Our Professional Partnership: A Guide to the Paperwork
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The Relationship Agreement
In South Carolina, before I can show you a home in-person or via video tour, state law requires us to formalize our relationship in writing using the Buyer Representation Agreement (SCR130). This is not about trapping you; it is about giving me the legal authority to fight for your best interests.
Protecting Your Interests & Commission Transparency.
How My Professional Fee is Handled
My goal is to ensure you do not pay my fee out of your own pocket. I treat my compensation as a negotiable line item in your offer.
The "Ceiling" Rule:
I cannot legally collect more than what we agree to in our contract. If we agree to 2.5% and the seller offers 3%, that extra 1% stays with the seller or goes toward your closing costs.
The Seller Credit Strategy:
We will ask the seller to pay my fee on your behalf as part of our offer. This keeps your cash focused on your down payment.
The "Zero-Out" Strategy:
I can often apply my commission as a credit toward your closing costs, effectively "zeroing out" the impact on your wallet.
What if a Seller Refuses to Pay?
If we find your dream home but the seller is difficult about the fee, we have three clear paths:
The Walk Away:
In the current market, you have the power. If a seller won't cooperate, we move on.
The Agent Haircut:
I believe in making deals happen. I am often willing to reduce my fee to bridge the gap and keep the home affordable for you.
The Appraisal Gap Protection:
I always perform a "Comps Check" before we wrap fees into a price to ensure the home will appraise, so you aren't hit with an unexpected bill.
Ready to Talk Through Your Search?
If you're serious about buying on the peninsula, the right representation is what separates a smooth purchase from a costly mistake. I work with a select number of downtown buyers who want a true specialist handling the details. I'd welcome a conversation about what you're looking for.
