What Century 21 First Choice Offers in South Carolina Real Estate
Century 21 First Choice is a franchise brokerage operating across South Carolina with local agents handling residential sales, purchases, and rentals
Century 21 First Choice operates as part of the larger Century 21 real estate network, with offices in multiple South Carolina markets. The brokerage employs licensed agents who work with buyers, sellers, and renters on residential properties. Like other real estate brokerages, Century 21 First Choice earns commission on completed transactions rather than charging upfront fees to clients.
The company functions as a middleman between property owners and people looking to buy or rent. Agents list properties for sale or rent, show homes to interested buyers or renters, negotiate offers, and coordinate the paperwork that closes a transaction. If you are buying or selling a home in South Carolina, a Century 21 First Choice agent can represent your interests in that process.
Key Takeaways
- Century 21 First Choice agents represent buyers, sellers, and renters in residential real estate transactions across South Carolina.
- The brokerage does not charge clients directly; agents earn commission only when a sale or rental completes.
- You can contact a local Century 21 First Choice office to discuss your specific property needs and market conditions in your area.
- Real estate agents are licensed professionals, but their primary obligation is to their brokerage and the client who hired them, not to all parties in a transaction.
How Century 21 First Choice Agents Work With Buyers
When you contact a Century 21 First Choice agent as a buyer, the agent's role is to show you available properties, answer questions about neighborhoods and market conditions, and help you make an offer on a home you want to purchase. The agent typically does not charge you a fee; instead, the seller's agent and buyer's agent split a commission that comes from the sale price. This arrangement means the agent has financial incentive to close the sale, not necessarily to find you the best possible price.
Before you start looking, a buyer's agent may discuss your budget, timeline, and what features matter most to you. The agent can then search the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)—a database of properties for sale in your area—and arrange showings. Once you find a property you want, the agent helps you prepare an offer, negotiates with the seller's agent, and coordinates inspections, appraisals, and closing documents.
How Century 21 First Choice Agents Work With Sellers
If you own a home in South Carolina and want to sell it, a Century 21 First Choice agent lists your property on the MLS, markets it to other agents and the public, shows it to interested buyers, and negotiates offers on your behalf. The agent typically earns a percentage of the final sale price as commission—often split between the listing agent and the buyer's agent. You pay this commission from the proceeds of the sale, not as a separate upfront cost.
Before listing, the agent may suggest a price based on comparable sales in your neighborhood, recent market trends, and the condition of your home. The agent then coordinates open houses, responds to inquiries, and handles the back-and-forth with buyers' agents. Once an offer is accepted, the agent helps manage inspections, appraisals, and the closing process.
What to Know About Real Estate Agent Representation
A real estate agent's legal duty runs to their brokerage and to the client who hired them, not to all parties in a transaction. If you are a buyer working with a Century 21 First Choice agent, that agent represents your interests. If you are a seller, the listing agent represents the seller. A buyer's agent and a listing agent may work for the same brokerage, but they still represent different clients and have different obligations.
This matters because an agent's incentive is to close the sale, not necessarily to get you the best price or terms. A buyer's agent earns commission only if the sale closes, so they may push you toward an offer. A listing agent earns more if the sale price is higher, but they also earn nothing if the property does not sell. Before you work with any agent, ask clearly who they represent and what that means for your transaction.
Finding a Century 21 First Choice Office Near You
Century 21 First Choice has multiple offices across South Carolina. You can search for a local office online or ask for a referral from someone who has bought or sold a home recently. When you contact an office, you can speak with an agent about properties in your area, current market conditions, and what to expect in a buying or selling process.
Different offices and individual agents may have different specialties—some focus on residential sales, others on investment properties or rentals. If you have a specific need, such as finding a rental in a particular neighborhood or selling a home quickly, mention that when you call so the office can connect you with an agent who has experience in that area.
Understanding Commission and Costs
Real estate commission is negotiable, though it typically ranges from 4 to 6 percent of the sale price, split between the listing agent and the buyer's agent. As a buyer, you do not pay commission directly—it comes from the seller's proceeds. As a seller, you negotiate the commission rate with your listing agent before you sign a listing agreement. The commission is paid only if the sale closes; if the property does not sell, you owe nothing.
Beyond commission, you may encounter other costs in a real estate transaction: inspection fees, appraisal fees, title insurance, property taxes, and closing costs. These vary depending on the property, the lender, and your location. Your agent can explain what costs to expect, but they cannot predict the exact amount until you are further along in the process.
Questions to Ask Before You Work With an Agent
Before you hire a Century 21 First Choice agent or any real estate agent, it helps to ask a few questions. Ask who the agent represents in your transaction and what that means. Ask how long they have worked in your area and whether they have experience with properties like yours. Ask what the commission rate is (if you are selling) or how the agent is compensated (if you are buying). Ask what happens if you change your mind or want to work with a different agent.
You are not obligated to work with the first agent you speak with. Real estate is a significant financial decision, and you should feel comfortable with the person representing you. If an agent pressures you, avoids answering your questions, or does not seem to understand your needs, you can speak with a different agent at the same office or at a different brokerage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay a Century 21 First Choice agent if I do not buy or sell a home?
No. Real estate agents earn commission only when a transaction closes. If you work with an agent and decide not to move forward, you owe nothing. However, if you sign a buyer's or seller's agreement, you may be bound to work with that agent for a set period, even if you do not complete a sale.
Can I work with a Century 21 First Choice agent if I am renting instead of buying?
Yes. Some Century 21 First Choice agents handle rental properties. The agent shows you available rentals, helps you understand lease terms, and may coordinate with the landlord or property manager. Rental commission structures vary and may be paid by the landlord rather than the tenant.
What if I want to buy a home listed by a different brokerage?
You can still work with a Century 21 First Choice agent. The agent can show you any property on the MLS, regardless of which brokerage listed it. The buyer's agent commission comes from the listing agent's side of the split, so you do not pay extra to use an agent from a different brokerage than the listing agent.
How do I know if a Century 21 First Choice agent is licensed?
All real estate agents in South Carolina must hold a license issued by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. You can verify an agent's license status on the department's website or ask the agent directly for their license number. Licensed agents are required to follow state real estate laws and ethical standards.
What should I do if I have a problem with a Century 21 First Choice agent?
Start by speaking with the agent's broker or office manager. If the issue is not resolved, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, which oversees real estate licensing and can investigate violations of state law or ethical rules.