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What to Know About Michael DiMaria and RE/MAX Real Estate Services in South Carolina

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

Who Michael DiMaria Is and What RE/MAX Offers

Michael DiMaria is a real estate agent working through RE/MAX Real Estate Services, one of the largest real estate franchises operating in South Carolina. RE/MAX agents handle residential sales, purchases, and rentals across the state. DiMaria's office operates within the RE/MAX network, which means he has access to the company's listing database, marketing tools, and training systems, but operates as an independent contractor rather than as a direct employee of RE/MAX corporate.

RE/MAX Real Estate Services maintains multiple offices throughout South Carolina, including locations in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and other major markets. The franchise model means each office is locally owned and operated, though all use the RE/MAX brand, systems, and national marketing reach. If you are working with DiMaria, you are working with an agent licensed by South Carolina's Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR), but your contract and commission structure are specific to his office location.

Key Takeaways

  • Michael DiMaria is an independent contractor agent within the RE/MAX franchise system, not a RE/MAX corporate employee, and his specific office location determines which local market he serves.
  • RE/MAX agents in South Carolina must hold a current real estate license issued by the state's Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation and follow South Carolina's real estate laws and ethics rules.
  • You can verify DiMaria's license status and any disciplinary history through the DLLR's online license lookup tool before entering into a buyer's or seller's agreement.
  • RE/MAX offices set their own commission rates and policies, so the terms you negotiate with DiMaria's office may differ from those at other RE/MAX locations or independent brokerages.
  • Working with a RE/MAX agent gives you access to their national listing network and marketing resources, but does not may provide faster sales or higher prices than other brokerages.

How to Verify Michael DiMaria's License and Background

Before signing any agreement with DiMaria, you can confirm his license is current and in good standing. Visit the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation website and use their real estate license lookup tool. Enter DiMaria's name and the search will return his license number, the date it was issued, and any disciplinary actions or complaints on record. This is a public record and takes less than a minute to check.

The DLLR record will also show which brokerage firm holds his license. In DiMaria's case, that will be the specific RE/MAX office location where he works. If the record shows his license is inactive, expired, or suspended, you should not enter into a transaction with him. South Carolina law requires all agents to maintain an active license to legally represent buyers or sellers.

You can also ask DiMaria directly for his license number and brokerage affiliation, and request a copy of his broker's errors and omissions insurance policy. Reputable agents provide this information without hesitation. If he declines or becomes evasive, that is a signal to work with someone else.

What RE/MAX's Franchise Model Means for You

RE/MAX operates differently from traditional brokerages. Rather than paying agents a salary and taking a percentage of commissions, RE/MAX agents typically pay the franchise a monthly desk fee or flat fee and keep a larger share of the commissions they earn. This structure can mean RE/MAX agents are highly motivated to close deals, but it also means commission rates and service levels vary widely between offices and individual agents.

The RE/MAX brand gives DiMaria access to a national Multiple Listing Service (MLS) network, national advertising, and training resources. However, the local MLS where he operates—whether that is the Charleston Regional MLS, Greenville MLS, or another South Carolina market—is what actually determines which properties he can list and show. His RE/MAX affiliation does not override local MLS rules or give him access to listings outside his geographic area.

When you hire DiMaria as your agent, you are signing an agreement with his specific RE/MAX office, not with RE/MAX corporate. That means your contract terms, dispute resolution, and complaints go through his local office first. If you have a serious complaint, you can escalate it to the South Carolina Real Estate Commission or file a complaint with the DLLR, but the initial relationship is with the local brokerage.

Commission Rates and What to Negotiate

RE/MAX offices do not have a set commission rate across all locations or agents. Rates are negotiable and vary based on the local market, the type of property, and the services provided. Typical seller's agent commissions in South Carolina range from 2.5 to 3 percent of the sale price, and buyer's agent commissions are usually similar, but these are not fixed. You should ask DiMaria's office what their standard rates are before you sign a listing or buyer's agreement.

Commission is typically split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent, and then split again between the agent and the brokerage. The exact split depends on DiMaria's individual arrangement with his RE/MAX office. If you are selling, you can negotiate the total commission and how it is split. If you are buying, you generally do not pay commission directly—it comes from the seller's proceeds—but you should still understand what the buyer's agent commission is, because it affects the seller's motivation to accept your offer.

Ask DiMaria in writing what his office's commission structure is, whether there are any additional fees (such as transaction fees, marketing fees, or administrative charges), and whether those rates are negotiable. Get the answer in writing before you sign anything. This protects you and sets clear expectations.

How RE/MAX Listings Appear in South Carolina's MLS

When DiMaria lists a property, it appears in the local MLS for his market area. In South Carolina, there are several regional MLSs: Charleston Regional MLS, Greenville MLS, Upstate MLS, Lowcountry MLS, and others. The property listing includes photos, description, price, and agent contact information. Other agents in that MLS can show the property to their buyers, and the listing is syndicated to major real estate websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin within 24 to 48 hours.

RE/MAX's national reach means DiMaria can market a property to RE/MAX agents across the country, which can be useful if you are selling a unique or high-value property. However, the vast majority of buyers in any local market come from that local market, not from national RE/MAX networks. Local marketing—open houses, neighborhood canvassing, and local advertising—typically drives more buyer interest than national RE/MAX marketing alone.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring Michael DiMaria

Before you sign a listing agreement or buyer's agreement with DiMaria, ask him these questions in writing and request written answers: What is your experience in this specific neighborhood or price range? How many homes have you sold in the past year? What is your average days-on-market? What marketing will you do beyond the MLS listing? What is your commission rate and is it negotiable? What additional fees does your office charge? How often will you communicate with me, and through what channels? What is your process if we disagree on price or strategy?

A professional agent will answer these questions clearly and promptly. If DiMaria is vague, defensive, or slow to respond, that tells you something about how he will handle your transaction. You are not obligated to work with the first agent you contact. Interview multiple agents, compare their answers, and choose the one who best understands your goals and communicates clearly.

Your Rights as a Buyer or Seller in South Carolina

South Carolina real estate law gives you specific rights regardless of which agent you work with. As a seller, you have the right to know the terms of any offer before you accept it, to negotiate those terms, and to cancel a listing agreement under certain conditions. As a buyer, you have the right to representation, to inspect the property, to review all disclosures, and to walk away if the inspection reveals serious problems (depending on your contract terms).

You also have the right to file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission if an agent violates state law or the code of ethics. Violations can include misrepresenting a property, failing to disclose material facts, commingling client funds, or breaching a fiduciary duty. The complaint process is free and is handled by the DLLR. If you believe DiMaria has acted unethically or illegally, document the issue in writing and file a complaint with the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if Michael DiMaria is the right agent for me?

Interview multiple agents in your area and compare their experience, communication style, and understanding of your specific needs. Ask each agent about their sales history in your neighborhood, their marketing strategy, and their availability. Choose the agent who listens to your concerns, answers your questions clearly, and has a proven track record in your market. Trust and communication matter more than brand affiliation.

Can I negotiate the commission rate with DiMaria's office?

Yes. Commission rates are negotiable in South Carolina. Before you sign a listing or buyer's agreement, discuss the rate with DiMaria and ask if it can be reduced or adjusted based on the property type, price, or services provided. Get any agreed-upon rate in writing as part of your contract. Do not assume the rate he quotes first is his final offer.

What happens if I want to cancel my agreement with DiMaria?

The cancellation terms depend on your specific contract. Most listing agreements allow you to cancel within a certain period (often 3 to 7 days) without penalty, but after that period, you may owe a commission even if DiMaria did not sell the home. Read your contract carefully and ask DiMaria to explain the cancellation clause before you sign. If you want to cancel, send a written request to his office and keep a copy for your records.

Is RE/MAX better than other brokerages in South Carolina?

RE/MAX is one of many reputable brokerages operating in South Carolina. The quality of your experience depends on the individual agent, not the brand. Some RE/MAX agents are excellent; some are mediocre. The same is true for independent brokerages and other franchises. Focus on finding an agent with strong local knowledge, clear communication, and a track record of successful transactions in your specific market.

How can I verify that DiMaria's office has errors and omissions insurance?

Ask DiMaria directly for proof of his brokerage's errors and omissions (E&O) insurance. Reputable brokerages carry this insurance to protect clients if the agent makes a mistake that causes financial harm. If the office refuses to provide proof or does not carry insurance, that is a red flag. You can also contact the South Carolina Real Estate Commission to ask whether DiMaria's brokerage has any outstanding complaints or disciplinary actions.