What to Know About Working With Ashley Leitherer at Re/Max Connected

Ashley Leitherer brings local market knowledge and a team approach to South Carolina real estate transactions

Ashley Leitherer is a real estate agent with Re/Max Connected, operating in South Carolina's residential market. She works with buyers and sellers on property transactions, drawing on familiarity with local neighborhoods, market conditions, and the mechanics of closing a sale. Like any agent, she earns commission when a transaction closes—typically paid by the seller and split between the listing and buyer's agents.

Before you decide whether to work with a specific agent, it helps to understand what agents do, what questions to ask, and what to look for in terms of experience and communication style. This guide covers those basics so you can make an informed choice about representation.

Key Takeaways

• Real estate agents earn commission only when a sale closes, creating an incentive to move transactions forward but not necessarily to get you the best price.
• You can interview multiple agents before signing a buyer's or seller's agreement, and you should ask about their experience in your specific neighborhood or price range.
• An agent's job is to handle paperwork, coordinate inspections and appraisals, negotiate on your behalf, and guide you through closing—not to give legal or financial advice.
• Commission rates and terms are negotiable, especially on the seller's side, and vary by market and transaction.
• Your agent should be reachable, responsive to your questions, and transparent about what they can and cannot do for you.

What a real estate agent actually does

An agent's core job is to facilitate a real estate transaction. On the seller's side, that means listing the property, marketing it, showing it to potential buyers, negotiating offers, and coordinating inspections, appraisals, and closing. On the buyer's side, it means searching for properties that match your criteria, arranging showings, writing offers, negotiating terms, and walking you through the inspection and appraisal process.

Agents do not appraise property, conduct inspections, provide legal advice, or make financial recommendations. Those tasks belong to appraisers, home inspectors, real estate attorneys, and financial advisors. An agent's role is to move the transaction forward and keep both parties informed about timelines, requirements, and next steps.

Commission is typically paid at closing and comes from the seller's proceeds. The seller's agent and buyer's agent split the commission, which is why the buyer does not write a separate check to their agent. The commission rate varies by market and is negotiable—it is not set by law or by Re/Max.

Questions to ask before you hire an agent

Interview at least two or three agents before you commit. Ask each one about their experience in your neighborhood or price range, how many transactions they closed in the past year, and how they market properties (if you are selling) or search for them (if you are buying). Ask how often they will communicate with you and through what channels—phone, email, text—and what their response time is.

Ask whether they work independently or as part of a team, and if it is a team, who you will actually be working with day-to-day. Ask what happens if you need to reach them outside business hours. Ask whether they have experience with the type of transaction you need—a short sale, a new construction purchase, a rental property, or a commercial deal—because that experience matters.

Ask about their knowledge of local schools, property taxes, zoning, and neighborhood trends if those things matter to you. Ask what they charge for a buyer's agreement (some agents charge a flat fee or hourly rate; others work on commission alone) and whether the terms are negotiable. Do not sign anything until you feel confident in your choice.

How commission works and what you can negotiate

On a typical home sale, the seller pays commission to their agent, who then splits it with the buyer's agent. The split is not automatic—it is negotiated between the two agents or their brokers. Commission rates vary widely depending on the market, the price of the property, and local custom. In some markets it is 5 percent of the sale price; in others it is 6 percent or higher; in some it is lower. None of these rates are set in stone.

If you are selling, you can negotiate the commission rate with your agent before you sign a listing agreement. If you are buying, your agent's commission comes from the seller's side, so you do not pay it directly—but you should still understand how much your agent stands to earn, because it can affect their incentives. An agent who earns more money by closing a sale quickly may push you toward a faster offer than is in your best interest.

Some buyers hire agents on a flat-fee or hourly basis instead of commission, which can reduce conflicts of interest. Ask whether that option is available in your market.

Red flags and signs of a good fit

Be cautious of an agent who pressures you to sign an agreement immediately, who is difficult to reach, or who dismisses your questions. Be cautious of an agent who guarantees a specific sale price or timeline—no one can may provide those things. Be cautious of an agent who steers you away from getting a home inspection or an appraisal, or who discourages you from hiring a real estate attorney.

A good agent listens to what you want, asks clarifying questions, and explains the process in plain language. They are honest about the market—if homes in your price range are taking three months to sell, they say so instead of promising a quick close. They coordinate with inspectors, appraisers, and attorneys without trying to replace them. They keep you informed about deadlines and next steps, and they respond to your messages within a reasonable time.

A good agent also knows when to step back. If you want to hire a real estate attorney, they support that decision. If you want a second opinion on an offer, they do not take it personally. If you decide not to move forward, they accept it professionally.

Working with an agent in South Carolina

South Carolina real estate transactions follow state law and local custom. Most sales involve a real estate attorney, who reviews contracts, handles the closing, and ensures all documents are recorded correctly. Your agent will coordinate with the attorney but cannot replace them. South Carolina also requires a property disclosure statement from the seller, which lists known defects and issues—your agent will make sure you receive this document and have time to review it.

South Carolina does not have a state cap on commission rates, so rates vary by market and by agent. Coastal markets like Charleston and Hilton Head tend to have different commission structures than inland markets. Rural properties may have different rates than suburban ones. Ask your agent what is typical in your specific area and whether the rate they are quoting is negotiable.

If you are buying in a competitive market, your agent's knowledge of neighborhoods, school districts, and local trends can be valuable. If you are selling, your agent's marketing reach and network of other agents can affect how many people see your listing. Take time to find an agent who understands your specific situation and your local market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use a real estate agent to buy or sell a home?

No. You can buy or sell without an agent, though most people use one because agents have access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which is where most homes are listed. Selling without an agent means you handle marketing, showings, and negotiations yourself. Buying without an agent means you negotiate directly with the seller's agent, who still earns commission from the seller's proceeds.

Can I work with multiple agents at the same time?

You can look at homes with multiple agents informally, but most agents will ask you to sign a buyer's agreement that commits you to working with them exclusively for a set period. Read the agreement carefully and ask about the terms before you sign. Some agreements are exclusive; others allow you to work with multiple agents as long as you disclose it.

What if I want to negotiate the commission rate?

Commission is negotiable, especially if you are selling. Discuss it with your agent before you sign a listing agreement. On the buyer's side, commission typically comes from the seller, so you do not pay it directly—but you can ask your agent about flat-fee or hourly alternatives if you prefer not to work on commission.

What happens if I change my mind about selling or buying?

If you have signed an agreement with an agent, review the terms to see what happens if you want to cancel. Some agreements have cancellation clauses; others require you to wait out the contract period. Talk to your agent about your concerns before you decide to cancel—they may be able to adjust their approach or address what is not working.

Should I hire a real estate attorney in addition to an agent?

In South Carolina, most home sales involve a real estate attorney who handles the closing and reviews contracts. Your agent will coordinate with the attorney but cannot provide legal advice. If you have questions about the contract, the closing process, or your rights as a buyer or seller, an attorney is the right person to ask.