Robbie Buice and The Lachicotte Company: Navigating South Carolina Real Estate
Who Robbie Buice is and what The Lachicotte Company does
Robbie Buice is a real estate agent with The Lachicotte Company, a South Carolina-based firm that handles residential and commercial property sales across the state. Buice works within a brokerage structure, meaning he operates under the company's license and follows its policies while serving individual buyers and sellers. The Lachicotte Company itself has roots in South Carolina's real estate market and maintains offices in multiple communities.
When you work with Buice, you are working with an individual agent who is bound by South Carolina's real estate licensing laws and the National Association of Realtors code of ethics if he holds membership. His role is to represent either a buyer or a seller in a transaction—not both simultaneously, which would create a conflict of interest. Understanding this structure matters because it shapes what Buice can and cannot do on your behalf.
Key Takeaways
- Robbie Buice operates as a licensed agent under The Lachicotte Company, a South Carolina real estate brokerage with multiple office locations.
- Real estate agents in South Carolina must hold an active license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and follow state law and ethical standards.
- An agent represents either the buyer or the seller in a transaction, and this representation shapes what information they can share and what advice they can give.
- The Lachicotte Company's reputation and resources matter because they back the agent's work and handle trust accounts, compliance, and dispute resolution.
How to find Robbie Buice's contact information
The Lachicotte Company maintains a website and office locations where you can reach Buice directly. You can search for him by name on the company's site, which typically lists agent profiles with phone numbers, email addresses, and sometimes specialties or service areas. If you know which Lachicotte office is nearest you, calling that location is often the fastest way to connect with him or leave a message.
You can also verify that Buice holds a current South Carolina real estate license by checking the South Carolina Real Estate Commission's public license lookup tool. This search confirms his license status, any disciplinary history, and which brokerage he is affiliated with. Having this information before you contact him gives you confidence that you are working with a licensed professional.
What to expect when working with a Lachicotte agent
The Lachicotte Company operates as a full-service brokerage, which means it handles the behind-the-scenes work that supports agents like Buice. The company maintains a trust account for earnest money deposits, provides transaction coordination, handles compliance with South Carolina real estate law, and manages disputes or complaints. When you sign a contract with Buice, you are entering into an agreement that The Lachicotte Company will oversee.
As a buyer, Buice would help you search for properties, arrange showings, negotiate offers, and guide you through inspections and closing. As a seller, he would list your property, market it, show it to potential buyers, and manage the offer process. In either case, he works on commission—typically paid by the seller's proceeds at closing—so his financial incentive is to close the sale, not necessarily to get you the best price or terms.
The Lachicotte Company's size and longevity in South Carolina means it has established relationships with title companies, lenders, inspectors, and other professionals in the transaction chain. This network can speed up the process and reduce friction, though it does not may provide a smooth closing.
Understanding representation and conflicts of interest
South Carolina law requires that a real estate agent disclose who he represents before you share confidential information. Buice must tell you whether he represents the buyer, the seller, or neither (in which case he is a "transaction broker" who helps both sides but represents neither). This matters because an agent who represents the seller will not keep your highest offer price confidential if you are a buyer—he is obligated to pass that information to his client.
If you are a buyer working with Buice and he represents the seller, you are not his client. You are the other party. He can still help you navigate the process, but his loyalty is to the seller. If you want an agent whose loyalty is to you, you would sign a buyer representation agreement with Buice or another agent, making you his client. Read any agreement carefully before signing, because it typically commits you to work exclusively with that agent for a set period.
The Lachicotte Company's role in your transaction
The brokerage itself does not appear in your contract, but it is present throughout. The Lachicotte Company holds your earnest money in a trust account, not in Buice's personal account. This protects your deposit and ensures it is returned or applied correctly at closing. The company also ensures that Buice follows South Carolina's disclosure requirements, maintains proper documentation, and meets continuing education standards.
If a problem arises—a dispute over earnest money, a missed deadline, or a complaint about Buice's conduct—The Lachicotte Company is the entity responsible for resolving it. You can file a complaint with the company's broker, and if that does not satisfy you, you can file with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. The brokerage's reputation and track record matter because they reflect how seriously the company takes compliance and client protection.
Questions to ask before you hire Robbie Buice
Before you commit to working with Buice, clarify his experience in your specific situation. If you are selling a commercial property, ask whether he has sold similar properties and what the typical timeline and process look like. If you are buying in a particular neighborhood, ask whether he knows that area well and what inventory looks like there. Ask how he stays in touch during the process and how quickly he typically responds to calls and emails.
Ask about his commission structure and whether it is negotiable. Ask what services The Lachicotte Company provides and what you are responsible for arranging yourself. Ask whether he has any conflicts of interest—for example, whether he owns property in the area or has family connections that might influence his advice. These conversations help you decide whether Buice is the right fit for your needs.
How South Carolina real estate licensing works
Robbie Buice must hold a license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission to work as an agent. This license requires him to pass an exam, complete pre-licensing education, and work under a broker like The Lachicotte Company. He must renew his license every two years and complete continuing education hours to keep it active. If his license is suspended or revoked, he cannot legally represent buyers or sellers.
The South Carolina Real Estate Commission also enforces a code of conduct that requires agents to be honest, disclose material facts, keep client information confidential (within legal limits), and avoid self-dealing. If you believe Buice has violated these standards, you can file a complaint with the Commission. The Commission investigates complaints and can impose discipline ranging from a warning to license revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if Robbie Buice is the right agent for me?
Interview multiple agents before you decide. Ask about their experience with your type of property and your neighborhood, how they market listings or find properties for buyers, and what their communication style is. Check their license status and any disciplinary history through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. Trust your instinct about whether you feel comfortable working with them.
Can I negotiate Robbie Buice's commission?
Commission rates are not set by law and are negotiable between you and the agent. If you are a seller, you can discuss the percentage with Buice before you list. If you are a buyer, you can ask whether the buyer's agent commission is negotiable, though this is less common. Get any agreement in writing before you sign a listing or buyer representation contract.
What happens if I have a problem with Robbie Buice's service?
Start by talking to Buice directly about the issue. If that does not resolve it, contact The Lachicotte Company's broker or office manager. If the company does not satisfy you, file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. Include specific details about what happened, dates, and any documentation. The Commission will investigate and determine whether a violation occurred.
Does working with Robbie Buice cost me anything as a buyer?
No. Buyer's agents are typically paid from the seller's proceeds at closing, so you do not write a check to the agent. However, you are responsible for your own inspection, appraisal, and loan costs. Make sure you understand all closing costs before you sign the purchase agreement.
Can Robbie Buice represent both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction?
South Carolina law allows this only if both parties consent in writing and understand the conflict. In this case, Buice becomes a transaction broker rather than a representative for either side. This arrangement is rare and requires clear disclosure. If you are uncomfortable with it, you can hire your own agent to represent you exclusively.