Who Peg Savino Is and What She Does as a South Carolina Real Estate Agent

Peg Savino's background and approach to real estate

Peg Savino is a real estate agent working in South Carolina who brings a background in understanding local markets and client needs. Like other agents in the state, she works with buyers and sellers to navigate property transactions, but her specific experience, service areas, and specialties shape how she approaches each deal.

Before choosing to work with any agent, you'll want to know what markets they know best, what types of properties they typically handle, and how they communicate with clients throughout the buying or selling process. This information helps you decide whether an agent's strengths match what you're looking for.

Key Takeaways

• Real estate agents in South Carolina must be licensed by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and follow state and federal fair housing laws.
• An agent's local market knowledge—which neighborhoods are appreciating, what similar homes sold for, current inventory—directly affects how well they can price and market your property.
• Before signing a listing agreement or buyer's agent contract, ask an agent about their experience in your specific area, their marketing strategy, and how they handle communication.
• You can verify any South Carolina agent's license status and complaint history through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission's public records.

What to ask a South Carolina real estate agent before working together

When you're considering working with an agent, a few straightforward questions reveal whether they're a good fit. Ask how long they've worked in your specific neighborhood or town, what the average days-on-market are for homes like yours, and what their recent sales look like. An agent who can pull up three comparable sales from the last 90 days in your area is showing you real data, not guessing.

Ask also how they market homes—whether they use professional photography, video tours, social media, and local MLS promotion, or whether they rely mainly on the MLS listing itself. Ask how often they'll communicate with you and through what channels (phone, email, text). Ask whether they represent buyers, sellers, or both, and whether they ever represent both sides of a transaction. These answers tell you how they'll operate during your deal.

How agent commissions work in South Carolina

Real estate commissions in South Carolina are negotiable between the seller and their agent—there is no set rate. Commissions typically range from 4 to 6 percent of the sale price, split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent, but this varies by market, property type, and what the agent and seller agree to.

If you're a buyer, you don't pay the agent directly; the seller's proceeds cover both agents' commissions. If you're a seller, you negotiate the commission rate with your agent before signing a listing agreement. Some agents offer lower rates for higher-priced homes or for sellers who handle certain tasks themselves. Always confirm the exact commission percentage and what services are included before you sign.

Verifying an agent's license and complaint history

South Carolina requires all real estate agents to hold an active license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. You can verify an agent's license status, disciplinary history, and any complaints filed against them by visiting the Commission's website and searching their public records database. This takes five minutes and gives you peace of mind that the person you're working with is in good standing.

If an agent has had complaints or disciplinary action, the record will show what happened and how it was resolved. This doesn't automatically disqualify someone—minor violations happen—but it's information you deserve to have before you sign a contract.

Buyer's agent versus seller's agent: what each does

A seller's agent (also called a listing agent) represents the seller. They list the property on the MLS, market it, show it to other agents' buyers, negotiate offers, and guide the seller through closing. A buyer's agent represents the buyer. They show you homes, help you understand neighborhoods and market conditions, write offers on your behalf, and negotiate terms with the seller's agent.

In most transactions, both agents are present. The buyer's agent is paid out of the commission the seller's agent receives, so you as a buyer don't write a separate check. However, you can also work without a buyer's agent and negotiate directly with the seller's agent, though this puts you at a disadvantage because that agent's loyalty is to the seller, not to you.

What happens during a real estate transaction

A typical South Carolina home sale follows this sequence: you find a property and make an offer through an agent, the seller accepts or counters, you and the seller sign a contract, you order a home inspection and appraisal, you secure financing, the title company does a title search, you do a final walkthrough, and you close at a title company or attorney's office where you sign documents and receive the keys.

Your agent guides you through each step, but they are not a lawyer, home inspector, or lender. They coordinate with those professionals and explain what's happening, but you are responsible for understanding the contract you sign and the financing terms you accept. If something in the contract is unclear, ask your agent or hire a real estate attorney to review it before you sign.

How to find the right agent for your situation

Start by asking friends, family, and coworkers for referrals to agents they've worked with. Check online reviews on Google, Zillow, and Realtor.com, but remember that reviews are self-selected—satisfied clients are more likely to leave them than neutral ones. Interview two or three agents before you decide. Ask them the questions listed above, and pay attention to whether they listen to what you want or whether they're mainly trying to sign you up.

Trust matters in real estate because you're making one of the largest financial decisions of your life. An agent who takes time to understand your timeline, your budget, and your priorities—and who is honest about market conditions rather than overselling—is worth more than a smooth talker who promises results they can't deliver.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work with multiple agents at the same time?

As a buyer, you can show homes with different agents informally, but once you sign a buyer's agent agreement with one agent, you're committed to working with that agent for a set period (usually 90 days). As a seller, you sign a listing agreement with one agent, and that agent has the exclusive right to market and sell your home during the contract term. Read the agreement carefully to understand the terms.

What if I want to buy a home listed by the same agent I'm working with?

This is called a dual agency situation. The agent represents both you and the seller, which creates a conflict of interest because the agent's loyalty is divided. Some agents do this, some don't. If it happens, you should understand that the agent cannot negotiate as hard on your behalf as they would if they represented only you. You may want to hire a real estate attorney to review the contract.

How long does a home sale usually take in South Carolina?

From offer to closing typically takes 30 to 45 days, depending on financing, inspection issues, and appraisal results. Cash sales can close in two to three weeks. If the appraisal comes in low or the inspection finds problems, the timeline can stretch. Your agent can give you a more specific estimate based on current market conditions in your area.

What should I do if I'm unhappy with my agent?

If you're a buyer and unhappy with your agent, review your buyer's agent agreement to see when it expires or whether there's a termination clause. If you're a seller and want to end your listing agreement early, talk to your agent first—some will release you if the relationship isn't working. If the agent refuses or if you believe they've violated fair housing laws or acted unethically, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission.

Do I need a real estate attorney in South Carolina?

South Carolina does not require a real estate attorney to buy or sell a home, but many buyers and sellers hire one to review contracts and protect their interests. An attorney costs money upfront but can catch problems in a contract that an agent might miss. If you're buying your first home or the transaction is complex, an attorney is worth considering.