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What to Know About Working With Sarah Grainger at RE/MAX Properties

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

Sarah Grainger brings RE/MAX's national resources to South Carolina real estate transactions

Sarah Grainger is a real estate agent with RE/MAX Properties, part of the RE/MAX network that operates across all 50 states and more than 100 countries. RE/MAX agents work on commission, meaning they earn a percentage of the sale price when a transaction closes. Grainger can represent you as a buyer's agent, seller's agent, or both, depending on your needs and the nature of the transaction.

RE/MAX agents have access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) in their region, which shows homes currently for sale, recently sold properties, and market data. This access is essential for understanding local pricing, inventory, and how long homes typically stay on the market. Grainger's affiliation with RE/MAX also means she can tap into the company's training resources, technology platforms, and national referral network if you are relocating to or from South Carolina.

Key Takeaways

  • RE/MAX agents like Sarah Grainger earn commission on closed sales, so their financial incentive aligns with completing a transaction at the best possible price.
  • Access to the MLS allows Grainger to show you all homes listed for sale in her market area, not just those her brokerage represents.
  • RE/MAX's national presence can be useful if you are buying or selling as part of a job transfer or relocation within or outside South Carolina.
  • Real estate agents are not required to hold any particular certification beyond a state license, though many pursue additional training and designations.
  • Commission rates and terms are negotiable between the agent and the seller, and vary by transaction and market conditions.

How RE/MAX agents work in South Carolina

RE/MAX operates as a franchise model, meaning individual agents and brokers own their own offices but operate under the RE/MAX brand and systems. In South Carolina, RE/MAX has multiple offices across the state, including locations in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and other areas. Grainger's specific office location determines which local MLS she accesses and which markets she typically serves.

When you work with Grainger as a buyer, she will show you homes, help you understand the local market, and guide you through the offer and inspection process. As a seller's agent, she would list your home, market it to other agents and the public, and negotiate on your behalf. In either case, she is bound by South Carolina's real estate laws and the National Association of Realtors Code of Ethics if she holds the Realtor designation (a trademark held only by NAR members).

Commission structure and what it means for you

Real estate commissions in South Carolina are not set by law or by RE/MAX—they are negotiated between the seller and the listing agent. The typical range is 5 to 6 percent of the sale price, split between the listing agent's brokerage and the buyer's agent's brokerage. That split is then divided between the individual agents and their brokers according to their agreements.

If you are a buyer, you do not pay Grainger directly; the seller's proceeds cover both agents' commissions. If you are a seller, you negotiate the commission rate with your listing agent before the home goes on the market. This arrangement means Grainger's incentive is to close the sale, but it does not necessarily mean she will push you toward a lower price as a buyer or a higher price as a seller—her reputation and future business depend on fair dealing and client satisfaction.

What RE/MAX membership provides

RE/MAX agents pay higher desk fees and expenses than agents at traditional brokerages, but in return they keep a larger share of their commission. RE/MAX also provides agents with brand recognition, marketing support, technology tools for managing listings and client communication, and training programs. The company's national network means Grainger can refer clients to RE/MAX agents in other states if you are relocating, and she can receive referrals from agents elsewhere.

RE/MAX's "Above the Crowd" branding and advertising emphasize agent experience and market knowledge. Individual agents' experience levels, training, and track records vary widely, so it is worth asking Grainger about her background, how long she has been in real estate, which neighborhoods she knows best, and what types of transactions she handles most often.

Questions to ask before hiring Sarah Grainger

Before committing to work with any agent, including Grainger, ask about her experience in your specific market or neighborhood. If you are buying, ask which homes she has shown clients in the past year and what the average time on market was for those sales. If you are selling, ask for a list of homes she has sold, their sale prices, and how long they were listed.

Clarify how she communicates—phone, email, text—and how quickly she typically responds. Ask whether she will be handling your transaction personally or delegating parts of it to an assistant. Understand the terms of any buyer's or seller's agreement you sign, including how long the agreement lasts and what happens if you want to end it. Ask about any additional fees beyond commission, such as photography, staging, or marketing costs for sellers.

How to verify an agent's license and background

South Carolina's real estate licenses are issued and regulated by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (SCDHEC). You can verify that Grainger holds a current license by searching the SCDHEC database on their website or by asking her directly for her license number.

The National Association of Realtors maintains a directory of members who hold the Realtor designation. If Grainger is a Realtor, she is bound by the NAR Code of Ethics and has access to the MLS through her local board. If she is not a Realtor, she may still be a licensed agent, but she would not have MLS access and would work differently than most agents in South Carolina.

RE/MAX versus other brokerage types

RE/MAX is one model among many. Traditional brokerages like Coldwell Banker, Keller Williams, and Century 21 operate differently—agents typically keep a smaller percentage of commission but pay lower desk fees. Discount brokerages charge flat fees or reduced commissions. Some agents work as independent contractors with smaller local brokerages. Each model has trade-offs in terms of support, technology, and brand recognition.

The brokerage an agent works for does not determine how good she is at her job. What matters more is her knowledge of your local market, her responsiveness, her negotiating skill, and her integrity. The RE/MAX name may help with referrals and national relocation, but it does not substitute for asking about Grainger's specific experience and track record.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, though it creates a potential conflict of interest. Some agents handle both sides of a transaction; others refer one side to a colleague to avoid conflicts. Ask Grainger how she handles this situation and whether she would represent both you and the other party or step back from one side of the deal.

What if I sign a buyer's agreement with Grainger and then find a home on my own?

The terms depend on what you signed. Most buyer's agreements specify that Grainger represents you for homes shown by her or found through her efforts. If you find a home listed by another agent, Grainger would still be your agent and would still earn commission. Read the agreement carefully and ask Grainger to explain any terms you do not understand before signing.

Does RE/MAX charge me a fee to work with one of their agents?

No. RE/MAX agents are paid through commission on closed sales. As a buyer, you do not pay the agent directly. As a seller, you negotiate commission with the listing agent before listing your home. There are no separate fees to RE/MAX itself.

How do I know if Grainger is the right agent for my neighborhood?

Ask her how many homes she has sold in your specific neighborhood in the past year or two, and ask to see the listing prices and sale prices. Ask which neighborhoods she considers her strongest markets. If she has little experience in your area, she may not be the best fit, even if she is excellent elsewhere in South Carolina.

What happens if I am unhappy with Grainger's service?

If you have signed an agreement, review its terms for how to terminate it. If you have not signed anything, you can stop working with her at any time. If you believe she has violated South Carolina real estate law or the NAR Code of Ethics, you can file a complaint with SCDHEC or with the local board of Realtors.