What to Know About Working With Sharon Olson at RE/MAX Professionals

Sharon Olson brings two decades of South Carolina real estate experience to RE/MAX Professionals

Sharon Olson is a real estate agent based in South Carolina who works through RE/MAX Professionals, one of the largest real estate franchises in the country. She specializes in residential property sales and has built her practice around serving buyers and sellers in the state's competitive housing market. Her background includes extensive knowledge of local neighborhoods, market trends, and the mechanics of closing a sale in South Carolina.

RE/MAX Professionals operates as a brokerage where individual agents like Olson maintain their own client relationships while accessing the company's systems, training, and national network. This structure means Olson works independently but under the RE/MAX brand and compliance framework. Understanding how she operates—and what to expect when working with her—helps you decide whether her services match your needs.

Key Takeaways

• Sharon Olson works as an independent agent through RE/MAX Professionals, meaning she maintains her own client list but operates under the RE/MAX brand and systems.
• RE/MAX agents typically earn commission on sales rather than salary, which means their incentive is to close transactions successfully.
• You can contact Olson directly to discuss your specific property or buying situation before committing to representation.
• RE/MAX maintains a national database and marketing platform that individual agents can use to list and promote properties.
• Commission rates and contract terms are negotiable between you and Olson and should be discussed upfront.

How RE/MAX Professionals operates in South Carolina

RE/MAX Professionals is a franchise office, meaning it operates under the RE/MAX brand but is independently owned and managed locally. The office provides agents like Sharon Olson with access to RE/MAX's listing database, marketing tools, transaction management software, and training programs. Agents pay fees to the brokerage in exchange for these services and support.

This model differs from traditional brokerages where agents are employees. At RE/MAX, agents are independent contractors who build their own client bases and manage their own schedules. Olson's success depends on her reputation, her ability to market properties effectively, and her skill in negotiating on behalf of her clients. The brokerage handles compliance, licensing oversight, and provides the infrastructure agents need to operate.

What Sharon Olson typically handles as a residential agent

As a residential real estate agent, Olson works with buyers looking to purchase homes and sellers looking to list properties. For sellers, this usually means listing the property in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), marketing it through various channels, scheduling showings, and negotiating offers. For buyers, it means understanding their needs and budget, searching available properties, arranging viewings, and representing them during negotiations.

Olson also coordinates with other professionals during the transaction—home inspectors, appraisers, title companies, and lenders. She explains contracts, timelines, and contingencies to her clients and helps them understand what to expect at each stage. Her role is to guide clients through a process that involves legal documents, financial commitments, and decisions that affect their housing situation for years to come.

Commission structure and how agents are paid

Real estate agents in South Carolina earn commission on completed sales, not on a salary or hourly basis. The commission is typically a percentage of the final sale price and is paid by the seller's proceeds at closing. The exact percentage is negotiable and should be discussed before you sign a listing agreement or buyer representation contract.

Commission is usually split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent, and then split again between the individual agent and their brokerage. This means Olson's take-home from a sale is a portion of the total commission. Because agents only earn when a sale closes, they have a financial incentive to complete transactions, but this also means they benefit when you get a good deal—not when you overpay or accept unfavorable terms.

How to contact Sharon Olson and what to discuss first

You can reach out to Olson directly through RE/MAX Professionals to discuss your situation before making any commitments. Whether you are selling a home, buying one, or exploring your options, an initial conversation helps you understand what she offers and whether her experience matches your needs. During this conversation, you might ask about her experience in your specific neighborhood, her marketing approach, and her availability.

If you decide to work together, you will sign a representation agreement that outlines the terms—how long the agreement lasts, what commission rate applies, and what services she provides. This is the time to ask questions about anything unclear. You are not obligated to sign with the first agent you speak with, and comparing a few agents' approaches and terms is standard practice.

Understanding the MLS and how properties get marketed

When Olson lists a property, it goes into the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), a database that real estate agents throughout South Carolina use to find properties for their buyers. MLS listing is how most homes are found by potential buyers and their agents. The listing includes photos, property details, price, and terms, and it is visible to every agent in the region who has MLS access.

Beyond the MLS, Olson may use additional marketing—social media, her brokerage's website, email campaigns to past clients, or print advertising. The extent and type of marketing can vary by agent and by the property itself. A higher-priced home or one in a competitive market may warrant more aggressive marketing than a straightforward sale in a slower market. This is worth discussing when you are considering listing with her.

What happens during a real estate transaction

A typical home sale in South Carolina involves several stages: listing or finding a property, making an offer, inspection, appraisal, financing approval, and closing. Olson's role is to guide you through each stage, explain what is happening, and advocate for your interests. For sellers, this means presenting offers, negotiating terms, and managing the timeline. For buyers, it means finding properties that meet your criteria, making competitive offers, and protecting your interests during inspections and appraisals.

The timeline from offer to closing typically ranges from 30 to 45 days, though it can be shorter or longer depending on financing, inspections, and other factors. Olson coordinates with the title company, lender, and other parties to keep the transaction moving. She also explains contingencies—conditions that must be met for the sale to proceed—and what happens if something goes wrong, such as a failed inspection or appraisal.

Questions to ask before working with Sharon Olson

Before signing any agreement, clarify what you need to know. Ask about her experience in your neighborhood or with your type of property. Ask what her commission rate is and whether it is negotiable. Ask how she markets properties and how often she communicates with clients. Ask what happens if the sale falls through or if you need to cancel the agreement early.

Also ask about her availability—whether she handles transactions personally or delegates to a team, and how quickly she typically responds to calls and emails. Real estate moves fast, and you want an agent who is accessible when you need decisions made. These conversations help you understand whether Olson's style and availability match what you are looking for.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You can buy or sell without an agent, though you will handle negotiations, marketing, and legal paperwork yourself. Many people use agents because they have expertise in pricing, marketing, and navigating contracts, which can save time and money even after paying commission.

Can I work with Sharon Olson if I am buying a home listed by another agent?

Yes. Buyer representation is common in real estate. Olson can represent you when you are looking at homes listed by other agents. The seller's agent and Olson's brokerage split the commission, so there is typically no additional cost to you as the buyer.

What if I am not satisfied with Sharon Olson's service?

Your representation agreement should specify how long it lasts and under what conditions you can end it. Review this before signing. If problems arise, discuss them with Olson directly first. If that does not resolve the issue, you can contact RE/MAX Professionals management or consult a real estate attorney about your options.

How does Sharon Olson know what price to list a home at?

Agents use a comparative market analysis (CMA), which looks at recently sold homes in the area with similar features, size, and condition. This analysis helps determine a competitive listing price. Olson should be able to show you the data behind her price recommendation and explain how comparable homes affect your property's value.

What should I bring to a first meeting with Sharon Olson?

If you are selling, bring information about your home—mortgage details, property taxes, recent improvements, and any issues you are aware of. If you are buying, bring information about your budget, financing status, and what you are looking for. Having this ready helps Olson understand your situation and give you accurate guidance.