What to Know About Working With Joi Perkins at RE/MAX

Joi Perkins brings local market knowledge and RE/MAX resources to South Carolina real estate transactions

Joi Perkins is a real estate agent affiliated with RE/MAX, one of the largest real estate networks in the country. RE/MAX agents operate as independent contractors within the network, meaning Perkins maintains her own business while accessing RE/MAX's training, technology, and brand resources. If you are buying or selling property in South Carolina, understanding how an agent like Perkins works—what services she offers, how she is compensated, and what to expect from the process—helps you decide whether to work together.

RE/MAX agents typically handle residential sales, purchases, and sometimes rental properties. They represent either buyers or sellers (or both in some transactions), negotiate offers, coordinate inspections and appraisals, and guide clients through closing. The specific services Perkins offers depend on your needs and the type of transaction.

Key Takeaways

• RE/MAX agents like Joi Perkins work as independent contractors within the RE/MAX network, so they operate their own business while using RE/MAX systems and support.
• Real estate agents are paid by commission, which is typically split between the buyer's agent and seller's agent and comes from the sale price—not from you as a separate fee.
• You can interview multiple agents before deciding to work with one; there is no obligation to sign with the first person you contact.
• An agent's local knowledge of neighborhoods, schools, market trends, and property values in your area matters more than national brand affiliation.

How RE/MAX agents operate and what they do

RE/MAX is a franchise network where individual agents and brokers pay to use the RE/MAX name, systems, and training. Joi Perkins operates under this model, which means she runs her own business but has access to RE/MAX's technology platform, marketing tools, and support structure. This is different from being an employee of a single brokerage office.

As a real estate agent, Perkins can represent sellers (listing their property and marketing it to buyers), represent buyers (helping them search for and negotiate on properties), or both. In a typical transaction, the seller's agent and buyer's agent each earn a portion of the commission, which is built into the sale price. The commission split and percentage vary by transaction and are negotiable.

An agent's day-to-day work includes listing properties on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), showing homes to potential buyers, preparing and presenting offers, coordinating inspections and appraisals, and managing paperwork through closing. Agents also advise clients on pricing, market conditions, and negotiation strategy.

Commission structure and how agents are paid

Real estate agents earn money through commission, not hourly wages or salaries. Commission is a percentage of the final sale price, typically ranging from 4 to 6 percent total, though this varies. The seller usually pays the full commission, which is then split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent.

If you are a buyer working with Joi Perkins, you typically do not pay her directly—the seller's proceeds cover both agents' commissions. If you are a seller, the commission comes out of your sale price before you receive your net proceeds. Commission is negotiable, so you can discuss rates before signing an agreement with an agent.

An agent only earns commission if a transaction closes. This means the agent has financial incentive to help you complete a deal, but it also means she does not earn anything if you decide not to move forward.

What to consider when choosing an agent

Choosing an agent is about more than brand affiliation. While RE/MAX provides tools and support, what matters most is the individual agent's knowledge, responsiveness, and track record in your specific area. Ask Joi Perkins (or any agent you are considering) about her experience in the neighborhoods where you want to buy or sell, how long she has been in real estate, and how many transactions she has closed in the past year.

Request references from past clients and ask about her communication style—how often she updates you, how quickly she responds to calls and emails, and whether she is available during evenings or weekends if you need her. Some agents specialize in certain property types (new construction, historic homes, investment properties) or price ranges, so clarify whether her experience matches your needs.

You are not obligated to work with the first agent you meet. Interview multiple agents, compare their knowledge and approach, and choose the one you feel most confident working with. A good agent-client relationship is built on trust and clear communication.

Understanding the buyer's agent and seller's agent roles

In most South Carolina transactions, there are two agents: one representing the seller and one representing the buyer. Each agent has a fiduciary duty to their own client, meaning they are legally obligated to act in that client's best interest. This does not mean the two agents are adversaries—they work together to facilitate the transaction, but their loyalty is to their respective clients.

If you are a buyer, your agent (like Joi Perkins, if you choose to work with her) shows you properties, helps you understand the market, advises you on offer strategy, and negotiates on your behalf. If you are a seller, your agent lists your property, markets it, shows it to potential buyers and their agents, and negotiates offers with you.

In rare cases, one agent may represent both the buyer and seller in the same transaction—this is called dual agency. Dual agency is legal in South Carolina but creates a conflict of interest because the agent cannot fully advocate for both parties. If dual agency is proposed, understand the implications before agreeing.

Steps in a typical real estate transaction

A real estate transaction generally follows this sequence: you and your agent agree on terms (either listing your home or beginning a buyer search), the property is marketed or you begin viewing homes, an offer is made and negotiated, the offer is accepted, inspections and appraisals are ordered, financing is finalized, and the sale closes. The entire process typically takes 30 to 45 days from accepted offer to closing, though this varies.

Your agent coordinates many of these steps but does not perform all of them. For example, a home inspector, appraiser, and lender are separate professionals who handle their parts of the process. Your agent keeps you informed and helps you understand what is happening at each stage.

If problems arise—such as an inspection revealing major repairs needed or an appraisal coming in lower than the offer price—your agent advises you on options and helps negotiate a resolution. Having an experienced agent who knows how to handle these situations smoothly is valuable.

Questions to ask before working with an agent

Before you commit to working with Joi Perkins or any agent, ask these questions: How long have you been in real estate? How many transactions have you closed in the past 12 months? What is your experience in the neighborhoods I am interested in? How do you stay in touch with clients during a transaction? What is your commission rate, and is it negotiable? Do you have references from past clients I can contact?

Also ask about her marketing strategy if you are selling (how will she promote your home?), her process for showing homes if you are buying, and how she handles conflicts or problems. An agent should be able to answer these questions clearly and provide evidence of her experience and success.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

If you are a buyer, you typically do not pay an agent directly—the seller's proceeds cover both agents' commissions. If you are a seller, commission is negotiable and comes out of your sale price. You can also sell without an agent (for-sale-by-owner), but you then handle marketing, showing, and negotiation yourself.

Can I work with multiple agents at the same time?

You can speak with multiple agents before choosing one, but once you sign an agreement (called a buyer's agent agreement or listing agreement), you are typically committed to that agent for a set period. Read any agreement carefully before signing to understand the terms and how long you are bound.

What happens if I find a home listed by the same agent I am working with?

This is dual agency—one agent representing both buyer and seller. It is legal in South Carolina but creates a conflict of interest. The agent cannot fully advocate for both sides. You can still proceed, but understand that the agent's loyalty is divided and consider whether you want separate representation.

How do I know if an agent is licensed and in good standing?

South Carolina real estate agents must be licensed by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (SCDHEC). You can verify an agent's license status on the SCDHEC website by searching their name or license number.

What should I do if I have a problem with an agent during a transaction?

First, try to resolve the issue directly with the agent. If that does not work, contact the brokerage office where the agent works. If the problem involves a violation of real estate law or ethics, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.