Sandra Thomas at Realty One Group Freedom — What to Know Before You Meet

Who Sandra Thomas is and where to find her

Sandra Thomas is a real estate agent with Realty One Group Freedom, a brokerage operating in South Carolina. She works with buyers and sellers in the residential real estate market. If you are looking to buy or sell a home in South Carolina, Thomas is one agent among many in the state, and understanding how to work with any agent—including what questions to ask and what to expect—can help you make a more informed decision about representation.

Realty One Group Freedom operates as a franchise of the larger Realty One Group network. The brokerage is based in South Carolina and serves clients across the state. Like all real estate agents in South Carolina, Thomas must hold a current license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission.

Key Takeaways

• Sandra Thomas is a licensed real estate agent with Realty One Group Freedom, a South Carolina brokerage that handles residential buying and selling.
• Before working with any agent, you can verify their license status through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission website.
• Real estate agents typically earn commission based on the sale price of a home, which is usually split between the buyer's and seller's agents.
• You have the right to interview multiple agents and ask about their experience, local market knowledge, and how they plan to market your home or find you a property.

What real estate agents do in South Carolina

A real estate agent's job is to represent either a buyer or a seller (or sometimes both, though this creates a conflict of interest that must be disclosed). On the seller's side, an agent lists the property, markets it, shows it to potential buyers, and negotiates offers. On the buyer's side, an agent searches for properties that match your criteria, arranges showings, and helps you make and negotiate an offer.

In South Carolina, agents must follow the state's real estate laws and the code of ethics set by the National Association of Realtors (if they hold the Realtor designation). They are required to disclose material facts about a property—things that would affect a buyer's decision, like foundation problems or a history of flooding. Agents do not inspect homes; that is the buyer's responsibility through a professional home inspector.

Compensation for agents typically comes from the seller's proceeds at closing. The seller's agent and buyer's agent split a commission that is usually a percentage of the sale price. This means the buyer does not pay the agent directly, though the agent's commission is factored into the overall cost of the transaction.

How to verify an agent's license and background

Before you work with Sandra Thomas or any agent, you can verify their license through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission website. The commission maintains a public database where you can search for any licensed agent by name. This database shows whether the license is current, active, or has been suspended or revoked.

You can also ask Thomas directly for her license number and brokerage affiliation. A legitimate agent will provide this information without hesitation. If you have concerns about an agent's conduct—such as a failure to disclose information, pressure to sign documents, or misrepresentation of a property—you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission.

Questions to ask before hiring an agent

Whether you are buying or selling, it is worth interviewing at least two or three agents before making a decision. Here are questions that matter: How long have you been selling real estate? How many homes have you sold in this neighborhood or price range in the last year? What is your marketing plan (for sellers) or your search strategy (for buyers)? How often will you communicate with me, and through what channels? What are your fees or commission structure? Are you a Realtor, and if so, what does that mean to you?

For sellers, ask how the agent prices homes, whether they use a comparative market analysis, and how they handle showings and feedback from other agents. For buyers, ask how the agent finds off-market listings, whether they have relationships with other agents that might give you early access to new listings, and how they approach negotiation.

You are not obligated to sign an exclusive agreement with an agent on the spot. Take time to think about your choice, and do not let pressure or urgency push you into a decision you are not comfortable with.

Understanding buyer's agents versus seller's agents

A seller's agent (also called a listing agent) represents the person selling the home. Their job is to market the property, show it to potential buyers, and negotiate the best price and terms for the seller. The seller's agent is the one who lists the home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which is how most homes are marketed to other agents and the public.

A buyer's agent represents the person buying the home. They search for properties, arrange showings, and help you make an offer. The buyer's agent is paid from the commission that the seller's agent splits with them—so as a buyer, you do not pay the agent directly. However, this arrangement means the buyer's agent has a financial incentive to close the sale, which is worth keeping in mind during negotiations.

In some cases, an agent may represent both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction. This is called dual agency, and it must be disclosed to both parties in writing. Dual agency creates a conflict of interest because the agent cannot fully advocate for both sides. South Carolina law allows dual agency, but you have the right to refuse it and hire separate agents.

What to expect during the buying or selling process

If you are selling with Sandra Thomas or another agent, the process typically begins with a listing consultation where the agent tours your home, researches comparable sales, and suggests a price. You will sign a listing agreement that gives the agent the right to market and sell your home, usually for a set period (often 90 days to six months). The agent will then list the home on the MLS, create marketing materials, and show it to other agents and the public.

If you are buying, the agent will discuss your budget, preferred location, and must-haves, then search the MLS and other sources for homes that fit. When you find a property you want to make an offer on, the agent will help you draft an offer that includes the price, earnest money deposit, inspection period, and other terms. Once an offer is accepted, the process moves to inspection, appraisal, and financing, with your agent keeping you informed at each step.

Throughout the process, communication matters. A good agent will return calls and emails promptly, explain what is happening at each stage, and answer your questions honestly. If you feel like your agent is not giving you the attention you need, you have the right to end the relationship and find someone else.

Red flags and what to avoid

Be cautious of agents who pressure you to sign documents without reading them, who discourage you from getting a home inspection, or who make promises about sale price or timeline that sound too good to be true. Real estate markets vary, and no agent can may provide a specific price or how quickly a home will sell.

Avoid agents who are vague about their fees or commission structure, who do not disclose conflicts of interest, or who seem more interested in closing a deal than in your actual needs. If an agent tells you to hide information about a property's condition or history, that is a serious red flag—it is illegal and unethical.

If you have a bad experience with an agent, document what happened and consider filing a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. The commission investigates complaints and can take action against agents who violate state law or ethical standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if Sandra Thomas is the right agent for me?

The right agent for you depends on your specific needs, the market you are in, and how well you communicate. Interview at least two agents, ask about their experience in your area, and see how they respond to your questions. Choose someone you trust and who listens to what you want, not someone who pushes you toward a quick decision.

Can I work with multiple agents at the same time?

As a buyer, you can work with multiple agents without signing an exclusive buyer's agreement. However, once you sign an exclusive agreement, you are committed to that agent for a set period. As a seller, you typically sign an exclusive listing agreement with one agent, which means only that agent can list and sell your home during the agreement period.

What if I disagree with my agent's advice?

You do not have to follow your agent's advice. You are the one making the final decision about price, terms, and whether to buy or sell. If you and your agent disagree on major points, it may be a sign that you need a different agent who is a better fit for your goals.

How much does it cost to work with a real estate agent?

As a buyer, you typically do not pay the agent directly—the seller's proceeds cover the commission. As a seller, you pay commission from the sale price, usually split between your agent and the buyer's agent. The exact percentage varies but is negotiable. Ask about the commission structure before you sign a listing agreement.

What should I do if I have a complaint about an agent?

Contact the South Carolina Real Estate Commission with details about what happened, including dates, names, and documents involved. The commission will investigate and can take action against an agent who violates state law or ethical standards, including fines, license suspension, or revocation.