What to Know About Working With Lisa Donald at RE/MAX 1st Source Realty
Who Lisa Donald is and what she does
Lisa Donald is a real estate agent with RE/MAX 1st Source Realty, a brokerage operating across South Carolina. She works with buyers and sellers navigating residential real estate transactions—helping clients understand the market, tour properties, negotiate offers, and move through closing. Like other agents in the state, she holds a South Carolina real estate license and operates under her brokerage's oversight.
RE/MAX 1st Source Realty is a franchise of the national RE/MAX network, which means it follows RE/MAX standards and training while operating as a local business. The brokerage maintains offices in multiple South Carolina communities and handles transactions across the state.
Key Takeaways
- Lisa Donald is a licensed real estate agent with RE/MAX 1st Source Realty who works with buyers and sellers on residential property transactions.
- RE/MAX 1st Source Realty is a South Carolina brokerage operating under the national RE/MAX franchise system.
- Real estate agents in South Carolina must hold an active license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and work under a licensed broker.
- When choosing an agent, you can ask about their experience in your area, their transaction history, and how they charge their fees.
- Your agent represents either you (the buyer or seller) or the other party, and that relationship should be clear before you begin working together.
How to find contact information for Lisa Donald
To reach Lisa Donald or learn more about her services, contact RE/MAX 1st Source Realty directly through their main office phone number or website. The brokerage can provide her direct contact details, current listings she represents, and information about her availability.
You can also search for her name and RE/MAX 1st Source Realty online to find her agent profile, which typically lists her phone number, email, and the types of properties she works with. Many RE/MAX agents maintain individual websites or social media pages showing their recent sales and market knowledge.
What to ask a real estate agent before you work together
Before hiring any agent—including Lisa Donald—it helps to understand their background and how they work. Ask how long they have been licensed, how many transactions they completed in the past year, and whether they specialize in your neighborhood or price range. Agents with deep local knowledge often move transactions faster and understand what homes in your area typically sell for.
Ask whether they represent you (the buyer or seller), the other party, or both parties in a transaction. In South Carolina, an agent can represent either side, but that relationship must be disclosed in writing before you sign anything. Also ask how they charge—most agents earn a commission paid by the seller at closing, but the terms can vary.
Find out what services they provide: Do they help with inspections, appraisals, and financing questions? Do they attend showings and open houses? Will they be your main point of contact, or will you work with a team? Clear answers now prevent confusion later.
Understanding real estate licensing in South Carolina
All real estate agents in South Carolina, including those at RE/MAX 1st Source Realty, must hold an active license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. To get a license, an agent must complete pre-licensing education, pass a state exam, and work under a licensed broker—they cannot operate independently.
The South Carolina Real Estate Commission oversees licensing, enforces ethical standards, and handles complaints against agents. If you have a concern about an agent's conduct, you can file a complaint with the Commission, which investigates violations of state real estate law.
How commissions and fees work in real estate transactions
In most South Carolina real estate sales, the seller pays a commission to both the listing agent (who represents the seller) and the buyer's agent (who represents the buyer). The commission is typically split between the two brokerages and then divided among the agents. The exact percentage varies by transaction and is negotiable—there is no set rate.
As a buyer, you usually do not pay the agent directly; the seller's proceeds cover both commissions at closing. As a seller, you negotiate the commission rate with your listing agent before signing a listing agreement. Some agents or brokerages may charge flat fees or hourly rates instead of commission, so it is worth asking how Lisa Donald structures her fees for your specific situation.
What happens during a real estate transaction
A typical residential transaction in South Carolina moves through several stages. First, the buyer and seller agree on a price and terms, and the buyer's agent (or the buyer themselves) submits an offer. Once accepted, the buyer usually has a period to inspect the property, order an appraisal, and secure financing. The seller's agent and listing broker help market the property, show it to potential buyers, and negotiate on the seller's behalf.
After inspection and appraisal, the parties may renegotiate if issues arise. Title work happens in parallel—a title company searches the property's ownership history to ensure it is clear of liens or claims. Finally, both parties sign closing documents, funds transfer, and the deed is recorded with the county. Your agent should explain each step and answer questions as they arise.
When to work with a buyer's agent versus a seller's agent
If you are buying a home, a buyer's agent represents your interests—they help you search for properties, tour homes, make offers, and negotiate on your behalf. If you are selling, a seller's agent (also called a listing agent) markets your home, shows it to buyers, and negotiates offers. In South Carolina, you can work with an agent from any brokerage; you are not limited to the brokerage that listed the home.
Some agents work with both buyers and sellers at different times. Others specialize in one side. When you first contact an agent, ask which side of the transaction they focus on and whether they have experience with your situation—first-time buyer, investment property, short sale, or other circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if an agent is licensed in South Carolina?
You can search the South Carolina Real Estate Commission's website to verify an agent's license status. Enter their name and you will see their license number, the brokerage they work for, and whether their license is active. If an agent is not in the system, they are not licensed to practice real estate in the state.
Can I work with Lisa Donald if I am buying a home listed by another RE/MAX agent?
Yes. In South Carolina, you can work with any licensed agent, regardless of which brokerage listed the home. The listing agent represents the seller, and you can hire your own agent to represent you. Both agents earn a commission from the seller's proceeds at closing.
What should I do if I have a problem with my agent?
First, try to resolve the issue directly with the agent or their broker. If that does not work, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. The Commission investigates violations of state real estate law and can take disciplinary action if warranted.
Do I have to sign an exclusive agreement with an agent?
As a buyer, you are not required to sign an exclusive buyer's agreement, though many agents ask for one. As a seller, you typically sign a listing agreement that gives one agent the right to market your home for a set period. Read any agreement carefully and ask questions before signing.
What is the difference between RE/MAX and other real estate brokerages?
RE/MAX is a national franchise system, meaning individual brokerages operate under the RE/MAX brand and standards. RE/MAX 1st Source Realty is one franchise location. Other brokerages operate independently or under different national brands. The main difference is brand recognition, training resources, and marketing reach—but your experience depends on the individual agent and their local brokerage.