What Bona Fide Realty Does and How to Work With Them
Bona Fide Realty is a real estate brokerage serving South Carolina with residential and commercial property sales
Bona Fide Realty operates as a licensed real estate brokerage in South Carolina, handling the sale and purchase of residential homes, vacant land, and commercial properties. Like other brokerages in the state, they work within South Carolina's real estate licensing system and follow the rules set by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. If you are buying or selling property in South Carolina, understanding how a brokerage like Bona Fide Realty operates—and what services they provide—helps you decide whether to work with them.
Real estate brokerages differ from individual agents: a brokerage is the licensed company that holds the legal authority to conduct real estate transactions, while agents work under that brokerage's license. Bona Fide Realty, as a brokerage, employs or contracts with agents who represent buyers and sellers in transactions.
Key Takeaways
- Bona Fide Realty is a South Carolina-licensed brokerage that handles residential, land, and commercial property transactions.
- Real estate brokerages must be licensed by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and follow state law regarding disclosures, contracts, and escrow accounts.
- When you work with an agent from Bona Fide Realty, that agent represents either the buyer or the seller, and this representation must be disclosed in writing.
- You can contact Bona Fide Realty directly to ask about their current listings, their service areas within South Carolina, and which agents specialize in the type of property you are interested in.
How real estate brokerages operate in South Carolina
South Carolina requires all real estate brokerages to hold a current license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. This license means the brokerage has met education and background requirements, maintains a trust account for client funds (called an escrow account), and agrees to follow state real estate law. The brokerage is responsible for the conduct of its agents and for ensuring that all transactions follow proper procedures.
When you work with an agent from Bona Fide Realty, that agent is operating under the brokerage's license. The agent must disclose in writing whether they represent you (the buyer or seller), the other party, or both parties in a transaction. This disclosure is required by South Carolina law and protects everyone involved by making clear who the agent's legal obligation is to.
Brokerages also hold earnest money deposits and other client funds in trust accounts separate from their operating accounts. These funds cannot be used for the brokerage's own expenses and must be returned or distributed according to the contract terms and South Carolina law.
Services Bona Fide Realty typically provides
Real estate brokerages like Bona Fide Realty generally offer listing services for sellers and buyer representation for purchasers. If you are selling, the brokerage lists your property in the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS), markets it to other agents and the public, and coordinates showings and offers. If you are buying, an agent from the brokerage can show you properties, help you understand the local market, and represent your interests in negotiations and the purchase contract.
Brokerages also coordinate the closing process, which involves title searches, inspections, appraisals, and final document signing. While the brokerage does not perform all these services directly—title companies, inspectors, and lenders handle their own roles—the brokerage ensures the transaction stays on track and all parties meet their obligations.
To learn what specific services Bona Fide Realty offers, their service areas within South Carolina, and their current listings, contact them directly. Real estate services and market focus can vary between brokerages and even between individual agents within a brokerage.
Finding and contacting Bona Fide Realty
You can search for Bona Fide Realty online using their business name and South Carolina as your location. Most brokerages maintain websites showing their current listings, agent profiles, and contact information. You can also search the South Carolina Real Estate Commission's website to verify that Bona Fide Realty holds a current license and to check the licensing status of individual agents.
When you contact them, ask about their experience in your specific area of South Carolina, the types of properties they typically handle, and whether they have agents who specialize in your situation—whether that is selling a home, buying investment property, or purchasing commercial real estate. Different agents within the same brokerage may have different specialties and market knowledge.
Understanding real estate commissions and costs
Real estate commissions in South Carolina are negotiable, not set by law or by the Real Estate Commission. When you list a property with Bona Fide Realty, you and the brokerage agree on a commission rate, usually expressed as a percentage of the sale price. This rate is written into your listing agreement before the property goes on the market.
The listing agent's commission is typically split between the seller's brokerage and the buyer's brokerage. If you are buying, you generally do not pay a commission directly—the seller's proceeds cover both sides. However, this is negotiable, and you should discuss commission structure with your agent before entering into any agreement.
Beyond commission, you may encounter other costs: title insurance, inspections, appraisals, and closing costs. These vary by transaction and are separate from the real estate commission. Your agent or the title company can explain which costs apply to your specific purchase or sale.
What to ask before working with Bona Fide Realty
Before signing any agreement with Bona Fide Realty, clarify the scope of their services, the timeline for your transaction, and what happens if circumstances change. If you are selling, understand the listing period (how long your property will be listed), what marketing the brokerage will do, and what happens if the property does not sell within that time.
If you are buying, ask whether the agent will show you properties from other brokerages or only those listed by Bona Fide Realty. Ask about their knowledge of neighborhoods, schools, and local market conditions in the areas where you are looking. Ask what happens if you find a property you want to make an offer on and what the timeline for closing typically is.
Request a written explanation of all fees and commissions before you commit. South Carolina law requires brokerages to provide certain disclosures in writing, and you have the right to review these before signing anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if Bona Fide Realty is licensed in South Carolina?
Visit the South Carolina Real Estate Commission website and search their broker and agent database. You can verify the brokerage's license status and the licenses of individual agents. A current license means the brokerage meets state education and trust account requirements and is subject to the Commission's oversight.
What is the difference between a real estate agent and a real estate broker?
A broker is a licensed company that holds the legal authority to conduct real estate transactions and maintain client trust accounts. An agent is an individual licensed to work under a broker's license. Bona Fide Realty is the broker; the people who work there are agents operating under that broker's license.
Can I negotiate the real estate commission?
Yes. Commissions are negotiable in South Carolina and are not set by law or the Real Estate Commission. You discuss and agree on a commission rate with Bona Fide Realty before signing a listing or buyer agreement. The rate is written into your contract.
What if I want to work with an agent from Bona Fide Realty but also look at properties from other brokerages?
You can work with an agent from any brokerage and view properties listed by any other brokerage. The MLS system allows agents from different brokerages to show each other's listings. Discuss this with your agent upfront so there is no confusion about representation.
What happens to my earnest money deposit if the sale falls through?
Earnest money is held in the brokerage's trust account and is returned or distributed according to the terms of your purchase contract and South Carolina law. If the sale does not close, the money goes back to you unless the contract specifies otherwise. Your agent or the title company can explain the specific terms of your contract.