Sharon Tootell at Coldwell Banker Caine — What to Know Before You Meet
Who Sharon Tootell is and what she does
Sharon Tootell is a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Caine, one of South Carolina's largest independent real estate firms. She works with buyers and sellers in the South Carolina market, helping clients navigate property transactions from listing to closing. Her role involves marketing properties, showing homes to potential buyers, negotiating offers, and coordinating the paperwork and inspections that come with buying or selling real estate.
Coldwell Banker Caine operates across multiple South Carolina locations and is part of the Coldwell Banker network, which means Tootell has access to regional and national listing databases, marketing tools, and training resources. When you work with her, you're working with an agent backed by a larger brokerage infrastructure, not a solo operator.
Key Takeaways
- Sharon Tootell is a Coldwell Banker Caine agent who represents buyers, sellers, or both in South Carolina real estate transactions.
- Coldwell Banker Caine is an independent brokerage with multiple offices across South Carolina and access to regional and national listing networks.
- Before meeting with any agent, you should clarify whether they represent you as a buyer's agent, seller's agent, or both, and what their commission structure is.
- Real estate agents in South Carolina must hold an active license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and follow state and federal fair housing laws.
- You can verify an agent's license and complaint history through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission website.
How to find Sharon Tootell's contact information
The most direct way to reach Sharon Tootell is through the Coldwell Banker Caine website or by calling the local Coldwell Banker Caine office nearest to the area where you want to buy or sell. Coldwell Banker Caine maintains multiple offices throughout South Carolina, so you can search by location to find the branch closest to you.
You can also search for her name on major real estate platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, or Trulia, which often list agent profiles with contact details, past sales, and client reviews. These platforms let you see her transaction history and read what previous clients have written about working with her.
What to ask an agent before you commit
Before you sign any agreement or list your home, have a conversation with Sharon Tootell about how she works. Ask whether she represents buyers, sellers, or both, and whether she would be your exclusive agent or whether you could work with other agents at the same time. Ask what her commission is and whether it's negotiable. In South Carolina, commission rates are not set by law—they're negotiated between the agent and the client—so this is always a conversation to have upfront.
If you're selling, ask how she markets homes, what her average days-on-market is for properties similar to yours, and whether she has a buyer's agent network or access to off-market deals. If you're buying, ask whether she represents you exclusively or whether she also represents sellers, which creates a conflict of interest you should understand before proceeding.
Ask for references from past clients and take time to read reviews on third-party sites. Ask about her experience in the specific neighborhood or price range you're interested in. The more specific your questions, the clearer picture you'll have of whether her approach matches what you need.
Understanding buyer's agents versus seller's agents
In South Carolina, a real estate agent typically represents either the buyer or the seller, though some agents work with both (called a "dual agent"). This matters because the agent's legal duty is to their client, not to the other party. If Sharon Tootell represents the seller, her job is to get the highest price and best terms for that seller. If she represents you as a buyer, her job is to negotiate the best price and terms for you.
If you're a buyer working with a buyer's agent, that agent is usually paid through the seller's commission—the seller's agent splits their commission with the buyer's agent. This means you typically don't pay the buyer's agent directly. However, you should still clarify this arrangement before you start looking at homes together.
If you're selling your home and Sharon Tootell is your listing agent, she will market your property and represent your interests in negotiations. She will also coordinate with the buyer's agent to facilitate the sale.
Verifying an agent's license and background
South Carolina requires all real estate agents to hold an active license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. You can verify Sharon Tootell's license status, check for any disciplinary actions, and see her license history by visiting the South Carolina Real Estate Commission website and using their license lookup tool.
This verification step takes five minutes and gives you peace of mind that the person you're working with is legally authorized to conduct real estate transactions in the state. The lookup also shows whether any complaints have been filed against her and what the outcomes were. If you see a pattern of complaints or unresolved issues, that's a signal to ask follow-up questions or consider working with someone else.
What happens after you hire an agent
Once you decide to work with Sharon Tootell, you'll sign an agreement that outlines the terms of your relationship. If you're selling, this is a listing agreement that gives her the right to market and sell your home for a set commission. If you're buying, this is a buyer's agent agreement that confirms she represents you and outlines how she's compensated.
From that point forward, she'll handle the day-to-day work: scheduling showings, submitting or reviewing offers, coordinating inspections and appraisals, and keeping you informed as the transaction moves toward closing. She'll also connect you with other professionals you'll need, like a mortgage lender, home inspector, or title company, depending on whether you're buying or selling.
The process typically takes 30 to 45 days from offer acceptance to closing, though it can be faster or slower depending on financing, inspections, and other factors. Your agent should keep you updated at each stage and explain what's happening and what you need to do next.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if Sharon Tootell is the right agent for me?
The right agent is someone with experience in your specific market (neighborhood, price range, or property type), clear communication, and a track record you can verify through past clients and sales data. Meet with a few agents, ask the same questions of each, and choose the one whose answers and approach feel like the best fit for your situation.
Can I work with Sharon Tootell if I'm already working with another agent?
That depends on your agreement with the first agent. If you signed an exclusive buyer's agent agreement, you're legally bound to work only with that agent for a set period. If you didn't sign an exclusive agreement, you can work with multiple agents, though most agents prefer exclusivity. Always check your existing agreement before starting with a new agent.
What if I have a problem with my agent?
Start by talking directly with Sharon Tootell or her broker about the issue. If it's not resolved, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission, which investigates violations of state real estate law and can take disciplinary action if warranted.
Do I have to pay Sharon Tootell's commission if I find a buyer or seller on my own?
That depends on your agreement with her. Most listing agreements say that if you sell the property during the listing period—even to someone you found yourself—the agent still gets paid. Buyer's agent agreements vary. Always read the fine print of any agreement before you sign.
How much does a real estate agent cost in South Carolina?
Commission rates are negotiable and not set by law. Rates typically range from 4 to 6 percent of the sale price, split between the listing agent and the buyer's agent, but this varies by agent, brokerage, and market. Always discuss commission before you commit to working with an agent.