What to Know About Buying and Selling Property Through Palmetto Homes and Land Realty

Palmetto Homes and Land Realty is a South Carolina real estate firm serving buyers and sellers across the state

Palmetto Homes and Land Realty operates as a full-service real estate brokerage in South Carolina, handling residential property sales, purchases, and land transactions. The firm works with individual agents who represent buyers looking to purchase homes or land, and sellers preparing properties for market. Like any real estate company, they earn commission on completed sales—typically a percentage split between the buyer's agent and seller's agent, paid from the sale proceeds.

If you are considering working with this firm, you should understand how real estate transactions work in South Carolina, what to expect at each stage, and what questions to ask any agent before you commit. Real estate is one of the largest financial decisions most people make, and knowing the process protects you whether you are buying or selling.

Key Takeaways

• Real estate agents in South Carolina must hold a current license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission, and you can verify any agent's license status on the SCREC website.
• Buyer's agents and seller's agents work for different sides of the transaction, so understand who represents your interests before signing any paperwork.
• Closing costs in South Carolina typically run 2 to 5 percent of the purchase price for buyers and 5 to 10 percent for sellers, though these vary by property and loan type.
• A home inspection, title search, and appraisal are standard steps that protect you during purchase, and you should never skip them to save money.
• Real estate transactions in South Carolina involve attorneys at closing, which is different from many other states and adds a layer of legal review to protect both parties.

How to verify an agent's license and background

Before you work with any agent from Palmetto Homes and Land Realty or anywhere else, confirm they hold a valid South Carolina real estate license. The South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC) maintains a public database where you can search any agent by name. Visit the SCREC website, use their license lookup tool, and check that the license is active and in good standing. This takes five minutes and tells you whether the person is legally permitted to represent you.

Beyond the license, ask the agent directly about their experience. How long have they been selling real estate? How many transactions have they closed in your area? Do they specialize in the type of property you are buying or selling—residential homes, land, investment properties? An agent with ten years of local experience and fifty closed sales in your neighborhood will serve you differently than someone new to the market. Ask for references from past clients and actually call them.

You can also search the agent's name online to see if they have a website, social media presence, or reviews on platforms like Google or Zillow. These do not replace verification through SCREC, but they give you a sense of how they present themselves and what past clients have said about working with them.

Understanding buyer's agents versus seller's agents

In a real estate transaction, two agents are typically involved: one representing the buyer and one representing the seller. This matters because each agent's legal duty is to their own client, not to the other party. If you are buying a home and Palmetto Homes and Land Realty provides your agent, that agent works for you and must act in your best interest. If the same firm represents the seller, a different agent from that firm works for the seller, and their duty is to get the best price and terms for their client.

When both agents work for the same brokerage, it is called in-house representation or a "dual agency" situation (though South Carolina law has specific rules about this). You should always know which side your agent represents. Ask directly: "Are you my agent, or are you representing the seller?" Get the answer in writing. If you feel uncomfortable with the arrangement, you can hire your own independent agent to represent only you.

The buyer's agent typically shows you properties, helps you understand the market, negotiates on your behalf, and guides you through inspection and appraisal. The seller's agent lists the property, markets it, shows it to potential buyers, and negotiates the sale price and terms. Both agents earn commission only when the sale closes, so they are motivated to complete the transaction—but their loyalty is to their own client.

What happens during a home purchase in South Carolina

A typical home purchase in South Carolina follows these steps: you find a property you want to buy, your agent helps you make an offer, the seller accepts or counters, you enter into a contract, you order an inspection and appraisal, you secure financing, the title is searched and insured, and you close at an attorney's office. The entire process usually takes 30 to 45 days from offer to closing, though it can be faster or slower depending on financing and inspections.

After your offer is accepted, you will put down earnest money—typically 1 to 3 percent of the purchase price—to show you are serious. This money is held in escrow and applied to your down payment at closing. You then have a period (usually 7 to 10 days) to order a home inspection. The inspector examines the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and other major systems, and gives you a detailed report. If major problems are found, you can renegotiate the price, ask the seller to make repairs, or walk away.

Your lender will order an appraisal to confirm the home is worth what you are paying. If the appraisal comes in low, you may need to renegotiate or put down more cash. A title search is performed to confirm the seller actually owns the property and there are no liens or claims against it. Title insurance protects you if a problem surfaces later. At closing, a South Carolina attorney (required by state law) reviews all documents, ensures the title is clear, and oversees the transfer of funds and deed. Closing typically takes one to two hours.

Closing costs and what they cover

Closing costs are the fees and expenses paid at the end of a real estate transaction. For buyers in South Carolina, closing costs typically range from 2 to 5 percent of the purchase price, though this varies. For a $300,000 home, that could be $6,000 to $15,000. For sellers, closing costs are usually higher—5 to 10 percent—because they include the real estate commission (typically 5 to 6 percent split between both agents) plus title insurance, attorney fees, and other expenses.

Buyer closing costs typically include: loan origination fees, appraisal fee, title search and insurance, attorney fees, property taxes (prorated), homeowners insurance (first year premium), and inspections. Some of these are negotiable. For example, you can sometimes ask the seller to pay part of your closing costs as part of the purchase negotiation. Seller closing costs include the real estate commission, title insurance, attorney fees, property taxes (prorated), and any repairs or credits promised to the buyer.

Your lender is required to provide a Loan Estimate within three days of your application, which breaks down all estimated closing costs. Review it carefully and ask your lender to explain any fees you do not understand. Some fees are standard and unavoidable; others may be negotiable or can be shopped around (like title insurance or inspections).

Questions to ask your agent before you start

Before you commit to working with an agent from Palmetto Homes and Land Realty, have a conversation about how you will work together. Ask: What is your experience in this neighborhood or price range? How do you communicate—phone, email, text? How often will you send me listings or updates? What is your process for making an offer and negotiating? Will you be available to show me homes on short notice, or do I need to schedule in advance?

Ask about their marketing strategy if you are selling. How will they list the property? What photos, videos, or virtual tours will they provide? Will they hold an open house? How will they market to other agents? Ask about their commission structure. In South Carolina, commission is negotiable—it is not a fixed percentage. Some agents charge 5 to 6 percent total (split between buyer and seller agents), others charge less. Discuss this upfront.

Ask whether they have ever represented both sides of a transaction and how they handle conflicts of interest. Ask what happens if you are not satisfied with their service—can you end the relationship, and if so, how? Get your agreement in writing. A good agent will answer these questions clearly and put the answers in a written agreement you both sign.

Red flags and what to avoid

Be cautious of agents who pressure you to make an offer quickly, claim a property will sell immediately, or discourage you from getting an inspection or appraisal. These are sales tactics that benefit the agent, not you. A trustworthy agent will give you time to decide, encourage you to inspect and appraise, and support your questions.

Avoid agents who are vague about commission, fees, or their role in the transaction. If an agent cannot clearly explain who they represent or what they earn, that is a sign to work with someone else. Do not sign a buyer's agent agreement that locks you into working with one agent for a long period (six months or a year) without an exit clause. In South Carolina, you have the right to work with any licensed agent you choose, and a good agent will not require a lengthy exclusive agreement.

Be wary of agents who discourage you from hiring an attorney or title company, or who rush you through closing documents. South Carolina law requires an attorney at closing for good reason—they protect both parties. Take time to read and understand what you are signing. If something is unclear, ask the attorney to explain it before you sign.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a real estate agent is trustworthy?

Verify their license through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission website, ask for references from past clients and call them, check online reviews, and observe how they communicate with you. A trustworthy agent answers your questions directly, does not pressure you, encourages inspections and appraisals, and puts agreements in writing. If something feels off, trust that instinct and work with someone else.

Can I negotiate the real estate commission?

Yes. Commission in South Carolina is negotiable, not fixed. Agents typically charge 5 to 6 percent total (split between buyer and seller agents), but you can discuss a lower rate. Some agents may offer reduced commission for certain situations. Discuss this before you sign any agreement.

What if I want to buy a home listed by Palmetto Homes and Land Realty but I do not want to use their agent?

You can hire your own independent agent to represent you as the buyer. That agent will work with the listing agent (from Palmetto or elsewhere) to negotiate on your behalf. You are never required to use the seller's agent, even if they offer to represent you.

What should I do if I have a problem with my agent during the transaction?

First, talk to the agent directly about your concern. If that does not resolve it, ask to speak with the brokerage manager or broker. If you believe the agent has violated South Carolina real estate law, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. Document everything in writing and keep copies of all communications.

Do I need a lawyer to buy a home in South Carolina?

South Carolina law requires an attorney to be present at closing, so you will work with one whether you hire your own or use the one provided by the title company or lender. You may also want to hire your own attorney earlier in the process to review the purchase contract before you sign it, especially for a large or complex transaction.