Skip to main content

What to Know About Working With Lisa Josephs at RE/MAX Southern Shores

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

Who Lisa Josephs is and what she does

Lisa Josephs is a real estate agent with RE/MAX Southern Shores, a brokerage operating across South Carolina's coastal regions. She works with buyers and sellers navigating residential property transactions—helping clients understand the market, tour homes, negotiate offers, and move through closing. Like other agents in the RE/MAX network, she earns commission on completed sales rather than a flat fee, which means her income depends on whether a transaction closes.

RE/MAX Southern Shores operates as a franchise within the larger RE/MAX International system, one of the largest real estate networks in North America. Individual agents like Josephs work under the brokerage's license and brand but often maintain their own client bases and business practices. Understanding this structure matters because it shapes how agents operate, what tools they can access, and who oversees their conduct.

Key Takeaways

  • Lisa Josephs works as an agent for RE/MAX Southern Shores, a coastal South Carolina brokerage, and earns commission when sales close rather than charging flat fees.
  • RE/MAX agents typically list properties on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which means homes are visible to other agents and brokerages, not just to RE/MAX clients.
  • Real estate agents in South Carolina must hold an active license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and follow state and federal fair housing laws.
  • Commission rates and terms are negotiable between agent and client—there is no standard percentage, and you can discuss this before signing any agreement.
  • You can verify an agent's license status and complaint history through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission's public records.

How to find contact information and verify credentials

RE/MAX Southern Shores maintains a website listing agents by name, location, and specialty. You can search for Lisa Josephs directly on the RE/MAX Southern Shores site to find her phone number, email, and office location. The brokerage website typically displays agent photos, years of experience, and areas of focus—information that helps you decide whether to reach out.

To verify that Josephs holds a current South Carolina real estate license, visit the South Carolina Real Estate Commission's public search tool at www.llr.sc.gov. Enter her name and you will see her license status, any disciplinary history, and the brokerage she is currently affiliated with. This search is free and open to the public. If her license is inactive or expired, she cannot legally represent you in a transaction.

What to expect when working with a residential agent

If you are buying, a residential agent typically shows you homes, explains listing details, helps you understand market conditions in your target area, and prepares and submits offers on your behalf. The agent represents your interests in negotiations and coordinates with the seller's agent, inspectors, appraisers, and your lender. Agents do not close loans or handle title work—those tasks belong to attorneys, title companies, or closing agents—but they keep the process moving and flag issues that arise.

If you are selling, the agent lists your home on the MLS, markets it to other agents and the public, schedules showings, presents offers, and negotiates terms. The agent also coordinates inspections, appraisals, and repairs if the buyer requests them. Throughout, the agent advises you on pricing, timing, and strategy based on local market data.

Commission is negotiable. There is no standard rate in South Carolina. Before you sign a listing agreement or buyer's agreement, discuss what percentage the agent will earn and under what conditions. Some agents charge a flat fee, some charge a percentage of the sale price, and some structure it differently. Get this in writing.

Understanding the MLS and how homes are marketed

When a property is listed with RE/MAX Southern Shores, it goes on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)—a shared database that real estate agents across the region access. This means your home is not marketed only to RE/MAX clients; it is visible to agents at competing brokerages, which typically brings more buyers and faster sales. The MLS is the backbone of residential real estate in South Carolina and nearly everywhere else.

The listing agent (in this case, Josephs if she is representing the seller) enters property details, photos, price, and showing instructions into the MLS. Buyer's agents—agents representing people looking to purchase—search the MLS, pull listings that match their clients' needs, and arrange showings. This system exists because it benefits everyone: sellers reach more buyers, buyers see more homes, and the market operates more transparently.

Fair housing laws and what they mean for you

South Carolina and federal law prohibit real estate agents from discriminating based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status, or sexual orientation. This applies whether you are buying or selling. An agent cannot steer you toward or away from neighborhoods based on these protected characteristics, refuse to show you homes, quote different prices, or treat you differently in any way.

If you believe an agent has discriminated against you, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission or with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Both investigate complaints and can impose penalties, including license suspension or revocation. Keeping records of conversations and written communications helps if you need to file a complaint later.

Questions to ask before you hire an agent

Before you sign an agreement with any agent, including Lisa Josephs, ask about their experience in your specific market or neighborhood. How long have they been selling in the area? How many homes have they sold in the past year? What is their average time on market and sale price relative to list price? These numbers tell you whether the agent knows the local market and closes deals.

Ask about their marketing plan if you are selling. Will they list on the MLS? Will they use photography, video, or virtual tours? Will they hold open houses? What online platforms will they use? Ask about their communication style—how often will they update you, and what is the best way to reach them? Ask whether they represent both buyers and sellers, or specialize in one side. Ask what happens if you want to end the agreement early.

Get the commission rate and terms in writing before you sign anything. Ask whether the rate is negotiable and whether it changes if the sale takes longer or the price shifts. Ask who pays for marketing costs, inspections, or repairs. Clarity upfront prevents misunderstandings later.

How agent disputes are handled in South Carolina

If you have a problem with an agent's conduct—missed deadlines, misrepresentation, breach of contract, or other issues—your first step is usually to contact the agent directly and try to resolve it. If that does not work, contact the brokerage manager. RE/MAX Southern Shores has a broker in charge who oversees agents and can intervene in disputes.

If the brokerage does not resolve the issue, you can file a formal complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. The Commission investigates complaints about license violations, unethical conduct, and fraud. You can also pursue a civil lawsuit if you believe you suffered financial harm. Some disputes go to mediation or arbitration if the agent's contract includes those clauses.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if Lisa Josephs is the right agent for me?

Interview multiple agents before you decide. Ask about their experience in your neighborhood, their recent sales, and their marketing approach. Request references from past clients. Meet in person or by video call to assess whether you communicate well and trust their judgment. The right agent is someone who listens to your goals, knows the local market, and has a track record of closing deals.

Can I negotiate the commission rate?

Yes. Commission is not set by law or by RE/MAX—it is negotiated between you and the agent. Rates vary widely. Before you sign a listing agreement or buyer's agreement, discuss the percentage and ask whether it is flexible. Some agents will lower their rate for a quick sale or a high-priced home. Get the final rate in writing.

What if the agent does not show me homes I ask to see?

A buyer's agent should show you homes that match your criteria and budget. If an agent refuses to show you certain homes or neighborhoods without a legitimate reason (like they are outside your price range), that may be steering, which is illegal. Ask the agent why they are declining and request a written explanation. If the pattern continues, contact another agent or file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission.

Is RE/MAX Southern Shores responsible if an agent breaks the law?

The brokerage can be held liable for an agent's illegal conduct in some cases, especially if the brokerage knew about misconduct and did nothing. However, the agent themselves is also personally liable. If you believe an agent has violated fair housing law or committed fraud, you can pursue action against both the agent and the brokerage. Consult an attorney for guidance on your specific situation.

How do I check if there are complaints against this agent?

Visit the South Carolina Real Estate Commission website at www.llr.sc.gov and search the agent's name in the public records database. The search will show any disciplinary actions, complaints, or violations on record. You can also ask the agent directly about their complaint history and request references from recent clients who can speak to their professionalism.