Tiffany Senden and The Boulevard Company: What to Know Before You Work Together

Who Tiffany Senden is and what The Boulevard Company does

Tiffany Senden is a real estate agent with The Boulevard Company, a South Carolina-based firm that handles residential sales, purchases, and property management across the state. Senden works with buyers and sellers in various markets, bringing experience in local neighborhoods, market conditions, and the mechanics of closing a transaction. The Boulevard Company operates as a full-service brokerage, meaning agents there can represent you on either side of a deal—buying or selling—and the company also manages rental properties for investors.

Before you decide to work with Senden or any agent at The Boulevard Company, it helps to understand what agents do, what they cost, and what questions to ask upfront. This guide walks you through those basics so you can make an informed choice about representation.

Key Takeaways

• Real estate agents earn commission only when a sale closes, typically split between the buyer's agent and seller's agent, with the seller usually paying both.
• You should interview multiple agents, ask about their experience in your specific neighborhood or price range, and confirm their availability before signing a buyer or seller agreement.
• An agent's job is to guide you through the process, negotiate on your behalf, and handle paperwork—not to give legal or financial advice, which requires a lawyer or accountant.
• The Boulevard Company also offers property management services, so if you own rental property, you can ask Senden or her colleagues about that side of the business separately.
• South Carolina real estate transactions typically close in 30 to 45 days, and your agent should explain the timeline and what happens at each step.

How agent commissions work and who pays

Real estate agents earn money only when a sale closes. The commission is a percentage of the final sale price—typically 5 to 6 percent in South Carolina, though this varies by market and is always negotiable. That total commission is usually split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent, with the seller's proceeds paying both.

If you are selling, you negotiate the commission rate with your agent before listing. If you are buying, the seller's agent commission is already built into the deal, so you do not pay your agent directly—but your agent still has a financial incentive to close the sale. This is why it matters to work with an agent you trust: their paycheck depends on the deal closing, not on you getting the best possible price or terms.

Ask Senden upfront what her commission structure is, whether it is negotiable, and whether The Boulevard Company charges any additional fees for services like staging, photography, or market analysis. Some brokerages bundle these into the commission; others charge separately.

What to ask an agent before you hire them

Interview at least two or three agents before you decide. Here are the questions that matter most:

• How long have you worked in this neighborhood or price range? An agent who has sold five homes in your area in the past year knows the market better than one who works everywhere.
• Can you show me three recent sales you closed? Ask for the list price, final sale price, and days on market. This tells you whether the agent's clients get realistic prices and sell in reasonable time.
• How do you market homes? Ask whether they use professional photography, virtual tours, social media, and open houses. If you are buying, ask how they search for homes and whether they have access to off-market deals.
• What is your availability? Real estate moves fast. If an agent is part-time or handles dozens of clients, you may not get timely responses when you need them.
• Will you represent me exclusively, or do you work with other agents on the same side? Some brokerages have policies about this. Clarify it before you sign.
• What happens if we disagree on price or terms? A good agent listens to your goals and advises you, but ultimately you decide. Make sure you are comfortable with how they handle disagreement.

Write down the answers and compare them side by side. You are looking for an agent who knows your specific market, has a track record of closed sales, communicates clearly, and is available when you need them.

Buyer representation versus seller representation

If you are buying, you can work with Senden as your buyer's agent. She will search for homes that match your criteria, arrange showings, help you understand the market, and negotiate an offer on your behalf. In exchange, she earns a commission from the seller's proceeds when the sale closes. This means you do not pay her directly, but you should still interview her to make sure she understands what you are looking for and will advocate for your interests.

If you are selling, Senden would list your home and market it to other agents and buyers. She handles showings, negotiates offers, and guides you through inspections, appraisals, and closing. You pay her commission from your sale proceeds. Before you list with her, ask how she will market your home, what timeline she expects, and what price range she thinks is realistic based on recent comparable sales.

Some buyers and sellers worry about conflicts of interest when both agents work for the same brokerage. South Carolina law requires agents to disclose this, and it is not illegal—but you should know it is happening. Ask The Boulevard Company upfront whether this is a possibility in your transaction.

The closing timeline and what happens at each stage

A typical South Carolina real estate transaction takes 30 to 45 days from offer to closing. Your agent should walk you through each stage so you know what to expect and when.

Offer and acceptance: Your agent drafts or reviews the offer, negotiates terms with the seller's agent, and gets both parties to sign. This usually takes a few days to a week.

Inspection period: You (or the seller, depending on the agreement) hire a home inspector. The inspector spends two to three hours examining the structure, systems, and major components. Your agent should explain what the inspection covers and help you decide whether to request repairs or credits based on the findings. This phase typically lasts 7 to 10 days.

Appraisal: If you are financing the purchase, the lender orders an appraisal to confirm the home is worth the sale price. The appraiser visits the home and compares it to recent sales. This takes 1 to 2 weeks. If the appraisal comes in low, your agent helps you renegotiate or cover the difference.

Final walkthrough and closing: A day or two before closing, you do a final walkthrough to confirm agreed-upon repairs were made and the home is in the expected condition. At closing, you sign documents, transfer funds, and receive the keys. Your agent does not attend closing—that is handled by the title company or attorney—but should explain what you are signing and answer questions beforehand.

What an agent cannot do for you

Real estate agents are licensed to help you buy, sell, and market property. They are not lawyers, accountants, or inspectors. Do not rely on your agent for legal advice, tax strategy, or structural assessments. If you have questions about title issues, tax implications, or whether a repair is safe, hire a professional in that field.

Your agent also cannot may provide a sale price, timeline, or outcome. They can advise you based on market data and experience, but the market moves independently. If an agent promises you a specific price or timeline, that is a red flag.

Finally, agents work for the brokerage, not for you, unless you have signed a buyer or seller agreement. Even then, their primary duty is to follow the law and their brokerage's policies. This is why it matters to interview multiple agents and choose one whose values and communication style align with yours.

The Boulevard Company's property management services

Beyond sales and purchases, The Boulevard Company also manages rental properties for landlords. If you own a rental home or investment property in South Carolina, you can ask Senden or her colleagues about property management services. These typically include tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance coordination, and lease enforcement. Property managers charge a percentage of monthly rent—usually 8 to 12 percent—plus any fees for repairs or special services.

If you are considering property management, ask the same questions you would ask a sales agent: How long have they managed properties in your area? What is their tenant retention rate? How do they handle maintenance requests and emergencies? What is included in their fee, and what costs extra? Get references from current landlords if possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to sign an agreement with an agent before they show me homes?

No. You can work with an agent informally and see homes without signing anything. However, most agents will ask you to sign a buyer representation agreement at some point. Read it carefully before you sign—it typically says you will work exclusively with that agent for a set period (often 90 days) and that they will earn commission if you buy a home during that time, even if you find it yourself.

What if I want to work with Tiffany Senden but I am not sure about The Boulevard Company?

Ask Senden directly about her experience, her track record, and her approach to your specific situation. You are hiring the individual agent, not the brokerage, though the brokerage handles paperwork and compliance. If you have concerns about the company, ask Senden how she would address them or whether she can refer you to another agent.

Can I negotiate the commission rate?

Yes. Commission is negotiable in South Carolina. If you are selling, discuss the rate with Senden before you list. If you are buying, the commission is typically set by the seller's listing agreement, but you can ask your agent whether there is any flexibility. Do not let commission be the only factor in choosing an agent—a cheaper agent who does not sell your home quickly costs you more in the long run.

What should I do if I disagree with my agent's advice?

Tell them directly. A good agent listens and explains their reasoning. If you still disagree, you have the right to make your own decision—it is your money and your home. If the disagreement is serious or the agent is not responsive, you can end the relationship, though you may owe commission if you buy or sell during the agreement period.

How do I know if The Boulevard Company is licensed and in good standing?

Check the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (SCDHEC) website or contact them directly. You can search for the brokerage and individual agents to confirm their licenses are active. You can also file a complaint with SCDHEC if you have an issue with an agent or brokerage.