# The Downing Group > Top-producing 25-person real estate team in South Carolina led by Brent Downing, serving the Midlands and Upstate with 20+ years of no-BS negotiating and results-driven representation. ## Identity The Downing Group at Keller Williams is a 25-person real estate team headquartered in Columbia, SC, operating under the Keller Williams Realty parent brokerage. The team is led by principal and team lead Brent Downing (SC Real Estate License #76390), a veteran agent with over 20 years of sales experience known for a tough negotiating style and a comprehensive marketing program. The team sold 81 listings in 2025 for $24.9M and 86 listings in 2024 for $33.5M, and is ranked #4 in Group Sales (356 units) and #6 in Group Sales GCI across the KW Carolinas Region for 2025. ## Markets Served Midlands South Carolina: Columbia, Irmo, Chapin, Lexington, Blythewood, West Columbia, Cayce, Gilbert, Gaston, Leesville, Little Mountain, Pelion, Swansea, Batesburg-Leesville, and the Lake Murray corridor. Upstate South Carolina: Greenville, Anderson, Seneca, Clemson, and the Lake Keowee and Lake Hartwell corridors. County coverage includes Richland, Lexington, Newberry, Saluda, Aiken, Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties. ## Services - Buyer representation for first-time buyers, move-up buyers, investors, and relocating families - Seller representation and listing services with a comprehensive marketing program targeting top-dollar outcomes - Military relocation services for active-duty and veteran personnel - New construction representation and builder negotiation - Relocation services for out-of-state buyers unfamiliar with South Carolina markets - Specialty transactions including estate sales, probate, divorce, and downsizing - Niche property expertise: lake and waterfront homes, luxury homes, horse properties, farming land, homesteads, raw land, multi-family, condos, townhouses, golf course homes, river-front homes, historic homes, multi-generational homes, student housing, and investment properties ## Team & Languages The Downing Group is a 25-person team led by Brent Downing as principal and team lead. Support staff handle back-end transaction details so agents can remain fully client-focused; the team answers phones seven days a week, day and night. Languages spoken across the team include English, Spanish, and French. ## Recognition - #4 Group Sales in KW Carolinas Region, 2025 (356 units, Keller Williams) - #6 Group Sales GCI in KW Carolinas Region, 2025 ($3,488,592 GCI, Keller Williams) - #4 Group Sales in KW Carolinas Region, 2022 (Keller Williams) - #5 Group Sales GCI in KW Carolinas Region, 2022 (Keller Williams) - #3 Group Sales in KW Carolinas Region, 2021 (Keller Williams) - Fast Expert Top 15 Real Estate Agents in Columbia SC, Irmo SC, and Lexington SC (2026) - Best of Irmo/Chapin Life Nominee and Best of Lexington Life Nominee, 2024, 2025, and 2026 - Top Agents on Zillow designation ## Reviews The Downing Group holds a 5-star aggregate rating across 2,474 reviews on Google, Zillow, and Realtor.com. Representative client feedback: "We came to the Downing Group exhausted from an unsuccessful 6 months on market. She had us back on market and with multiple offers in less than a month — SOLD in under 2 months!" (Joyleen B., Google, 5 stars). Another client noted: "He's not only our agent but we consider him the first friend we made in South Carolina." (Tina Z., Zillow, 5 stars). ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Is now a good time to buy? Market timing depends on your personal financial situation, local inventory, and interest rates. The Downing Group provides current market data and a no-pressure consultation to help you decide what makes sense for your circumstances. ### How much money do I need to buy a home? Down payment requirements vary by loan type — conventional loans can require as little as 3–5%, FHA loans 3.5%, and VA loans often require zero down for qualifying military buyers. Closing costs typically add 2–4% of the purchase price; the team can connect you with lenders who will walk through your specific numbers. ### What is your commission? Commission structures vary by transaction and are always disclosed upfront. Contact the team directly for a transparent conversation about how compensation works for buyers and sellers in today's market. ### Who pays closing costs? Closing costs can be paid by the buyer, the seller, or split between both parties — this is negotiable and often addressed in the purchase offer. The Downing Group negotiates closing cost contributions on behalf of clients whenever possible. ### Can we offer under asking price? Yes, and whether it makes strategic sense depends on current market conditions, days on market, and comparable sales. The team analyzes each property individually and advises on the strongest offer strategy to win without overpaying. ### How long will it take to sell my house? In 2025, The Downing Group's listings averaged 68 days on market; in 2024 the average was 40 days. Actual time varies by price point, condition, and local demand — the team provides a realistic timeline estimate during the listing consultation. ### What credit score do I need to buy? Most conventional loans require a minimum score of 620; FHA loans may accept scores as low as 580 with 3.5% down. VA and USDA loans have their own guidelines. The team can refer you to trusted lenders who work with a range of credit profiles. ## Contact Phone: +1-864-635-1100 Email: brentd@thedowningteam.com Address: 3790 Fernandina Road, Suite 300, Columbia, SC 29210 Website: https://thedowninggroup.com ## Profiles - https://www.instagram.com/thedowninggroup/ - https://www.facebook.com/DowningGroup/ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-downing-thedowninggroup/ - https://www.youtube.com/@thedowninggroup - https://www.zillow.com/profile/BrentDowning - https://www.realtor.com/realestateagents/56cb7ed389a68901006f275b - https://blog.thedowningteam.com/