What to Know About Working With Pholona Pease at Right Choice Real Estate Services
Who Pholona Pease Is and What She Offers
Pholona Pease is a real estate agent with Right Choice Real Estate Services in South Carolina. She works with buyers and sellers navigating residential property transactions across the state. Her background includes experience in real estate sales, and she focuses on helping clients understand their options and move through the buying or selling process with clear information about what to expect.
Right Choice Real Estate Services operates as an independent brokerage, meaning Pease works within a smaller, locally-focused firm rather than a national chain. This structure often means more direct access to the agent and decisions made closer to home. If you are looking to buy or sell property in South Carolina, understanding how an agent like Pease works—and what questions to ask before you hire her—helps you make a decision that fits your situation.
Key Takeaways
- Pholona Pease works as a real estate agent with Right Choice Real Estate Services, a South Carolina-based brokerage serving buyers and sellers.
- Before hiring any agent, you should ask about their experience in your specific market, their commission structure, and how they communicate during a transaction.
- Real estate agents in South Carolina must hold an active license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and follow state and federal fair housing laws.
- You can verify an agent's license and complaint history through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission website.
- Working with an agent typically means paying a commission only if the sale closes; the seller usually covers this cost, split between the listing and buyer's agents.
How to Verify an Agent's License and Background
South Carolina requires all real estate agents to hold a current license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. You can verify Pholona Pease's license status, check for any disciplinary actions, and confirm her brokerage affiliation by visiting the Commission's website and using their license lookup tool. This is a free, public resource that takes a few minutes to use.
The lookup shows whether a license is active, inactive, or expired. It also displays any formal complaints filed against the agent and the outcomes of those complaints. This information helps you understand an agent's track record and whether there have been any issues with past clients. If you see a complaint, you can request details about what happened and how it was resolved.
Beyond the license check, you can also ask Pease directly for references from past clients—both buyers and sellers she has worked with in the last year or two. A reputable agent will have clients willing to speak about their experience, and talking to someone who has actually worked with her gives you insight into her communication style, follow-through, and problem-solving approach.
What to Ask Before You Hire an Agent
Before you commit to working with Pholona Pease or any agent, have a conversation about the specifics of how she works. Ask about her experience in the neighborhood or market where you want to buy or sell. An agent who knows the local market—recent sales prices, how long homes typically stay on the market, which neighborhoods are changing—can give you better guidance on pricing and timing.
Ask about her commission structure and what services are included. In South Carolina, commission rates are negotiable and not set by law. The typical arrangement is that the seller pays a commission split between the listing agent and the buyer's agent, but the exact percentage varies. Understand upfront what percentage she charges, whether there are any additional fees, and what happens if the sale falls through.
Also ask how she communicates. Will you hear from her regularly during the process, or only when something needs your attention? How does she prefer to stay in touch—phone, email, text? What is her typical response time? These details matter because a real estate transaction involves multiple steps over weeks or months, and you want an agent who keeps you informed without overwhelming you.
The Role of a Real Estate Agent in Buying or Selling
A real estate agent's job is to represent either the buyer or the seller (or, in some cases, both, though this requires disclosure and agreement from all parties). If you are selling, your agent lists the property, markets it, shows it to potential buyers, and negotiates offers on your behalf. If you are buying, your agent searches for properties that match your needs, arranges showings, and negotiates the purchase price and terms.
Agents also handle much of the paperwork and coordination. They prepare contracts, coordinate inspections and appraisals, communicate with lenders and title companies, and keep the transaction moving toward closing. They do not provide legal advice—that is the role of a real estate attorney, which South Carolina requires for all residential transactions—but they do explain the process and flag issues that need attention.
An agent's compensation comes only if the sale closes. This means her financial interest is in getting the deal done, which can be helpful, but it also means you should verify information independently and not rely solely on her advice for major decisions like how much to offer or what repairs to make.
How Commission Works and Who Pays
In a typical South Carolina real estate transaction, the seller pays the commission, which is then split between the listing agent (who represents the seller) and the buyer's agent (who represents the buyer). The commission is a percentage of the final sale price, and that percentage is negotiable between the seller and the listing agent—it is not set by law or by the real estate board.
Commission rates vary but often fall in the range of 5 to 6 percent of the sale price, split roughly evenly between the two agents. However, this is not a rule; some agents charge less, some charge more, and the rate depends on the market, the property, and what the agent and seller agree to. If you are selling, you should discuss commission before you sign a listing agreement. If you are buying, the commission does not come out of your pocket—it is paid from the seller's proceeds—but it is worth understanding how it works.
If a sale does not close, the agent does not receive a commission. This is why agents are motivated to help transactions reach the finish line, but it also means you should not feel pressured to move faster than you are comfortable with.
South Carolina Real Estate Laws That Affect Your Transaction
South Carolina law requires that all residential real estate transactions include a real estate attorney. The attorney reviews contracts, handles the closing, and ensures that the title is clear and the deed is properly recorded. This is different from some other states where closings can happen without an attorney present. Your agent can recommend attorneys, but you have the right to choose your own.
South Carolina also has specific disclosure requirements. Sellers must disclose known defects in the property, and buyers have the right to a home inspection period during which they can have the property inspected and back out of the contract if major issues are found. Your agent should explain these protections and timelines to you.
Fair housing laws apply in South Carolina just as they do nationwide. An agent cannot discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status. If you believe an agent has treated you unfairly based on any of these characteristics, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission or with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Questions to Ask About the Local Market
If you are buying, ask Pease what the current market looks like in the neighborhoods you are interested in. How many homes are for sale? How long do they typically stay on the market before selling? What is the price range, and how have prices changed over the last year? Are there neighborhoods where prices are rising, and others where they are flat or declining? This information helps you understand whether it is a buyer's market (more homes for sale, more negotiating power for buyers) or a seller's market (fewer homes, more competition among buyers).
If you are selling, ask similar questions about your specific property and neighborhood. What have comparable homes sold for recently? How long did they take to sell? What repairs or updates do homes in your area typically need before they sell? An agent who knows the local market can help you price your home competitively and understand what buyers in your area are looking for.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if Pholona Pease is the right agent for me?
The right agent is someone with experience in your local market, clear communication, and a willingness to answer your questions. Meet with her, ask about her recent sales and experience, check her license status, and ask for references. Trust your instinct about whether you feel comfortable working with her over the weeks or months of a transaction.
Can I work with Pholona Pease if I am buying and she is the listing agent?
Yes, but this creates a conflict of interest because she represents the seller. If you want her to represent you as the buyer, she would need to switch sides and represent you instead, or you would need to hire a different agent to represent your interests. Always clarify who an agent represents before you start working together.
What happens if I am unhappy with my agent during a transaction?
If you signed a buyer's representation agreement, you may be able to end it depending on the terms. If you are the seller with a listing agreement, ending it early may involve penalties. Review your contract and discuss your concerns with the agent first. If the issue is not resolved, you can contact the South Carolina Real Estate Commission to file a complaint.
Does the agent's brokerage matter?
Yes, to some extent. The brokerage handles training, compliance, and dispute resolution. Smaller brokerages like Right Choice Real Estate Services may offer more personalized service, while larger national firms may have more resources and technology. Ask what support and tools the brokerage provides to its agents.
What if I want to buy a home that is not listed by Pholona Pease's brokerage?
You can still work with her. She can show you any home on the market and represent you in the purchase. The listing agent (who works for the seller's brokerage) will still be involved, and commission will be split between the two agents as usual.