Martha Sorrow at RE/MAX Action Realty: What to Know Before You Meet

Who Martha Sorrow is and what she does

Martha Sorrow is a real estate agent with RE/MAX Action Realty, a brokerage operating across South Carolina. She works with buyers and sellers on residential property transactions—helping people find homes, list properties for sale, negotiate offers, and navigate the closing process. Like other agents in the RE/MAX network, she operates as an independent contractor under the RE/MAX brand rather than as a direct employee.

RE/MAX Action Realty maintains multiple offices throughout South Carolina, and agents within the network can serve different geographic areas and market segments. Before scheduling a meeting or signing any agreement, you should confirm Martha's specific service area, her experience with the type of property or transaction you need, and her current contact information through RE/MAX Action Realty directly.

Key Takeaways

• Martha Sorrow is an independent contractor agent with RE/MAX Action Realty, not an employee of the brokerage.
• RE/MAX agents typically earn commission on completed sales rather than a salary, which shapes how they structure their business.
• Before working with any agent, confirm their service area, ask about their experience with your type of transaction, and get everything in writing.
• South Carolina real estate agents must hold an active license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and follow state and federal fair housing laws.

How to find current contact information

RE/MAX Action Realty's website and local office listings are the most reliable source for Martha's current phone number, email, and office location. Agent contact details change when agents move between brokerages or offices, so calling the main RE/MAX Action Realty number to confirm you have reached the right person is worth the extra step.

You can also search the South Carolina Real Estate Commission's public license database to verify that Martha holds an active license and to see any disciplinary history on file. This database is free and accessible online through the state's Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.

What to ask before you hire an agent

Real estate transactions involve significant money and legal commitments, so asking questions upfront protects you. Ask Martha how long she has been licensed, how many transactions she has closed in the past year, and whether she has specific experience with your type of property (single-family home, investment property, waterfront, etc.) or your neighborhood. Ask whether she represents buyers, sellers, or both, and whether she will represent you exclusively or work with multiple agents.

Request a written explanation of how her commission works—what percentage she earns, who pays it, and under what circumstances. Ask what services are included (staging advice, professional photography, open houses, market analysis) and what costs, if any, fall to you. Get any promises or agreements in writing before you sign a buyer's agent agreement or listing agreement.

Understanding buyer's agent and listing agreements

If Martha represents you as a buyer, she will likely ask you to sign a buyer's agent agreement. This contract says she will represent your interests, how long the agreement lasts, and what happens if you find a property through another source. Read this carefully—some agreements are exclusive (you work only with Martha), while others let you work with multiple agents. Understand the term length and what it takes to end the agreement.

If you are selling, Martha will ask you to sign a listing agreement. This contract sets the commission rate, the length of time your home will be listed (typically 90 days to six months), what marketing services she will provide, and what happens if you sell the home yourself or it sells after the agreement ends. The listing agreement also authorizes her to place your property in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which makes it visible to other agents and their buyers.

How commissions work in South Carolina real estate

Real estate commissions in South Carolina are negotiable—there is no set rate. The seller typically pays the commission, which is then split between the listing agent's brokerage and the buyer's agent's brokerage. Each brokerage then splits its portion with the individual agent. Commission rates vary widely depending on the property, the market, and the agent's experience.

If you are a buyer working with Martha, you generally do not pay her commission directly—the seller's proceeds cover it. If you are selling, you negotiate the commission rate with Martha before listing. Some sellers negotiate a lower rate for high-value properties or in competitive markets. Always confirm the exact percentage and what services are included before you sign.

Your rights and protections under South Carolina law

South Carolina real estate agents must comply with state licensing laws and federal fair housing law. Agents cannot discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status. If you believe an agent has violated fair housing law, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission.

South Carolina also requires agents to disclose conflicts of interest. If Martha represents both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction (called dual agency), she must disclose this in writing and get written consent from both parties. Dual agency creates a conflict because the agent's commission is the same whether the price is high or low, so her incentive to negotiate hard for one side is reduced.

What to do if you have a complaint

If you have a problem with Martha's conduct—failure to disclose information, breach of contract, or violation of fair housing law—your first step is to contact RE/MAX Action Realty's broker directly. The broker is responsible for supervising agents and handling complaints. If the brokerage does not resolve the issue, you can file a formal complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission, which investigates violations of state licensing law.

Keep all written communications, contracts, and emails related to your transaction. Document dates, times, and details of any conversations. If the dispute involves money, you may also have legal remedies through small claims court or by hiring an attorney, depending on the amount and the nature of the claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work with Martha if I am buying and selling at the same time?

Yes, many agents handle both transactions for the same client. However, confirm upfront that she has capacity to manage both deals and that she will prioritize your interests equally. Get a written agreement that spells out the timeline, commission structure for each transaction, and what happens if the sale and purchase do not close on the same day.

What if Martha shows me a property she is also listing?

This is dual agency—she represents both you and the seller. South Carolina law requires her to disclose this in writing and get your written consent before proceeding. Understand that her commission is the same regardless of the final price, so she has less incentive to negotiate hard on your behalf. You have the right to refuse dual agency and work with a different buyer's agent instead.

How long does a typical home sale take with a real estate agent?

From listing to closing typically takes 30 to 60 days in South Carolina, though it varies by market conditions, inspection results, and financing. Ask Martha for a timeline based on current market conditions in your area and what steps usually take the longest. She should also explain what happens if the buyer's financing falls through or an inspection reveals problems.

What if I want to back out of a buyer's agent agreement?

Review the agreement you signed—it will state the term length and any conditions for early termination. Some agreements allow you to end them with written notice; others require you to pay a fee or remain bound until the term expires. If Martha breaches the agreement (fails to show you homes, stops communicating), you may have grounds to end it without penalty. Discuss this with her in writing before taking action.

Is Martha required to show me every home on the market?

No. Martha can suggest homes that match your stated criteria and budget, but she is not required to show you every listing. However, she must disclose any property she knows about that meets your needs and must not steer you away from certain neighborhoods based on protected characteristics like race or religion. If you ask to see a specific home and she refuses without a legitimate reason, that is a red flag.