What to Know About Combs Real Estate in South Carolina
Combs Real Estate operates as a brokerage and property management firm across South Carolina, handling residential and commercial transactions along with tenant and landlord services.
Combs Real Estate is a South Carolina-based firm that works with buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants. The company handles property sales, leasing arrangements, and property management—meaning they may list homes for sale, help tenants find rentals, or manage properties on behalf of owners. Like other real estate brokerages in the state, Combs operates under South Carolina's real estate licensing requirements and follows state and federal fair housing laws.
If you are considering working with a real estate firm in South Carolina, understanding what services different brokerages offer and how to verify their credentials will help you make an informed decision about which company fits your needs.
Key Takeaways
- Combs Real Estate is a South Carolina brokerage that handles property sales, rentals, and property management services.
- Real estate agents and brokers in South Carolina must hold a current license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission.
- You can verify an agent's license status and complaint history through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission's online database.
- Real estate firms in South Carolina are required to follow fair housing laws that prohibit discrimination based on protected characteristics.
- Services offered vary by firm, so asking about specific offerings—such as property management, buyer representation, or landlord services—helps you understand what a brokerage can do for you.
How Real Estate Licensing Works in South Carolina
Anyone selling real estate or managing properties for others in South Carolina must hold a license from the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. This includes individual agents, brokers, and property managers. The license confirms that the person has passed an exam covering state real estate law, fair housing rules, and ethical standards.
Brokers—the firms themselves—must also be licensed and maintain a trust account for client funds. This account is separate from the company's operating money and is audited regularly. If you are working with a brokerage, the broker holds responsibility for the conduct of all agents working under that brokerage's license.
Licenses must be renewed periodically, and agents are required to complete continuing education hours to stay current. You can check whether an agent or broker is currently licensed by visiting the South Carolina Real Estate Commission website and using their license lookup tool.
Verifying Credentials and Checking Complaint History
Before working with any real estate firm, including Combs Real Estate, you can verify the company's license status and look up any complaints filed against them. The South Carolina Real Estate Commission maintains a public database where you can search by agent name, broker name, or license number.
The database shows whether a license is active, inactive, or expired. It also displays any disciplinary actions the Commission has taken—such as fines, suspensions, or license revocations—along with the reason. Complaints may involve mishandling of client funds, failure to disclose information, breach of contract, or violations of fair housing law.
You can also file a complaint with the Commission if you believe an agent or broker has violated state law or ethical standards. Complaints are investigated, and the Commission can take action if violations are found. Having this information available helps you understand the track record of any firm you are considering.
What Real Estate Brokerages Typically Offer
Real estate firms in South Carolina offer different combinations of services. Some focus mainly on buying and selling residential homes. Others specialize in commercial property, land, or investment real estate. Many also offer property management—meaning they handle tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance coordination, and lease enforcement on behalf of property owners.
When you contact a brokerage, it is worth asking specifically what services they provide. For example, if you are a landlord looking for someone to manage your rental property, you want to know whether the firm offers that service, what they charge, and what is included in their management package. If you are a buyer, you want to know whether they represent buyers, sellers, or both, and whether they charge a commission or a flat fee.
Some firms also offer property management services that go beyond leasing—such as handling repairs, collecting rent, managing tenant disputes, and preparing tax documentation for owners. The scope and cost of these services vary widely, so comparing what different firms offer helps you find the right fit.
Fair Housing Laws and Your Rights
South Carolina real estate firms, including brokerages and property managers, must follow fair housing laws at both the state and federal level. These laws prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status. South Carolina law also includes protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Fair housing violations can include refusing to show a property to someone, steering buyers or renters toward or away from certain neighborhoods, charging different prices or fees based on protected characteristics, or making statements that discourage someone from renting or buying. If you believe you have experienced discrimination, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or with South Carolina's human rights agency.
Real estate agents are required to treat all clients and customers fairly and to comply with these laws. If a firm or agent violates fair housing rules, they can face fines, license suspension or revocation, and civil liability.
Understanding Commission and Fee Structures
Real estate commissions in South Carolina are not set by law—they are negotiable between the seller and the brokerage. Typically, a seller pays a commission when their home sells, and that commission is split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent. The standard range varies but often falls between 5 and 6 percent of the sale price, though this can be higher or lower depending on the market and the agreement.
Property management fees also vary. Landlords typically pay a monthly fee—often a percentage of the rent collected or a flat monthly amount—plus any additional charges for maintenance, repairs, or tenant screening. Before signing any agreement, ask for a written breakdown of all fees and what services are included.
Buyers working with an agent do not typically pay a commission directly; the seller's proceeds cover both agents' commissions. However, some brokerages may charge buyers a flat fee or hourly rate for representation. Always ask about fees upfront and get any agreement in writing.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Real Estate Firm
When you are considering working with Combs Real Estate or any other brokerage, having a list of questions helps you understand whether they are the right fit. Ask about their experience in your area or with your type of property. Ask what services they offer and what the costs are. Ask how they communicate with clients and how often you can expect updates.
If you are a seller, ask how they market properties, what their average time on market is, and how they price homes. If you are a landlord, ask about their tenant screening process, how they handle maintenance requests, and what happens if a tenant stops paying rent. If you are a buyer, ask whether they represent buyers exclusively or also represent sellers, and whether they have experience with the neighborhoods you are interested in.
Get any agreement in writing before you sign. Read it carefully, including the term (how long the agreement lasts), the commission or fee structure, and what happens if you want to end the agreement early. Do not hesitate to ask for clarification on anything you do not understand.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a real estate agent in South Carolina is licensed?
Visit the South Carolina Real Estate Commission website and use their license lookup tool. Search by the agent's name or license number. The database will show whether their license is currently active and display any disciplinary history. If an agent is not in the database or their license is expired, they are not authorized to conduct real estate transactions.
What should I do if I have a complaint about a real estate firm?
You can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. The Commission investigates complaints involving license violations, ethical breaches, or violations of state real estate law. You can also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development if you believe discrimination occurred. Both agencies have online complaint forms and phone lines.
Are real estate commissions in South Carolina fixed by law?
No. Commissions are negotiable between you and the brokerage. There is no set rate, and you should discuss fees before signing any agreement. Different firms may charge different amounts, and you have the right to negotiate.
What is the difference between a real estate agent and a broker?
An agent is an individual licensed to conduct real estate transactions. A broker is a licensed individual or firm that supervises agents and handles client trust accounts. Brokers must meet additional requirements and hold higher-level licensing. Agents work under a broker's license.
Can a real estate firm represent both buyers and sellers?
Yes, many firms do. However, they must disclose this to all parties and follow rules about how they handle potential conflicts of interest. Some firms specialize in representing only buyers or only sellers. Ask the firm directly about their representation model before you work with them.