What to Know About Tabby Realty in South Carolina

Tabby Realty is a South Carolina real estate brokerage serving buyers and sellers across the state

Tabby Realty operates as a real estate brokerage in South Carolina, connecting agents with clients looking to buy or sell property. The company functions within the standard real estate market structure, where licensed agents help facilitate transactions between buyers and sellers. If you are exploring real estate options in South Carolina, understanding how a brokerage like Tabby Realty fits into the broader market can help you make informed decisions about working with an agent.

Real estate brokerages in South Carolina are regulated by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission, which oversees licensing, ethical standards, and dispute resolution. Before working with any agent or brokerage, you can verify their licensing status through the commission's public records.

Key Takeaways

• Tabby Realty is a South Carolina brokerage that employs licensed real estate agents to help buyers and sellers complete transactions.
• All real estate agents in South Carolina must hold an active license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission.
• You can verify an agent's license status and disciplinary history through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission's online database.
• Real estate brokerages typically earn commission from the sale price of a property, split between the buyer's and seller's agents.
• Working with a brokerage means you have a formal agreement outlining the agent's responsibilities, the commission structure, and the terms of representation.

How real estate brokerages operate in South Carolina

A real estate brokerage like Tabby Realty employs or contracts with licensed agents who represent buyers or sellers in property transactions. The brokerage holds the overall license and is responsible for ensuring all agents comply with state law and ethical standards. Agents working under the brokerage must follow the brokerage's policies and the rules set by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission.

When you work with an agent from Tabby Realty, you enter into a representation agreement that specifies whether the agent represents you as a buyer, seller, or both. This agreement outlines what the agent will do on your behalf, how long the agreement lasts, and what happens if you want to end it early. Commission rates and payment terms are also detailed in this agreement, though these can vary based on the specific transaction and market conditions.

Verifying an agent's credentials and background

Before working with any agent from Tabby Realty or another brokerage, you should verify their license status. The South Carolina Real Estate Commission maintains a public database where you can search for any licensed agent or broker by name. This database shows whether a license is currently active, when it was issued, and whether any disciplinary actions have been taken against the agent.

You can access this information through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission's website. Look for the license verification or public records section. Having an agent's license number makes the search faster. If an agent's license is not active or if there is a history of complaints, that is important information to consider before signing any agreement.

Understanding commission and costs in real estate transactions

Real estate agents earn income through commission, which is typically a percentage of the final sale price. In South Carolina, commission rates are not set by law or by the Real Estate Commission—they are negotiated between the seller and the brokerage. Commission is usually split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent, though the exact split can vary.

As a buyer, you generally do not pay commission directly. The seller's proceeds from the sale are used to pay both agents' commissions. However, you may encounter other costs in a real estate transaction, such as inspection fees, appraisal fees, title insurance, and closing costs. These are separate from agent commission and should be discussed with your agent or a real estate attorney before you commit to a purchase.

What to expect when buying or selling with an agent

If you are buying, an agent from Tabby Realty can help you search for properties, arrange showings, negotiate offers, and guide you through the inspection and closing process. The agent should explain the local market, help you understand what homes in your price range typically sell for, and advise you on making a competitive offer. Your agent represents your interests in negotiations with the seller.

If you are selling, an agent can list your property on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), market it to other agents and the public, show it to potential buyers, and negotiate offers on your behalf. The agent should provide a market analysis to help you price your home competitively and advise you on preparing your property for sale. Throughout the process, the agent coordinates with the buyer's agent, the title company, and other parties involved in closing the sale.

Representation agreements and your rights as a client

When you sign a representation agreement with an agent from Tabby Realty, you are entering into a legal contract. Read this agreement carefully before signing. It should clearly state whether the agent represents only you, only the seller, or both parties (called dual agency). It should also specify the length of the agreement, what happens if you want to terminate it early, and whether you owe commission if you buy or sell through another agent during the agreement period.

South Carolina law requires that agents disclose their representation status to all parties in a transaction. If an agent represents both the buyer and seller, this must be disclosed in writing and both parties must consent. Dual agency can create conflicts of interest, so understand what it means before agreeing to it. You have the right to work with an agent who represents only your interests.

Resolving disputes with an agent or brokerage

If you have a complaint about an agent or brokerage, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. The commission investigates complaints related to license violations, ethical breaches, and violations of state real estate law. You can file a complaint online or by mail, and the commission will notify you of the outcome of their investigation.

If a dispute involves money—such as a disagreement over commission or earnest money—you may also have legal remedies through the court system. Consider consulting with a real estate attorney if you believe an agent or brokerage has violated your rights or failed to fulfill their obligations under your agreement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if an agent from Tabby Realty is licensed?

Visit the South Carolina Real Estate Commission's website and use their license verification tool. Search by the agent's name or license number. The database will show whether their license is active and whether any disciplinary actions have been taken against them.

Can I negotiate the commission rate with a real estate agent?

Yes. Commission rates are negotiated between you and the brokerage, not set by law. Discuss commission before you sign a representation agreement. Different brokerages and agents may offer different rates depending on the market and the type of transaction.

What is the difference between an agent and a broker?

A broker holds a higher license and can employ or supervise agents. An agent works under a broker's license. Tabby Realty is a brokerage, meaning it holds the broker license and employs agents who work on behalf of the brokerage.

What should I do if I want to end my representation agreement early?

Review your agreement to see what it says about early termination. Some agreements allow you to end them with written notice, while others may require you to pay a fee or may have other conditions. Contact the agent or brokerage directly to discuss your options.

Can I work with multiple agents at the same time?

This depends on your representation agreement. Some agreements give you the right to work with multiple agents, while others require exclusivity. Read your agreement carefully. If you want to work with more than one agent, discuss this before signing and make sure all parties agree in writing.