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The Thompson Team at RE/MAX: What to Know Before You Contact Them

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

Who The Thompson Team Is and What They Do

The Thompson Team is a real estate group operating under the RE/MAX brand in South Carolina. They work with buyers and sellers on residential properties, handling the listing, marketing, showing, and negotiation side of transactions. Like other RE/MAX agents, they operate as independent contractors under the RE/MAX umbrella rather than as employees of a single brokerage.

RE/MAX is a national franchise system where individual agents and teams lease their affiliation with the brand. This structure means The Thompson Team has access to RE/MAX's marketing tools, training, and national network, but operates their own client relationships and business decisions within South Carolina's real estate market.

Key Takeaways

  • The Thompson Team lists and sells residential properties in South Carolina as independent RE/MAX contractors, not as employees of a single firm.
  • RE/MAX agents typically work on commission from the sale price rather than a flat fee, so their payment depends on whether and at what price a property sells.
  • You can contact The Thompson Team directly to discuss your property or your search, but you are not required to use them—other agents and brokerages operate in the same markets.
  • South Carolina real estate transactions involve specific disclosure forms, inspection periods, and closing timelines that any agent you work with should explain.
  • Before signing any agreement with an agent or team, read the contract terms, including how long you are bound to work with them and what happens if you want to switch.

How RE/MAX Agents Work in South Carolina

Real estate agents in South Carolina must hold a license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. RE/MAX agents, including The Thompson Team, operate under this licensing requirement. Their commission typically comes from the sale price of the property—usually split between the buyer's agent and the seller's agent, with each agent's brokerage taking a portion.

Because agents work on commission, their income depends on closed sales. This means they have financial incentive to sell your property or help you purchase one, but it also means they earn nothing if a transaction does not close. When you contact an agent, ask directly what percentage they charge and how that compares to other agents in your area—commission rates are negotiable and vary.

RE/MAX agents can list your property for sale, represent you as a buyer, or both. If you are selling, they typically handle photography, online listing placement, open houses, and marketing. If you are buying, they show you properties, help you understand offers and counteroffers, and guide you through inspection and closing.

What to Ask Before You Work With Them

Before signing any agreement with The Thompson Team or any agent, clarify the terms in writing. Ask how long the listing or buyer agreement lasts—typically three to six months for a listing agreement—and what happens if you want to end it early. Ask whether they charge a flat fee, a percentage of the sale price, or both. Ask which multiple listing service (MLS) they use and how quickly your property will appear online.

If you are buying, ask whether they represent only you (a buyer's agent), only the seller, or both parties in a transaction. Dual representation is legal in South Carolina but creates a conflict of interest; you have the right to know which side they are on. Ask what their experience is in the specific neighborhood or price range you are targeting, and ask for references from recent clients.

Request a written estimate of closing costs and a timeline for the process. South Carolina law requires specific disclosures and inspection periods; any agent should walk you through these before you sign anything. If something in the contract is unclear, ask them to explain it or have a lawyer review it before you commit.

South Carolina Real Estate Rules That Apply to Any Agent

South Carolina requires sellers to provide a Property Condition Disclosure form to buyers before or at the time of offer. This form discloses known defects and issues with the property. Buyers typically have a period—often seven to ten days—to inspect the property and request repairs or credits. These timelines and requirements apply whether you work with The Thompson Team or another agent.

The state also requires a closing attorney to handle the final paperwork and fund transfer. This is different from many other states where a title company or escrow agent closes the deal. Your agent should coordinate with the closing attorney, but the attorney works for the transaction, not for the agent or either party exclusively.

South Carolina is a non-disclosure state for real estate sales, meaning the sale price of residential properties is not automatically public record. However, deed records are public, and some sales information may appear in MLS records or other databases. Ask your agent what information will be disclosed and what remains private.

Finding Other Agents and Comparing Options

You are not required to work with The Thompson Team. South Carolina has thousands of licensed real estate agents and many brokerages operating statewide. If you want to compare, search the South Carolina Real Estate Commission's website to verify an agent's license status, or contact your local board of realtors for referrals. Many agents offer free consultations where you can ask questions before committing.

When comparing agents, look at their track record in your specific area—an agent with strong sales in Charleston may not have the same network in Greenville. Ask how they market properties, what their average days-on-market is, and whether they have experience with the type of property you are selling or the price range you are buying in. Online reviews and references from past clients can help, but remember that dissatisfied clients are more likely to leave reviews than satisfied ones.

What Happens After You Contact Them

If you reach out to The Thompson Team, expect an initial conversation where they ask about your situation—whether you are buying, selling, or both, and what your timeline and budget are. They will likely offer to meet in person or schedule a call. If you are selling, they may ask to see your property to give you a market analysis and listing price recommendation. If you are buying, they will ask about your preferences and budget to start showing you properties.

At this stage, you are not yet committed to anything. You can talk to multiple agents before deciding who to work with. Once you decide to move forward, you will sign a listing agreement (if selling) or a buyer representation agreement (if buying). Read these carefully—they spell out the terms, timeline, and commission structure. You can negotiate the terms before signing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use a real estate agent to buy or sell in South Carolina?

No. You can sell your own property (called "for sale by owner" or FSBO) or buy directly from an owner. However, most transactions involve agents because they have access to the MLS, marketing reach, and negotiation experience. If you sell without an agent, you typically still pay the buyer's agent commission, so the savings may be smaller than you expect.

What if I sign with an agent and then want to switch to someone else?

This depends on your contract. Most listing and buyer agreements have a term—usually three to six months—and an early termination clause. Read your agreement before signing to understand what happens if you want out. Some agreements allow you to terminate with written notice; others may require you to pay a fee or may not allow early termination at all.

How much does it cost to work with a real estate agent?

Agents typically work on commission from the sale price, not a flat fee you pay upfront. The seller's side usually pays both the seller's agent and the buyer's agent from the sale proceeds. As a buyer, you typically do not pay the agent directly—the seller's proceeds cover both commissions. Commission rates vary and are negotiable; ask what The Thompson Team charges and compare to other agents.

Can an agent represent both the buyer and seller in the same transaction?

Yes, dual representation is legal in South Carolina, but it creates a conflict of interest because the agent cannot fully advocate for both sides. You have the right to know if this is happening and to decline dual representation. If you are uncomfortable with it, you can hire your own buyer's agent instead.

What should I do if I have a problem with an agent?

Contact the South Carolina Real Estate Commission to file a complaint. The Commission investigates violations of state real estate law and licensing rules. You can also consult a real estate attorney if you believe you have been harmed by an agent's actions or misrepresentation.