William Matthews at ERA Wilder Realty: What to Know Before You Meet

Who William Matthews is and what he does

William Matthews is a real estate agent with ERA Wilder Realty, a regional brokerage operating across South Carolina. He works with buyers and sellers on residential property transactions, meaning he helps people navigate the process of purchasing a home, selling one, or both. Like other agents at his brokerage, Matthews holds a South Carolina real estate license and operates under ERA Wilder Realty's broker supervision.

ERA Wilder Realty itself is part of the ERA franchise network, which has offices in multiple states. The brokerage handles residential sales, and agents within it specialize in different neighborhoods, price ranges, or transaction types depending on their experience and focus.

Key Takeaways

• William Matthews is a licensed real estate agent with ERA Wilder Realty who represents buyers, sellers, or both in South Carolina residential transactions.
• ERA Wilder Realty is a regional brokerage operating under the ERA franchise, which means it follows national standards while serving local markets.
• Before meeting with any agent, you should know what you want to accomplish—whether you are buying, selling, or both—and what questions matter most to you.
• Real estate agents earn commission on completed sales, typically paid by the seller, which shapes how they are compensated and what services they offer.
• You can interview multiple agents before choosing one; there is no obligation to work with the first person you meet.

What to expect when working with a real estate agent

If you are buying, an agent typically shows you properties, explains listing details, helps you understand the local market, and guides you through making an offer. They do not charge you directly—the seller's agent and buyer's agent split a commission paid from the sale proceeds. This means you can work with an agent without paying them out of pocket, though it also means their income depends on the sale closing.

If you are selling, an agent lists your property, markets it to other agents and the public, schedules showings, and helps you negotiate offers. They earn a percentage of the final sale price, typically split between the listing agent and the buyer's agent. Before signing a listing agreement, you should know what that percentage is, how long the agreement lasts, and what marketing the agent will do.

In both cases, the agent should explain the local market—what homes like yours are selling for, how long properties typically stay on the market, and what buyers or sellers in your area are looking for. They should also be available to answer questions and keep you informed as the transaction moves forward.

How to decide if an agent is right for you

Start by asking what neighborhoods or price ranges the agent knows best. An agent who specializes in downtown Charleston condos may not be the strongest choice if you are buying a rural property in Aiken County. Ask how long they have been in real estate, how many transactions they closed last year, and whether they have experience with the type of property or situation you are in.

You can also ask about their communication style—how often they check in, what time of day they typically respond to calls or texts, and whether they prefer email, phone, or in-person meetings. Real estate moves fast, and you want an agent who matches your pace and preferred way of staying in touch.

Interview at least two or three agents before deciding. There is no penalty for meeting with multiple people, and doing so gives you a sense of who listens to what you actually want versus who tries to steer you toward what they want to sell.

Questions to ask before you commit

If you are selling, ask what the listing agreement terms are—the commission percentage, the length of the contract, and what happens if you want to end it early. Ask what marketing plan they will use: will your home appear on the major listing sites, will they hold open houses, will they send out targeted emails to other agents, or all of these. Ask whether they will represent you exclusively or whether you can work with other agents too.

If you are buying, ask whether they represent you exclusively or whether you can work with other agents. Ask how they handle multiple offers and whether they have negotiated in your price range before. Ask what happens if you find a property on your own—some agents require you to use them for any property you see while working together, while others do not.

For both buyers and sellers, ask what your agent will do if a problem comes up during the transaction—a home inspection issue, a financing delay, a title problem. Will they help you navigate it, or will they refer you to a lawyer or inspector? Knowing this upfront prevents surprises later.

Understanding the South Carolina real estate market

South Carolina's real estate market varies significantly by region. Coastal areas like Charleston and Hilton Head see different buyer demand, price ranges, and inventory levels than inland cities like Columbia or Greenville. Rural properties in the Lowcountry or Upstate follow different patterns than suburban developments near major cities.

An agent who works in your specific area should be able to tell you what homes like yours have sold for in the past three to six months, how many similar homes are currently listed, and how long properties typically take to sell. This information helps you price a home realistically if you are selling, or understand whether an asking price is reasonable if you are buying.

Market conditions also shift. A buyer's market—where there are more homes for sale than buyers—favors people purchasing. A seller's market—where there are more buyers than homes—favors people selling. Your agent should explain which situation you are in and how it affects your strategy.

What happens after you sign an agreement

Once you commit to working with an agent, the timeline depends on whether you are buying or selling. If you are selling, your agent will typically schedule a home walkthrough, discuss pricing, prepare the listing, and get it on the market within a week or two. You should expect showings to begin shortly after listing, with activity usually heaviest in the first two weeks.

If you are buying, your agent will show you homes that match your criteria, discuss each one, and help you decide which ones to see again or make offers on. Once you make an offer, the agent handles communication with the seller's agent, negotiates terms, and coordinates inspections, appraisals, and closing.

Throughout the process, your agent should keep you updated on what is happening and what comes next. If communication slows down or you feel left in the dark, speak up. Real estate transactions involve significant money and time, and you deserve an agent who keeps you informed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use a real estate agent to buy or sell a home in South Carolina?

No. You can buy or sell without an agent, though most people use one because agents have access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which shows most homes for sale in the area. Selling without an agent means you handle marketing, showings, and negotiations yourself. Buying without an agent means you negotiate directly with the seller's agent, who represents the seller's interests, not yours.

What if I find a home I want to buy but I do not have an agent yet?

You can still contact the listing agent and ask to see the home. However, the listing agent represents the seller, not you. Many buyers prefer to find their own agent first, who can represent their interests during negotiations. If you contact a listing agent without your own agent, you are negotiating alone against someone whose job is to get the highest price for the seller.

Can I work with multiple agents at the same time?

You can, but most agents ask you to sign an exclusive agreement saying you will work only with them for a set period. If you want to keep your options open, discuss this before signing anything. Some agents are willing to work without an exclusive agreement, though they may be less motivated to help you if you might use someone else.

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

If you have not signed a listing or buyer agreement, you can simply stop working with them. If you have signed an agreement, review the terms to see how long it lasts and whether there is an early termination clause. You may be able to end it by giving written notice, though some agreements require you to pay a fee or forfeit commission if you switch agents mid-transaction.

How much does a real estate agent cost?

When you are buying, you typically pay nothing directly—the seller's proceeds cover both agents' commissions. When you are selling, the commission comes from your sale price and is split between your agent and the buyer's agent. Commission rates vary but typically range from 4 to 6 percent of the sale price, split between the two agents. Always ask what the rate is before you sign a listing agreement.