Susan Burris: A South Carolina Real Estate Agent Focused on Buyer and Seller Representation
Who Susan Burris Is and What She Does
Susan Burris is a real estate agent serving South Carolina buyers and sellers. She works with clients looking to purchase homes, sell property, or understand the local market in their area. Like other agents in South Carolina, Burris represents either buyers or sellers (or both) through purchase agreements, negotiations, and the closing process.
Real estate agents in South Carolina must hold an active license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. They work within a brokerage firm, which handles trust accounts, compliance, and oversight. If you are considering working with Burris or any agent, you can verify their license status and any disciplinary history through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission's public records.
Key Takeaways
- Susan Burris represents buyers, sellers, or both in South Carolina real estate transactions and can explain local market conditions in her service area.
- Real estate agents in South Carolina must hold an active license; you can verify an agent's credentials through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission.
- Agents typically earn commission based on the sale price and split it with their brokerage; understanding how commission works helps you negotiate terms upfront.
- Before hiring any agent, ask about their experience in your specific neighborhood or property type and request references from recent clients.
What to Expect When Working With a Real Estate Agent
If you hire Susan Burris or another agent to represent you, the relationship begins with a signed agreement. For sellers, this is typically a listing agreement that gives the agent authority to market and show your home for a set period. For buyers, it is usually a buyer representation agreement that outlines how the agent will search for properties and what happens if you find a home outside the agent's listings.
The agent's main responsibilities include marketing (for sellers), showing properties (for buyers), explaining contracts, coordinating inspections and appraisals, and helping both sides navigate to closing. Agents do not provide legal advice—that is the role of a real estate attorney, whom South Carolina buyers and sellers often hire separately. Agents also do not conduct inspections or appraisals; those are ordered by the buyer or lender and performed by licensed professionals.
How Real Estate Commission Works in South Carolina
Real estate agents earn commission, which is a percentage of the final sale price. The seller typically pays the full commission, which is then split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent. Commission rates vary and are negotiable—there is no standard rate set by law. A common range is 5 to 6 percent of the sale price, but this can be higher or lower depending on the market, the property, and what you negotiate.
Commission is paid only if the sale closes. If a deal falls through, the agent receives nothing. This structure means agents have incentive to bring deals to completion, but it also means you should discuss commission openly before signing any agreement. Ask what percentage the agent expects, whether it is negotiable, and how it will be split if both the buyer's and seller's agents are involved.
Finding Out if Susan Burris Serves Your Area
Real estate agents typically focus on specific neighborhoods, cities, or counties where they have built knowledge and connections. Susan Burris may specialize in a particular region of South Carolina—for example, the Lowcountry, the Midlands, the Upstate, or a specific city like Charleston, Columbia, or Greenville. To learn whether she serves your area, contact her directly or check her brokerage website, which usually lists the agent's service areas and specialties.
When you reach out, ask about her experience in your neighborhood or with your type of property (single-family home, condo, investment property, land, etc.). Agents who know a specific area well can tell you about school districts, property values, typical days-on-market, and local trends—information that helps you make informed decisions.
Verifying an Agent's License and Background
Before hiring any agent, verify that they hold a current, active license. Visit the South Carolina Real Estate Commission website and use their license lookup tool. You can search by name and see the agent's license status, brokerage affiliation, and any disciplinary actions or complaints on record. This public information protects you and helps you make a confident choice.
You can also ask the agent directly for references from recent clients—both buyers and sellers if possible. A reputable agent should be willing to provide names of people you can contact. Ask references about communication, honesty, negotiation skills, and whether the agent followed through on promises.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Agent
Before you sign any agreement with Susan Burris or another agent, have a conversation about your specific situation. If you are selling, ask how the agent plans to market your home, what price range she recommends based on comparable sales, and how long she expects it to take to sell. If you are buying, ask what her process is for finding homes that match your criteria, how she handles offers and negotiations, and what support she provides after closing.
Also clarify the terms of your agreement: How long does the agent have exclusive rights to represent you? Can you end the agreement early if you are unhappy? What happens if you find a home on your own—does the agent still earn commission? These details matter and should be in writing before you begin.
Understanding the Closing Process
The agent's role continues through closing, the final step where ownership transfers and money changes hands. In South Carolina, a real estate attorney typically handles the closing and prepares the deed and other legal documents. The agent coordinates timing, ensures all parties are ready, and answers questions about next steps. However, the attorney is responsible for the legal aspects—title search, deed preparation, and ensuring all requirements are met.
After closing, your relationship with the agent may end, though many agents stay in touch with past clients for referrals or future transactions. Some offer post-closing support, such as contractor recommendations or neighborhood information. Ask what kind of ongoing relationship the agent offers if that matters to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if Susan Burris is the right agent for me?
The right agent has experience in your area or with your type of property, communicates clearly, and listens to your goals. Meet with her, ask about her recent sales, and check her references. Trust your instinct—you will be working closely with this person, so you should feel comfortable and confident.
Can I negotiate the commission rate?
Yes. Commission is negotiable and not set by law. Discuss it upfront before you sign any agreement. Some agents may lower their rate for certain situations, such as a high-priced property or a quick sale. Get the agreed rate in writing.
What if I find a home on my own while working with an agent?
This depends on your buyer representation agreement. Some agreements say the agent earns commission on any home you purchase during the agreement period, even if you found it yourself. Others exclude homes you discovered independently. Read your agreement carefully and ask the agent to clarify this point before signing.
Do I need a real estate attorney in addition to an agent?
South Carolina does not require an attorney, but many buyers and sellers hire one to review contracts and handle closing documents. An agent and an attorney serve different roles—the agent handles marketing and negotiation, while the attorney handles legal protection and title matters. Many people use both.
What should I do if I have a complaint about an agent?
Contact the South Carolina Real Estate Commission with details about your complaint. They investigate violations of state real estate law and can take disciplinary action if warranted. You can also pursue a civil claim through small claims court or hire an attorney if you believe you suffered financial harm.