What to Know About Working With Sue Tanner at Keller Williams Realty

Sue Tanner's background and focus areas

Sue Tanner is a real estate agent with Keller Williams Realty who works with buyers and sellers across South Carolina. Her background includes experience in residential real estate transactions, and she works within the Keller Williams network, which operates through a franchise model with local offices throughout the state.

Like other agents at Keller Williams, Tanner has access to the company's technology platform and training resources. Keller Williams agents typically specialize in specific neighborhoods, price ranges, or transaction types—whether that's first-time home purchases, investment properties, or relocations. Understanding what a particular agent focuses on helps you determine whether their experience matches your situation.

Key Takeaways

• Sue Tanner is a Keller Williams Realty agent in South Carolina who works with both buyers and sellers on residential real estate transactions.
• Keller Williams agents use the company's MLS access and digital tools, but individual agents vary in their specialties, neighborhoods, and experience levels.
• Before contacting any agent, clarify what type of transaction you need help with and what area of South Carolina you're buying or selling in.
• Real estate agents are paid by commission from the sale price, typically split between the buyer's and seller's agents, so understanding this structure helps you evaluate their incentives.

How Keller Williams agents work with buyers

When you work with a buyer's agent like those at Keller Williams, the agent shows you properties, helps you understand the local market, and represents your interests during negotiation and closing. The buyer's agent is typically paid from the commission the seller's agent receives—so you do not pay the buyer's agent directly out of pocket.

Keller Williams agents have access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) in their region, which shows all properties listed for sale. They can search by price, location, property type, and other features. An agent can also help you understand what similar homes have sold for recently, what inspections and appraisals typically reveal in your target area, and what financing options might work for your situation.

How Keller Williams agents work with sellers

A seller's agent lists your home on the MLS, markets it to other agents and the public, schedules showings, and negotiates offers on your behalf. The seller pays the commission, which is typically split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent. This commission is usually a percentage of the sale price, though the exact percentage is negotiable.

Keller Williams agents help sellers price their home competitively by analyzing recent sales of comparable properties in the area. They also advise on staging, repairs, or improvements that might increase appeal to buyers. The agent coordinates with the buyer's agent, handles the paperwork, and manages the timeline from listing to closing.

What to ask before you contact an agent

Before reaching out to Sue Tanner or any real estate agent, think about what you actually need. Are you buying or selling? What area of South Carolina are you interested in—a specific neighborhood, city, or county? What price range are you working within? Do you have financing already in place, or do you need guidance on that step?

Agents often specialize. One agent might focus on waterfront properties in the Lowcountry, while another specializes in first-time buyers in the Midlands, and a third works primarily with investment properties. Matching your needs to an agent's experience makes the process smoother. You can ask an agent directly about their experience in your target area and with your type of transaction.

Understanding real estate agent compensation

Real estate agents earn money only when a sale closes. They do not receive a salary from Keller Williams; instead, they pay a portion of their commission to the company in exchange for access to the MLS, training, technology, and office space. This means an agent's income depends entirely on completed transactions.

This structure shapes how agents work. A buyer's agent has an incentive to help you find a home and close the deal, but they also benefit if you buy a more expensive property. A seller's agent benefits from a higher sale price. Understanding these incentives helps you think clearly about what advice to trust and what questions to ask.

How to find and contact a Keller Williams agent

Keller Williams has offices throughout South Carolina. You can visit the Keller Williams website and search for agents by location, or you can contact a local office directly and ask for an agent who works in your target area. Many agents also maintain their own websites, social media pages, or online listings where you can see their recent sales and read reviews from past clients.

When you contact an agent, be clear about what you need. If you are selling, ask about their marketing strategy and how they price homes. If you are buying, ask about their knowledge of neighborhoods you are considering and their experience with your type of purchase. A good agent will ask you questions too—about your timeline, your budget, your priorities—to understand whether they are the right fit for your situation.

What happens after you hire an agent

If you are buying, the agent will show you homes, help you make offers, and guide you through inspections, appraisals, and financing. If you are selling, the agent will list your home, show it to other agents and buyers, present offers to you, and manage the closing process. In both cases, the agent handles paperwork, coordinates with other professionals like inspectors and lenders, and keeps the transaction moving forward.

Real estate transactions typically take 30 to 45 days from offer to closing, though this varies. Your agent should keep you informed about what is happening at each step and what you need to do next. If something feels unclear or you have concerns about how the process is going, ask your agent to explain it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay a real estate agent if I am buying a home?

No. The seller pays the commission, which is split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent. You do not write a check to your agent. However, you are responsible for your own costs like inspections, appraisals, and closing costs, which are separate from the agent's commission.

Can I work with an agent who is not at Keller Williams?

Yes. Keller Williams is one real estate company among many. Other brokerages operate in South Carolina as well. All agents, regardless of their company, access the same MLS and follow the same state licensing rules. The main differences are the company's technology, training, and support structure.

What if I want to buy a home without an agent?

You can buy a home without an agent, though it is less common. You would need to find properties yourself, negotiate directly with the seller or their agent, and handle all the paperwork and coordination. Many buyers find an agent helpful because they know the market, handle the details, and represent your interests during negotiation.

How do I know if an agent is licensed?

Real estate agents in South Carolina must be licensed by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. You can verify an agent's license on the department's website. A licensed agent has completed required coursework and passed an exam, which means they understand state real estate law and ethical standards.

What should I do if I am unhappy with my agent?

If you signed a buyer's representation agreement, you can usually end it by notifying the agent in writing. If you are selling and signed a listing agreement, the terms for ending it are in the contract. Talk to the agent first about your concerns—sometimes a conversation solves the problem. If you decide to switch agents, ask the new agent about the process for transferring your listing or your buyer representation.