What to Know About Working With Ashley DeLong at RE/MAX Southern Shores

Ashley DeLong brings local market knowledge and RE/MAX resources to South Carolina real estate transactions

Ashley DeLong is a realtor with RE/MAX Southern Shores, operating within one of the largest real estate networks in the country. RE/MAX agents work on a different commission structure than traditional brokerages—agents typically keep a larger share of commissions in exchange for paying their own desk fees and expenses. This model means DeLong's incentives align directly with closing sales rather than with steering you toward higher-priced properties.

RE/MAX Southern Shores operates across South Carolina's coastal and inland markets. The franchise provides agents with access to the RE/MAX national database, which lists properties across multiple states, and to training programs focused on market-specific strategies. DeLong's role is to represent either buyers or sellers in transactions, depending on who hires her and what agreement you reach.

Before working with any realtor, you should understand what representation means, what you're paying for, and what happens if you want to end the relationship. These details matter more than the brokerage name.

Key Takeaways

• RE/MAX agents typically earn a higher percentage of commissions but pay their own overhead, which can create different incentives than traditional brokerages.
• You can work with DeLong as a buyer's agent, a seller's agent, or both, depending on the agreement you sign and the transaction structure.
• Buyer's agents are usually paid from the seller's commission, so you do not write a separate check to the buyer's agent in most South Carolina transactions.
• A buyer's agent agreement typically includes an exclusivity clause that binds you to work only with that agent for a set period, even if you find a property on your own.
• You can interview multiple agents before signing anything, and you should ask about their experience in the specific neighborhoods or property types you are interested in.

How buyer's agent representation works

If you are buying, DeLong would represent your interests in negotiations with the seller's agent and the seller. The buyer's agent typically does not charge you a direct fee. Instead, the seller's agent and buyer's agent split the commission that the seller pays when the sale closes—usually 5 to 6 percent of the sale price, divided between them. This split varies by transaction and is negotiable.

Before DeLong shows you properties, you will sign a buyer's agent agreement. This agreement usually states that you will work exclusively with DeLong for a set time period—often 90 days to six months—and that DeLong is owed a commission even if you find a property yourself and buy it without her involvement. Read this clause carefully. Some agreements let you exclude specific properties or agents you were already working with before signing.

DeLong's job as your buyer's agent includes showing you properties that match your criteria, explaining the local market, helping you understand what similar homes have sold for, and representing you in price negotiations and inspections. She does not inspect the property herself—that is the home inspector's job—but she can explain what inspectors typically look for and flag obvious issues.

How seller's agent representation works

If you are selling, DeLong would list your property and market it to other agents and to the public. You pay her through the commission split when the sale closes. The seller typically pays both the listing agent's commission and the buyer's agent's commission from the sale proceeds, so the total commission comes out of your equity.

Before listing, you sign a listing agreement that specifies the commission percentage, the length of the listing period (usually 90 days to six months), and what marketing DeLong will provide. The agreement also states what happens if you sell the property yourself or if another agent brings a buyer—you still owe DeLong's commission in most cases.

As your listing agent, DeLong handles pricing strategy, photography, online listing placement, showing coordination, and negotiation with buyers' agents. She enters your property into the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which is how other agents learn about available homes. RE/MAX's national reach means your listing can appear on RE/MAX's website and syndicated to major portals like Zillow and Realtor.com.

Understanding RE/MAX's structure and what it means for you

RE/MAX is a franchise system, meaning DeLong operates under the RE/MAX Southern Shores brand but runs her own business. She pays RE/MAX a desk fee and splits certain costs in exchange for using the RE/MAX name, training, and technology platform. This is different from a traditional brokerage where agents are employees.

For you as a buyer or seller, the main difference is that RE/MAX agents often have more flexibility in how they work and may specialize in specific markets or property types. DeLong's experience in particular neighborhoods or with particular buyer profiles (first-time buyers, investors, relocating families) is worth asking about. RE/MAX's size also means access to a large agent network if DeLong needs to collaborate or refer you to someone in a different region.

Questions to ask before signing an agreement

Before you commit to working with DeLong, ask about her experience in the specific area where you want to buy or sell. How many transactions has she closed in that neighborhood in the past year? What was the average sale price and days on market? If you are buying, ask whether she represents buyers, sellers, or both, and whether she has ever represented both sides of a transaction (this creates a conflict of interest you should understand).

Ask what happens if you want to end the agreement early. Most buyer's agent agreements allow you to terminate with written notice, but you may still owe a commission if you buy a property during the agreement period. Ask about the commission split and whether it is negotiable. Ask what marketing tools DeLong uses—professional photography, virtual tours, social media, open houses—and whether those services are included or cost extra.

If you are selling, ask DeLong to provide a comparative market analysis (CMA) showing what similar homes in your area have sold for recently. This helps you understand whether her suggested listing price is realistic. Ask how often she will show your property and how she will report feedback from showings.

What to know about the South Carolina real estate market

South Carolina's real estate market varies significantly by region. Coastal areas like Charleston, Hilton Head, and Myrtle Beach have different buyer pools, price ranges, and seasonal patterns than inland markets like Columbia or Greenville. DeLong's experience in RE/MAX Southern Shores' specific service area matters—a realtor with deep knowledge of one region may not have the same expertise in another.

South Carolina is a non-disclosure state, meaning sale prices are not always public record. This makes a local agent's knowledge of recent comparable sales more valuable, because they may have access to information that does not appear in public databases. Ask DeLong how she researches comparable sales and whether she has access to MLS data that shows recent sales in your target area.

How commissions work and what you can negotiate

Real estate commissions are not set by law or by RE/MAX—they are negotiable between you and your agent. The standard commission in South Carolina typically ranges from 5 to 6 percent of the sale price, split between the listing agent and the buyer's agent, but this is a starting point, not a requirement.

If you are selling, you can negotiate DeLong's commission percentage before signing the listing agreement. Some agents will reduce their commission for high-value properties, for quick sales, or if you are also using them as your buyer's agent in a future transaction. If you are buying, you cannot directly negotiate the buyer's agent commission—that comes from the seller's side—but you can ask DeLong upfront what percentage she typically receives and whether it affects how she shows you properties.

Commission disputes sometimes arise if a sale falls through or if there is disagreement about who brought the buyer. The listing agreement should specify how these situations are handled. Read this section carefully before signing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay Ashley DeLong directly if I am buying?

No. The buyer's agent commission typically comes from the seller's side of the transaction. The seller pays a total commission (usually 5 to 6 percent) that is split between the listing agent and the buyer's agent. You do not write a separate check to DeLong as a buyer.

What if I find a property on my own while working with Ashley?

If you have signed a buyer's agent agreement with DeLong, you typically still owe her a commission if you purchase that property during the agreement period, even if she did not show it to you. Some agreements allow you to exclude specific properties or agents you were already working with before signing. Always read and negotiate this clause before signing.

Can I work with multiple real estate agents at the same time?

Most buyer's agent agreements require exclusivity, meaning you agree to work only with that agent. You can interview multiple agents before signing, but once you sign an agreement, you are typically bound to that agent for the stated period. Read the exclusivity clause carefully and ask whether it can be modified.

How long does a typical real estate transaction take in South Carolina?

From offer to closing usually takes 30 to 45 days, depending on inspection timelines, appraisal timing, and lender requirements. If the property needs repairs or if financing is complicated, it can take longer. DeLong can give you a more specific timeline based on current market conditions and your particular situation.

What should I look for in a listing agent's marketing plan?

Ask DeLong what she will do to market your home: professional photography, virtual tour, social media posts, open houses, and placement on major listing sites. Ask how often she will update the listing and how she will communicate showings and feedback to you. A detailed marketing plan in writing is better than a verbal promise.