What to Know About Working With Sharee Hairston at Coldwell Banker Realty
Who Sharee Hairston Is and What She Does
Sharee Hairston is a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Realty serving South Carolina buyers and sellers. She works within one of the largest real estate networks in the country, which means she has access to listing databases, market research tools, and support systems that independent agents do not. Her role is to represent either a buyer looking to purchase property or a seller preparing to list—or sometimes both in the same transaction, depending on the arrangement.
Coldwell Banker Realty operates across multiple South Carolina markets and maintains local offices in several regions. Hairston's specific service area, office location, and specialties (such as residential, commercial, investment properties, or particular neighborhoods) determine where and how she can help. Before reaching out, it is worth confirming that her coverage area matches where you are buying or selling.
Key Takeaways
- Sharee Hairston represents buyers or sellers through Coldwell Banker Realty, a national network with local South Carolina offices and access to regional market data.
- Real estate agents typically earn commission only when a sale closes, so their incentive is to help you complete a transaction, not to pressure you into one you do not want.
- Before contacting an agent, confirm their service area covers the neighborhood or county where you plan to buy or sell.
- A buyer's agent costs you nothing directly—the seller's side of the commission pays both agents—while a seller's agent typically takes a percentage of the final sale price.
- Your first conversation with an agent should cover their experience, local market knowledge, and how they plan to market your property or find you a home.
How a Real Estate Agent Works on the Buyer Side
If you are buying a home, an agent like Hairston helps you search listings, schedule showings, understand neighborhoods, and negotiate an offer. She can walk you through the inspection process, appraisal, and closing timeline. She does not charge you a fee; instead, the seller's agent and the buyer's agent split a commission that comes from the seller's proceeds at closing. This arrangement means you have no direct cost to work with her.
A buyer's agent's job includes being honest about a property's condition and neighborhood, even when that honesty might cost the sale. She should also explain what contingencies (like inspection or appraisal contingencies) protect you and what waiving them means. In a competitive market, this guidance matters—offering without contingencies can win a bid, but it also removes your safety net if problems emerge later.
How a Real Estate Agent Works on the Seller Side
If you are selling, Hairston's role includes pricing your home based on comparable sales in your area, staging advice, marketing to other agents and the public, showing your property, and negotiating offers. She typically earns a percentage of the final sale price—often around 5 to 6 percent total, split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent, though this varies and is always negotiable.
A seller's agent should know your local market well enough to price competitively. Overpricing delays a sale and can result in a lower final offer; underpricing leaves money on the table. She should also explain what happens if an offer comes in below asking, what contingencies mean for your timeline, and what closing costs and fees you can expect. Transparency about these details helps you decide whether to accept, counter, or reject an offer.
What to Ask Before You Hire an Agent
When you first speak with Hairston, ask how long she has worked in real estate and how many transactions she has closed in your specific area. Market knowledge matters—an agent who has sold 50 homes in your neighborhood knows the schools, the flood zones, the traffic patterns, and the typical buyer profile in ways an agent who works countywide may not.
Ask how she markets homes if you are selling, or how she searches for homes if you are buying. Does she use social media, open houses, targeted advertising, or direct outreach to other agents? What is her timeline for getting your home in front of buyers, or for finding you a home? Ask what happens if you disagree on price or strategy—can you part ways, or are you locked into a contract? Understand the terms before you sign anything.
If you are buying, ask whether she represents only buyers, only sellers, or both. An agent who represents both sides of a transaction has a potential conflict of interest—she earns the same commission whether the price is high or low, so her incentive to negotiate hard on your behalf may not be as strong. This is not necessarily a dealbreaker, but it is worth knowing.
Understanding Coldwell Banker Realty's Role
Coldwell Banker Realty is the brokerage firm that employs Hairston. The brokerage handles licensing, compliance, trust accounts for earnest money and deposits, and dispute resolution. If you have a complaint about an agent's conduct, you can escalate it to the brokerage's management. Coldwell Banker also provides agents with training, market data, and access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which is the database where most homes for sale are listed.
The brokerage name does not may provide quality—what matters is the individual agent's experience, communication style, and knowledge of your market. A large national brand like Coldwell Banker can be an advantage because of resources and reach, but a smaller local brokerage can sometimes offer more personalized service. Neither is inherently better; it depends on what you need and how you work best.
Red Flags and What to Watch For
Be cautious if an agent pressures you to make an offer quickly, waive contingencies without explaining the risk, or accept a price that feels wrong to you. An agent's commission depends on a sale closing, which creates an incentive to move fast—but your financial security matters more than her timeline. A good agent will explain the trade-offs and let you decide.
If you are selling and an agent suggests a price far above comparable sales in your area, ask why. Sometimes an agent inflates the estimate to win your business, knowing the price will drop later when the home does not sell. Similarly, if an agent dismisses your concerns about a neighborhood or property condition, that is a sign she is not listening to what matters to you.
Before signing any agreement, read it carefully. A buyer representation agreement or seller listing agreement spells out how long the agent represents you, what happens if you find a home on your own, and how disputes are handled. Do not sign anything you do not understand.
Next Steps After You Connect
Once you decide to work with Hairston, you will typically sign a representation agreement that outlines the terms. For buyers, this agreement usually says she will show you homes and help you make an offer; for sellers, it says she will list and market your home for a set period (often 90 days, renewable). The agreement also covers what happens if you want to end the relationship early.
After that, the process depends on whether you are buying or selling. Buyers usually start with a conversation about budget, neighborhood preferences, and timeline, followed by showings. Sellers usually have a home inspection or appraisal, then pricing discussion, then listing. Throughout, your agent should keep you informed and answer questions promptly. If she does not, that is a sign to reconsider the relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay Sharee Hairston a fee to work with her as a buyer?
No. The seller's side of the real estate commission pays both the seller's agent and the buyer's agent. You do not write a check to your agent; the payment comes from the seller's proceeds at closing. This is standard across the industry.
What if I find a home on my own—do I still need an agent?
You do not need one, but having one is often worth it. An agent can negotiate on your behalf, explain contingencies and closing costs, and protect you if problems arise during inspection or appraisal. If you do find a home on your own and want representation, contact the agent before making an offer so she can be included in the transaction.
How long does it usually take to sell a home?
It varies by market, season, price, and condition. In a strong seller's market, homes can sell in weeks; in a slower market, it may take months. Your agent should give you a realistic timeline based on comparable sales in your area and current market conditions.
Can I switch agents if I am not happy?
It depends on your agreement. Most buyer representation agreements allow you to end the relationship with notice, though some have exclusivity periods. Seller listing agreements are typically harder to exit early without penalty. Read your contract and ask about the terms before you sign.
What should I do if I disagree with my agent's advice?
Ask her to explain her reasoning. A good agent will walk you through the market data, comparable sales, or negotiation strategy behind her recommendation. If you still disagree, you can make your own decision—it is your home and your money. If you feel unheard or pressured, that may be a sign to find a different agent.