What to Know About Working With Rome Prince at Fathom Realty
Rome Prince brings local knowledge and transaction experience to South Carolina real estate
Rome Prince is a real estate agent with Fathom Realty, a national brokerage that operates in South Carolina. If you are buying or selling property in the state, understanding what an agent does, how they work, and what questions to ask before hiring one will help you make a decision that fits your situation.
An agent's role is to represent you in a real estate transaction—either as a buyer's agent helping you find and negotiate for a property, or a seller's agent marketing your home and managing offers. Agents are licensed by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and must follow state law and ethical standards. They earn commission, typically paid by the seller and split between the seller's agent and buyer's agent, which means you do not pay an agent directly if you are a buyer.
Rome Prince works under the Fathom Realty brand, which operates as a discount or flat-fee brokerage model in some markets. This means commission structures may differ from traditional brokerages. Before engaging any agent, it is worth asking directly how their compensation works and what services are included in that fee.
Key Takeaways
- Real estate agents in South Carolina must be licensed by the state and operate under a code of ethics that governs how they handle transactions and client money.
- Buyer's agents are typically paid from the seller's proceeds, so you do not pay them directly as a buyer, but you should still confirm what services they provide.
- Seller's agents market your home, show it to other agents, and negotiate offers on your behalf in exchange for a percentage of the sale price.
- Fathom Realty operates under a different business model than traditional brokerages, so asking about fees, services, and what is included upfront prevents surprises later.
- Before hiring any agent, ask for references, clarify what they will do for you, and understand how and when they are paid.
What agents do in a buyer transaction
If you are buying a home, a buyer's agent helps you search for properties that match your needs, schedules showings, explains the local market, and advises you on making an offer. They also help you understand inspection reports, appraisals, and closing documents. In South Carolina, a buyer's agent should know local property taxes, school districts, flood zones, and neighborhood conditions that affect value.
The buyer's agent negotiates on your behalf when you make an offer and handles back-and-forth communication with the seller's agent. They coordinate with your lender and title company to keep the transaction moving toward closing. Because their commission comes from the seller's side of the deal, there is no direct cost to you, but you should still confirm in writing what services they will provide and whether there are any additional fees.
What agents do in a seller transaction
A seller's agent lists your home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which is how other agents and their buyers see it. They price the home based on comparable sales in your area, stage or advise on staging, arrange professional photography, and market the listing through their brokerage's channels and public sites. They hold open houses or private showings and communicate feedback from other agents.
When offers come in, the seller's agent explains each one, advises you on negotiation strategy, and handles counteroffers. They coordinate inspections, appraisals, and repairs if the buyer requests them. At closing, they make sure all documents are signed and the sale is recorded. The seller's agent's commission is a percentage of the final sale price, paid from your proceeds at closing.
How Fathom Realty's model differs from traditional brokerages
Fathom Realty operates as a technology-forward brokerage with a different fee structure than many traditional real estate companies. Instead of charging agents a percentage of every commission, Fathom typically charges a flat monthly fee or a per-transaction fee. This can mean lower commissions for sellers in some cases, but it also means the services offered may be different.
Before working with Rome Prince or any Fathom agent, ask specifically: What is the commission or fee structure? What services are included? Are there any add-on costs for marketing, photography, or other services? Does Fathom offer buyer's agent commission, or do you need to negotiate that separately? Getting these details in writing protects you and prevents confusion later.
Questions to ask before hiring an agent
Whether you are buying or selling, ask any agent these questions before you sign an agreement: How long have you been licensed and working in this area? Can you provide references from recent clients? What is your commission or fee, and when is it paid? What specific services will you provide? How often will you communicate with me, and through what channels? If you are selling, ask how they will market your home and what the timeline looks like. If you are buying, ask how they search for properties and whether they work with buyers in your price range and neighborhoods.
Ask about their experience with transactions similar to yours—whether that is a first-time home purchase, a commercial property, a short sale, or a property that needs work. Ask what happens if the transaction falls through or takes longer than expected. Get everything in writing, including the fee agreement and what you can expect at each stage.
Understanding licensing and accountability in South Carolina
All real estate agents in South Carolina, including those at Fathom Realty, must hold a license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. Licensing requires passing an exam, completing pre-license education, and working under a broker. Brokers are responsible for supervising their agents and ensuring they follow state law and ethical rules.
If you have a complaint about an agent's conduct—such as misrepresentation, failure to disclose information, or mishandling of client funds—you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. The commission investigates complaints and can take disciplinary action, including suspending or revoking a license. Knowing this exists gives you recourse if something goes wrong, but it also means asking questions upfront and getting agreements in writing is your best protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay a buyer's agent if I work with one?
No. The buyer's agent's commission is typically paid from the seller's proceeds and split between the seller's agent and buyer's agent. However, you should confirm this in writing before you start working together, and you should understand what services are included in that arrangement.
What if I want to work with Rome Prince but I am not sure about Fathom Realty's fees?
Contact Rome Prince directly and ask for a written explanation of how commission works, what services are included, and whether there are any additional costs. A good agent will provide this information clearly and answer follow-up questions. If something is unclear, ask again before you sign anything.
Can I negotiate the real estate agent's commission?
Yes. Commission is negotiable, especially on the seller's side. If you are selling, you can discuss the percentage with your agent before listing. If you are buying, you can ask whether the buyer's agent commission is negotiable, though this is less common. Everything depends on the local market and the agent's willingness to negotiate.
What should I do if I have a problem with my agent during a transaction?
First, communicate directly with the agent and try to resolve it. If that does not work, contact their broker—every agent works under a broker who supervises them. If the issue involves unethical conduct or a violation of state law, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission.
How do I know if an agent is experienced in my area or type of transaction?
Ask for references from recent clients in your neighborhood or with a similar transaction type. Ask how many homes they have sold or helped buyers purchase in the past year. Ask about their knowledge of local schools, taxes, flood zones, or other factors that matter to you. Experience matters, and a good agent will have concrete examples to share.