What to Know About Working With Sarah Peloquin at Allen Tate

Sarah Peloquin brings local market knowledge and a client-focused approach to South Carolina real estate

Sarah Peloquin is a real estate agent with Allen Tate, one of the largest independent real estate companies operating in the Carolinas. She works with buyers and sellers across South Carolina, drawing on familiarity with local neighborhoods, market conditions, and the practical steps involved in buying or selling a home. If you are considering working with a real estate agent, understanding what an agent does and what to expect from the process can help you decide whether representation is right for your situation.

Real estate agents represent either buyers or sellers (or both, in some transactions) and handle the logistics of listing, marketing, showing, negotiating, and closing a property sale. They are licensed professionals who must follow state and federal real estate law, maintain ethical standards set by their brokerage, and disclose their role and any conflicts of interest to all parties in a transaction.

Key Takeaways

• Sarah Peloquin works through Allen Tate, a regional brokerage with offices across South Carolina, and can assist with buying, selling, or both depending on your needs.
• Real estate agents are paid by commission, typically split between the buyer's agent and seller's agent, and this structure is built into the sale price negotiation.
• An agent's role includes market analysis, property marketing, showing coordination, negotiation support, and guidance through closing—tasks that vary significantly depending on whether you are buying or selling.
• You can interview multiple agents before committing to representation, and asking about their experience in your specific neighborhood or price range helps you assess fit.
• Working with an agent is optional; some buyers and sellers choose to navigate transactions independently or hire transaction coordinators instead.

What a real estate agent does in a sale

When a homeowner lists a property for sale, the agent typically handles pricing strategy based on comparable sales in the area, professional photography and description, listing placement on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), marketing to other agents and the public, scheduling and conducting showings, and fielding and presenting offers. The agent also advises on negotiation, coordinates inspections and appraisals, manages contingencies, and shepherds the transaction through closing.

In South Carolina, the seller's agent is responsible for disclosing known defects and property condition to potential buyers, and for following state-specific disclosure laws. Sarah Peloquin, as an Allen Tate agent, operates under the company's policies and South Carolina's real estate licensing requirements, which include continuing education and adherence to the South Carolina Real Estate Commission's rules.

What a real estate agent does in a purchase

A buyer's agent helps you search for properties that match your criteria, arranges showings, provides market context and pricing insight, advises on offer strategy, negotiates on your behalf, and coordinates inspections, appraisals, and financing contingencies. The agent also reviews contracts, flags potential issues, and guides you through closing.

One common question is whether using a buyer's agent costs you money. In most transactions, the seller's agent and buyer's agent split a commission that comes from the seller's proceeds—typically 5 to 6 percent of the sale price, though this varies by market and negotiation. This means a buyer does not pay the agent directly, but the cost is factored into the overall sale price. If you choose not to use an agent as a buyer, the seller's agent may keep the full commission or the seller may reduce the asking price.

How to decide if you want agent representation

Working with an agent is not required. Some sellers list their homes independently (called "for sale by owner" or FSBO), and some buyers search for properties on their own and negotiate directly with sellers or their agents. However, most transactions involve agents on at least one side, because agents have access to the MLS, professional networks, and experience with contract law and closing logistics.

If you are selling, an agent can market your home to a wider audience and handle the time-intensive work of showings and negotiations. If you are buying, an agent can save you time by filtering properties and can advocate for your interests during negotiation. If you are unfamiliar with South Carolina real estate law, local market conditions, or the closing process, representation can reduce the risk of costly mistakes.

If you decide representation is right for you, you can interview multiple agents before signing a listing agreement or buyer representation agreement. Ask about their experience in your neighborhood, their marketing approach (if you are selling), their negotiation style, and their availability. There is no obligation to work with the first agent you speak with.

Understanding how commission works

Real estate agents are paid by commission, not salary. The commission is a percentage of the final sale price and is paid from the seller's proceeds at closing. The seller's agent and buyer's agent typically split this amount, though the exact split is negotiated between the agents and their brokerages.

Commission rates are not set by law or by any central authority—they are negotiable between the seller and the listing agent. In South Carolina, rates typically range from 5 to 6 percent of the sale price, but this can vary. A lower commission rate means less money to the agent and brokerage; a higher rate means more. Some agents or brokerages offer flat fees or reduced rates for certain transaction types.

If you are a seller, you negotiate the commission rate when you sign a listing agreement with your agent. If you are a buyer, you do not negotiate commission directly, but your agent's commission comes from the seller's side of the deal. This is why some buyers wonder whether they should negotiate the buyer's agent commission as part of their offer—this is legally permissible in South Carolina, though it is uncommon and can complicate negotiations.

Allen Tate's role and what to expect

Allen Tate is the brokerage that employs Sarah Peloquin. The brokerage provides training, support, access to the MLS, compliance oversight, and trust account management (where earnest money and other client funds are held). When you work with Sarah Peloquin, you are also working with Allen Tate's systems and policies.

Allen Tate has multiple offices across South Carolina, which can be useful if you are relocating or buying in a different part of the state. The company also maintains a website where listings are displayed, and agents use the company's marketing tools and transaction management systems. If you have a question or concern about your transaction, you can typically reach out to Sarah Peloquin directly, or escalate to the local office manager or compliance team if needed.

Questions to ask before you commit

Before signing a representation agreement, consider asking a prospective agent about their experience in your specific neighborhood or price range, how they market properties (if you are selling), their average time on market, their negotiation approach, and their availability for showings or client communication. You can also ask for references from past clients, though agents are not required to provide them.

If you are selling, ask whether the agent recommends any repairs or updates before listing, what the estimated list price range is based on comparable sales, and what the marketing plan includes. If you are buying, ask how the agent finds off-market or pocket listings, how they handle multiple-offer situations, and what their response time is for showing requests or questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You can sell your home independently or buy directly from a seller without agent representation. However, most transactions involve at least one agent because agents have MLS access, legal knowledge, and experience with closing logistics. Selling or buying without an agent requires you to handle marketing, showings, contracts, and negotiations yourself.

What happens if I want to switch agents after I've signed a representation agreement?

Representation agreements typically have a term (often 90 days for sellers, or until you find a property for buyers) and may include early termination clauses. If you want to end the agreement early, contact your agent and brokerage in writing. Some agreements allow termination without penalty; others may have conditions. Review your agreement or ask your agent about the terms before signing.

Can I negotiate the real estate commission?

Yes. Commission rates are negotiable between you and your agent. If you are selling, you discuss the rate when you sign a listing agreement. If you are buying, commission is typically paid from the seller's side, but you can propose a different arrangement as part of your offer. Keep in mind that offering a lower buyer's agent commission may discourage some agents from showing your property.

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

From listing to closing, a typical transaction takes 30 to 45 days, though this varies based on financing, inspections, appraisals, and any issues that arise. Cash sales can close faster; transactions with contingencies or repairs may take longer. Your agent can give you a more specific timeline based on your situation.

What should I do if I have a complaint about my agent or the brokerage?

Start by speaking directly with your agent or the local office manager to resolve the issue. If you are not satisfied, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission, which oversees licensing and enforces ethical standards. The commission's website has a complaint form and information about the process.