Laura Blasenak and RE/MAX Moves: What to Know About This South Carolina Real Estate Team
Who Laura Blasenak and RE/MAX Moves are
Laura Blasenak is a real estate agent operating through RE/MAX Moves, a franchise office within the RE/MAX network. RE/MAX Moves serves South Carolina buyers and sellers, with Blasenak handling transactions across the state. Like other RE/MAX agents, she operates as an independent contractor under the RE/MAX brand rather than as a direct employee of a single brokerage.
RE/MAX is a national real estate franchise model where individual agents and small teams lease their office space and brand affiliation from the parent company. This structure means Blasenak maintains her own client relationships and business practices while using RE/MAX's marketing tools, training resources, and national network. The RE/MAX model differs from traditional brokerages where agents work as employees under a broker's direct supervision.
Key Takeaways
- Laura Blasenak operates as an independent agent through RE/MAX Moves, a franchise office, rather than as an employee of a single brokerage firm.
- RE/MAX agents typically handle their own client relationships and business operations while accessing the franchise's marketing systems and brand recognition.
- Before working with any agent, you should verify their license status through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and review their transaction history and client references.
- RE/MAX Moves' specific service area, fee structure, and specializations may differ from other RE/MAX offices or traditional brokerages in South Carolina.
How to verify an agent's credentials in South Carolina
South Carolina requires all real estate agents to hold an active license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. You can search for any agent's license status, disciplinary history, and complaint record on the Commission's website at llr.sc.gov. This public database shows whether a license is current, inactive, or suspended, and lists any formal actions taken against the agent.
The search takes minutes and gives you factual information about an agent's standing with the state. If you are considering working with Laura Blasenak or any agent, running this check is a straightforward first step. The database also shows the agent's brokerage affiliation on file, which should match what the agent tells you.
What to ask before hiring an agent
When you contact an agent, ask directly about their experience with properties similar to yours—whether they have sold homes in your neighborhood, at your price point, or with your property type. Ask how many transactions they closed in the past year and how long homes typically stay on the market in their listings. These numbers tell you whether the agent has active business and understands your local market.
Ask about their fee structure. Most agents in South Carolina work on commission, typically splitting a percentage of the sale price with the buyer's agent, but the exact split and any additional fees vary by agent and brokerage. Ask whether they represent buyers, sellers, or both, and whether they have any conflicts of interest in your transaction. Ask for references from recent clients—people who bought or sold within the past six months—and actually contact them.
Understanding the RE/MAX franchise model
RE/MAX franchises operate differently from traditional brokerages. In a traditional model, a broker employs agents and takes a percentage of their commissions. In the RE/MAX model, agents lease desk space and the RE/MAX brand, then keep most or all of their commission in exchange for paying monthly fees to the franchise office. This can mean lower overhead for the agent but also means the agent bears more of their own business costs.
For you as a buyer or seller, this structure usually makes little practical difference. You still work with an individual agent who represents your interests, and that agent still has a license and is bound by South Carolina real estate law. The main difference is how the agent's business is organized behind the scenes. RE/MAX offices do provide agents with national marketing platforms, training, and referral networks that independent agents might not have access to.
What to expect during a real estate transaction
Whether you work with Laura Blasenak, another RE/MAX agent, or an agent at a traditional brokerage, the transaction process in South Carolina follows the same legal steps. If you are selling, the agent lists your property, shows it to potential buyers, and negotiates offers on your behalf. If you are buying, the agent searches for properties that match your criteria, arranges showings, and negotiates your offer.
Once an offer is accepted, a real estate attorney becomes involved—South Carolina law requires attorney review of all residential real estate contracts. The attorney handles the title search, coordinates inspections and appraisals, and manages the closing. Your agent's role during this phase is to keep you informed and coordinate timing, but the attorney handles the legal work. Closing typically occurs 30 to 45 days after the offer is accepted, though this varies by transaction.
Finding agent contact information and reviews
You can find Laura Blasenak's contact details through the RE/MAX Moves office website or by searching her name on major real estate platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, or Redfin. These sites often display an agent's recent listings, sold properties, and client reviews. Local South Carolina real estate publications and the Greater Columbia Association of Realtors or Charleston Trident Association of Realtors (depending on region) may also list agent directories.
When reading online reviews, look for specific details about the transaction experience rather than general praise or criticism. Reviews that mention how the agent handled a particular problem, communicated during delays, or negotiated terms are more useful than reviews that simply say "great agent" or "would not recommend." Remember that unhappy clients are more likely to leave reviews than satisfied ones, so a moderate number of positive reviews with some critical feedback is often more realistic than perfect ratings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if an agent is a good fit for my situation?
Interview at least two or three agents before deciding. Ask each one about their experience with your specific situation—first-time buyer, investment property, short sale, whatever applies to you. A good fit means the agent has handled similar transactions, communicates in a way that works for you, and has time to give your transaction proper attention. Trust your instinct about whether you feel heard and understood.
What if I have a complaint about an agent's conduct?
You can file a formal complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission through their website. The Commission investigates complaints about license violations, fraud, and unethical conduct. You can also consult a real estate attorney if you believe you have suffered financial harm. Having documentation of your communications with the agent—emails, text messages, signed agreements—helps support any complaint.
Do all RE/MAX agents charge the same commission?
No. Commission rates and splits are negotiable between the agent and their client. While industry standards exist, individual agents set their own rates. Always discuss commission before you sign a listing agreement or buyer representation agreement. Some agents may negotiate lower rates for certain situations, such as high-value properties or multiple transactions.
Can I work with an agent who represents both buyers and sellers?
Yes, but you should understand the potential conflict of interest. If an agent represents both sides of a transaction, they cannot advocate fully for either party. South Carolina law requires agents to disclose this dual representation in writing. Some buyers and sellers prefer working with agents who represent only one side to avoid any conflict. This is a personal choice, but the disclosure must be clear and in writing.
What happens if I want to switch agents mid-transaction?
If you have signed a buyer representation agreement or listing agreement with an agent, you are typically bound to that agreement for a set period or until the transaction closes. Review your agreement to see the terms. If you want to end the relationship early, you may be able to negotiate a release, but the agent may have grounds to claim a commission if you later purchase or sell through another agent within the agreement period. Consult a real estate attorney if you are unsure about your obligations.