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Lynn Kelly at RE/MAX Professionals: What to Know Before You Meet

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

Who Lynn Kelly is and what she does

Lynn Kelly is a real estate agent with RE/MAX Professionals, a brokerage operating across South Carolina. She works with buyers and sellers in residential real estate transactions—helping people understand the market, navigate offers, and close on property. Like other agents at her brokerage, Kelly earns commission on completed sales rather than a flat fee, which means her income depends on whether a transaction closes.

RE/MAX Professionals is a franchise of the national RE/MAX network, which means it operates under RE/MAX standards and training but is independently owned and managed locally. The brokerage maintains its own office, agent roster, and policies within that framework. Understanding the structure matters because it shapes how agents operate, what tools they have access to, and who oversees complaints or disputes.

Key Takeaways

  • Lynn Kelly works as a residential real estate agent on commission, so she is paid only when a sale closes—not for time spent or consultations.
  • RE/MAX Professionals is a local franchise of the national RE/MAX network, which means it follows RE/MAX standards but is independently owned.
  • Before hiring any agent, you should verify their license status through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and ask about their experience in your specific market or property type.
  • Real estate agents in South Carolina must be licensed and follow state and federal fair housing laws, and complaints about agent conduct go to the state commission.
  • Commission rates, contract terms, and agent responsibilities are negotiable—do not assume they are fixed.

How to verify an agent's license and background

South Carolina requires all real estate agents to hold an active license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. You can verify Lynn Kelly's license status, disciplinary history, and active brokerage affiliation by visiting the commission's website and searching the public database. This takes five minutes and tells you whether the license is current, whether there have been complaints filed against the agent, and what the outcomes were.

The commission's database is your first stop before signing any contract. It shows not just whether someone is licensed, but whether they have faced complaints, violations, or disciplinary action. If an agent has a history of complaints, that information is public record. You can also ask Kelly directly for her license number and brokerage affiliation—any legitimate agent will provide this without hesitation.

What to ask before you hire an agent

Real estate agents vary widely in experience, market knowledge, and specialization. Before committing to work with Lynn Kelly or any agent, ask specific questions about her background. How long has she been licensed? How many transactions has she closed in the past year? Does she specialize in a particular neighborhood, price range, or property type—such as waterfront homes, investment properties, or first-time buyer sales?

Ask also about her process: How does she price homes for sale? What marketing does she use? How often will she communicate with you, and through what channels? What happens if you want to end the relationship before a sale closes? These questions reveal whether an agent's approach matches what you need. An agent who specializes in commercial real estate may not be the right fit if you are buying a residential home, for example.

Commission rates are negotiable. The standard in many markets is 5 to 6 percent of the sale price, split between the buyer's agent and seller's agent, but this is not fixed by law. Before you sign a listing agreement or buyer's agreement, discuss commission openly and understand what services are included for that rate.

Understanding the buyer's agent versus seller's agent role

If Lynn Kelly represents you as a buyer, she works to find properties that match your needs and negotiate on your behalf. If she represents you as a seller, she markets your home, shows it to other agents' clients, and negotiates offers. These are different roles with different responsibilities, and an agent cannot represent both the buyer and seller in the same transaction without written consent from both parties—a situation called dual agency that creates a conflict of interest.

As a buyer, you are not obligated to work with the seller's agent. You can hire your own agent, who will show you homes listed by any brokerage and negotiate independently on your behalf. Your agent's commission typically comes from the seller's proceeds, so you do not pay out of pocket, but you should understand this arrangement before you start looking.

What happens if you have a complaint

If you believe Lynn Kelly or any real estate agent has violated state law, engaged in fraud, or breached a contract, you have several paths. First, contact RE/MAX Professionals directly and ask to speak with the broker or office manager. Brokers are responsible for supervising their agents, and many complaints are resolved at this level.

If the brokerage does not resolve the issue, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. The commission investigates violations of state real estate law, including fraud, misrepresentation, failure to disclose material facts, and breach of fiduciary duty. You can also pursue a civil lawsuit if you believe you have suffered financial harm, or contact the South Carolina Attorney General's office if you suspect criminal conduct.

Keep all written communication—emails, texts, contracts, and correspondence—because these documents support your complaint or claim. The commission's investigation process takes time, typically several months, and the outcome may be a warning, fine, license suspension, or revocation depending on the violation.

Fair housing protections and your rights

Federal and South Carolina state law prohibit real estate agents from discriminating based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status, or sexual orientation. This means an agent cannot steer you toward or away from neighborhoods based on these characteristics, refuse to show you homes, quote different prices or terms, or treat you differently in any way because of a protected status.

If you believe Lynn Kelly or any agent has discriminated against you, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. HUD investigates fair housing violations and can order remedies including damages. These protections apply whether you are buying, selling, or renting.

How commission and costs work in real estate transactions

Real estate agents earn commission only when a sale closes. The commission is typically a percentage of the final sale price and is paid from the seller's proceeds at closing. If you are a buyer, you do not pay the agent's commission directly—it comes from the sale price. If you are a seller, the commission reduces the amount you take home.

Commission rates vary and are negotiable. There is no standard rate set by law or by RE/MAX. Before you list a home or sign a buyer's agreement, discuss commission in writing and understand exactly what services are included. Some agents charge a flat fee instead of a percentage, and some charge different rates for different services. Get this in writing before you sign anything.

Beyond commission, you may encounter other costs: appraisal fees, inspection fees, title insurance, closing costs, and transfer taxes. These vary by transaction and are separate from agent commission. Your agent should explain what costs you are likely to encounter and when they are due.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if Lynn Kelly is the right agent for me?

Check her license status and experience through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission database. Ask about her track record in your neighborhood or price range, her marketing approach, and her communication style. Interview multiple agents if possible—there is no obligation to work with the first person you meet, and finding someone whose approach matches your needs matters.

Can I work with Lynn Kelly if she is not the listing agent?

Yes. As a buyer, you can hire any licensed agent to represent you, regardless of who listed the home. Your agent will show you properties from any brokerage and negotiate on your behalf. The listing agent and your agent will split the commission, which typically comes from the seller's proceeds.

What if I want to stop working with an agent before a sale closes?

This depends on your contract. Buyer's agreements and listing agreements have different terms, and some allow you to terminate with notice while others lock you in for a set period. Read your contract carefully and ask about termination terms before you sign. If you believe the agent has breached the contract, you may have grounds to end it early.

Is the commission rate the same for all agents?

No. Commission rates are negotiable and vary by agent, brokerage, and transaction. There is no standard rate set by law. Before you sign a listing agreement or buyer's agreement, discuss commission openly and get the rate in writing. Some agents offer different rates for different services or property types.

What should I do if I think an agent committed fraud?

Document everything in writing and contact RE/MAX Professionals first. If the brokerage does not resolve it, file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. You can also consult a real estate attorney about a civil claim for damages.