What to Know About Working With Kristi Bash at RE/MAX Professionals
Kristi Bash brings experience in South Carolina residential real estate to RE/MAX Professionals
Kristi Bash is a real estate agent with RE/MAX Professionals, a brokerage operating across South Carolina. She works with buyers and sellers in residential transactions and can be reached through the RE/MAX Professionals office network. If you are considering buying or selling a home in South Carolina, understanding how an agent like Kristi operates—what services she offers, how commissions work, and what to expect during a transaction—helps you decide whether to work together.
Real estate agents in South Carolina must hold a current license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. Agents affiliated with national brokerages like RE/MAX operate under that brokerage's policies and support systems, which can affect how they handle contracts, showings, and client communication.
Key Takeaways
- Kristi Bash works through RE/MAX Professionals, a brokerage with multiple offices across South Carolina serving residential buyers and sellers.
- Real estate agents in South Carolina are licensed professionals bound by state law and their brokerage's code of conduct, which governs how they handle client funds and disclosures.
- Commission rates are negotiable between you and your agent and are not set by law; typical rates vary but are discussed before you sign a listing or buyer agreement.
- You can interview multiple agents before choosing one, and you are not obligated to sign an exclusive agreement with any agent until you decide to move forward.
How to contact Kristi Bash and RE/MAX Professionals
RE/MAX Professionals operates multiple offices throughout South Carolina. To reach Kristi Bash, contact the RE/MAX Professionals office in your area or ask for her by name. The brokerage can direct you to the agent or office handling your region.
When you first contact an agent, you are not committing to anything. A preliminary conversation lets you describe what you are looking for—whether you are buying, selling, or exploring options—and gives the agent a chance to explain how they work and what they charge.
What agents do in a home sale
If you are selling, an agent typically lists your home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which is the database that other agents and their buyers search. The agent prices the home based on comparable sales in your area, coordinates showings, negotiates offers, and manages the paperwork through closing. They also handle marketing—photos, online listings, open houses, and outreach to other agents.
If you are buying, an agent shows you homes that match your criteria, helps you understand the local market and neighborhood conditions, writes and submits offers on your behalf, and negotiates terms with the seller's agent. Buyer's agents also coordinate inspections, appraisals, and the final walkthrough before closing.
Commission and how agents are paid
Real estate commissions in South Carolina are not set by law. The rate is negotiable between you and your agent. Commissions are typically a percentage of the sale price and are paid from the seller's proceeds at closing. The listing agent and buyer's agent usually split the commission, though this varies by transaction.
If you are a buyer working with an agent, you generally do not pay the agent directly—the seller's proceeds cover both agents' commissions. If you are a seller, you negotiate the commission rate with your listing agent before signing the listing agreement. Always ask what percentage or flat fee applies to your situation and get it in writing.
Understanding buyer and seller agreements
Before an agent shows you homes or lists your property, you will sign an agreement that outlines the terms of your working relationship. A buyer representation agreement says you will work exclusively with that agent when looking for a home. A listing agreement says you will list your home with that agent for a set period, usually 90 days to six months.
Read these agreements carefully. They specify the commission rate, the length of the agreement, what happens if you find a home on your own, and whether the agent can represent both the buyer and seller in the same transaction (called dual agency). You can negotiate the terms before signing, and you have the right to ask questions about anything you do not understand.
What South Carolina law requires agents to disclose
South Carolina real estate agents must provide buyers and sellers with a Consumer Guide to Real Estate Transactions, which explains the agent's duties, the difference between buyer's agents and seller's agents, and your rights in the transaction. Agents must also disclose any conflicts of interest—for example, if they represent both the buyer and the seller.
Agents are required to be honest about the condition of a property and must disclose known defects. They cannot hide material facts about a home or the neighborhood. If you are buying, you have the right to hire a home inspector and to review the seller's disclosure statement, which lists known problems with the property.
Questions to ask before you hire an agent
Before committing to work with Kristi Bash or any agent, ask about their experience in your area, how long they have been licensed, and how many homes they have sold in the past year. Ask what marketing they use, how often they communicate with clients, and how they handle offers and negotiations.
Ask about the commission rate and whether it is negotiable. Ask whether they represent buyers, sellers, or both, and whether they ever represent both sides of a transaction. Ask how they handle client money and whether they use a trust account. These conversations help you understand whether the agent's style and experience match what you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work with more than one agent at the same time?
Once you sign a buyer representation agreement with an agent, you are typically committed to working exclusively with that agent. However, you can interview multiple agents before signing anything. If you want to work with a different agent later, check your agreement for a release clause or contact the brokerage to discuss your options.
What if I find a home on my own without my agent's help?
This depends on your buyer representation agreement. Some agreements include a "protection clause" that says you owe the agent a commission even if you find the home yourself, as long as you found it during the agreement period. Others do not. Read your agreement carefully and ask the agent to explain this clause before you sign.
How long does a real estate transaction take in South Carolina?
A typical transaction takes 30 to 45 days from offer acceptance to closing, though it can be faster or slower depending on financing, inspections, and appraisals. Your agent can give you a timeline based on your specific situation and the current market pace in your area.
What is dual agency and should I be concerned about it?
Dual agency happens when one agent or brokerage represents both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction. South Carolina allows it, but the agent must disclose it in writing and get consent from both sides. Some buyers and sellers prefer to avoid it because the agent's loyalty is divided. You can ask your agent whether they represent the other party before proceeding.
What should I do if I have a complaint about an agent?
You can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission, which licenses and regulates agents in the state. The commission investigates violations of state law and brokerage ethics. You can also discuss concerns with the brokerage manager at RE/MAX Professionals, who may be able to resolve the issue directly.