What to Know About the Chesney Team Realtors in South Carolina
Who the Chesney Team Realtors Are
The Chesney Team is a real estate group operating in South Carolina, serving buyers and sellers across residential properties. Like other real estate agents in the state, they work within South Carolina's licensing and regulatory framework, which means they hold active licenses through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and follow state laws governing property transactions.
Real estate agents in South Carolina represent either buyers or sellers (or both, with proper disclosure), and they earn commission based on the sale price of a property. The Chesney Team operates within this standard model, meaning their compensation comes from the sale itself, not from upfront fees paid by clients.
Key Takeaways
- The Chesney Team is a licensed real estate group in South Carolina that represents buyers and sellers in residential property transactions.
- Like all South Carolina agents, they must hold an active license from the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and follow state transaction laws.
- Real estate agents earn commission from completed sales, so their financial interest aligns with closing a deal.
- Before working with any agent, you should understand what services they offer, which markets they know best, and how their commission structure works.
- South Carolina law requires agents to disclose conflicts of interest and provide written agreements that spell out the terms of representation.
How to Research a Real Estate Agent in South Carolina
Before choosing any agent, including the Chesney Team, you can verify their license status through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission's website. The Commission maintains a public database where you can search by agent name and confirm they hold an active license, check their disciplinary history, and see what type of license they hold (broker, salesperson, or broker-in-charge).
Beyond licensing, ask potential agents directly about their experience in your specific market—whether that is a particular neighborhood, price range, or property type. An agent who has closed sales in your area in the past year or two will have current knowledge of comparable prices, buyer interest, and local conditions. You can also ask for references from past clients and request to see recent sales they have closed.
Read online reviews on platforms like Google, Zillow, and Realtor.com, but remember that reviews are self-selected—satisfied and dissatisfied clients are more likely to post than neutral ones. Look for patterns in what clients say about communication, follow-through, and market knowledge rather than treating any single review as definitive.
What to Expect When Working With an Agent
When you hire an agent to represent you, South Carolina law requires a written agreement that spells out the terms. This agreement should state whether the agent represents you as a buyer, seller, or both; how long the agreement lasts; and what commission or fee structure applies. Read this document carefully before signing, and ask questions about anything unclear.
As a seller, an agent typically lists your property on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), markets it to other agents and the public, schedules showings, and negotiates offers on your behalf. Commission is usually split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent, with the total ranging widely depending on the agent and market. As a buyer, an agent shows you properties, helps you understand market conditions, and negotiates offers and inspections with the seller's agent.
Communication matters. Clarify upfront how often you expect to hear from your agent, what method they prefer (phone, text, email), and what happens if you need to reach them urgently. A good agent responds within a business day and keeps you informed about showings, offers, and next steps.
Understanding Commission and Costs
Real estate commission in South Carolina is negotiable—there is no set rate. Agents and brokers set their own rates, which typically range from 4 to 6 percent of the sale price, split between the seller's agent and buyer's agent. If a home sells for $300,000 at 5 percent total commission, that is $15,000 divided between the two agents' brokers.
As a seller, you pay commission from the proceeds of the sale, so you do not write a separate check. As a buyer, you do not pay commission directly—the seller's proceeds cover both agents' commissions. However, this means the buyer's agent has a financial interest in the sale price being as high as possible, which is worth keeping in mind during negotiations.
Before signing a listing agreement with any agent, ask them to explain their commission rate in writing and discuss whether it is negotiable. Some agents offer lower rates for certain situations (cash sales, new construction, properties listed for a longer time). Get this in writing so there is no confusion at closing.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Agent
Ask any agent you are considering—including the Chesney Team—these practical questions: How long have you been licensed? How many homes have you sold in this market in the past year? What is your average days-on-market for listings? Can you provide references from recent clients? What is your commission rate, and is it negotiable? How do you market listings (online, open houses, direct mail, other)? What happens if I want to end our agreement early?
Also ask about their process. If you are selling, how do they price the home, and will they do a comparative market analysis (CMA) for you? If you are buying, how do they search for properties, and do they have access to off-market or pocket listings? What is their experience with your specific situation—whether that is a first-time buyer, investment property, short sale, or another scenario?
Your Rights as a Real Estate Client in South Carolina
South Carolina law gives you specific protections. Agents must disclose all material facts about a property—known defects, liens, code violations, and other issues that affect value or safety. They must also disclose any conflicts of interest, such as if they represent both buyer and seller in the same transaction (called dual agency), and you have the right to refuse dual representation.
You have the right to a written agreement before an agent represents you, and you can end that agreement if the agent is not performing or if you are unhappy with the relationship. If a dispute arises, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission, which investigates violations of state law and licensing rules.
Keep copies of all written agreements, emails, and documents related to your transaction. If something goes wrong—a missed deadline, miscommunication about price, or a property defect the agent failed to disclose—you will have a record of what was promised and what happened.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I verify that an agent is licensed in South Carolina?
Visit the South Carolina Real Estate Commission website and use their public license search tool. Enter the agent's name and you will see their license status, type of license, and any disciplinary history. If the agent does not appear in the database or their license is inactive, do not work with them.
Can I negotiate the real estate commission?
Yes. Commission rates are not set by law—they are negotiable between you and the agent. Before signing a listing agreement, discuss the rate and ask if it can be lowered, especially if you are selling a high-value property or if the market is strong in your area.
What is the difference between a real estate agent and a broker?
A broker holds a higher license level and can operate independently or run an office with agents working under them. Agents must work under a broker. Both are licensed by South Carolina and follow the same laws, but a broker has additional responsibilities and training.
What should I do if I have a problem with my agent?
First, try to resolve it directly with the agent or their broker. If that does not work, file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. Include details of what happened, copies of documents, and what outcome you are seeking. The Commission will investigate and take action if the agent violated state law or licensing rules.
Do I have to use an agent to buy or sell property in South Carolina?
No. You can buy or sell without an agent (called a for-sale-by-owner or FSBO transaction), but you will handle marketing, showings, negotiations, and paperwork yourself. Many people hire a real estate attorney to review contracts even if they do not use an agent, which is a common practice in South Carolina.