Kathy Khalil

Hire an agent to represent you exclusively. Do NOT go to the listing agent thinking you will save money. You won't...but you will ensure that the seller's agent, who is negotiating AGAINST you, will earn more money, and you will have no one looking out for your interests. A buyer's agent will not cost you anything, and they may save you thousands!

There are three important pieces to successfully selling a home for the most money possible in the shortest time - price, presentation, and promotion. You have control over these three things, and they can offset the things you have no control over, such as location, market conditions, etc. First, prepare it as well as you can, including cleaning, staging, repairs, etc. Second, price it right, taking into account the condition and the market. Finally, hire an agent with a proven track record of success to promote it. Done correctly, these three things virtually guarantee a successful sale.

Investors, first time buyers, seniors downsizing, families upsizing, relocations, vacation homes, 1031 exchanges - I have worked with pretty much every type of client possible. I work mostly with sellers, but I will help my seller clients buy, and I help buyers referred to me by friends, family or previous clients. I never represent both a buyer and a seller in the same transaction, because although it is legal in South Carolina, I do not believe it is fair to either party to not have full representation.

My seller was worried because her home had been damaged in a flood a couple of years ago. She did everything I told her to do to prepare the home for sale, and she did a great job. We priced it exactly right and had a lot of showings right away. Almost everyone that looked at it loved it, but many of them were concerned about the flooding issue. I soothed my seller by explaining that even though the entire subdivision had experienced the previous flooding, five homes (with disclosed flood damage) had already sold since the beginning of the year, so there were buyers out there willing to take the risk. Within two weeks, we had multiple offers and sold it over list price. Final result: A happy and satisfied seller, and a family thrilled with their new home!

I worked for my father when I was around twenty. He was a civil engineer, land surveyor, builder and real estate broker. I learned a great deal from him about the business, but I wanted to go back to school and pursue another career. In 2004, after eighteen years of working in the electrical engineering field managing a testing and analysis group, I was ready to do something where I could work with and help people. I was drawn back to real estate because my analytical skills combined with the marketing background I had acquired through my managerial experience could now be put to use serving buyers and sellers and helping them with their very large and important financial transactions. I derive great satisfaction from knowing that I have helped someone accomplish their real estate goals, which ultimately helps them achieve even more important dreams in life. I feel as though I make a difference in my clients' lives, and that is what keeps me going every day.

I am a knowledge junkie! Not only do I complete all the required continuing education, I take extra classes, attend seminars and webinars, and read constantly to keep myself educated on the latest marketing techniques, economic trends, financing issues, local developments, and anything else that impacts the real estate market. I am also certified by the National Association of Realtors® as a Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE).