What to Know About Working With Laurie Ann Zacher at Costello Real Estate and Investment

Who Laurie Ann Zacher Is and What She Does

Laurie Ann Zacher is a real estate agent and investment specialist with Costello Real Estate and Investment, a firm based in South Carolina. She works with buyers, sellers, and investors navigating residential and investment property transactions across the state. Her background combines real estate sales with investment property expertise, which means she can speak to both the immediate concerns of someone buying a home and the longer-term strategy of someone building a rental portfolio.

Costello Real Estate and Investment operates as a full-service brokerage, meaning Zacher has access to listing databases, market data, and the firm's resources when representing clients. Whether you are selling a primary residence, purchasing investment property, or exploring what your current home might be worth, understanding how an agent like Zacher works—and what to expect from that relationship—helps you make informed decisions about representation.

Key Takeaways

• Laurie Ann Zacher represents buyers, sellers, and investors through Costello Real Estate and Investment, a South Carolina-based brokerage.
• Real estate agents typically earn commission based on the sale price and split that commission with the brokerage and the other agent involved in the transaction.
• When you hire an agent to sell, you sign a listing agreement that outlines the commission rate, the time frame, and what marketing the agent will provide.
• Investors working with an agent should discuss their investment criteria—price range, property type, location, cash flow targets—upfront so the agent can filter opportunities accordingly.
• You can interview multiple agents before choosing representation; there is no obligation to sign with the first person you meet.

How Real Estate Agents Work and What They Cost

Real estate agents do not charge clients a flat fee or hourly rate. Instead, they earn commission—a percentage of the sale price—only when a transaction closes. On a typical home sale, the commission is split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent, and each agent then splits their portion with their brokerage. The exact percentage varies by market and negotiation, but in South Carolina it commonly ranges from 4.5 to 6 percent of the sale price, divided equally between the two sides.

When you list a home for sale, you sign a listing agreement with the agent and brokerage. This contract specifies the commission rate, the length of time the listing is active (often 90 days or six months), and what marketing services the agent will provide—such as professional photography, online listing placement, open houses, and direct outreach to other agents. The listing agreement also gives the brokerage the right to list your property on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), the database that other agents search when looking for homes for their buyers.

If you are buying, the seller's listing agreement typically includes an offer to pay the buyer's agent commission from the seller's proceeds. This means you do not pay the buyer's agent directly; the cost comes from the sale price. However, you should still discuss representation and expectations with any agent before beginning your search.

Working With an Agent to Sell Your Home

When you decide to sell, the first step is to interview agents and compare what they offer. A good agent will visit your home, review comparable sales in your neighborhood, and give you a realistic estimate of what the home might sell for—called a comparative market analysis or CMA. This is not an appraisal; it is the agent's professional opinion based on recent sales of similar homes nearby. Different agents may give you different estimates, which is why talking to more than one is worthwhile.

Once you choose an agent and sign the listing agreement, the agent will typically arrange professional photography, write the listing description, and place the property on the MLS. From there, the listing reaches other agents' buyer clients, real estate websites, and the public. The agent will also schedule and conduct open houses, show the home to interested buyers, and negotiate offers on your behalf. Throughout the process, the agent serves as your advocate—their job is to sell your home for the highest price in the shortest reasonable time frame.

Selling usually takes 30 to 90 days from listing to closing, though this varies by market conditions, the home's condition, and the price. Your agent should keep you informed of showings, feedback from other agents, and any offers that come in.

Working With an Agent to Buy Investment Property

Investors often work with agents differently than primary home buyers. If you are building a rental portfolio or flipping properties, you should tell your agent upfront what you are looking for: the price range, the type of property (single-family, duplex, small multifamily), the geographic area, and your investment goals (cash flow, appreciation, renovation potential). This helps the agent filter opportunities and bring you deals that actually fit your criteria rather than showing you everything on the market.

Investment property transactions involve additional considerations beyond residential sales. You may want the agent to pull rental comps (what similar units rent for in the area), help you understand the local landlord-tenant laws, or connect you with a property manager or contractor. Some agents specialize in investment work; others focus on primary residences. If investment is your goal, asking whether an agent has investment experience and references from other investors is a reasonable question.

The commission structure is the same for investment property as for residential—a percentage of the sale price split between buyer's and seller's agents. However, investment deals sometimes involve different timelines, inspection periods, or financing contingencies than primary home purchases, so discussing these details with your agent early prevents misunderstandings later.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Agent

Before you sign a listing agreement or commit to working with an agent, consider asking: How long have you been in real estate? What is your experience in this specific neighborhood or area? How do you market listings—what does your marketing plan include? What is your average time on market and sale price compared to list price? Can you provide references from recent clients? What is your commission rate, and is it negotiable?

If you are an investor, also ask: Do you have experience with investment property? Can you provide references from investors you have worked with? Do you understand the local rental market and landlord-tenant regulations? Will you help me analyze deals, or do I need to bring my own analysis?

These questions help you understand whether an agent's experience, approach, and communication style match your needs. Real estate is a significant financial transaction, and working with someone you trust and who understands your goals makes the process smoother.

Understanding the Listing Agreement and Your Obligations

A listing agreement is a contract between you and the brokerage (not just the individual agent). It typically runs for 90 days or six months, though you can negotiate the length. During that time, the brokerage has the exclusive right to sell your property, meaning you cannot list it with another agent or sell it yourself without potentially owing commission to your original agent.

The agreement also specifies what happens if you receive an offer after the listing expires. Some agreements include a tail clause or protection period that extends the agent's commission rights for 30 to 90 days after the listing ends, protecting the agent if a buyer they showed the home to comes back and makes an offer later. Read this section carefully, as it affects your flexibility if you decide to change agents or sell privately.

You are not locked in forever, though. If you are unhappy with the agent's performance, you can discuss terminating the agreement early. However, doing so may involve negotiation or dispute, so choosing the right agent from the start is preferable to switching mid-listing.

How to Find and Contact Laurie Ann Zacher

Laurie Ann Zacher works through Costello Real Estate and Investment, which operates in South Carolina. You can reach the brokerage through their website or office phone number to request Zacher specifically, or to ask about her availability and current focus areas. When you contact the firm, be clear about what you need—whether you are selling, buying, or exploring investment opportunities—so they can connect you with the right agent or confirm that Zacher is available.

Many agents also maintain individual websites or social media profiles where you can see their listings, read client testimonials, and learn about their background. Reviewing an agent's online presence before reaching out gives you a sense of their communication style and the types of properties they typically handle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the real estate agent if I am buying a home?

No. The buyer's agent commission typically comes from the seller's proceeds, as specified in the listing agreement. You do not write a check to the buyer's agent. However, you should still discuss representation and make sure you understand what the agent will do for you.

Can I negotiate the commission rate?

Yes. Commission is negotiable, though rates vary by market and agent experience. When you interview agents, you can ask whether their stated rate is fixed or open to discussion. Keep in mind that a lower commission might correlate with fewer marketing services or less agent availability.

What if I want to sell my home without an agent?

You can sell privately (called for sale by owner or FSBO), but you will not have access to the MLS, which limits your reach to other agents' buyers. You will also handle all marketing, showings, negotiations, and paperwork yourself. Many sellers find that the agent's commission is worth the exposure and professional guidance, but the choice is yours.

How long does it usually take to sell a home in South Carolina?

Most homes sell within 30 to 90 days, depending on the market, the home's condition and price, and the season. Spring and early summer are typically busier for sales; winter is slower. Your agent can give you a more specific timeline based on your neighborhood and current market conditions.

What should I look for in an investment property agent?

Look for someone with experience analyzing deals, understanding rental markets, and working with investors. Ask for references from other investors, and discuss whether they will help you evaluate properties or if you will bring your own analysis. A good investment agent understands cash flow, cap rates, and local landlord-tenant law.