Summer Chen at Century 21 The Moore Group: What to Know Before You Buy or Sell
Who Summer Chen is and what she does
Summer Chen is a real estate agent with Century 21 The Moore Group, a brokerage operating in South Carolina. She works with buyers and sellers navigating residential real estate transactions—helping clients understand the market, tour properties, negotiate offers, and move through closing.
Century 21 The Moore Group is a franchise of the national Century 21 network, which means agents operate under that brand's standards and systems. Summer's role is to represent either a buyer or a seller (or both, depending on the transaction structure) and guide them through the steps from listing or search to final sale.
Key Takeaways
- Summer Chen works as a real estate agent for Century 21 The Moore Group, helping buyers find homes and sellers list properties in South Carolina.
- Century 21 agents are licensed professionals who must follow state real estate laws and their brokerage's policies, though licensing and oversight vary by state.
- Before working with any agent, you can research their background, recent sales, and client reviews through public records and online platforms.
- Real estate agents typically earn commission based on the sale price, which is usually paid by the seller but affects the net proceeds both parties receive.
- You are not required to use a specific agent; you can interview multiple agents or work with a buyer's agent who represents your interests rather than the seller's.
How to find Summer Chen's contact information
Century 21 The Moore Group maintains office locations and agent directories on their website and through the national Century 21 platform. You can search for Summer Chen by name through the Century 21 website, which lists agents by region and brokerage.
Local real estate websites, Google Business profiles, and social media pages often carry agent contact details and recent listings. If you know the specific Century 21 office location in South Carolina where she works, calling that office directly will connect you to her or provide her phone number and email.
What to ask an agent before you decide to work with them
Before hiring any agent—including Summer Chen—it is worth asking about their experience in your specific market (neighborhood, price range, or property type), how long they have been licensed, and how many transactions they closed in the past year. These details tell you whether they know the area and whether they are actively working.
Ask how they communicate (phone, text, email, video calls) and how often you can expect updates. Clarify whether they represent you exclusively or work with multiple clients simultaneously, and what happens if you want to end the relationship. Ask about their commission rate and whether it is negotiable—commission is not set by law and varies by agent and brokerage.
Request references from past clients, particularly buyers or sellers in situations similar to yours. You can also search public real estate records to see which properties an agent has listed or sold, and check online reviews on platforms like Zillow, Google, or Realtor.com, though remember that reviews are voluntary and may not represent all clients.
Understanding how real estate agents are paid
Real estate agents earn commission, which is a percentage of the final sale price. The commission is typically paid by the seller at closing and is split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent. The exact percentage is negotiable and varies—there is no standard rate set by law.
If you are a buyer, you generally do not pay the agent directly; the seller's proceeds cover both agents' commissions. If you are a seller, the commission comes out of your sale price before you receive your net proceeds. This is why it is important to discuss commission rates upfront and understand how they affect your bottom line.
Some agents may offer different commission structures for different services (for example, a lower rate for a flat-fee listing or a higher rate for full representation). Ask about these options when you interview agents.
What licensing and oversight means for real estate agents in South Carolina
Real estate agents in South Carolina must hold a license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. Licensing requires passing an exam, completing pre-licensing education, and working under a licensed broker (in this case, Century 21 The Moore Group).
The South Carolina Real Estate Commission oversees agent conduct and can investigate complaints about fraud, misrepresentation, or violations of the state's real estate laws. You can search the commission's database to verify that an agent is currently licensed and to check whether any disciplinary actions are on record.
However, licensing does not may provide performance or protect you from poor service or bad advice. It means the agent has met minimum education and testing standards and is subject to state oversight—but you still need to research the individual agent's track record and communication style before deciding to work with them.
Buyer's agent versus seller's agent: what the difference means for you
A seller's agent (also called a listing agent) represents the seller and works to get the highest price and best terms for the seller. A buyer's agent represents the buyer and works to negotiate the best price and terms for the buyer. These are conflicting interests, which is why the roles are separate.
If you are a buyer and you contact an agent who is listing a property, that agent represents the seller, not you—even if they seem friendly and helpful. You have the right to bring your own buyer's agent to any showing, and that agent will represent your interests during negotiation.
If you do not have a buyer's agent, you can hire one. The buyer's agent is typically paid from the seller's proceeds (the seller's agent splits commission with the buyer's agent), so you do not pay out of pocket. Having your own agent means someone is legally obligated to put your interests first, which is valuable when negotiating price, inspection terms, and closing timelines.
What to expect during a real estate transaction
A typical home sale involves several stages: listing (if you are selling), showing and touring (if you are buying), making an offer, inspection, appraisal, financing approval, and closing. An agent guides you through each step, explains what documents you need, and coordinates with the other agent, the title company, and lenders.
Timelines vary, but most transactions take 30 to 45 days from offer to closing. Your agent should give you a realistic timeline based on current market conditions and your specific situation. They should also explain costs you will owe at closing (if you are buying) or deductions from your proceeds (if you are selling), such as title insurance, inspection fees, appraisal fees, and taxes.
Communication matters during this process. A good agent keeps you informed of deadlines, contingencies, and any issues that arise. If you feel confused or left in the dark, it is fair to ask for more frequent updates or to reconsider whether this agent is the right fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work with Summer Chen if I am buying a home listed by another Century 21 agent?
Yes. You can work with any buyer's agent you choose, regardless of which brokerage lists the property. If you want to work with Summer Chen, she can represent you even if the listing agent works for a different brokerage or a different office within Century 21. The two agents will coordinate through the multiple listing service (MLS) and split commission according to the listing agreement.
What if I am unhappy with my agent partway through a transaction?
You can end the relationship, though the timing and process depend on your agreement. If you signed a buyer's agent agreement, it typically has a termination clause. If you are selling and signed a listing agreement, there may be a cancellation fee or notice period. Review your contract and discuss your concerns with the agent first—sometimes issues can be resolved with a conversation about communication or approach.
How do I know if an agent's commission rate is fair?
Commission rates are negotiable and vary by agent, brokerage, and market. There is no "standard" rate. Ask multiple agents what they charge and what services are included at that rate. Some agents may negotiate a lower rate for a higher-volume transaction or a flat fee instead of a percentage. Compare what you get for the commission—marketing, showing coordination, negotiation support—not just the percentage itself.
Can I search for properties on my own and then hire an agent to write the offer?
Yes, though timing matters. If you find a property before contacting an agent, you can hire a buyer's agent to represent you in the offer and negotiation. However, if the property is already listed and you contact the listing agent first without your own agent present, the listing agent may claim you as an unrepresented buyer, which complicates bringing in your own agent later. It is better to hire your buyer's agent before touring any listed properties.
What recourse do I have if an agent misrepresents a property or behaves unethically?
You can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission, which investigates violations of state real estate law. You can also pursue legal action or contact your state's attorney general's office. Document everything—emails, texts, promises made—and keep copies of all agreements and disclosures. If you believe fraud occurred, consult a real estate attorney about your options.