Terrance Schemansky at C Dan Joyner Realtors — What to Know Before You Work Together
Who Terrance Schemansky is and what he does
Terrance Schemansky is a real estate agent with C Dan Joyner Realtors, a South Carolina brokerage. He works with buyers and sellers in residential real estate transactions. Before you contact him or any agent, it helps to understand what agents do, what they charge, and what questions to ask so you can decide whether working together makes sense for your situation.
Real estate agents in South Carolina must hold an active license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. That license means the agent has passed a test on state law, contract terms, and disclosure rules — but it does not mean all agents have the same experience, specialties, or track record. Schemansky's specific experience, neighborhoods, and client types are details worth learning about before you commit to working with him.
Key Takeaways
- Real estate agents earn commission only when a sale closes, typically split between the buyer's agent and seller's agent, so their incentive is to close a deal rather than to find you the best price.
- South Carolina agents must disclose whether they represent the buyer, the seller, or both parties, and this relationship shapes what information they can share with you.
- You can interview multiple agents before signing any agreement, and you should ask about their experience in your specific neighborhood or price range.
- Commission rates are negotiable in South Carolina and are not set by law, so ask what percentage Schemansky charges before you list or buy.
How real estate agents are paid in South Carolina
Real estate agents in South Carolina earn money through commission, which is a percentage of the final sale price. The commission is typically paid by the seller at closing and is then split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent. The exact percentage varies by brokerage, neighborhood, and market conditions — there is no statewide standard rate.
Because agents earn nothing if a sale does not close, their financial incentive is to complete a transaction, not necessarily to get you the highest price (if you are selling) or the lowest price (if you are buying). This is important to understand before you sign an agreement. Ask Schemansky directly what his commission rate is and whether it is negotiable in your situation.
If you are buying, you typically do not pay commission out of pocket — the seller's proceeds cover both agents' fees. If you are selling, the commission comes from your sale price before you receive your net proceeds. Some sellers negotiate a lower commission rate, especially in strong markets or for higher-priced homes.
What to ask an agent before you work together
Before you sign a listing agreement or buyer representation agreement with Schemansky or any agent, ask these questions to understand what you are getting into. First, ask how long he has been licensed and whether he has sold homes in your specific neighborhood or price range. An agent with ten years of experience in a different county may not know your street the way a local specialist does.
Second, ask what his commission rate is and whether it is negotiable. In South Carolina, commission is not set by law, so you can negotiate. Ask whether the rate changes if you are buying versus selling, or if the sale price is above or below a certain threshold.
Third, ask what his role will be. Will he represent only you, or will he represent both you and the other party? In South Carolina, an agent can represent both the buyer and seller in the same transaction (called dual agency), but this creates a conflict of interest because the agent cannot fully advocate for either side. Ask whether he has represented both parties before and how he handles that situation.
Fourth, ask how he communicates and how often you can expect to hear from him. Some agents send weekly market updates; others contact you only when something specific happens. Know what to expect before you sign.
Understanding representation and disclosure in South Carolina
South Carolina law requires real estate agents to disclose their representation relationship to you in writing. An agent can represent the seller, the buyer, or both parties in the same transaction. Each arrangement has different rules about what information the agent can share and with whom.
If Schemansky represents the seller, he must disclose that to any buyer who asks. He cannot share the seller's bottom-line price, motivation to sell, or other confidential information with the buyer. If he represents the buyer, he cannot share the buyer's maximum offer or financial situation with the seller.
If he represents both parties (dual agency), he cannot fully advocate for either side. He must keep both parties' confidential information private, which means he cannot tell the seller how high the buyer will go, or tell the buyer the seller's lowest acceptable price. Dual agency is legal in South Carolina but creates a conflict of interest. Some buyers and sellers prefer to hire separate agents to avoid this situation.
How to verify an agent's license and complaint history
You can verify that Terrance Schemansky holds a valid South Carolina real estate license by searching the South Carolina Real Estate Commission's online license lookup tool. Visit the SCREC website and search by agent name or license number. The lookup will show you whether his license is active, inactive, or has been disciplined.
If you want to know whether complaints have been filed against him, you can contact the South Carolina Real Estate Commission directly. The commission handles complaints about agents who violate state law or the code of ethics. Not all complaints result in disciplinary action, but the commission keeps a record of investigations and outcomes.
You can also ask Schemansky directly about his experience, references, and any past complaints. A reputable agent should be willing to provide references from past clients and to discuss his track record openly.
Alternatives to working with a single agent
You do not have to work with Schemansky or any single agent. Some buyers and sellers choose to work with multiple agents, interview several before deciding, or hire a buyer's agent who specializes in your price range or neighborhood. In South Carolina, you can also work with a real estate attorney to review contracts and protect your interests, especially if you are uncomfortable relying solely on an agent.
Some sellers list their homes without an agent (called for-sale-by-owner, or FSBO). This saves the seller's agent commission but requires the seller to handle marketing, showings, and contract negotiation themselves. Buyers can still make offers on FSBO homes, and many do.
If you are buying, you can also choose not to use an agent at all and negotiate directly with the seller or their agent. However, most sellers' agents will still expect to be paid a commission from the sale price, even if you do not have your own agent representing you.
What happens after you sign an agreement with an agent
If you decide to work with Schemansky, you will sign either a listing agreement (if you are selling) or a buyer representation agreement (if you are buying). These agreements spell out the terms: how long the agreement lasts, what commission he earns, what services he provides, and what happens if you want to end the agreement early.
Listing agreements typically last 90 days or six months. If you sign a listing agreement and then sell the home with a different agent, you may still owe Schemansky a commission, depending on what the agreement says. Read the fine print before you sign.
Buyer representation agreements vary. Some are exclusive (you work only with Schemansky), while others allow you to work with multiple agents. Ask whether the agreement is exclusive and what happens if you find a home on your own or through another agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I negotiate the commission rate with a real estate agent in South Carolina?
Yes. Commission rates are not set by law in South Carolina and are fully negotiable between you and the agent. Ask Schemansky what his rate is and whether he will lower it based on the sale price, your situation, or market conditions. Some agents negotiate; others do not.
What is the difference between a buyer's agent and a seller's agent?
A buyer's agent represents you as the buyer and works to find homes that meet your needs and negotiate the best terms. A seller's agent represents the seller and works to market the home and get the highest price. If you are buying, you can hire your own buyer's agent; the seller typically pays both agents' commissions from the sale price.
What should I do if I have a complaint about an agent?
Contact the South Carolina Real Estate Commission with details about the complaint. The commission investigates violations of state law and the code of ethics. You can also consult a real estate attorney if you believe you have been harmed by an agent's conduct.
Do I have to use an agent to buy or sell a home in South Carolina?
No. You can sell your home without an agent (FSBO) or buy directly from a seller. However, most sellers' agents still expect a commission even if you do not have your own agent. Using an agent can save you time and provide expertise, but it costs money in commission.
How long does a listing agreement last?
Listing agreements typically last 90 days to six months, depending on what you and the agent agree to. Read the agreement carefully to understand when it ends and what happens if you want to end it early or if the home sells after the agreement expires.