paid from the seller's side of the transaction, so you don't pay them directly. However, confirm this arrangement in writing before you begin working together, and understand that the agent represents your interests in negotiating the best terms for you.