How EXP Realty Works and What to Know Before You List or Buy
EXP Realty is a cloud-based real estate brokerage operating across the United States and Canada
EXP Realty is a real estate company where agents work remotely using cloud-based technology rather than from traditional brick-and-mortar offices. Founded in 2009, it operates as a brokerage that handles buying, selling, and leasing residential properties. The company is publicly traded and has grown to include thousands of agents across multiple states and provinces.
Unlike traditional brokerages with physical locations, EXP Realty's model centers on virtual collaboration. Agents access the company's platform from home or anywhere with internet access. The brokerage handles the licensing, compliance, and transaction management that buyers and sellers need when working with a real estate professional.
If you are looking to buy or sell property in South Carolina, you will work with an individual EXP Realty agent rather than contacting a central office. That agent represents either the buyer or the seller (or both, depending on the transaction structure) and coordinates the sale through EXP Realty's systems.
Key Takeaways
- EXP Realty agents work remotely and use cloud-based tools, but they are licensed real estate professionals bound by the same state regulations as agents at traditional brokerages.
- You find and contact an individual EXP Realty agent to list your home or search for property; there is no central phone line or walk-in office.
- The company operates in South Carolina and across the United States and Canada, so availability depends on whether agents in your area are part of the network.
- EXP Realty's commission structure and fees work the same way as other brokerages—negotiated between the seller and their agent, typically split between buyer and seller agents.
- The cloud-based model means faster document sharing and virtual tours, but the underlying transaction process mirrors traditional real estate sales.
How to find an EXP Realty agent in South Carolina
You can search for EXP Realty agents through the company's website by entering your location. The search will show you agents operating in your area. You can also search by agent name if someone has referred you to a specific person.
Once you identify an agent, you contact them directly—by phone, email, or through their profile page. They will discuss your needs, whether you are buying, selling, or leasing. If you are selling, the agent will schedule a time to view your property and discuss listing options. If you are buying, they will learn about your budget and preferences and show you available homes.
EXP Realty does not assign agents to you; you choose the agent you want to work with, just as you would at any other brokerage. Some agents specialize in certain neighborhoods or property types, so you may want to look for someone with experience in your specific market.
What happens when you list your home with EXP Realty
When you decide to sell, you sign a listing agreement with your agent. This contract specifies the commission rate (typically a percentage of the final sale price), the length of the listing period, and what marketing services the agent will provide. The agent enters your property into the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which is the database that all licensed agents in your area use to search for homes.
Your agent will coordinate photography, virtual tours, and open houses if you choose to hold them. Because EXP Realty uses cloud-based tools, documents and photos are shared digitally, and showings can be scheduled through online systems. Your agent remains your point of contact throughout the process and handles negotiations when offers come in.
When an offer is accepted, your agent coordinates the inspection period, appraisal, and closing with the buyer's agent and the title company. The closing typically happens at a title company office or attorney's office, where you sign the final paperwork and transfer ownership.
What to expect when buying through an EXP Realty agent
If you are buying, you work with an EXP Realty agent to search for homes that match your criteria. The agent can show you listings from any brokerage in the MLS—EXP Realty agents are not limited to selling only EXP properties. You and your agent will discuss your budget, preferred neighborhoods, and must-have features.
When you find a home you want to make an offer on, your agent prepares the purchase agreement and submits it to the seller's agent. Your agent then guides you through inspections, appraisal, and financing. If you are obtaining a mortgage, your lender will coordinate with your agent and the title company to ensure all paperwork is in order by closing day.
Throughout the process, your agent is your advocate. They negotiate on your behalf, explain contract terms, and help you understand what to expect at each step. The buyer typically does not pay the agent's commission directly; it comes from the seller's proceeds at closing, split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent.
Commission and fees at EXP Realty
EXP Realty's commission structure is negotiable, just like any other brokerage. There is no set rate. When you list your home, you and your agent agree on a commission percentage before you sign the listing agreement. This is typically split between the seller's agent (your agent) and the buyer's agent.
The seller usually pays the total commission from the proceeds of the sale. The buyer does not write a separate check to their agent. However, you should always confirm the exact commission arrangement with your agent before signing any agreement.
In addition to commission, there may be other costs associated with selling: title insurance, transfer taxes (which vary by county in South Carolina), and closing costs. Your agent can explain what costs apply in your specific situation, but these are separate from the agent's commission.
Technology and tools EXP Realty agents use
EXP Realty's cloud platform allows agents to manage transactions, share documents, and communicate with clients and other agents without a physical office. Virtual tours, video calls, and digital document signing are standard parts of the process. This can speed up communication and reduce the time needed to move through inspections and closing.
The platform also includes tools for market analysis, comparable sales data, and transaction management. Agents can pull up property information, comparable homes, and market trends to help you understand pricing and make informed decisions.
From a buyer's or seller's perspective, the technology means you can communicate with your agent at any time, view documents online, and participate in showings or inspections remotely if needed. However, the underlying real estate transaction—the legal requirements, inspections, appraisals, and closing process—works the same way as it does with any other brokerage.
EXP Realty's agent model and what it means for you
EXP Realty operates on a different business model than traditional brokerages. Agents are independent contractors who work remotely, and the company takes a portion of their commission in exchange for providing the brokerage infrastructure, compliance support, and technology platform. Some agents also have the option to become shareholders in the company.
This model can mean lower overhead costs for the brokerage, which some agents pass along to clients through competitive commission rates. However, commission is always negotiable regardless of the brokerage, so you should compare rates and services across different agents and brokerages in your area.
The remote model also means there is no physical office to visit, but your agent is still a licensed professional responsible for following South Carolina real estate laws and ethical standards. You have the same protections and recourse options as you would with any other brokerage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work with an EXP Realty agent if there is no office near me?
Yes. EXP Realty agents work remotely, so your agent does not need a physical office in your town. You communicate by phone, email, video call, or through the online platform. Your agent can still show you homes, coordinate inspections, and handle all aspects of buying or selling because everything is managed through cloud-based systems.
Is EXP Realty a legitimate brokerage?
Yes. EXP Realty is a licensed real estate brokerage regulated by state real estate commissions. Individual agents must hold valid real estate licenses in their state. The company is publicly traded and operates across the United States and Canada. You have the same legal protections when working with an EXP Realty agent as you do with any other licensed brokerage.
Do I have to use an EXP Realty agent to buy a home listed by EXP Realty?
No. All homes listed by EXP Realty agents appear in the MLS, and any licensed agent can show you those homes. You can work with an agent from any brokerage. The buyer's agent commission is typically paid by the seller regardless of which brokerage the buyer's agent works for.
What if I have a problem with my EXP Realty agent?
You can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission, which oversees all licensed agents in the state. You can also contact EXP Realty's compliance department directly. If there is a dispute over commission or contract terms, you may want to consult a real estate attorney.
How do virtual tours and remote showings work?
EXP Realty agents use video technology and 3D tour platforms to show homes remotely. You can view a property through a video call with your agent, or access a pre-recorded 3D tour on the listing page. For in-person showings, your agent schedules a time for you to visit the property. Remote options are helpful for initial screening, but most buyers want to see a home in person before making an offer.