What to Know About Working With Shannon Garrett at Coldwell Banker Chicora

Shannon Garrett brings local market knowledge and a focus on client relationships to South Carolina real estate transactions

Shannon Garrett is a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Chicora Real Estate, one of South Carolina's established brokerages. She works with buyers and sellers across the state, drawing on familiarity with local neighborhoods, market conditions, and the practical steps involved in buying or selling property. If you are considering working with a real estate agent, understanding what an agent does and what to expect from the relationship will help you decide whether Garrett's approach fits your needs.

Real estate agents represent either buyers or sellers (or both, in some transactions) and handle the logistics of listing, showing, negotiating, and closing property sales. They access the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which shows all active listings in a region, and they coordinate inspections, appraisals, and paperwork. Coldwell Banker is a national franchise with local offices; agents operating under that brand have access to the company's systems, training, and marketing resources, though each agent's experience and service style varies.

Key Takeaways

• Real estate agents work on commission, typically paid by the seller at closing, and represent either the buyer or the seller in a transaction.
• Coldwell Banker Chicora is a franchise brokerage, meaning local agents operate under a national brand but run their own practices within that framework.
• Before hiring any agent, ask about their experience in your specific neighborhood or property type and request references from recent clients.
• Buyer's agents and seller's agents have different responsibilities; clarify which role an agent will play before you sign any agreement.
• Real estate transactions involve legal documents, deadlines, and contingencies; an agent's job is to guide you through those steps, not to provide legal advice.

How real estate agents are paid and what that means for you

Real estate agents earn commission, which is a percentage of the final sale price. In most South Carolina transactions, the seller's agent and buyer's agent split the commission, and the seller typically pays the total amount at closing. This structure means a buyer's agent costs you nothing out of pocket—the seller's proceeds cover both agents' fees. However, it also means the agent's incentive is tied to the sale price and the speed of closing.

Commission rates are negotiable and vary by agent and brokerage. There is no standard percentage set by law or by Coldwell Banker; you can discuss rates directly with any agent you are considering. Some agents work on flat fees or hourly rates instead, though commission-based arrangements remain most common in South Carolina. Understanding how an agent is paid helps you recognize potential conflicts of interest and ask clarifying questions about their recommendations.

What to expect when you work with a seller's agent

If you are selling property, a seller's agent (also called a listing agent) prepares your home for market, photographs and describes it, lists it on the MLS, shows it to other agents and their clients, negotiates offers, and coordinates inspections and appraisals. They also help you understand your home's market value, advise on pricing strategy, and handle the paperwork leading up to closing. The listing agent's commission comes from the seller's proceeds.

A seller's agent works for you, not for the buyer, even though the buyer may have their own agent. This means the listing agent's job is to get you the best price and terms possible. They should disclose any offers in writing, explain the strengths and weaknesses of each one, and let you make the final decision on which to accept. Before hiring a listing agent, ask how many homes they have sold in your neighborhood in the past year and request contact information for recent sellers so you can ask about their experience.

What to expect when you work with a buyer's agent

If you are buying property, a buyer's agent shows you homes that match your criteria, explains neighborhoods and market conditions, helps you understand what you can afford, and negotiates on your behalf when you make an offer. They also coordinate the inspection, review the appraisal, and help you navigate contingencies—conditions that must be met for the sale to close, such as a satisfactory home inspection or a mortgage approval. The buyer's agent's commission is typically paid by the seller at closing.

A buyer's agent represents your interests, not the seller's. They should be honest about a home's condition and neighborhood, even if that honesty costs them the sale. Many buyer's agents will also help you understand the mortgage process and connect you with lenders. Before working with a buyer's agent, ask whether they work exclusively with buyers or also represent sellers; some agents do both, which can create conflicts. Also ask how long they have worked in the areas where you want to buy and whether they have recent experience with the type of property you are seeking.

Questions to ask before hiring Shannon Garrett or any agent

Start by clarifying the agent's role: Are they representing you as a buyer, or will they list your home as a seller's agent? Ask about their experience in your specific neighborhood or with your property type—a home in downtown Charleston requires different expertise than a rural acreage in the Upstate. Request the names and phone numbers of three to five clients from the past year so you can ask about their experience directly.

Ask how the agent prices homes (for sellers) or estimates your buying power (for buyers). Ask what happens if you disagree with their recommendation. Ask how often they will communicate with you and through what channels. Ask whether they handle all the paperwork or whether you will work with a separate closing attorney (South Carolina requires a real estate attorney at closing, so clarify who coordinates with yours). Ask what happens if the transaction falls through—will they refund any fees, or are there penalties for backing out?

Finally, ask about their marketing strategy if you are selling, or their search process if you are buying. A seller's agent should explain how they will advertise your home beyond the MLS. A buyer's agent should explain whether they search the MLS actively, attend open houses, or network with other agents to find off-market deals. These details reveal how seriously an agent pursues your goals.

Understanding contracts and contingencies in South Carolina

Once an offer is accepted, you will sign a purchase agreement—a legal contract that outlines the price, closing date, and conditions of the sale. South Carolina purchase agreements typically include contingencies for a home inspection, appraisal, and mortgage approval. A contingency means the buyer can back out of the contract if that condition is not met; for example, if the appraisal comes in lower than the offer price, the buyer can renegotiate or walk away.

Your agent will explain these contingencies and help you understand the deadlines for each one. However, your agent cannot provide legal advice; South Carolina law requires a real estate attorney to review your contract and represent you at closing. Your agent will coordinate with your attorney and the seller's agent, but the attorney is your legal advocate. Make sure you understand every contingency and deadline before you sign, and do not hesitate to ask your attorney to explain anything in the contract.

Red flags and how to protect yourself

Be cautious of any agent who pressures you to make a quick decision, dismisses your concerns about a property or neighborhood, or discourages you from having an inspection. Be cautious of agents who refuse to put agreements in writing or who are vague about commission rates and fees. Be cautious of agents who make promises about how much your home will sell for or how quickly it will sell—no one can may provide those outcomes.

Always get everything in writing: the commission rate, the length of the listing agreement (if you are selling), the scope of services, and any fees beyond commission. Read your purchase agreement carefully and have your attorney review it before you sign. If an agent is not responsive to your calls or emails, or if you feel they are not representing your interests, you have the right to end the relationship and hire someone else. Real estate is one of the largest financial decisions most people make; take time to find an agent you trust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work with a buyer's agent if I find a home I want to buy on my own?

Yes. Even if you find the listing yourself, you can hire a buyer's agent to represent you in the negotiation and closing. The seller's agent typically splits their commission with the buyer's agent, so bringing in your own agent does not cost you extra. However, clarify this arrangement before you make an offer, because some sellers prefer to work directly with buyers who do not have representation.

What if I want to sell my home without an agent?

You can sell your home yourself, called a "for sale by owner" or FSBO sale. You will need to list the property, show it, negotiate offers, and coordinate closing with a real estate attorney. You will also need to understand South Carolina's disclosure requirements and contract law. Many sellers find this process time-consuming and risky; hiring an agent costs commission but often results in a higher sale price and fewer headaches.

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

Most transactions take 30 to 45 days from offer acceptance to closing, though this varies. The timeline depends on how quickly inspections and appraisals are completed, how fast the mortgage lender works, and whether any issues arise during the process. Your agent and attorney will outline the expected timeline when you sign the purchase agreement.

What is the difference between a real estate agent and a real estate attorney?

A real estate agent handles marketing, showing, and negotiating the sale. A real estate attorney reviews the contract, ensures your legal rights are protected, and represents you at closing. South Carolina requires an attorney at closing; your agent will coordinate with them, but they serve different roles.

Can I negotiate the agent's commission?

Yes. Commission rates are negotiable between you and the agent. There is no set percentage, and you can discuss rates before you sign a listing agreement or buyer's agent agreement. Some agents may negotiate lower rates for high-value properties or for clients who are easy to work with; others may not. It never hurts to ask.