Suzanne Furr Smith at Coldwell Banker Chicora: What to Expect When Working With Her
Who Suzanne Furr Smith is and what she does
Suzanne Furr Smith is a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Chicora Real Estate, one of South Carolina's established brokerages. She works with buyers and sellers in the South Carolina market, helping them navigate property transactions from listing to closing. Her role involves marketing properties, showing homes to interested buyers, negotiating offers, and coordinating the paperwork and inspections that come with buying or selling real estate.
Coldwell Banker Chicora operates across multiple South Carolina locations and is part of the larger Coldwell Banker network, which has been in the real estate business for over a century. Working with an agent like Suzanne means you have someone local who knows the market, the neighborhoods, and the process—someone who can answer questions specific to your situation rather than pointing you to a general website.
Key Takeaways
- Suzanne Furr Smith is a real estate agent at Coldwell Banker Chicora, helping buyers and sellers complete property transactions in South Carolina.
- Coldwell Banker Chicora is a full-service brokerage with multiple offices across the state and access to regional and national listing networks.
- Real estate agents typically earn commission on the sale price, paid by the seller—a structure you should understand before you hire someone to represent you.
- The best way to learn whether Suzanne is the right agent for your situation is to contact her directly and ask about her experience in your specific neighborhood or property type.
How to contact Suzanne Furr Smith
To reach Suzanne, contact Coldwell Banker Chicora directly through their main office or website. You can ask for her by name and describe what you are looking for—whether you are buying, selling, or exploring options. Most agents will schedule a free initial conversation to discuss your needs and answer your questions about the local market.
When you call or meet, be ready to share basic details: Are you looking to buy or sell? What neighborhood or area interests you? What is your timeline? These details help the agent understand whether they are a good fit for your situation and what resources they can bring to the table.
What to expect when working with a real estate agent
If you hire Suzanne to represent you as a buyer, she will show you properties that match your criteria, help you understand the market value of homes you are interested in, and negotiate on your behalf when you make an offer. She will also coordinate inspections, appraisals, and the final walkthrough before closing. You typically do not pay the buyer's agent directly—the seller's agent and buyer's agent split a commission from the sale price.
If you hire her to sell your home, she will list your property on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), market it to other agents and the public, show it to interested buyers, and negotiate offers on your behalf. She will also help you understand what repairs or updates might help your home sell faster or for more money. The seller pays the commission, which is split between the listing agent and the buyer's agent.
In both cases, the agent's job is to represent your interests, not the other party's. That means she should be honest about market conditions, realistic about pricing, and clear about what you can expect at each stage.
Questions to ask before you hire an agent
Before you commit to working with Suzanne or any agent, ask about her experience in your specific situation. If you are selling a historic home in downtown Charleston, you want an agent who has sold historic homes in that area. If you are a first-time buyer in the suburbs, you want someone who understands first-time buyer financing and that market segment.
Ask how long she has been in real estate, how many transactions she completes in a year, and what neighborhoods she knows best. Ask what marketing tools she uses—does she have a website, social media presence, and professional photography? Ask how she communicates with clients and how often you can expect to hear from her. Ask whether she works alone or as part of a team, and who you would work with if she is unavailable.
You can also ask for references from past clients. A good agent should be willing to connect you with people she has worked with recently, and those conversations can tell you a lot about what it is actually like to work with her.
Understanding real estate commissions and costs
Real estate agents earn commission on the sale price of a property, typically between 5 and 6 percent of the final sale price, though this varies by market and by agreement. The seller usually pays this commission, which is then split between the listing agent and the buyer's agent. This means if you are a buyer, you do not write a check to the agent—the commission comes out of the seller's proceeds.
If you are a seller, the commission is deducted from what you receive at closing. For example, if your home sells for $300,000 and the commission is 6 percent, $18,000 goes to the agents. You should understand this cost upfront and factor it into your decision about whether to list your home and at what price.
Beyond commission, there are other costs in a real estate transaction: inspection fees, appraisal fees, title insurance, closing costs, and possibly repair or update costs before you sell. Your agent should explain what these are and roughly what they cost in your area, so you are not surprised at closing.
Why working with a local agent matters in South Carolina
South Carolina's real estate market varies significantly by region. The Lowcountry has different property values, buyer preferences, and seasonal patterns than the Upstate. Coastal areas face different insurance and flood considerations than inland properties. Historic districts have specific rules and requirements. A local agent like Suzanne at Coldwell Banker Chicora knows these regional differences and can advise you accordingly.
A local agent also has relationships with inspectors, contractors, lenders, and other professionals in your area. If you need a recommendation for a home inspector or a contractor to handle repairs before closing, your agent can point you toward people she has worked with and trusts. That network saves you time and reduces the risk of hiring someone unreliable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay Suzanne if I am a buyer?
No. As a buyer, you do not pay the agent directly. The seller's proceeds pay both the listing agent and the buyer's agent, and that commission is split between them. This is standard practice in South Carolina and across the country.
What if I want to work with Suzanne but I am not sure I am ready to buy or sell yet?
Contact her anyway. Many agents offer free consultations to discuss your situation, answer questions about the market, and help you think through timing. There is no obligation, and a conversation can help you figure out whether now is the right time for you.
Can I negotiate the commission rate?
Yes. Commission rates are not set by law—they are negotiable between you and the agent. Different agents and brokerages may offer different rates, and you can discuss this when you are deciding whether to hire someone. Just remember that a lower commission might mean less marketing support or fewer resources devoted to your transaction.
What happens if I find a house on my own—do I still need to pay commission?
If you find a house listed by another agent and you hire Suzanne to represent you, the seller still pays the full commission, which is split between the listing agent and Suzanne. If you find a for-sale-by-owner property (sold directly by the owner with no agent), you can negotiate directly with the owner about whether they will pay commission or whether you will.
How do I know if Suzanne is the right agent for me?
The best way is to have a conversation with her. Ask about her experience in your neighborhood, her approach to marketing or buying, and how she communicates with clients. Trust your instinct about whether you feel heard and whether she seems knowledgeable about your specific situation. You should feel comfortable asking her questions and confident that she understands what you are trying to do.