What to Know About Working With Shannon Kerns at RE/MAX Inspire
Shannon Kerns brings local market knowledge and residential real estate experience to RE/MAX Inspire
Shannon Kerns is a real estate agent based in South Carolina who works through RE/MAX Inspire, a franchise of the national RE/MAX network. If you are buying or selling a home in South Carolina, understanding what an agent does and how to work with one can help you move through the process with clearer expectations.
Real estate agents help buyers find properties that match their needs and budget, and they help sellers market their homes to potential buyers. Agents typically earn commission based on the sale price of a property, which means their payment comes from the transaction itself rather than from you directly as a buyer. Sellers usually pay the commission, which is then split between the listing agent and the buyer's agent.
Shannon Kerns works within the RE/MAX Inspire office, which operates as part of the larger RE/MAX system. RE/MAX agents have access to multiple listing services (MLS) in their region, which is the database where most homes for sale are listed. This access is essential for finding available properties and understanding market conditions in your area.
Key Takeaways
- Real estate agents earn commission from the sale of a property, paid by the seller and split between listing and buyer's agents.
- RE/MAX agents can access multiple listing services (MLS) to search for homes and track market data in their region.
- An agent's role includes marketing, negotiation, paperwork coordination, and guidance through closing.
- You can interview multiple agents before deciding who to work with, and you are not obligated to sign an exclusive agreement immediately.
- Shannon Kerns's specific experience and service areas can be confirmed by contacting RE/MAX Inspire directly or reviewing her profile on the RE/MAX website.
What agents do during the buying process
If you are buying a home, an agent typically helps you search for properties that fit your criteria, schedule showings, and understand the neighborhoods where you are looking. They can explain local market conditions—such as how long homes typically stay on the market and what prices are trending in different areas—which helps you make informed offers.
Agents also handle the paperwork and logistics of making an offer, including drafting the purchase agreement and coordinating inspections, appraisals, and financing. They communicate with the seller's agent, the title company, and your lender to keep the transaction moving forward. Most agents will guide you through contingencies (conditions that must be met for the sale to close) and help you understand what happens if something goes wrong during the inspection or appraisal.
What agents do during the selling process
When you sell a home, the listing agent (the one representing the seller) is responsible for marketing the property. This includes listing it on the MLS, taking photographs, writing the property description, and sometimes coordinating open houses or virtual tours. The listing agent sets the initial asking price based on comparable homes in the area and market conditions.
The listing agent also fields inquiries from buyer's agents, negotiates offers on your behalf, and coordinates inspections and appraisals. They advise you on which offers to consider, help you understand contingencies in offers you receive, and work toward closing. Sellers typically pay the commission for both the listing agent and the buyer's agent, so the buyer does not pay the agent directly.
How to start working with an agent
If you want to work with Shannon Kerns, you can contact RE/MAX Inspire to ask about her availability and service areas. Many agents will meet with you for a consultation before you commit to working together. During this conversation, you can ask about her experience in your neighborhood, how she markets homes, what her communication style is, and what to expect during the buying or selling process.
If you are a buyer, you do not need to sign an exclusive agreement with an agent before you start looking at homes together. You can work with multiple agents to see different properties, though most agents will eventually ask you to commit to working with them exclusively. If you are a seller, the listing agent will typically ask you to sign a listing agreement that gives them the right to represent your home for a set period (usually 90 days to six months).
Understanding commission and costs
Real estate commission in South Carolina is negotiable and not set by law or by RE/MAX. The typical range is between 5 and 6 percent of the sale price, but this can vary. The seller usually pays the full commission, which is then split between the listing agent and the buyer's agent. If a home sells for $300,000 with a 5.5 percent commission, that is $16,500 total—typically split so each agent receives around $8,250.
As a buyer, you do not pay the agent's commission directly; it comes from the seller's proceeds. However, the commission is factored into the overall cost of the transaction. As a seller, you should discuss commission rates with your agent before signing a listing agreement, as this is one of the few things you can negotiate.
What to ask an agent before you work together
Before committing to work with Shannon Kerns or any agent, consider asking about her experience in your specific neighborhood or price range, how often she communicates with clients, what technology or tools she uses to market homes or search for properties, and how she handles problems during a transaction. You can also ask for references from past clients or inquire about her sales history in your area.
It is reasonable to ask how long she has been in real estate, whether she works full-time or part-time, and whether she works alone or as part of a team. Some agents specialize in certain types of properties (new construction, waterfront, investment properties) or certain neighborhoods, so understanding her focus can help you decide if she is a good fit for your needs.
Finding Shannon Kerns's contact information
To reach Shannon Kerns or learn more about her services, you can contact RE/MAX Inspire directly. RE/MAX offices typically have websites where agents list their contact information, service areas, and sometimes client testimonials. You can also search for her name on the RE/MAX national website, which allows you to filter by location and see agent profiles.
When you contact the office, you can ask whether Shannon is currently taking on new clients, what her availability is, and whether she offers a free consultation. Having her direct phone number or email address will make it easier to reach her quickly if you decide to move forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use a real estate agent to buy or sell a home?
No, you can buy or sell a home without an agent. However, agents have access to the MLS and market data that most individual buyers and sellers do not have, and they handle much of the paperwork and negotiation. Selling without an agent means you handle marketing, showings, and negotiations yourself; buying without an agent means you may miss listings or not understand market conditions in your area.
What happens if I want to switch agents?
If you are a buyer, you can typically switch agents without penalty since you have not signed an exclusive agreement. If you are a seller and have signed a listing agreement, you may owe commission to your original agent even if you switch, depending on the terms of your contract. Review your agreement carefully before making a change.
How long does it usually take to sell a home?
The time varies by market, season, price range, and condition of the home. In some South Carolina markets, homes sell within weeks; in others, it may take several months. Your agent can tell you the average days on market for homes similar to yours in your neighborhood, which gives you a realistic timeline.
Can an agent help me if I am buying a new construction home?
Yes, agents can represent you when buying new construction. The builder typically pays the buyer's agent commission, so you do not pay out of pocket. Having an agent review the builder's contract and advocate for you during negotiations can protect your interests.
What should I do if I have a problem during the transaction?
Contact your agent first and explain the issue clearly. If the problem involves the other party (the buyer or seller), your agent will communicate with their agent to resolve it. If you have a complaint about your agent's conduct, you can contact the South Carolina Real Estate Commission or the RE/MAX office directly.