The Choice is Yours...Finding an Agent in Pawleys Island

I checked recently to see how many active REALTORS there are in Pawleys Island. The tally was around 300...yes 300 in a pretty small town.

So how do you choose the right agent to work with when buying your new home? The internet makes it simpler to begin your search, but it all comes down to basic human contact and interaction. This is one of the most important decisions of your lifetime: deciding where to buy your house, and settling on which one is the perfect place to put down roots and start making memories. So, shop around and find the perfect person to help you find the perfect home.

Find an agent who works real estate FULL TIME. Out of 300 local Pawleys Island agents, you can bet some of them practice real estate "on the side" and have another job that is their primary focus. You should find someone who is dedicated to helping people buy and sell homes, so they can give you the proper attention you need in this process.  You need your agent to have the flexibility to show you property at your convenience.


Make sure your agent is an expert on Pawleys Island. The Grand Strand stretches for over 60 miles of coastline on the Atlantic Ocean.  That's a LOT of different neighborhoods. Be sure the agent you choose has a distinct knowledge of how Pawleys Island works. Pawleys Island has a fiercely local scene going on, so be sure your agents knows all the nooks and crannies.  Ask your agent about the current state of the market as it applies to each neighborhood in which you are looking.

Ask what your agent's process will be in helping you find the right home. Engaging in this conversation will help you figure out the most important thing about your new agent: DO I LIKE YOU? You should feel completely comfortable with your agent; that you can ask them anything at any time.  Ask them how they will communicate with you (text, email, phone, or some other online service), and how often. Be specific about information you hope to receive in the process (Comparative Market Analysis or CMA, neighborhood restrictions, taxes, insurance, and other information about prospective house choices).
Do you feel like the agent is REALLY paying attention to what you want and need? Listen to your gut when choosing your agent, if you feel uncomfortable, this might not be the right person to help you make this big decision. Remember, there are around 300 agents in Pawleys Island alone. Choose wisely.

Understand how your agent gets paid.  At some point, whether right away or after establishing a relationship, your agent will present a Buyer's Agency Agreement for you to sign. Read it over and ask for an explanation. Most of the time, the seller pays the agent their commission according to the percentage entered in the MLS (Multiple Listing Service). But, it would be wise to discuss what happens if you choose a house that is For Sale By Owner (FSBO) or any other situation that might cause you, the buyer, to pay the commission.

Ask your agent to explain what dual agency means and what happens if that situation arises. Dual agency can happen if you decide to put an offer on one of your agent's listings or one of your agent's office listings. Dual agency is common, and usually no problem. However, once you have entered dual agency, your agent is limited as to how much they can advise you about how much to offer and any confidential information about the seller.

Ask a lot of questions. Some you might want to keep in mind are:

• What is your background and experience?
• Can you provide references?
• Do you have any skills and experience that help you spot possible "red flags" in a house, such as signs of mold, water damage, or structural problems?

I am sure you can come up with some others that are more specific to you.

Of course, I would love to help you find your dream home in Pawleys Island. Give me a shout and use these suggestions to find out if I am the right agent for YOU.

Happy house hunting!

Rachel