What to Know About Working With Ann Harris at RE/MAX Professionals

Ann Harris brings two decades of South Carolina real estate experience to RE/MAX Professionals

Ann Harris is a real estate agent based in South Carolina who works through RE/MAX Professionals, one of the largest real estate franchise networks in the country. RE/MAX agents operate as independent contractors, meaning Harris runs her own business under the RE/MAX brand rather than as a direct employee. This structure affects how commissions work, what services she can offer, and how to evaluate whether her approach fits your buying or selling needs.

Before choosing any agent, you should understand what that agent specializes in, how long they have been active in your local market, and what their track record shows. Harris's background spans residential real estate across South Carolina, which means she has seen multiple market cycles and can speak to how neighborhoods have changed over time.

Key Takeaways

• Ann Harris works as an independent contractor through RE/MAX Professionals, so she sets her own schedule and commission structure rather than following a corporate office policy.
• RE/MAX agents typically list properties on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and can show you homes listed by any agent, not just RE/MAX listings.
• You should ask any agent about their specific experience in your neighborhood, recent sales they have closed, and how they price homes before deciding to work together.
• Real estate commissions in South Carolina are negotiable between you and the agent, and the typical split between buyer's and seller's agents varies by transaction.

How RE/MAX Professionals operates in South Carolina

RE/MAX Professionals is a franchise office, meaning it operates under the RE/MAX brand but is independently owned and managed. The office provides support services—training, marketing tools, administrative staff, and access to the MLS—but individual agents like Harris maintain their own client relationships and business practices. This is different from traditional brokerages where agents are employees of a single company.

Because Harris is an independent contractor, she can set her own commission rates, choose which properties to list, and decide how much time to spend on each client. She is also responsible for her own licensing, continuing education, and compliance with South Carolina real estate law. The RE/MAX brand gives her access to a national network and marketing resources, but her reputation and results depend on her individual performance.

What to ask Ann Harris before you hire her

When you first meet with an agent, prepare specific questions about their experience and approach. Ask Harris how many homes she has sold in your neighborhood over the past two years, what the average time on market was, and whether prices trended up or down. These numbers tell you whether she understands your local market or is new to it.

If you are selling, ask how she prices homes. Does she pull comparable sales from the past three to six months? Does she adjust for condition, lot size, and recent renovations? A strong agent can show you three to five similar homes that sold recently and explain why she is recommending a specific price. If she gives you a price without showing you the data, that is a red flag.

If you are buying, ask what her process is for showing homes, how quickly she can schedule viewings, and whether she has connections with other agents who might alert her to homes before they hit the MLS. Ask whether she represents buyers exclusively or also lists properties—some agents do both, which can create conflicts of interest if she is showing you a home she also listed.

Understanding commissions and how they work

Real estate commissions in South Carolina are not set by law or by RE/MAX. They are negotiated between you and the agent. The typical arrangement is that the seller pays a commission split between the listing agent and the buyer's agent, but this is a starting point for negotiation, not a rule.

If you are selling, you and Harris will agree on a commission percentage before she lists your home. That percentage is written into your listing agreement. If you are buying, you do not pay Harris directly—the seller's agent's commission is typically split with the buyer's agent, and that split is also negotiable. However, if you work with Harris as a buyer's agent and she is not receiving a commission from the seller's side, you would negotiate a fee with her separately.

Ask Harris to explain in writing what commission she expects, when it is paid, and under what circumstances it might change. This prevents misunderstandings later.

How to verify an agent's license and background

South Carolina real estate agents must hold an active license issued by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (SCDHEC). You can verify Harris's license status, check for any disciplinary history, and confirm her broker affiliation by searching the SCDHEC database online. This takes five minutes and is worth doing before you sign any agreement.

You can also ask Harris for references from past clients—people who have bought or sold with her in the past year. A strong agent will have three to five references ready. Call them and ask whether the agent communicated clearly, met deadlines, and handled problems professionally.

What happens after you sign an agreement with an agent

If you decide to work with Harris as a seller, you will sign a listing agreement that specifies the price, the commission, the length of the listing (usually 90 to 180 days), and what happens if the home does not sell. Read this agreement carefully before signing. Some agreements include clauses that extend the agent's commission even after the listing expires if a buyer they showed the home to purchases it later—these are called "tail clauses" and are common but negotiable.

If you are buying, you may sign a buyer's representation agreement that says Harris will represent you and that you will not work with other agents during that period. These agreements typically last 90 days and can usually be ended early if the relationship is not working. Ask Harris what her cancellation policy is before you sign.

Once you are under agreement, Harris's job is to market the property (if you are selling), show homes and negotiate offers (if you are buying), and coordinate with the other agent, the title company, the lender, and the inspector to move the transaction toward closing. Ask her how often she will update you and what her response time is for calls and emails.

Red flags and when to look for a different agent

If an agent pressures you to list at a price significantly higher than comparable sales, or to buy a home you are uncomfortable with, that is a sign she is prioritizing her commission over your interests. If she does not return calls within 24 hours, does not explain what is happening in your transaction, or discourages you from having a home inspection, those are reasons to reconsider.

If you signed an agreement and the relationship is not working, you have options. Buyer's representation agreements can usually be terminated in writing. Listing agreements are more binding, but if the agent is not actively marketing your home or is unresponsive, you may be able to negotiate an early exit or file a complaint with SCDHEC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work with Ann Harris even if she did not list the home I want to buy?

Yes. Harris can show you any home listed on the MLS, regardless of which agent listed it. The listing agent and the buyer's agent split the commission, so the seller pays for both. Harris will represent your interests in negotiating the offer and managing the inspection and appraisal.

What if I want to buy a home directly from the owner without an agent?

You can, but you lose the protection of having someone represent your interests in negotiation and inspection. If you do, the seller's agent still typically expects to be paid a commission by the seller. Some sellers will reduce the price if you do not use an agent, but this is not may provide.

How long does it usually take to sell a home in South Carolina?

This varies by neighborhood, season, and price. In a strong seller's market, homes may sell in weeks. In a slower market, it can take several months. Ask Harris for data on average days on market in your specific neighborhood over the past year—that number is more useful than a statewide average.

What should I do if I disagree with Ann Harris about price or strategy?

Talk to her directly and ask her to show you the data behind her recommendation. If you still disagree, you can ask to renegotiate the terms of your agreement or end the relationship. You are not obligated to follow an agent's advice if you do not trust it.

Is RE/MAX better than other real estate companies?

RE/MAX is one of many franchise networks. The quality of your experience depends on the individual agent, not the brand. A strong agent at RE/MAX will outperform a weak agent at any other company. Focus on Harris's experience, references, and communication style rather than the company name.