What to Know About Working With Shannon Guess at RE/MAX Southern Real Estate

Shannon Guess brings local market knowledge and RE/MAX resources to South Carolina real estate transactions

Shannon Guess is a real estate agent affiliated with RE/MAX Southern Real Estate, operating within one of the largest real estate networks in the country. RE/MAX agents work on commission and represent buyers, sellers, or both in property transactions. Guess's role is to help clients navigate the buying or selling process, from listing a home to closing a sale, using local market data and the RE/MAX platform's tools and support.

RE/MAX operates differently from some other brokerages: agents typically pay a desk fee or split commissions with the company rather than drawing a salary, which means they work independently while accessing RE/MAX's brand, training, and technology. This structure can affect how an agent prioritizes their time and which services they offer.

Key Takeaways

• Shannon Guess works through RE/MAX Southern Real Estate, a national franchise that provides agents with technology, training, and market data but does not employ them directly.
• Real estate agents earn commission on completed sales, typically split between the buyer's agent and seller's agent, so understanding who represents whom matters before you sign anything.
• RE/MAX agents can represent buyers, sellers, or both in a single transaction, though dual representation requires written disclosure and consent from all parties.
• Before hiring any agent, ask about their experience in your specific market area, their average time on market for listings, and how they handle communication and showings.

How RE/MAX agents work and what they do

A real estate agent's core job is to facilitate a sale between a buyer and a seller. For sellers, this typically means listing the property on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), marketing it, scheduling showings, and negotiating offers. For buyers, it means searching available properties, arranging viewings, writing offers, and managing inspections and appraisals through closing.

RE/MAX agents have access to the MLS in their region, which is the database that most agents use to list and search properties. They also use RE/MAX's own marketing tools, which include national and international networks—RE/MAX advertises that it reaches buyers across multiple channels. However, the quality and aggressiveness of marketing varies by individual agent, not by the RE/MAX brand alone.

Agents earn money only when a sale closes. The commission is typically a percentage of the sale price and is split between the listing agent's brokerage and the buyer's agent's brokerage. Within each brokerage, the agent and the company split that portion according to their agreement. This means an agent has financial incentive to close deals, but no income if a sale falls through.

Understanding representation and conflicts of interest

Before you work with Shannon Guess or any agent, clarify who they represent. An agent can represent the seller, the buyer, or both—but dual representation must be disclosed in writing and agreed to by all parties. South Carolina law requires this disclosure, and it matters because an agent cannot fully advocate for both sides if their interests conflict.

If Guess represents the seller, her job is to get the highest price and best terms for that seller. If she represents you as a buyer, her job is to negotiate the lowest price and most favorable terms for you. If she represents both, she is legally bound to be neutral and cannot push either side harder than the other, which limits her ability to advocate aggressively for you.

Ask directly: "Who do you represent in this transaction?" Get the answer in writing before you sign anything. Many buyers assume their agent represents them when the agent actually represents the seller, or represents both parties.

What to ask before hiring Shannon Guess or any agent

Experience in your specific market area matters more than the size of the brokerage. Ask how long Guess has been selling real estate in the neighborhoods where you want to buy or sell, what the average sale price and days-on-market are for properties she has listed, and whether she has experience with the type of property you are interested in (new construction, historic homes, investment properties, etc.).

Ask about communication: How often will she contact you? What is her response time to calls and emails? Will she be the one showing your home or writing your offers, or will an assistant handle some of that work? Some agents are highly available; others manage many listings and may not respond quickly.

Ask about her marketing plan if you are selling. Will she list on the MLS only, or will she use social media, email campaigns, open houses, or paid advertising? Will she use professional photography and video? These details affect how quickly and for how much your home sells.

Ask about her track record with inspections, appraisals, and closing timelines. Real estate transactions often hit snags—a low appraisal, a failed inspection, a lender delay. An experienced agent knows how to navigate these and can often prevent them from derailing a deal.

Commission, fees, and what you pay

In most South Carolina transactions, the seller pays the commission for both the listing agent and the buyer's agent. This is built into the listing agreement and comes out of the seller's proceeds at closing. The buyer does not write a separate check to their agent.

However, commission rates are negotiable. The standard in many markets is around 5 to 6 percent of the sale price split between both sides, but this varies. Some agents charge less; some charge more. Some offer reduced rates for certain types of transactions. Ask what Guess charges and whether it is negotiable.

Be aware that if you are a buyer working with an agent, you are not paying that agent directly—the seller's proceeds pay both commissions. This can create a conflict: the agent benefits financially from a higher sale price, even though you as the buyer want a lower price. This is another reason to clarify representation upfront.

How to verify an agent's credentials and background

All real estate agents in South Carolina must hold a license issued by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (SCDHEC). You can verify an agent's license status, disciplinary history, and active status on the SCDHEC website. Search by name or license number to confirm that Guess is currently licensed and has no public complaints or violations on record.

RE/MAX agents may also hold additional certifications—such as Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR), or Seller Representative Specialist (SRS)—which indicate additional training. These are not required but can signal deeper expertise. Ask Guess what certifications she holds and what they mean.

You can also ask for references from past clients, particularly buyers or sellers in your price range or neighborhood. A good agent will provide these willingly. Contact them and ask about their experience: Was the agent responsive? Did the sale close on time? Would they work with this agent again?

Red flags and what to watch for

Be cautious if an agent pressures you to sign a buyer's representation agreement without explaining what it means. This agreement locks you into working with that agent for a set period (often 90 days), and you cannot work with another agent during that time. Read it carefully and ask questions before signing.

Be wary if an agent does not disclose dual representation or tries to minimize its importance. Dual representation is legal, but it must be transparent. If an agent downplays it or seems evasive, that is a sign to work with someone else.

Avoid agents who may provide a sale price or timeline. No one can may provide these. Market conditions, property condition, and buyer demand determine price and speed. An agent who promises results is likely overselling.

If an agent is difficult to reach, slow to respond, or dismissive of your questions, that will not improve once you are under contract. Real estate moves fast, and you need an agent who is available and communicative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work with Shannon Guess if I am buying and she represents the seller?

Yes, but only if she discloses this in writing and you agree to dual representation. If you prefer an agent who represents only you, ask for a referral to another agent at RE/MAX or elsewhere. You have the right to choose your own representation.

What happens if a sale falls through after I have hired an agent?

If the sale does not close, the agent does not get paid. However, you may still be bound by your buyer's representation agreement, meaning you cannot work with another agent until that agreement expires. Read the terms before signing.

How do I know if Shannon Guess's commission rate is fair?

Commission rates vary by market and agent. Ask Guess what she charges, then ask two or three other agents in the same area what they charge. This gives you a sense of the range. Remember that the lowest rate is not always the best value if the agent provides less service or marketing.

Can I negotiate the commission after we have agreed on it?

Commission is negotiable at any point, but it is easier to negotiate before you sign the listing or buyer's representation agreement. Once you are under contract, renegotiating is harder. Discuss rate upfront and get it in writing.

What should I do if I have a complaint about Shannon Guess's service?

First, try to resolve it directly with Guess or her broker at RE/MAX Southern Real Estate. If that does not work, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, which investigates violations of real estate licensing laws. Keep records of all communications and agreements.