Susan Matthews: Finding a Real Estate Agent in South Carolina
Who Susan Matthews is and what she does
Susan Matthews is a real estate agent licensed to work in South Carolina. Like other agents in the state, she helps buyers and sellers navigate property transactions—listing homes for sale, showing properties to interested buyers, negotiating offers, and coordinating the closing process.
Real estate agents in South Carolina must hold an active license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. This license requires passing a state exam and completing continuing education. Agents typically work for a brokerage firm, which oversees their transactions and handles trust accounts for earnest money and deposits.
If you are considering working with Susan Matthews or any agent, understanding how agents operate in South Carolina—what they can and cannot do, how they are paid, and what to expect during a transaction—helps you make an informed choice about representation.
Key Takeaways
- Real estate agents in South Carolina must be licensed by the state and work under a brokerage firm that supervises their transactions.
- Agents are typically paid through commission, which is a percentage of the sale price and is usually split between the buyer's and seller's agents.
- You can interview multiple agents before deciding who to work with, and you are not obligated to sign an exclusive agreement unless you choose to.
- The South Carolina Real Estate Commission maintains a public database where you can verify an agent's license status and any disciplinary history.
- Working with an agent does not cost you money upfront; commission is paid from the sale proceeds at closing.
How real estate agents work in South Carolina
When you hire an agent to sell your home, you typically sign a listing agreement that gives the agent the right to market and show your property for a set period—usually three to six months. The agent lists the property on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), a shared database that other agents and their buyers can search. The agent also handles showings, negotiates offers, and coordinates inspections and appraisals.
If you are buying, an agent shows you properties, helps you understand the local market, and represents your interests during negotiation. Buyer's agents are paid from the seller's side of the commission, so you do not pay them directly. However, you may still sign a buyer's representation agreement, which clarifies the terms of your working relationship.
Commission in South Carolina is negotiable and not set by law or the state. It is typically split between the listing agent and the buyer's agent, with each receiving a percentage of the sale price. The exact split depends on what the seller and listing agent agree to when the property is listed.
Verifying an agent's license and background
Before working with any agent, including Susan Matthews, you can check their license status through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission's public database. Visit the SCREC website and use their license lookup tool to confirm the agent is currently licensed and to review any disciplinary actions or complaints on record.
A valid license means the agent has passed the state exam and completed required education. It does not may provide performance or customer satisfaction, but it does mean the agent is subject to state regulations and the commission's enforcement authority. If you have a complaint about an agent's conduct, you can file it with the SCREC, which investigates violations of the state's real estate laws.
You can also ask an agent directly about their experience, their track record in your area, and their approach to marketing or buying. Many agents provide references from past clients or can show you statistics about homes they have sold.
What to expect when working with an agent
If you decide to work with an agent, the process differs slightly depending on whether you are buying or selling. As a seller, you will meet with the agent to discuss your home's condition, your timeline, and your price expectations. The agent will prepare a comparative market analysis (CMA) showing what similar homes in your area have sold for recently. You will then sign a listing agreement and the agent will begin marketing your home.
As a buyer, an agent will ask about your budget, your preferred neighborhoods, and your must-haves in a home. The agent will show you properties that match your criteria, explain the local market conditions, and help you understand what a reasonable offer looks like. When you find a home you want to make an offer on, the agent prepares the purchase agreement and submits it to the seller's agent.
Throughout the transaction, the agent coordinates with inspectors, appraisers, lenders, and the closing attorney. South Carolina requires a closing attorney to handle the final paperwork and fund transfer, so your agent will work with that attorney to move toward closing day.
Choosing whether to work with an agent
You are not required to work with a real estate agent in South Carolina. Some people sell their homes privately (called "for sale by owner" or FSBO) or buy directly from sellers. However, most transactions involve agents because they have access to the MLS, which reaches the broadest audience of potential buyers and sellers.
If you decide to work with an agent, you can interview multiple agents before committing. Ask about their experience in your neighborhood, their marketing strategy, their communication style, and how they handle negotiations. You are not obligated to sign an exclusive agreement with an agent unless you choose to, though most agents will ask for one in exchange for their time and effort.
If you are unhappy with an agent, you can typically end the relationship by discussing it directly or, in some cases, by waiting for the listing agreement to expire. Review any agreement you sign to understand the terms for ending the relationship early.
Understanding commission and costs
Real estate commission is the primary cost associated with working with an agent, and it is paid from the proceeds of the sale at closing. As a seller, you negotiate the commission rate with your listing agent when you sign the listing agreement. Commission rates vary but typically range from 4 to 6 percent of the sale price, though this is not a standard or required amount.
As a buyer, you do not pay commission directly. Instead, the seller's side of the commission (usually half of the total) is used to pay the buyer's agent. This arrangement is built into the listing agreement the seller signs, so the buyer's agent's compensation comes from the seller's proceeds.
Beyond commission, you may encounter other costs: home inspection fees, appraisal fees, title insurance, and closing costs. These are separate from the agent's commission and vary depending on the property and the lender's requirements. Your agent can explain what costs to expect in your specific transaction.
Finding agents in your area
If you are looking for a real estate agent in South Carolina, you can search online for agents in your city or neighborhood, ask for referrals from friends or family, or contact local real estate offices directly. Many agents maintain websites or social media profiles where you can learn about their experience and see listings they have worked on.
The South Carolina Realtors Association is a professional organization for agents who are members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Members of this organization follow a code of ethics and have access to professional training. You can search for Realtors in your area through the NAR website, though not all licensed agents are Realtors.
When you contact an agent, ask if they are willing to meet with you to discuss your needs before you commit to working together. A good agent will take time to understand your situation and explain how they can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if an agent is trustworthy?
Check their license status through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission's database and review any disciplinary history. Ask for references from past clients and verify their experience in your area. Interview multiple agents and pay attention to how they communicate and whether they listen to your needs.
Can I work with more than one agent at the same time?
As a buyer, you can show properties with different agents unless you have signed an exclusive buyer's representation agreement with one agent. As a seller, most listing agreements require exclusivity, meaning only that agent can list and sell your home during the agreement period. Read any agreement carefully before signing.
What happens if I want to end my agreement with an agent?
Review the terms of your listing or buyer's representation agreement to see how to terminate it. Some agreements allow early termination with notice, while others require you to wait until the agreement expires. Discuss your concerns with the agent first, as many issues can be resolved through conversation.
Do I need an agent to buy or sell a home in South Carolina?
No, you can buy or sell without an agent. However, most transactions involve agents because they have access to the MLS and can reach more buyers or sellers. If you choose to sell or buy without an agent, you will handle marketing, showings, and negotiations yourself, and you may want to hire a real estate attorney to review contracts.
How much does it cost to work with a real estate agent?
As a buyer, there is no upfront cost; commission is paid from the seller's proceeds at closing. As a seller, you negotiate the commission rate with your agent when you sign the listing agreement. Commission is typically 4 to 6 percent of the sale price, though this varies and is negotiable.