What to Know About Working With Todd Gene as Your South Carolina Realtor

Todd Gene brings local market knowledge and a focus on client communication to real estate transactions across South Carolina

Todd Gene operates as a real estate agent in South Carolina, working with buyers and sellers on residential properties. His approach centers on understanding what clients need from a transaction—whether that's selling a family home, finding a property in a new area, or navigating a competitive market. Like any realtor, he earns commission when a sale closes, which means his financial incentive aligns with getting a deal done.

Before choosing any realtor, including Todd Gene, you should understand how the relationship works, what services realtors typically provide, and what questions to ask during an initial conversation. This guide covers those basics so you can make an informed decision about representation.

Key Takeaways

• Real estate agents like Todd Gene earn commission only when a sale closes, so they have motivation to help you reach that outcome but no obligation to work with you if the fit isn't right.
• A realtor's primary job is to list your property, show it to potential buyers, negotiate offers, and guide you through closing—not to appraise your home or may provide a sale price.
• You should interview multiple realtors, ask about their experience in your specific neighborhood or price range, and understand their marketing strategy before signing a listing agreement.
• The realtor you choose should be able to explain South Carolina's real estate laws, timelines, and local market conditions in plain language.

What a Realtor Actually Does in a South Carolina Sale

When you hire a realtor to sell your home, you sign a listing agreement that gives them the right to represent your property on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)—the database that other agents and their buyers search. The realtor's job is to photograph the property, write the listing description, coordinate showings, and present offers to you as they come in. They do not appraise your home or set the price; you decide the asking price based on their market analysis and your own goals.

On the buyer's side, a realtor shows you properties that match your criteria, explains the neighborhoods, helps you understand what you're seeing, and negotiates the purchase agreement on your behalf. They also coordinate the inspection, appraisal, and closing process. Buyer's agents are typically paid by the seller's agent out of the commission split, so you do not pay them directly.

A realtor's legal obligation is to act in your best interest within the bounds of South Carolina law and the rules set by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. That means disclosing known problems with a property, being honest about market conditions, and not steering you based on race, religion, or other protected characteristics.

How to Evaluate Todd Gene or Any Realtor Before You Hire Them

Start by asking how long they have worked in real estate and whether they specialize in your area or price range. A realtor with five years of experience selling homes in Beaufort is not the same as one with five years selling commercial property statewide. Ask specifically about homes similar to yours that they have sold in the past year—not just listings they took, but actual closed sales. That number tells you whether they can actually move properties like yours.

Ask how they market listings. Do they use professional photography, virtual tours, social media, and open houses? Do they have a buyer's list they contact directly? Will they explain their pricing strategy in writing? A realtor who can walk you through a comparable market analysis—showing you what similar homes sold for recently—gives you a clearer picture than one who just names a number.

Discuss their communication style. How often will they update you? How do they prefer to be reached? What happens if you disagree on price or strategy? These conversations matter because you will be working closely with this person for weeks or months. If the conversation feels rushed or dismissive, that is useful information.

Understanding the Listing Agreement and Commission

When you hire a realtor to sell your home, you sign a listing agreement that specifies the commission rate, the length of the agreement (usually 90 days), and what happens if you sell the home yourself or if it sells after the agreement ends. Read this document carefully. The commission is negotiable—it is not set by law or by the real estate board. Typical rates range, but you should discuss what Todd Gene or any realtor charges and whether that rate fits your situation.

The listing agreement also covers what the realtor will do to market your home and what you are responsible for—such as keeping the property accessible for showings or disclosing known defects. Make sure you understand these obligations before you sign. If something in the agreement is unclear, ask for clarification in writing.

What Happens During the Buying or Selling Process

If you are selling, the timeline typically runs like this: listing agreement signed, property listed on MLS, showings begin, offers come in, you accept an offer, inspection period (usually 7 to 10 days), appraisal ordered by the lender, any repairs negotiated, final walkthrough, and closing. The whole process usually takes 30 to 45 days from accepted offer to closing. Your realtor coordinates most of these steps but does not perform them—the inspector, appraiser, lender, and title company each handle their part.

If you are buying, you will work with a buyer's agent (which could be Todd Gene or someone else) to search for properties, tour homes, make an offer, and navigate inspection and appraisal. The buyer's agent represents your interests in negotiations and explains what you are signing at closing. They do not work for the seller, even though the seller's agent pays their commission.

South Carolina Real Estate Laws and Disclosures You Should Know

South Carolina requires sellers to disclose known defects in the property using a specific form—the Residential Property Condition Disclosure Statement. This is not optional, and it is not the inspector's job; the seller must complete it honestly. Your realtor will explain what must be disclosed and help you understand the consequences of incomplete disclosure.

South Carolina also has specific rules about earnest money (the deposit a buyer puts down with an offer), inspection periods, and what happens if a deal falls through. Your realtor should explain these rules in plain language. If they do not, ask them to do so in writing. Understanding these rules protects you from surprises later.

Questions to Ask Todd Gene Before You Commit

Beyond the basics, ask Todd Gene about his experience with your specific situation. If you are selling a waterfront property, has he sold waterfront homes? If you are buying in a rural area, does he know that market? Ask for references from past clients—people who have actually worked with him, not just people he knows. Call those references and ask whether they would hire him again and why.

Ask what happens if you are unhappy with his work. Can you end the listing agreement early? What is the process? Ask whether he carries errors and omissions insurance, which protects you if he makes a costly mistake. Ask how he handles disputes between you and a buyer or seller on the other side of a deal.

Finally, ask him to put his marketing plan in writing. What will he do in the first week, the first month, and throughout the listing? How will he measure success? A realtor who can answer these questions clearly is someone you can work with confidently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell my home without a realtor in South Carolina?

Yes. You can list your property yourself (called "for sale by owner" or FSBO), handle showings, negotiate directly with buyers, and hire a closing attorney to manage the paperwork. However, you will not appear on the MLS unless you pay a flat fee to a broker, which limits your exposure to buyer's agents. Many sellers find the time and complexity of handling it alone outweigh the commission savings.

What if I want to switch realtors mid-listing?

You can end a listing agreement early, but the terms depend on what you signed. Some agreements allow you to cancel with notice; others lock you in for the full term. Read your agreement or ask Todd Gene what the cancellation terms are before you sign. If you are unhappy, discuss it with him first—many issues can be resolved with a conversation.

How much does a realtor cost?

Realtor commission is negotiable and typically ranges from 4 to 6 percent of the sale price, split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent. You pay the seller's agent's commission from your sale proceeds; you do not pay a buyer's agent directly. Ask Todd Gene what he charges and whether that rate is negotiable based on your situation.

Do I need a realtor if I am buying a home?

No, but most buyers work with one because the buyer's agent is paid by the seller and provides representation at no direct cost to you. A buyer's agent explains neighborhoods, negotiates on your behalf, and guides you through inspection and closing. Without one, you handle these tasks yourself or hire a real estate attorney.

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

Discuss it directly. Ask them to show you the comparable sales data they used to reach their recommendation. If you still disagree, you can price the home higher—it is your decision, not theirs. However, understand that overpricing typically results in fewer showings and a longer time on market. A good realtor will explain the trade-offs in writing.