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David Garrison at RE/MAX Reach — What to Know Before You Meet

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

Who David Garrison is and what he does

David Garrison is a real estate agent with RE/MAX Reach, a brokerage operating across South Carolina. He works with buyers and sellers navigating residential real estate transactions—helping people understand the market, tour properties, negotiate offers, and move through closing. Like other agents at RE/MAX Reach, Garrison operates under the RE/MAX brand, which is a national franchise model where individual agents and brokers maintain their own practices while using shared systems and training.

RE/MAX Reach itself is a regional brokerage, meaning it serves a defined area of South Carolina rather than operating nationally. The brokerage provides agents with technology, support, and market data, but individual agents like Garrison manage their own client relationships and transactions. Understanding this structure matters because it shapes how commissions work, what tools he has access to, and who you contact if something goes wrong.

Key Takeaways

  • David Garrison is a licensed real estate agent with RE/MAX Reach, a South Carolina brokerage, and works with both buyers and sellers on residential properties.
  • RE/MAX is a franchise model, so Garrison operates his own practice under the RE/MAX brand and systems rather than as a direct employee of a national company.
  • Before meeting with any agent, you should verify their license status through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and ask about their experience in your specific market or property type.
  • Real estate agent commissions are negotiable and typically paid by the seller, but you should discuss fees and what services are included before signing any agreement.
  • If you have a complaint about an agent's conduct, you can file with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission, which oversees licensing and enforces professional standards.

How to verify an agent's license and background

Before you work with David Garrison or any agent, confirm that his license is current and in good standing. The South Carolina Real Estate Commission maintains a public database where you can search agents by name. Visit their website, enter Garrison's name, and you will see his license status, any disciplinary history, and the brokerage he is affiliated with. This takes five minutes and protects you from working with someone whose license has been suspended or revoked.

You can also ask Garrison directly for his license number and brokerage affiliation. A legitimate agent will provide this without hesitation. If he is evasive or cannot produce a license number, that is a red flag. Once you have his license number, you can cross-reference it with the Commission's database to confirm the information matches.

What to ask before you hire him

When you first speak with Garrison, ask about his experience in your specific situation. If you are selling a home, ask how many homes he has sold in your neighborhood in the past year, what the average sale price was, and how long homes typically stay on the market. If you are buying, ask whether he specializes in first-time buyers, investment properties, or a particular price range. Agents often develop expertise in certain areas or property types, and knowing his focus helps you decide if he is the right fit.

Ask what services are included in his representation. For sellers, this typically means listing the home, marketing it, showing it to other agents' clients, and negotiating offers. For buyers, it usually means searching for properties, arranging showings, and negotiating on your behalf. Ask whether he charges any upfront fees, what happens if the sale falls through, and whether he requires an exclusive agreement or if you can work with other agents. These details vary by agent and brokerage.

Discuss commission structure. In most South Carolina transactions, the seller pays commission, which is split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent. The typical split is negotiable but often ranges from 2.5% to 3% per side. If you are a buyer, you generally do not pay commission directly—the seller's proceeds cover it. If you are a seller, ask Garrison what commission rate he proposes and whether it is negotiable. Never assume a rate is fixed.

Understanding the RE/MAX Reach structure

RE/MAX Reach is a brokerage, and Garrison is an agent affiliated with it. This means RE/MAX Reach provides him with office space, technology, training, and access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which is the database all agents use to list and search properties. However, Garrison runs his own business under the RE/MAX brand. He is not an employee of RE/MAX Reach in the traditional sense; he is an independent contractor who pays the brokerage a fee or split of his commissions in exchange for these services.

This structure matters for a few reasons. First, if you have a problem with Garrison's service, your first contact should be Garrison himself. If he does not resolve it, you can escalate to the broker at RE/MAX Reach. If the issue involves a violation of real estate law or ethics, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. Second, because Garrison is independent, his specific policies—cancellation terms, communication style, technology use—may differ from another agent at the same brokerage.

What happens during a typical transaction with an agent

If you hire Garrison as your seller's agent, he will typically list your home on the MLS, create marketing materials, hold open houses or private showings, communicate with other agents, and present offers to you. You will sign a listing agreement that specifies how long he represents you, what commission he earns, and what happens if you sell the home yourself or to someone he did not bring. The process from listing to closing usually takes 30 to 60 days, though it varies by market conditions.

If you hire Garrison as your buyer's agent, he will search for properties matching your criteria, arrange showings, answer questions about neighborhoods and market conditions, and help you make and negotiate an offer. Once an offer is accepted, he will guide you through inspection, appraisal, and closing. You will sign a buyer's agreement that outlines his representation and any exclusions—for example, whether you can work with other agents or if you are committed to him exclusively.

How to file a complaint if something goes wrong

If you believe David Garrison has violated real estate law, acted unethically, or breached your agreement, you can file a formal complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. The Commission investigates complaints involving unlicensed practice, fraud, misrepresentation, commingling of funds, and other violations of the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and Sales Act. You can file online or by mail; the Commission's website has the complaint form and instructions.

Before filing with the Commission, try resolving the issue directly with Garrison or with the broker at RE/MAX Reach. Many disputes can be settled faster through direct communication or mediation. However, if you believe a law has been broken or professional standards have been violated, the Commission has the authority to investigate and take disciplinary action, including license suspension or revocation.

Finding additional information about agents and brokerages

The South Carolina Real Estate Commission website is your primary source for verifying licenses and understanding agent regulations. You can also search the National Association of Realtors (NAR) database if Garrison holds the Realtor designation, which indicates he is a member of NAR and bound by its Code of Ethics. Not all agents are Realtors, but many are, and membership can be a sign of professional commitment.

You can also ask for references from past clients—both buyers and sellers—and contact them directly. Ask about communication, whether the agent met timelines, how the agent handled negotiations, and whether they would work with him again. Online reviews on Google, Zillow, or Realtor.com can provide additional perspective, though remember that reviews are subjective and may not reflect your own experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if David Garrison is the right agent for me?

The right agent has experience in your specific market or property type, communicates clearly, and charges a reasonable commission. Meet with him and at least one other agent before deciding. Ask about recent sales in your area, his marketing strategy, and how he handles difficult negotiations. Trust your instinct about whether you feel comfortable working with him.

Can I negotiate the commission rate with an agent?

Yes. Commission rates are not set by law or by RE/MAX; they are negotiable between you and the agent. Different agents may charge different rates, and you can discuss this before signing a listing or buyer's agreement. However, remember that a lower commission might mean fewer marketing resources or less availability.

What if I want to work with multiple agents at the same time?

As a buyer, you can work with multiple agents unless you sign an exclusive buyer's agreement with one agent. As a seller, most listing agreements are exclusive, meaning you cannot list with another agent during the agreement period. Read any agreement carefully before signing to understand whether you are locked in or free to work with others.

What is the difference between RE/MAX Reach and other brokerages?

RE/MAX Reach is a regional brokerage using the RE/MAX brand and systems. Other brokerages in South Carolina may be independent, part of a national chain, or franchise-based like RE/MAX. The brokerage you choose affects the tools and support your agent has access to, but the agent's individual skill and experience matter more than the brokerage name.

How long does a real estate transaction typically take?

From listing to closing, most transactions take 30 to 60 days. This includes showing time, offer negotiation, inspection, appraisal, and lender approval. Timelines vary based on market conditions, financing, and whether inspections or appraisals reveal issues that need resolution.