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What to Know About Working With Rebecca O'Brien as Your South Carolina Real Estate Agent

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

Rebecca O'Brien brings local market knowledge and a background in community connections to real estate transactions across South Carolina

Rebecca O'Brien works as a REALTOR® in South Carolina, helping buyers and sellers navigate property transactions. Her approach centers on understanding the local market—the neighborhoods, the price trends, the schools and amenities that matter to families deciding where to live. If you are buying or selling property in South Carolina, knowing what to expect from working with a real estate agent and what questions to ask can help you make decisions that fit your situation.

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. A REALTOR® designation means the agent is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and agrees to follow a code of ethics. This does not may provide a particular outcome, but it does mean the agent has committed to professional standards and continuing education.

Key Takeaways

  • Real estate agents in South Carolina are licensed by the state and must follow fair housing laws and ethical guidelines.
  • A REALTOR® is an agent who belongs to the National Association of REALTORS® and agrees to uphold a professional code of ethics.
  • Agents typically earn commission based on the sale price, paid by the seller's side of the transaction, though this varies by agreement.
  • Before hiring an agent, you can ask about their experience in your neighborhood, their process for buying or selling, and how they communicate with clients.
  • Your agent should explain the contract, timeline, and costs involved before you sign any paperwork.

What a Real Estate Agent Does in a Buyer Transaction

If you are buying property, an agent typically helps you search for homes that match your needs, schedule showings, and understand the local market. They can explain what homes in a given neighborhood have sold for recently and help you make an offer that reflects current conditions. They also coordinate inspections, appraisals, and the closing process—the final steps where you sign documents and receive the keys.

An agent does not make the decision to buy or sell for you. They provide information about the market, the property, and the process so you can decide. They should explain what contingencies are (conditions that must be met for the sale to go through), what inspections reveal, and what your obligations are under the contract. If something is unclear, ask them to explain it again in different words until it makes sense.

What a Real Estate Agent Does in a Seller Transaction

If you are selling, an agent typically lists your property on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), a database that other agents and buyers search. They price the home based on comparable sales in your area, market it through photos and descriptions, and show it to potential buyers. They also handle offers, negotiate terms, and coordinate inspections and appraisals on the buyer's side.

Sellers usually pay commission to both the listing agent (who represents the seller) and the buyer's agent (who represents the buyer). The amount is negotiable and is typically a percentage of the sale price, though this varies. Your agent should explain the commission structure and what services are included before you sign a listing agreement. You can also ask what marketing tools they use—online platforms, open houses, direct outreach to other agents—and how often they will update you on showings and offers.

How to Decide if an Agent Is Right for Your Situation

Before working with any agent, consider whether they know the area where you want to buy or sell. An agent with deep roots in a neighborhood often knows which streets are quieter, where schools are strong, what the rental market looks like, and which properties tend to hold value. They can also tell you about upcoming development, road projects, or changes that might affect your decision.

Ask potential agents about their experience, how long they have been licensed, and how many transactions they have closed in the past year. You can also ask for references from past clients. Find out how they communicate—by phone, email, text—and how often they will check in with you. Some agents are very hands-on; others expect you to take a more active role. Neither is wrong, but knowing the difference helps you choose someone whose style matches yours.

You are not locked into working with the first agent you meet. You can interview multiple agents, ask the same questions, and choose the one who seems most knowledgeable and trustworthy. If you are unhamiliar with the South Carolina real estate market or a particular neighborhood, an agent who takes time to explain things clearly is worth more than one who rushes through the process.

Understanding Contracts and Timelines in South Carolina

South Carolina real estate transactions follow state law and use standard contracts developed by the South Carolina REALTOR® Association. These contracts spell out the price, the closing date, what inspections will happen, and what happens if something goes wrong. They also include contingencies—for example, the sale may be contingent on the buyer getting a mortgage or the home passing inspection.

Closing typically takes 30 to 45 days from the time an offer is accepted, though this can vary. During that time, the buyer arranges financing, the lender orders an appraisal, inspectors examine the property, and a title company searches the property records to make sure the seller actually owns it and no liens are attached. Your agent should explain each step and what to expect at closing, when you sign final documents and receive or transfer the keys.

Questions to Ask Before You Hire an Agent

Start by asking about their experience in your specific neighborhood or the neighborhoods where you want to buy. Ask how many homes they have sold in the past year and how long homes typically stay on the market in their area. This gives you a sense of whether the market is moving quickly or slowly and whether the agent has recent, relevant experience.

Ask about their process: How do they price homes? How do they market listings? How do they handle offers and negotiations? What happens if a deal falls through? Ask how they stay in touch with clients and how quickly they respond to calls or messages. Ask whether they work alone or as part of a team, and if they work with other agents, who will be handling your transaction day-to-day.

Ask about costs and fees. In most transactions, the seller pays commission, which is split between the listing agent and the buyer's agent. But ask your agent to explain this clearly so there are no surprises. If you are a buyer, ask whether the agent's commission is already built into the offer or whether you will owe anything out of pocket. If you are a seller, ask what the total commission will be and what services are included.

How to Verify an Agent's License and Background

You can verify that an agent holds a current South Carolina real estate license by visiting the South Carolina Real Estate Commission website and searching their database. This tells you whether the license is active, whether there are any disciplinary actions on record, and what type of license they hold (broker, salesperson, or property manager).

You can also search online for reviews from past clients, though remember that reviews are subjective and may not reflect your own experience. If an agent has been in business for many years and has a strong reputation in their community, that is often a good sign. If you know people who have bought or sold in South Carolina, ask them who they worked with and what their experience was like.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use a real estate agent to buy or sell property in South Carolina?

No. You can buy or sell without an agent, though you will handle marketing, showings, negotiations, and paperwork yourself. Many people hire an agent because they lack time, market knowledge, or experience with contracts and closing. An agent typically handles these tasks in exchange for commission.

What if I want to work with an agent but I am not sure about the commission?

Commission is negotiable. You can discuss the percentage and what services are included before you sign a listing agreement. Some agents may offer lower commission if you are selling a high-value property or if you agree to a longer listing period. Ask what you get for the commission—marketing, open houses, professional photography, yard signs—and whether any services cost extra.

Can an agent represent both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction?

Yes, but this is called dual agency and it creates a conflict of interest because the agent cannot fully advocate for both sides. South Carolina law allows dual agency if both parties consent in writing. Before agreeing, understand that the agent's loyalty is divided and they cannot push as hard for your side as they would if they represented only you.

What should I do if I disagree with my agent about price or strategy?

Talk to them directly. Explain your concerns and ask them to explain their reasoning. If you still disagree, you can ask for a different agent within the same brokerage or end the relationship and hire someone else. If you are under a listing agreement, there may be a cancellation clause; ask your agent about this before you sign.

How long does a typical real estate transaction take in South Carolina?

From offer to closing usually takes 30 to 45 days, though it can be faster or slower depending on financing, inspections, and appraisals. Your agent should give you a timeline at the start and update you as the process moves forward. Delays often happen during inspections or appraisal reviews, so build in extra time if you have a move-in deadline.