What to Know About Working With Jordan Portillo at RE/MAX Solutions

Jordan Portillo brings local market knowledge and RE/MAX's national resources to South Carolina real estate transactions

Jordan Portillo is a real estate agent with RE/MAX Solutions, operating within one of the largest real estate networks in the country. RE/MAX agents work on commission, meaning they earn a percentage of the sale price when a transaction closes—typically split between the buyer's agent and the seller's agent. Before you decide to work with any agent, including Portillo, you should understand how that compensation structure works, what services agents typically provide, and what questions to ask during your first conversation.

RE/MAX is a franchise system, so Portillo operates under RE/MAX's brand standards and training but runs his own business. That means his specific experience, market focus, and responsiveness are what set him apart from other agents in the network. The RE/MAX affiliation gives him access to a large database of listings, marketing tools, and support systems—but your experience depends on Portillo's individual knowledge and work habits.

Key Takeaways

• RE/MAX agents earn commission on closed sales, typically split between buyer and seller agents, so the agent's incentive is to close the transaction rather than to negotiate the lowest price on your behalf.
• Before hiring any agent, ask about their specific experience in your neighborhood or price range, how many transactions they close per year, and how they communicate during the buying or selling process.
• RE/MAX provides agents with national listing access and marketing support, but the quality of service depends on the individual agent's knowledge, responsiveness, and market expertise.
• Real estate agents in South Carolina must hold a current license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and follow state and federal fair housing laws.

How agent compensation works and what it means for you

When you buy a home, the seller typically pays both the buyer's agent and the seller's agent from the proceeds of the sale. The commission rate is negotiable but often ranges around 5 to 6 percent of the sale price, split between the two agents' brokerages. This structure means an agent's financial incentive is to close the sale, not necessarily to negotiate the best price on your behalf if you are buying, or to hold out for the highest offer if you are selling.

If you are selling, your agent lists the property, markets it, shows it to potential buyers and their agents, and coordinates the closing. If you are buying, your agent shows you properties, helps you understand the market, negotiates offers, and manages inspections and appraisals. In both cases, the agent's commission comes from the sale price, so understanding that dynamic helps you know what questions to ask and what to verify independently.

Questions to ask before working with Portillo or any agent

Start by asking about Portillo's experience in the specific area where you want to buy or sell. How long has he been active in that neighborhood? How many homes has he sold there in the past year? What is the average time on market for his listings? These details matter because a agent with deep local knowledge can help you price competitively, understand what buyers or sellers expect, and navigate local quirks—zoning rules, school district boundaries, flood zones, or neighborhood trends.

Ask how he communicates. Will he send you weekly updates if you are buying? How quickly does he respond to calls and emails? What is his process for handling inspections, appraisals, and closing coordination? Ask whether he works full-time in real estate or part-time, because that affects his availability. Ask for references from past clients—people who bought or sold with him in the past year—and actually call them.

If you are selling, ask what his marketing plan is. Will he list the property on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service)? Will he use professional photography, video tours, or virtual staging? What advertising does he do beyond the MLS? If you are buying, ask whether he represents buyers exclusively or also lists properties for sale, because that can create a conflict of interest in some situations.

RE/MAX's role and what it does not do

RE/MAX provides Portillo with access to its national listing database, marketing materials, training, and brand recognition. The RE/MAX network means he can tap into resources and connections across state lines if you are relocating. However, RE/MAX does not negotiate on your behalf, does not inspect properties, does not appraise homes, and does not make legal decisions about your transaction. Those are Portillo's responsibilities as your agent, or in some cases, the responsibility of other professionals like inspectors, appraisers, and attorneys.

RE/MAX also does not may provide results. The real estate market in South Carolina varies by location, season, and economic conditions. An agent can market your home well and show it to may have access to buyers, but the market determines whether it sells and at what price. Similarly, an agent can help you find properties and negotiate offers, but the seller decides whether to accept.

South Carolina licensing and legal requirements

Any real estate agent working in South Carolina, including Portillo, must hold a current license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. You can verify an agent's license status on the Commission's website by searching their name. A license means the agent has passed an exam, completed required education, and agreed to follow South Carolina's real estate laws and the National Association of Realtors' Code of Ethics (if they are a member).

South Carolina law requires agents to disclose conflicts of interest, treat all parties fairly, and follow fair housing laws—meaning they cannot discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status. If you believe an agent has violated these rules, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission.

What to do before your first meeting with an agent

Gather information about your own situation. If you are selling, know your home's approximate value, any major repairs or upgrades you have made, and what you owe on your mortgage. If you are buying, get pre-approved for a mortgage so you know your budget, and make a list of neighborhoods or price ranges you are interested in. Bring any questions you have written down—it is easy to forget what you wanted to ask once the conversation starts.

Research the market yourself using public records, Zillow, Realtor.com, or local tax assessor websites. This gives you a baseline so you can evaluate whether the agent's advice makes sense. Ask the agent to explain their reasoning for any recommendations about pricing, marketing, or offers.

Red flags and when to keep looking

Be cautious if an agent promises a specific sale price or timeline—no agent can may provide either. Be cautious if they pressure you to list at a certain price without explaining the market data behind it, or if they seem more interested in closing quickly than in your actual goals. If an agent does not return calls within a day or two, or if they cannot clearly explain how they work or what they charge, that is a sign to talk to someone else.

If you are buying and the agent also represents the seller, ask them to explain that dual agency arrangement and whether you want to proceed. Some buyers prefer to work with an agent who represents only them. If you are selling and the agent suggests a price that seems too high or too low without solid market data, get a second opinion from another agent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work with multiple agents at the same time?

You can speak with multiple agents before deciding who to hire, but once you sign an agreement with one agent, you are typically committed to working with that agent for a set period. If you are buying, you may be able to work with different agents for different properties, but check the terms of any buyer representation agreement before you sign. If you are selling, you will sign a listing agreement with one agent, and that agent has the exclusive right to market and sell your home during that period.

What if I am not happy with the agent after we start working together?

Review your agreement—it should state how long it lasts and whether you can end it early. Some agreements allow you to terminate with written notice; others have specific conditions. If you want to switch agents, talk to your current agent first about your concerns. If that does not resolve it, you can usually end the agreement and hire someone else, though you may owe commission on any sales that result from leads your first agent generated.

Do I have to use the agent's recommended inspector, appraiser, or attorney?

No. The agent may recommend professionals they have worked with, but you have the right to hire your own inspector, appraiser, title company, or attorney. It is often a good idea to use professionals recommended by the agent because they have a track record, but the choice is yours. Get multiple quotes and check references before you decide.

What if the agent and I disagree on the offer price?

The agent advises based on market data and their experience, but you make the final decision on what to offer or ask. If you disagree strongly, ask the agent to show you the comparable sales data they are using. If you still disagree, you can get a second opinion from another agent or a professional appraiser. Remember that the agent's incentive is to close the sale, so their recommendation may not align perfectly with your goal to pay the lowest price or get the highest offer.

How do I know if RE/MAX Solutions is a good fit for my area?

Ask Portillo how many agents work in his office, how many transactions the office closes per year, and what the average days-on-market is for their listings in your neighborhood. Ask whether the office has a strong presence in your specific area or whether most of their business is elsewhere in South Carolina. A large, well-established office with strong local presence often has better tools and market knowledge, but what matters most is Portillo's individual experience and responsiveness in your market.