What to Know About Working With Mike Green as Your South Carolina Realtor

Mike Green brings local market knowledge and transaction experience to South Carolina real estate

Mike Green is a realtor operating in South Carolina who works with buyers and sellers on residential property transactions. Like any realtor, he represents clients in negotiating offers, navigating inspections, and closing sales. Before you decide whether to work with him, you should understand how real estate agents operate, what services they typically provide, and what questions to ask any agent you're considering.

A realtor's role is to guide you through the buying or selling process, but the specific services, commission structures, and market focus vary from agent to agent. This guide explains what realtors do, how to evaluate whether an agent is a good fit for your situation, and what information you should gather before making a choice.

Key Takeaways

• Realtors earn commission on completed sales, typically paid by the seller, so understanding how commission works helps you negotiate terms upfront.
• A realtor's local market knowledge—recent sales prices, neighborhood trends, school districts—directly affects the offers they recommend and the price you might achieve.
• You should ask any realtor about their experience in your specific neighborhood or property type before signing a representation agreement.
• Real estate transactions involve inspections, appraisals, and title work; a good agent explains each step and what to expect at each stage.
• Buyer's agents and seller's agents have different responsibilities, and you should understand which role an agent plays before you begin working together.

How realtors work and what they charge

A realtor is a licensed professional who represents either the buyer or the seller in a real estate transaction. Most realtors work for a brokerage—a company that holds the license and oversees their work. The realtor's job is to market the property (if selling), show properties (if buying), negotiate offers, and coordinate the closing process.

Commission is how realtors are paid. In most South Carolina transactions, the seller pays commission to both the listing agent and the buyer's agent. The total commission is negotiable and is typically a percentage of the sale price, though it varies. Commission is paid only when the sale closes, so the agent has financial incentive to complete the transaction but no may provide income if the deal falls through.

Before you sign a listing agreement (if you're selling) or a buyer representation agreement (if you're buying), ask the agent to explain their commission structure in writing. Some agents offer flat fees or reduced percentages; others work on standard rates. The agreement should also specify how long the agent represents you and what happens if you want to end the relationship early.

What to ask a realtor before you hire them

A realtor's value depends partly on their knowledge of your specific market. If you're buying or selling in Charleston, the Midlands, or the Lowcountry, ask the agent how long they've worked in that area and how many transactions they've closed there in the past year. Ask for references from recent clients—not just names, but permission to contact them directly.

Find out what tools and services the agent uses. Do they have a marketing plan for your listing (if selling)? Do they use professional photography, virtual tours, or social media? If you're buying, do they have access to off-market listings or pocket deals? Will they attend inspections and appraisals with you, or do you handle those alone?

Ask about their communication style and availability. How often will they update you? What's the best way to reach them? Some agents respond within hours; others may take a day or two. In a fast-moving market, slow communication can cost you an offer. Also ask whether they work full-time in real estate or part-time, since that affects their availability during critical moments.

Understanding the buying process with a realtor

If you're buying, a realtor's job is to show you properties that match your criteria, help you understand the market, and negotiate on your behalf. Before you start looking, your agent should discuss your budget, timeline, and must-haves versus nice-to-haves. They should also explain pre-approval—getting a lender to confirm how much you can borrow—because most sellers won't take your offer seriously without it.

When you make an offer, the agent writes it up, submits it to the seller's agent, and negotiates terms like price, closing date, and what repairs or credits the seller will provide. They should explain contingencies—conditions that let you back out if something goes wrong, like a failed inspection or appraisal. Most buyer offers include inspection and appraisal contingencies, which protect you if the house has hidden problems or is worth less than the offer price.

After your offer is accepted, the agent coordinates with the lender, inspector, appraiser, and title company. They should explain each step: the inspection (where a professional checks the house's systems), the appraisal (where the lender's appraiser confirms the price is fair), and the title search (where a title company confirms the seller actually owns the property and there are no liens against it). A good agent attends the inspection with you and explains what the inspector finds.

Understanding the selling process with a realtor

If you're selling, the realtor's job is to market your home, show it to buyers, and negotiate offers. Before listing, the agent should conduct a comparative market analysis—a study of recent sales of similar homes in your area—to recommend a listing price. Pricing too high means fewer showings and a longer time on market; pricing too low means leaving money on the table. Ask the agent to show you the comparable sales they used and explain their reasoning.

The agent should also discuss what repairs or updates might increase your sale price or speed up the sale. Some agents recommend fresh paint, landscaping, or staging (arranging furniture to show the home's potential). These costs come out of your pocket, so ask for a realistic estimate of return on investment before you spend money.

Once the home is listed, the agent markets it through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)—a database that all realtors in the area use—and through their own marketing channels. They should show you the listing and explain how they're promoting it. When offers come in, they present them to you, explain the terms, and advise you on which to accept. After you accept an offer, the agent coordinates with the buyer's agent, lender, inspector, and title company, just as they would on the buying side.

What happens at closing and after

Closing is the final step where the buyer gets the keys and the seller gets paid. A few days before closing, you'll receive a Closing Disclosure (if you're buying with a mortgage) or a settlement statement, which itemizes all costs and credits. Your realtor should review this with you and flag anything that doesn't match what you agreed to.

At closing, you'll sign documents at a title company or attorney's office. The realtor typically doesn't attend closing—that's handled by the lender and title company—but they should be available to answer questions before you sign. After closing, the realtor's job is essentially done, though many agents stay in touch with past clients for referrals or future transactions.

If problems arise after closing—a system fails, or you discover something the seller didn't disclose—your realtor can't fix it, but they can explain your options and refer you to an attorney if needed. This is why the inspection and appraisal contingencies during the buying process are so important.

How to compare realtors and make a decision

Before you commit to working with any realtor, interview at least two or three. Ask them the same questions so you can compare answers. Look for someone who listens to what you want, asks good questions about your situation, and explains things clearly without jargon. Avoid agents who pressure you to sign immediately or who seem more interested in closing a deal than in your best outcome.

Check online reviews on Google, Zillow, or the Better Business Bureau, but remember that reviews are self-selected—satisfied and very dissatisfied clients are more likely to leave them than neutral ones. Ask the agent directly for references and actually call them. A reference from a real client is worth more than a five-star review from a stranger.

Finally, trust your gut. Real estate is a significant financial transaction, and you'll be working closely with this person for weeks or months. If you don't feel comfortable or confident with an agent, keep looking. The right fit matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work with a realtor without signing a contract?

You can look at properties with an agent informally, but most realtors will ask you to sign a buyer representation agreement before they invest time showing you homes. This agreement typically lasts 90 days and commits you to working with that agent. Read it carefully and ask about early termination clauses before you sign.

What if I find a house on my own—do I still owe the realtor commission?

It depends on your representation agreement. Some agreements say the agent represents you for any property you purchase during the contract period, even if you find it yourself. Others exclude properties you discover independently. This is a detail to clarify before you sign.

How long does a typical real estate transaction take?

Most transactions take 30 to 45 days from offer acceptance to closing. This includes time for the inspection, appraisal, title search, and lender approval. Delays can happen if the appraisal comes in low, the inspection reveals problems, or the lender requests additional documents. Your realtor should give you a realistic timeline upfront.

What should I do if I disagree with my realtor's advice?

You're the client and you make the final decision. If your realtor recommends a price, repair, or offer strategy you don't agree with, say so. A good agent will explain their reasoning and listen to your concerns. If you consistently disagree or feel unheard, it may be time to find a different agent.

Do I need a realtor to buy or sell a home?

No, you can buy or sell without one, but it's more complex. You'll handle marketing (if selling), negotiating, and coordinating inspections and closing yourself. Many people find the cost of a realtor worth the time and expertise saved, especially in a competitive market.