What to Know About Trey Kizer Real Estate in South Carolina

Who Trey Kizer Real Estate Is and What They Do

Trey Kizer Real Estate is a South Carolina-based real estate firm that handles residential property sales, purchases, and related transactions across the state. The company works with buyers and sellers in various markets, from coastal properties to inland communities, and offers services typical of a full-service real estate brokerage.

Like other real estate agencies in South Carolina, Trey Kizer Real Estate operates under state licensing requirements and follows the rules set by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. If you are buying or selling property in the state, understanding how a real estate firm works—and what questions to ask before you hire one—matters for protecting your interests and your money.

Key Takeaways

• Real estate firms in South Carolina must be licensed by the state and follow commission rules about how they handle money, contracts, and client information.
• Before hiring any real estate agent or firm, ask about their experience in your specific market, their fee structure, and how they will communicate with you throughout the process.
• South Carolina law requires written agreements between agents and clients that spell out who pays commission and what services are included.
• You can verify a real estate firm's license and check for complaints through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission's public records.
• Real estate transactions involve legal documents, inspections, and financing steps that take time; understanding the timeline helps you plan accordingly.

How Real Estate Firms Operate in South Carolina

A real estate firm like Trey Kizer Real Estate typically employs or contracts with individual agents who show properties, negotiate offers, and guide clients through the buying or selling process. The firm itself holds the brokerage license, which means it is responsible for overseeing how agents handle client money, contracts, and disputes.

In South Carolina, real estate commissions are negotiable—there is no set rate. Sellers usually pay the commission, which is then split between the listing agent's firm and the buyer's agent's firm. Before you sign any agreement, the firm must give you a written contract that states the commission percentage, how long the agreement lasts, and what happens if you sell the property yourself or work with another agent during that time.

Agents must also disclose whether they represent the buyer, the seller, or both parties (called dual agency). This disclosure matters because it affects whose interests the agent is legally bound to protect. South Carolina law requires this disclosure in writing before you enter into a contract.

What to Ask Before You Hire a Real Estate Firm

Start by asking about the firm's experience in your specific area or type of property. An agent who specializes in coastal homes may not have the same knowledge of rural acreage or historic downtown properties. Ask how long they have worked in real estate, how many transactions they close per year, and whether they have sold properties similar to yours.

Next, clarify the fee structure and what is included. Will the firm handle marketing, photography, and open houses? Do they charge extra for certain services? How often will they communicate with you—weekly, daily, or only when something changes? Get these answers in writing as part of your listing or buyer agreement.

Ask about their marketing plan if you are selling. How will they advertise your property? Will it appear on major listing sites like the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)? Will they hold open houses, and if so, how often? For buyers, ask how they search for properties, whether they have access to off-market listings, and how they handle multiple offers.

Understanding the Buying and Selling Timeline

A typical home sale in South Carolina takes 30 to 45 days from offer to closing, though this varies based on financing, inspections, and appraisals. If you are buying, your offer triggers a series of steps: the seller accepts or counters, you order an inspection and appraisal, your lender reviews the property, and title work begins. Each step takes time, and delays at any point push back your closing date.

If you are selling, the listing period—how long your home is on the market before an offer comes in—depends on price, condition, location, and market conditions. Some homes sell in days; others take weeks or months. Your real estate firm should give you a realistic estimate based on comparable sales in your area and current market activity.

Closing itself involves signing documents at a title company or attorney's office, transferring funds, and recording the deed. This final step usually takes one to three days after all inspections and financing are complete. Your real estate firm coordinates with the lender, title company, and other parties to keep the process moving.

Verifying a Real Estate Firm's License and Record

The South Carolina Real Estate Commission maintains a public database where you can look up any licensed brokerage or agent. Visit their website and search by firm name or agent name to confirm the license is current and active. This database also shows whether any complaints or disciplinary actions have been filed against the firm or its agents.

If you have a complaint about a real estate firm or agent, you can file it with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. Common complaints include failure to disclose conflicts of interest, mishandling of client money, or breach of contract. The commission investigates and can impose penalties, require restitution, or revoke a license if violations are found.

Before you sign any agreement, also ask the firm for references from recent clients—both buyers and sellers. Contact at least two or three and ask about their experience: Was the agent responsive? Did the transaction close on time? Would they work with the same agent again?

What Happens If Something Goes Wrong

If you believe a real estate firm has violated South Carolina law or your agreement, your first step is to review the written contract you signed. It should spell out what services the firm promised and what happens if they fail to deliver. Many contracts include a dispute resolution process or require mediation before you can sue.

If the firm mishandled your money—for example, holding earnest money in a personal account instead of a trust account—that is a serious violation. Report it to the South Carolina Real Estate Commission immediately. If the firm failed to disclose a conflict of interest or breached the contract in another way, you may have grounds to sue for damages, though you should consult an attorney about your specific situation.

In some cases, you can also file a complaint with the South Carolina Attorney General's office if you believe the firm engaged in unfair or deceptive practices. Keep all written communications, contracts, and receipts related to your transaction so you have documentation if a dispute arises.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell my home without using a real estate agent?

Yes. You can list your property yourself (called "for sale by owner" or FSBO) and negotiate directly with buyers. However, you will still need to handle marketing, showings, inspections, appraisals, title work, and closing documents. Many sellers hire a real estate attorney to review contracts even if they do not use an agent. If a buyer's agent brings an offer, you may still owe them commission unless you negotiated otherwise upfront.

What is earnest money and where does it go?

Earnest money is a deposit you make when you submit an offer to show the seller you are serious. In South Carolina, it typically ranges from 1 to 3 percent of the purchase price, though the amount is negotiable. The real estate firm or title company holds this money in a trust account until closing, when it is applied to your down payment. If the deal falls through due to your breach, the seller usually keeps the earnest money.

Do I have to use the real estate firm's title company or attorney?

No. While the listing agent may recommend a title company or attorney, you have the right to choose your own. Title work is required by your lender, but you control who performs it. Shop around for title insurance rates and closing costs, as they vary between providers. Your lender will accept any licensed title company in South Carolina.

What is the difference between a listing agent and a buyer's agent?

A listing agent represents the seller and markets the property. A buyer's agent represents the buyer and helps them search for homes and negotiate offers. In most transactions, these are two different agents from two different firms, and the seller's commission is split between them. A dual agent represents both buyer and seller in the same transaction, which creates a conflict of interest and must be disclosed in writing.

How do I know if the price my home is listed at is fair?

Ask your real estate firm for a comparative market analysis (CMA), which shows recent sales of similar homes in your area. The CMA should include the sale price, days on market, and key features of comparable properties. This gives you a data-driven baseline for pricing. You can also search public records on your county assessor's website to see what similar homes sold for, though those records may lag by several months.