Skip to main content

What to Know About Working With Kellie Coggins at RE/MAX Southern Shores

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

Who Kellie Coggins Is and What She Does

Kellie Coggins is a real estate agent with RE/MAX Southern Shores, operating in South Carolina's coastal market. She works with buyers and sellers in the region, helping them navigate property transactions in communities along the state's Atlantic shoreline and nearby areas. Her background and specific service areas determine what kind of real estate work she handles—whether that's residential sales, investment properties, or both.

RE/MAX Southern Shores is a franchise office within the RE/MAX network, one of the largest real estate companies in the United States. Agents at RE/MAX operate as independent contractors, meaning Coggins runs her own business while using the RE/MAX brand, training, and support systems. This structure affects how she's compensated, what tools she has access to, and how disputes or complaints are handled.

Key Takeaways

  • Kellie Coggins is an independent contractor agent at RE/MAX Southern Shores, not a RE/MAX employee, which means she operates her own business under the RE/MAX brand.
  • RE/MAX agents typically work on commission from sales rather than salary, so their income depends on closed transactions.
  • Before hiring any agent, you should verify their license status through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and ask about their specific experience in your market.
  • RE/MAX offices provide training, technology, and marketing support, but the individual agent's knowledge and responsiveness is what shapes your experience.

How RE/MAX Southern Shores Operates

RE/MAX Southern Shores is a regional office serving South Carolina's coastal areas. The office provides its agents with access to the RE/MAX training programs, the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for the region, marketing materials, and technology platforms. However, each agent—including Kellie Coggins—maintains their own client relationships and handles their own transactions independently.

The RE/MAX model means that agents are responsible for their own marketing, client acquisition, and business expenses. In return, they keep a larger share of commission than agents at traditional brokerages. This can create variation in how responsive or available different agents are, since their time management is entirely their own decision.

What to Ask Before Working With an Agent

When you're considering working with Kellie Coggins or any agent, there are specific questions that help you understand whether they're a good fit for your situation. Ask how long they've been selling real estate, how many transactions they closed in the past year, and whether they specialize in your type of property or neighborhood. Ask whether they represent buyers, sellers, or both, and whether they ever represent both sides of a transaction (called dual agency).

Request references from recent clients—ideally people who bought or sold in the same area where you're looking. Ask what their communication style is: how often will they contact you, and what's the best way to reach them? Clarify who will handle the paperwork and inspections, and whether they work with a team or alone. These details matter more than the agent's affiliation, because they determine your actual experience.

Verifying an Agent's License and Background

South Carolina requires all real estate agents to hold an active license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. You can verify Kellie Coggins's license status, any disciplinary history, and her broker affiliation by visiting the Commission's website or calling their office. This is a free public record and takes five minutes.

The Commission keeps records of complaints, violations, and license suspensions. If an agent has been disciplined, that information is available to you. This doesn't mean a single complaint disqualifies someone, but it gives you a complete picture of their professional history. You can also ask Coggins directly for her license number and broker information, which she should provide without hesitation.

Understanding Commission and Costs

Real estate agents in South Carolina are paid by commission, which is a percentage of the sale price. The seller typically pays the commission, which is then split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent. The exact percentage varies by transaction and is negotiable, but commonly ranges from 5 to 6 percent of the sale price.

If you're a buyer working with Kellie Coggins, you typically don't pay her directly—the seller's proceeds cover both agents' commissions. If you're a seller, you negotiate the commission rate with your agent before listing. Ask Coggins upfront what her commission structure is and whether she offers any flexibility based on the sale price or market conditions. Some agents adjust their rate for high-value properties or multiple transactions.

What Happens if You Have a Problem

If you have a dispute with Kellie Coggins—over communication, a missed deadline, or a transaction issue—your first step is to contact her directly and document the problem in writing. If that doesn't resolve it, contact the RE/MAX Southern Shores office manager or broker. RE/MAX offices have internal complaint procedures and can sometimes mediate between agent and client.

If the issue involves a violation of South Carolina real estate law or ethics, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. The Commission investigates complaints and can discipline agents who violate regulations. This process is separate from any civil lawsuit you might pursue, and it's free to file. Keep records of all communications, contracts, and agreements related to your transaction, as these will be important if a formal complaint becomes necessary.

Finding Additional Information About Coastal South Carolina Real Estate

South Carolina's coastal real estate market has specific characteristics—seasonal demand, hurricane insurance considerations, flood zone regulations, and vacation rental rules—that vary by community. Before you buy or sell, learn about the specific area where you're looking. The South Carolina Coastal Council, local county assessor offices, and community planning departments all have information about zoning, environmental restrictions, and property taxes.

If you're buying a property in a flood zone or near the coast, understand what flood insurance costs and whether it's required by your lender. If you're considering a vacation rental property, research local regulations—some communities restrict short-term rentals or require specific licensing. An agent with deep local knowledge can guide you through these issues, but it's your responsibility to understand them before you commit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if Kellie Coggins has experience in my specific neighborhood?

Ask her directly how many transactions she's closed in that area in the past two years, and ask to see comparable sales she's worked on. Request references from buyers or sellers in that neighborhood. An agent with strong local experience will have specific knowledge about school districts, property values, and what homes typically sell for.

Can I work with Kellie Coggins if I'm buying and she's also representing the seller?

Yes, but this is called dual agency and you should understand what it means. In dual agency, the agent represents both sides of the transaction, which creates a potential conflict of interest. South Carolina law allows it, but you must consent in writing. Ask Coggins to explain how she'll handle confidential information and whether she recommends you hire your own buyer's agent instead.

What should I do if I'm unhappy with how Kellie Coggins handled my transaction?

Contact her first and explain the problem in writing. If she doesn't respond or the issue isn't resolved, contact the RE/MAX Southern Shores office. If you believe she violated South Carolina real estate law, file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. Keep all documents related to your transaction.

Does RE/MAX Southern Shores may provide the agent's work or back up their transactions?

RE/MAX provides training and support to its agents, but individual agents are responsible for their own work. RE/MAX doesn't may provide transaction outcomes or agent performance. Your recourse if something goes wrong is through the agent directly, the office management, or the South Carolina Real Estate Commission.

How much will Kellie Coggins charge me as a buyer?

As a buyer, you typically don't pay Coggins directly. The seller's proceeds cover both the seller's agent and the buyer's agent commission. However, if you're working with her as a seller, you'll negotiate her commission rate before listing. Ask her what percentage she charges and whether that rate is fixed or negotiable.