The Gardner Group at Carolina One Real Estate: What to Know Before You Contact Them

Who the Gardner Group is and what they do

The Gardner Group operates as a real estate team within Carolina One Real Estate, a South Carolina-based brokerage with offices across the state. The team handles residential sales, purchases, and rentals in their service areas. Like other agent teams, they work on commission when a sale closes—they do not charge upfront fees to buyers or sellers, though sellers typically pay both the listing agent's commission and the buyer's agent's commission from the sale proceeds.

Carolina One Real Estate itself is an independent brokerage, not a national franchise. That means the company sets its own policies, training standards, and service model rather than following a national brand's playbook. The Gardner Group operates within that framework.

Key Takeaways

• The Gardner Group is a team of agents within Carolina One Real Estate, a South Carolina brokerage, and handles residential real estate transactions in their service areas.
• Like all real estate agents, they earn commission only when a transaction closes; buyers typically pay nothing out of pocket, while sellers' commissions come from sale proceeds.
• Before contacting any agent or team, you should understand what you need—whether you are buying, selling, or renting—and what questions to ask about their experience in your specific neighborhood or property type.
• Real estate agents are not required to have formal training beyond their license, so asking about their background, years in the business, and past transactions in your area helps you assess fit.
• You can work with multiple agents while shopping for a home, but once you sign a buyer's representation agreement, you are typically bound to that agent for a set period.

How agent commissions work in South Carolina

In South Carolina, real estate commissions are negotiable and not set by law or any governing body. The typical split is around 5 to 6 percent of the sale price, divided between the listing agent's brokerage and the buyer's agent's brokerage, though this varies by transaction and market. The seller usually pays both commissions from the proceeds at closing.

If you are a buyer, you do not write a check to an agent. The commission comes out of the sale price before you receive your net proceeds (if you are selling) or is factored into the overall cost of the transaction. If you are a buyer working with an agent, that agent's commission is typically paid by the seller's proceeds—this is why some buyers assume they can shop around without committing to one agent, though most agents will ask you to sign a buyer's representation agreement before showing you homes.

The Gardner Group, like all Carolina One agents, operates within this commission structure. Before you contact them or any team, ask what their typical commission split is and whether they are willing to negotiate on specific transactions.

What to ask before you reach out

Real estate agents in South Carolina must hold a current license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission, but licensing does not may provide experience, local knowledge, or a good fit for your situation. Before contacting the Gardner Group or any team, clarify what you need: Are you buying a home, selling one, or looking to rent? Are you new to South Carolina or relocating within the state? Do you have a specific neighborhood or price range in mind?

Once you know what you need, ask the team about their experience in that area. How long have they been selling in your neighborhood? How many transactions have they closed there in the past year? Do they specialize in a particular property type—single-family homes, condos, investment properties, waterfront? Have they worked with buyers or sellers in situations similar to yours?

These questions matter because an agent with deep roots in one neighborhood may be less useful if you are buying across town, and an agent who specializes in high-end homes may not be the right fit if you are shopping in a different price range.

Understanding buyer's representation agreements

If you contact the Gardner Group or any real estate team to look at homes, they will likely ask you to sign a buyer's representation agreement before showing you properties. This contract binds you to work exclusively with that agent for a set period—typically 30 to 90 days, though the terms vary. During that time, you cannot work with another agent, even if you find a home on your own.

Read the agreement carefully before signing. Check the length of the commitment, what happens if you want to end it early, and whether there are any exceptions (for example, some agreements let you work with an agent from a different brokerage if you find a home through a for-sale-by-owner listing). You have the right to negotiate the terms or walk away if they do not suit you.

You are not required to sign a buyer's representation agreement to look at homes, but most agents will not show you properties without one. If an agent refuses to sign an agreement, you can shop around and compare what different teams offer before committing.

How to research the Gardner Group specifically

Carolina One Real Estate maintains a website where you can view the Gardner Group's listings, team members, and contact information. You can also search for reviews on Google, Zillow, or Realtor.com to see what past clients have said about their experience. Keep in mind that online reviews are voluntary—satisfied clients may not leave feedback, and dissatisfied ones are more likely to post.

Another way to gauge an agent's track record is to search the South Carolina Real Estate Commission's database to confirm their license is current and in good standing. You can also ask the team directly for references from past clients—agents who are confident in their work will usually provide them.

If you are selling, ask the Gardner Group for a comparative market analysis (CMA) of your home. This document shows what similar homes in your area have sold for recently and helps you understand what price to list at. A thorough CMA is a good sign that an agent has done their homework on your neighborhood.

What happens after you contact them

When you reach out to the Gardner Group, expect an initial conversation—by phone, email, or in person—where they learn about your situation and you learn about their services. If you are buying, they will ask about your budget, timeline, and neighborhood preferences. If you are selling, they will want to see your home and discuss your goals for the sale.

If both sides agree to move forward, you will sign a representation agreement and begin the process. For buyers, this means viewing homes and making offers. For sellers, it typically means listing your home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which is how most homes are marketed to other agents and their clients. The agent will handle marketing, showings, negotiations, and coordination with the other side's agent through closing.

Throughout the process, you should feel comfortable asking questions and receiving regular updates. If you do not, that is a sign the fit may not be right, and you may want to discuss your concerns with the agent or explore other options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the Gardner Group or any real estate agent upfront?

No. Real estate agents in South Carolina earn commission only when a transaction closes. Buyers do not pay agents directly; the commission comes from the seller's proceeds. If someone asks you for money before a sale closes, that is a red flag.

Can I work with multiple agents at the same time?

You can shop around and talk to different agents before committing, but once you sign a buyer's representation agreement, you are bound to that agent for the term of the contract. Read the agreement carefully to understand the length and any exceptions.

What if I find a home on my own—do I still need an agent?

You do not need an agent to buy a home, but having one is often helpful because the seller typically pays both commissions. If you find a home listed by another agent and you do not have representation, that agent may try to represent both sides, which creates a conflict of interest. Having your own agent protects your interests in negotiations.

How do I know if the Gardner Group has experience in my neighborhood?

Ask them directly how many homes they have sold in your area in the past year and what the average sale price was. You can also search the MLS or Zillow for recent sales in your neighborhood and see which agents listed them. This gives you a sense of who is active where.

What should I do if I am unhappy with my agent?

Review your representation agreement to understand your options for ending it early. Some agreements allow you to terminate with written notice; others require you to wait out the contract term. If you have a serious concern, discuss it with the agent first. If that does not resolve it, you can contact Carolina One Real Estate's management or consult a real estate attorney about your rights.