What to Know About Working With Crystal and Caitlin as Your Real Estate Agents

Who Crystal and Caitlin Are

Crystal and Caitlin are real estate agents operating in South Carolina who work with buyers and sellers navigating the state's residential property market. Like all agents licensed in South Carolina, they must hold a current license from the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and follow state and federal fair housing laws. Before you decide to work with any agent, you should understand what agents do, what questions to ask, and how agent relationships typically work.

Real estate agents represent either buyers or sellers (or both, in some transactions) and earn commission based on the sale price of a property—typically split between the buyer's agent and seller's agent. This means their financial incentive is tied to closing a sale, which is important context as you evaluate whether their interests align with yours.

Key Takeaways

• Real estate agents in South Carolina must hold a current license from the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and follow state fair housing laws.
• Agents earn commission only when a property sells, so their financial incentive is to close a deal rather than to find you the best property or price.
• You can interview multiple agents before deciding to work with one, and you should ask about their experience, local market knowledge, and how they handle disputes.
• Agent representation is not required to buy or sell property in South Carolina, though most transactions involve at least one agent.
• Your state has a complaint process through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission if you believe an agent violated licensing rules or fair housing law.

What to Ask Before Working With an Agent

Before you commit to working with Crystal, Caitlin, or any agent, ask about their experience in the specific area and property type you're interested in. An agent who specializes in waterfront properties in the Lowcountry may not be the right fit if you're buying a townhouse in Columbia. Request their sales history—how many homes they've sold in the past year, average time on market, and whether they represent mostly buyers, mostly sellers, or both equally.

Ask how they handle communication and what your contact schedule would look like. Some agents check in weekly; others respond only when there's news. Clarify whether they work alone or as part of a team, because that affects who you'll actually be talking to. Ask what happens if you disagree about price, strategy, or next steps—how do they resolve conflict? Finally, ask whether they carry errors and omissions insurance, which protects you if they make a costly mistake.

Understanding the Agent-Client Relationship

When you sign a buyer's or seller's agreement with an agent, you're entering a legal contract that typically lasts 90 days or until the property sells. Read this agreement carefully before signing. It should spell out the agent's duties, your duties, how commission is calculated, and what happens if you want to end the relationship early.

In South Carolina, agents owe their clients fiduciary duties—meaning they must act in your best interest, keep your information confidential, and disclose material facts about the property or transaction. However, this duty applies only to the client they represent. If you're a buyer and the seller's agent approaches you, that agent represents the seller, not you, even if they seem friendly. You can choose to have your own agent represent you, or you can represent yourself.

How to Verify an Agent's License and History

You can verify that Crystal, Caitlin, or any South Carolina agent holds a current license by visiting the South Carolina Real Estate Commission website and using their license lookup tool. This search will show you their license status, any disciplinary history, and the brokerage they work for. A current license means the agent has met education requirements and passed the state exam, but it does not may provide competence or honesty.

You can also search for complaints or disciplinary actions against the agent through the same commission website. If you believe an agent violated fair housing law or licensing rules, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. The commission investigates complaints and can take action ranging from a warning to license suspension or revocation.

Buyer's Agents vs. Seller's Agents vs. Dual Agents

A buyer's agent represents you as a buyer and helps you search for properties, negotiate offers, and navigate inspections and closing. A seller's agent (or listing agent) represents the seller and markets the property, shows it to potential buyers, and negotiates on the seller's behalf. In most transactions, both agents are present, and commission is split between them.

A dual agent represents both the buyer and seller in the same transaction. This is legal in South Carolina but creates a conflict of interest—the agent cannot fully advocate for either party's best interests. If you're asked to accept dual agency, understand that the agent's loyalty is divided and you may want to consult a real estate attorney instead.

What Happens if You Have a Problem

If you believe an agent misrepresented a property, failed to disclose material facts, or violated fair housing law, document everything in writing—emails, text messages, notes with dates and times. Contact the agent's broker first, as brokers are responsible for supervising their agents. If the broker does not resolve the issue, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission.

You can also pursue a civil lawsuit against an agent for breach of contract, fraud, or negligence, though this requires hiring an attorney and typically involves court costs. Some disputes can be resolved through mediation or arbitration if your agent agreement includes that clause. If the issue involves fair housing discrimination, you can also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Alternatives to Using an Agent

You are not required to use an agent to buy or sell property in South Carolina. Some sellers list their homes "for sale by owner" (FSBO) and handle showings and negotiations themselves. Some buyers search for properties independently and make offers without agent representation. However, most buyers and sellers use agents because agents have access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which shows most properties on the market, and because agents handle complex paperwork and negotiations.

If you choose not to use an agent, you may want to hire a real estate attorney to review contracts and protect your interests. Attorney fees are typically lower than agent commission but still represent a cost. Understand that without agent representation, you lose access to the MLS and may miss properties that are only shown through agents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use the same agent to buy and sell?

No. You can use different agents for buying and selling, or you can represent yourself in one transaction and use an agent in another. Some people prefer to work with the same agent for continuity; others prefer to shop around each time. There is no requirement either way.

What if an agent shows me a property they listed?

If an agent shows you a property they themselves listed, they represent the seller, not you. You should bring your own buyer's agent to protect your interests, or understand clearly that the listing agent is not working for you. Some buyers choose to represent themselves in this situation, but that puts you at a disadvantage in negotiation.

Can an agent refuse to show me certain properties?

No. Fair housing law prohibits agents from steering you away from properties based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status. If an agent refuses to show you properties in certain neighborhoods or price ranges without a legitimate business reason, that may be discrimination. You can report this to the South Carolina Real Estate Commission or HUD.

What if I sign an agreement with an agent and then want to work with someone else?

Your buyer's or seller's agreement typically has a term—usually 90 days—and an early termination clause. Review your agreement to see what it says about ending the relationship. Some agreements allow you to terminate without penalty; others require you to pay commission or a fee. If you believe the agent breached the agreement, you may have grounds to terminate without penalty.

How much commission do real estate agents charge?

Commission rates vary and are negotiable. There is no standard rate set by law. Typical commission ranges from 4 to 6 percent of the sale price, split between buyer's and seller's agents, but this varies by agent, brokerage, and market. Always ask about commission before you sign an agreement, and understand that commission is paid by the seller's proceeds, not by the buyer directly.