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What to Know About Working With Lewis Jordan at RE/MAX Foothills

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

Lewis Jordan brings two decades of South Carolina real estate experience to RE/MAX Foothills

Lewis Jordan is a real estate agent based in the Foothills region of South Carolina, operating through RE/MAX Foothills. He works with buyers and sellers on residential properties across the area, with particular depth in the local market dynamics, property values, and neighborhood characteristics that shape real estate decisions in upstate South Carolina.

When you're considering buying or selling property in the Foothills, understanding what an agent brings to the table—their market knowledge, transaction experience, and how they work—helps you decide whether their approach matches what you need. This guide covers what to expect when working with a RE/MAX agent like Lewis Jordan, how the agent-client relationship typically functions, and what questions to ask before you commit.

Key Takeaways

  • Lewis Jordan operates through RE/MAX Foothills, a national franchise with local market presence in upstate South Carolina's residential real estate.
  • RE/MAX agents typically work on commission paid by the seller at closing, meaning you do not pay the buyer's agent directly if you are purchasing.
  • Before hiring any agent, you should understand their experience in your specific neighborhood, their transaction volume, and how they price or market properties.
  • Buyer's agents and seller's agents have different responsibilities, and knowing which role an agent plays clarifies what they will and will not do for you.
  • A written agreement between you and the agent—called a listing agreement for sellers or a buyer's representation agreement for buyers—protects both parties and sets clear expectations.

How RE/MAX agents work and what they charge

RE/MAX is a national real estate franchise with individual agents and brokers operating under the brand in local markets. Lewis Jordan operates as an agent within that structure, meaning he is affiliated with a RE/MAX brokerage office in the Foothills area. The brokerage provides support, training, and access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)—the database where most residential properties for sale are listed.

Real estate agents typically earn commission, which is a percentage of the sale price paid at closing. The seller's agent and buyer's agent split this commission, and the seller's proceeds cover both. If you are buying, you do not write a separate check to the buyer's agent; the commission comes from the sale price. If you are selling, the commission is deducted from what you receive at closing. The exact commission rate is negotiable and varies by transaction—there is no standard percentage set by law or by RE/MAX.

RE/MAX agents pay their own expenses and often pay a higher percentage of commission to the brokerage than agents at other firms, but this does not directly affect what you pay. It affects how much the agent keeps after the brokerage takes its cut.

What a buyer's agent does versus a seller's agent

If Lewis Jordan represents you as a buyer, his role is to help you search for properties, schedule showings, provide information about neighborhoods and market conditions, negotiate offers, and guide you through inspection and closing. A buyer's agent works for you, meaning his fiduciary duty is to your interests. He should disclose any conflicts of interest—for example, if he also represents the seller or has a financial stake in the property.

If Lewis Jordan represents you as a seller, his role is to list your property on the MLS, market it to other agents and the public, schedule showings, present offers, and guide you through negotiation and closing. A seller's agent's fiduciary duty is to the seller. He should work to get you the best price and terms possible.

An agent cannot represent both the buyer and seller in the same transaction without written consent from both parties. This arrangement is called dual agency and creates a conflict of interest because the agent cannot fully advocate for both sides. Some states restrict dual agency; South Carolina permits it with disclosure and consent.

Questions to ask before you hire an agent

Before you sign a representation agreement with Lewis Jordan or any agent, ask about their experience in the neighborhoods where you want to buy or sell. How many transactions have they closed in that area in the past year? What is the average time on market for properties they list? If you are buying, how many offers have they negotiated, and what is their track record on price and terms?

Ask how they market properties if you are selling. Do they use professional photography, video tours, or virtual staging? How do they price the property—do they pull comparable sales data, and will they share that analysis with you? If you are buying, ask how they search for properties. Do they set up automated alerts for new listings that match your criteria, or do you need to check the MLS yourself?

Clarify communication expectations. How often will they contact you? What is their response time to calls and emails? Will you work directly with Lewis Jordan, or will you sometimes work with other agents in his office? Ask about their experience with the specific type of transaction you need—a first-time home purchase, a investment property, a short sale, or a waterfront property, for example.

Understanding the representation agreement

When you decide to work with an agent, you sign a representation agreement. For sellers, this is called a listing agreement; for buyers, it is typically called a buyer's representation agreement or buyer's broker agreement. This document is not optional—it protects both you and the agent by setting clear terms.

A listing agreement specifies the property address, the list price, the commission rate, the length of the agreement (usually 90 days to six months), and what services the agent will provide. It also states whether the listing is exclusive—meaning only that agent can represent the property—or open, meaning you can work with multiple agents. Most residential listings are exclusive.

A buyer's representation agreement states that you are working with that agent to search for and purchase property. It typically includes a time frame (often 90 days) and may include a clause that obligates you to work through that agent even if you find a property on your own. Read this carefully before signing, because it can limit your options if you change your mind about the agent.

How to verify an agent's license and background

South Carolina real estate agents must hold a license issued by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (SCDHEC). You can verify Lewis Jordan's license status, disciplinary history, and current affiliation by searching the SCDHEC database online. This takes five minutes and tells you whether the agent is currently licensed and whether any complaints or violations are on record.

You can also ask Lewis Jordan directly for his license number and brokerage information. A legitimate agent will provide this without hesitation. If an agent is evasive about licensing or background, that is a red flag.

Check online reviews on Google, Zillow, and the Better Business Bureau, but remember that reviews are subjective and do not tell the whole story. A few negative reviews do not necessarily mean an agent is bad; a few positive reviews do not may provide good service. Look for patterns—do complaints center on communication, pricing, or something else? Do positive reviews mention specific things the agent did well?

What happens after you sign an agreement

If you are selling, Lewis Jordan will schedule a time to visit the property, take photos and measurements, research comparable sales, and discuss pricing strategy with you. He will then list the property on the MLS and begin marketing it. You should expect regular updates on showings, feedback from other agents, and any offers that come in.

If you are buying, Lewis Jordan will discuss your budget, timeline, and must-haves for a property. He will search the MLS for listings that match your criteria and schedule showings. When you find a property you want to make an offer on, he will help you determine a competitive price, prepare the offer, and submit it to the seller's agent. If the seller counters, he will advise you on how to respond.

Throughout the transaction, the agent coordinates with the title company, lender, inspector, and other parties involved in closing. The agent does not make legal or financial decisions for you, but he should explain what is happening at each step and answer your questions.

When to consider working with a different agent

If you are not satisfied with the service you are receiving, you have options. If you signed a buyer's representation agreement, you can ask to be released from it, especially if the agent is not actively searching for properties or responding to your needs. If you signed a listing agreement and your property is not selling, you can wait for the agreement to expire and list with someone else, or you can ask the agent to release you early (though he may decline).

Common reasons to switch agents include poor communication, lack of market knowledge, pricing that seems unrealistic, or a personality mismatch. Before you switch, have a direct conversation with the agent about what is not working. Sometimes a misunderstanding can be cleared up quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay Lewis Jordan's commission if I am buying?

No. The seller pays the commission, which is split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent. As a buyer, you do not write a separate check to your agent. The commission is deducted from the sale price before the seller receives their proceeds.

Can I work with Lewis Jordan even if I found the property myself?

Yes, but it depends on the circumstances. If you found the property listed on the MLS, Lewis Jordan can still represent you and negotiate on your behalf. If you found it through a private sale or directly from the owner, the situation is more complex and depends on whether the owner is represented by an agent. Discuss this with Lewis Jordan before making an offer.

What if I want to break my agreement with the agent?

For buyers, you can usually request to be released from the agreement, especially if the agent is not performing. For sellers, you may have to wait for the agreement to expire unless the agent agrees to release you. Review your agreement for the specific terms and talk to the agent about your concerns first.

How long does a real estate transaction typically take?

A typical residential transaction takes 30 to 45 days from offer acceptance to closing. This includes the inspection period, appraisal, underwriting, and title search. Complications like repair negotiations or financing issues can extend the timeline.

Should I get a real estate attorney?

South Carolina does not require a real estate attorney for residential transactions, but many buyers and sellers choose to hire one for protection. An attorney reviews contracts, explains your rights, and handles closing. Discuss this with Lewis Jordan and your lender to understand what is standard in your situation.