What to Know About Working With Rashad Patterson at Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage
Who Rashad Patterson Is and What He Does
Rashad Patterson is a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage, a brokerage operating across South Carolina's coastal regions. He works with buyers and sellers navigating the local property market, from residential homes to investment properties. His role involves listing properties, representing buyers in negotiations, and guiding clients through the transaction process from offer to closing.
Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage is part of the larger Coldwell Banker network, one of the oldest and largest real estate franchises in the United States. The brokerage maintains offices in multiple South Carolina locations and operates under the standards and systems that Coldwell Banker sets for its affiliated agents.
Key Takeaways
- Rashad Patterson represents both buyers and sellers through Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage, a regional brokerage with multiple South Carolina locations.
- Coldwell Banker agents typically list properties on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), making homes visible to other agents and their clients across the market.
- When working with a buyer's agent, you generally pay no direct fee—the seller's agent commission is typically split between both sides.
- Before signing any agreement, you should understand the terms, the agent's experience in your specific area, and what services are included.
- You can interview multiple agents and compare their approach, local knowledge, and track record before deciding who to work with.
How Real Estate Agents Work in South Carolina
Real estate transactions in South Carolina involve several standard steps. A seller lists a property through an agent, who enters it into the MLS—a shared database that other agents can search. Buyers typically work with their own agent, who shows them properties and helps them make offers. Both agents earn a commission, usually paid by the seller at closing, and that commission is split between the listing agent and the buyer's agent.
South Carolina does not require agents to be licensed by the state in the same way some professions are, but the South Carolina Real Estate Commission oversees the industry and enforces a code of conduct. Agents must follow fair housing laws, disclose conflicts of interest, and handle client funds properly. If you have a complaint about an agent's conduct, you can file it with the Commission.
When you work with an agent as a buyer, you are not obligated to pay them directly. When you work with an agent as a seller, you negotiate their commission rate—typically between 5 and 6 percent of the sale price, though this varies and is always negotiable. Understanding these arrangements before you sign helps you know what to expect.
What to Ask Before Working With an Agent
Before you commit to working with Rashad Patterson or any agent, ask about their experience in the specific area where you want to buy or sell. An agent who knows the neighborhood well can tell you about school districts, property taxes, recent sales prices, and market trends that affect your decision. Ask how long they have been in real estate, how many transactions they completed in the past year, and whether they specialize in a particular type of property or price range.
Ask what services are included in the relationship. Will the agent show you properties on nights and weekends? Do they handle all the paperwork, or do you need to coordinate with a title company separately? Will they attend the home inspection and closing? Ask how they communicate—by phone, text, email—and how quickly they typically respond. These details matter when you are in the middle of a time-sensitive transaction.
If you are selling, ask the agent how they plan to market your home. Will they use professional photography, virtual tours, or open houses? How will they reach other agents and potential buyers? Ask for references from past clients and follow up with at least two of them. A willingness to provide references and discuss their process is a good sign.
Understanding Buyer's Agent Representation
When you work with a buyer's agent like Rashad Patterson, you are entering into a relationship where the agent represents your interests in finding and purchasing a property. The agent shows you homes, helps you understand the market, advises you on offer strategy, and negotiates on your behalf. In South Carolina, this relationship should be documented in a buyer representation agreement, which outlines how long the agreement lasts and what happens if you find a property without the agent's help.
A buyer's agent does not charge you a fee directly. Instead, they receive a commission from the seller's agent, which comes out of the seller's proceeds at closing. This means you can work with a buyer's agent at no out-of-pocket cost to you. However, you should understand that the agent's commission is built into the overall transaction cost, and the seller may factor this into their asking price.
Read the buyer representation agreement carefully before signing. Understand the term length, whether it is exclusive or non-exclusive, and what happens if you decide to work with a different agent. Some agreements are exclusive, meaning you can only work with that one agent during the term. Others allow you to work with multiple agents. Ask the agent to explain any terms you do not understand.
Understanding Seller's Agent Representation
If you are selling a home, you will work with a listing agent—in this case, potentially Rashad Patterson—who markets your property and represents your interests in negotiations. The listing agent enters your home into the MLS, coordinates showings, gathers offers, and helps you navigate counteroffers and inspections. The listing agent also handles much of the paperwork and coordinates with the buyer's agent and title company.
When you list with an agent, you sign a listing agreement that specifies the commission rate, the length of the listing period (typically 90 days or six months), and what happens if the home does not sell. The agreement also outlines what marketing the agent will do and whether the agent has the right to show your home to other agents' clients. Read this agreement carefully and ask questions about any terms that are unclear.
The commission you pay is negotiable. Do not assume the rate is fixed. Interview multiple agents, ask what they charge, and understand what services are included at each rate. Some agents offer lower commissions but fewer services; others charge more but provide extensive marketing. The lowest commission is not always the best deal if it means less exposure for your home.
What Happens During a Real Estate Transaction
A typical home purchase in South Carolina follows this sequence: you make an offer, the seller accepts or counters, you conduct a home inspection, you secure financing, the title company conducts a title search, and you close. Throughout this process, your agent keeps you informed, explains what is happening at each step, and handles communication between you and the other side. The entire process usually takes 30 to 45 days from offer to closing, though it can be faster or slower depending on financing and inspections.
Your agent should explain contingencies—conditions that must be met for the sale to go through, such as a satisfactory home inspection or mortgage approval. They should also explain what happens if an inspection reveals problems, how to negotiate repairs or credits, and what your options are if the appraisal comes in lower than the offer price. Understanding these scenarios in advance helps you make decisions quickly when they arise.
At closing, you sign final paperwork, transfer funds, and receive the deed (if you are the buyer) or hand over the deed (if you are the seller). Your agent may or may not attend closing, depending on the brokerage's practice and your agreement. Ask in advance whether the agent will be there and what their role will be.
How to Find and Contact Rashad Patterson
Rashad Patterson works through Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage. You can find him by visiting the Coldwell Banker website, searching for the Sea Coast Advantage office in your area, and looking for his agent profile. His profile will typically include his contact information, a photo, his bio, and links to his listings or buyer services.
You can also call the Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage office directly and ask to speak with Rashad Patterson or request information about his services. When you contact him, ask about his availability, his experience in your area, and whether he is currently taking on new clients. If he is not available or not the right fit, ask for a referral to another agent in the office.
Before you commit, interview at least one or two other agents as well. Comparing how different agents approach your situation, what they know about your market, and how they communicate will help you make a confident choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay Rashad Patterson if I am buying a home?
No. As a buyer's agent, Patterson's commission comes from the seller's proceeds at closing, not from you directly. You do not write a check to the agent. However, the commission is factored into the overall transaction cost, and the seller may account for this in their asking price.
What if I find a home on my own and want to buy it?
If you have signed a buyer representation agreement with Patterson, the agreement typically covers homes you find on your own during the term. However, if you find a home listed by another agent, that agent will represent the seller, and you can still work with Patterson as your buyer's agent. If you find a for-sale-by-owner home, you can still bring Patterson in to represent you and negotiate on your behalf.
Can I switch agents if I am not happy?
It depends on your agreement. If you signed an exclusive buyer representation agreement, you may be bound to that agent for the term unless there is a clause allowing you to terminate early. Read your agreement carefully or ask Patterson directly what the terms are. If you are unhappy, discuss your concerns with him first—many issues can be resolved with a conversation.
How much commission does Rashad Patterson charge as a listing agent?
Commission rates are negotiable and vary by agent, property, and market conditions. Patterson's rate is not set in stone. When you interview him about listing your home, ask what he charges, what services are included, and whether the rate is negotiable. Compare his rate and services to other agents before you decide.
What if there is a problem during the transaction?
Contact Patterson immediately and explain the issue. Most problems can be resolved through communication. If you believe Patterson has violated fair housing laws, mishandled your funds, or breached your agreement, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. Keep copies of all emails, texts, and documents related to your transaction in case you need them.