What to Know About Working With Richard Salsitz at RE/MAX Tattersall Group

Who Richard Salsitz Is and What He Offers

Richard Salsitz is a real estate agent with RE/MAX Tattersall Group, a brokerage operating in South Carolina. He works with buyers and sellers on residential properties, bringing experience in local market conditions and transaction processes. RE/MAX Tattersall Group is part of the RE/MAX network, which operates under a franchise model where individual agents maintain their own practices while accessing shared resources and brand support.

Like other agents in the RE/MAX system, Salsitz operates as an independent contractor rather than a direct employee of the brokerage. This structure means he sets his own schedule and client policies while following RE/MAX standards and South Carolina real estate law. Understanding this arrangement matters because it shapes how commissions work, how disputes are handled, and who you contact if something goes wrong during a transaction.

Key Takeaways

• Richard Salsitz works through RE/MAX Tattersall Group as an independent agent, meaning he runs his own practice within the RE/MAX system.
• RE/MAX agents typically earn commission from sales rather than salary, so their financial incentive is tied directly to closing deals.
• Before working with any agent, confirm their license status through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission's public database.
• Real estate transactions in South Carolina involve specific legal requirements around disclosures, inspections, and closing procedures that your agent should explain clearly.
• Your agent represents either you (as buyer or seller) or the other party, and this representation shapes what information they can share and how they advise you.

How RE/MAX Agents Work and Get Paid

RE/MAX agents earn money through commission splits on real estate sales. When a property sells, the total commission (typically a percentage of the sale price, though this varies by transaction) is divided between the buyer's agent and the seller's agent. The brokerage then takes a portion, and the agent keeps the remainder. This means an agent's income depends entirely on closed sales—they earn nothing until a deal completes.

This commission structure creates an incentive to close deals, which can align with your goals but also means you should understand what the agent stands to gain from any recommendation. For example, an agent may push for a lower inspection period or encourage you to waive contingencies to make your offer more attractive to a seller. These moves benefit the agent by reducing deal risk, but they may not serve your interests. Always ask why an agent recommends a particular strategy and what alternatives exist.

RE/MAX provides agents with marketing tools, training, and access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which is the database where most properties for sale are listed. The agent pays RE/MAX a monthly desk fee or percentage of commissions in exchange for these resources. This is different from traditional brokerages where agents are employees; RE/MAX's model gives agents more independence but also more responsibility for their own business operations.

What to Verify Before You Work Together

Before hiring Richard Salsitz or any agent, check that they hold a current South Carolina real estate license. The South Carolina Real Estate Commission maintains a public database where you can search by name and confirm the license is active and in good standing. This takes five minutes and protects you from working with someone who is unlicensed or has had disciplinary action taken against them.

Ask the agent directly about their experience in the specific market where you are buying or selling. Someone with ten years in Charleston may not know the Greenville market well, and vice versa. Experience matters because local agents understand neighborhood trends, school district changes, property values, and which inspectors, lenders, and title companies work reliably in that area. They also know which contingencies are standard and which requests might kill a deal.

Request references from past clients—ideally both buyers and sellers, and ideally people who worked with the agent within the last year or two. Ask those references whether the agent communicated clearly, explained steps before they happened, and handled problems professionally. A good reference will tell you specifically what the agent did well and what was frustrating, rather than offering only praise.

Understanding Representation and Disclosure

In South Carolina, a real estate agent represents either the buyer or the seller, not both (with rare exceptions involving written consent from both parties). This representation shapes what the agent can tell you and what they must keep confidential. If Salsitz represents the seller, he must disclose to you that he works for the seller and his duty is to get the best price and terms for that seller. If he represents you as a buyer, his duty is to you.

This matters because an agent representing the other party cannot advise you on your negotiating strategy, cannot tell you the lowest price the seller might accept, and cannot share information about your financial situation or motivation with the other side. Conversely, an agent representing you should not share your bottom-line price or timeline with the listing agent unless you authorize it. Always ask your agent at the start: "Who do you represent in this transaction?" and get the answer in writing.

South Carolina law requires agents to provide you with a Consumer Guide to Real Estate and a disclosure of representation before you begin working together. These documents explain your rights, the agent's duties, and how the commission structure works. Read them carefully and ask questions about anything unclear. If an agent skips these disclosures or rushes through them, that is a red flag.

The Transaction Process and What Happens Next

Once you decide to work with an agent, the process differs depending on whether you are buying or selling. As a seller, your agent will list your property on the MLS, arrange showings, market the home, and negotiate offers on your behalf. As a buyer, your agent will search the MLS for properties matching your criteria, arrange showings, help you write an offer, and negotiate terms with the seller's agent.

In both cases, your agent should explain each step before it happens: what a home inspection covers, what contingencies mean, what happens during the appraisal, and what closing involves. South Carolina real estate transactions typically take 30 to 45 days from offer to closing, though this varies. Your agent should give you a realistic timeline and flag delays early.

Your agent is not responsible for the appraisal, the inspection, the title search, or the lender's underwriting—those are separate professionals' jobs. But your agent should coordinate between all these parties, make sure deadlines are met, and alert you to problems. A good agent catches issues early and explains your options before they become emergencies.

What to Do If Something Goes Wrong

If you have a complaint about Richard Salsitz's conduct—for example, if he misrepresented a property, failed to disclose a conflict of interest, or violated confidentiality—you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. The Commission investigates complaints and can take disciplinary action including fines, license suspension, or license revocation. Filing a complaint does not cost you money and does not require a lawyer, though you will need to document what happened and when.

If the issue is a financial dispute—for example, a disagreement over commission owed—you may need to resolve it through your brokerage's dispute process or through small claims court or arbitration, depending on what your contract says. Read your agent agreement carefully before signing it, and ask about the dispute resolution process. Some brokerages use arbitration, which means you give up the right to sue in court.

If you believe the agent committed fraud or broke a law (not just violated real estate rules), you can also consult a real estate attorney. Many offer free initial consultations and can tell you whether you have a case worth pursuing.

Questions to Ask Before You Commit

Before signing an agreement with Richard Salsitz, ask these questions and get the answers in writing: How long is the listing or buyer's agent agreement? (Typical terms are 90 days to six months.) What is the commission rate or how is it calculated? Who pays the commission if the deal falls through? What marketing will you do for my property or what search tools will you use to find me a home? How often will you communicate with me and through what channels? What happens if I want to end the agreement early?

Also ask about the agent's track record: How many homes has he sold in the past year? What is the average time on market for his listings? What is his average sale price compared to list price? These numbers tell you whether the agent is active, whether his listings sell quickly, and whether he negotiates well for his clients. An agent who lists homes at $300,000 but they sell for $280,000 may not be serving sellers well.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if Richard Salsitz is licensed?

Visit the South Carolina Real Estate Commission website and use their license lookup tool. Search by the agent's name and confirm the license is active. You can also ask the agent directly for his license number and verify it yourself. A licensed agent should be happy to provide this information immediately.

Can an agent represent both the buyer and the seller?

In South Carolina, an agent can represent both parties only if both the buyer and seller give written consent and understand the conflict of interest. This is rare and requires full transparency. Most transactions involve separate agents for each side. If you are offered dual representation, ask why and consider whether you want your agent's loyalty divided.

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

Check your agreement for the term and any early termination clause. Some agreements allow you to end them with written notice; others require you to pay a fee or forfeit commission if you sell through another agent. Read the agreement before signing and negotiate the terms if they concern you. If the agent is not performing, most brokerages will release you from the agreement rather than force a bad relationship.

Who pays the real estate agent's commission?

The seller typically pays the total commission from the sale proceeds, which is then split between the buyer's agent and the seller's agent. The buyer does not write a separate check to their agent. However, the commission comes out of the sale price, so it affects the net amount the seller receives. Commission rates vary by transaction and are negotiable.

What is the difference between RE/MAX and other brokerages?

RE/MAX agents are independent contractors who pay a desk fee to access RE/MAX's brand, training, and tools. Other brokerages may employ agents as employees or use different commission splits. The main difference from a client's perspective is that RE/MAX agents have more flexibility in how they run their business, but this does not necessarily mean better or worse service. What matters is the individual agent's experience and professionalism.