Terri Horton at RE/MAX: What to Know Before You Work With Her
Who Terri Horton is and what she does
Terri Horton is a real estate agent with RE/MAX, one of the largest real estate networks in the country. She works with buyers and sellers in South Carolina, helping them navigate property transactions. Like other RE/MAX agents, she operates as an independent contractor under the RE/MAX brand, which means she runs her own business while using RE/MAX's systems, training, and national reach.
RE/MAX agents typically handle residential sales, which means helping people buy homes, sell homes, or both. Horton's specific service area, experience level, and specialties—whether she focuses on first-time buyers, investment properties, or a particular region—are details worth confirming directly with her before you decide to work together.
Key Takeaways
- Terri Horton is an independent contractor with RE/MAX, meaning she operates her own business under the RE/MAX brand and structure.
- RE/MAX agents typically earn commission on sales rather than a salary, so their incentive is to close transactions.
- Before hiring any agent, you should ask about their experience in your specific market, their track record with similar properties, and how they communicate.
- You can work with any agent you choose—you are not locked in by geography or brand, so comparing agents and their approaches makes sense.
- Real estate agents in South Carolina must hold an active license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission.
How RE/MAX agents work and how they get paid
RE/MAX agents earn money through commission, typically a percentage of the sale price when a property closes. The commission is usually split between the buyer's agent and the seller's agent, and then split again between the agent and their brokerage. This structure means an agent's income depends entirely on closing sales—they have no salary and no may provide paycheck.
Because commission is the only income, agents have a strong incentive to close deals. This can work in your favor if you want someone motivated and responsive, but it also means you should be clear about your own goals and timeline before you hire someone. An agent who pushes you to buy or sell faster than you want, or who steers you toward a higher price without good reason, may be prioritizing their commission over your interests.
What to ask before you hire Terri Horton or any agent
Start by asking about her experience in the specific area where you want to buy or sell. Real estate markets vary widely—a neighborhood in Charleston is not the same as a rural county, and an agent who knows one well may not know the other. Ask how long she has been selling in that area, how many transactions she closed in the past year, and whether she has worked with properties similar to yours.
Ask about her communication style and availability. Will she return calls and texts the same day? How often will she send you updates? Some agents are highly responsive; others are not. You should know what to expect before you sign anything.
Ask whether she represents buyers, sellers, or both. Some agents specialize in one side. If you are buying, you want to know whether she has represented buyers before and how she structures that relationship. If you are selling, ask about her marketing strategy—how will she show your home to potential buyers?
Finally, ask for references from recent clients. A few conversations with people she has actually worked with will tell you far more than any marketing material.
How to verify an agent's license and background
South Carolina requires all real estate agents to hold an active license issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. You can verify Terri Horton's license status by visiting the Commission's website and searching the public database. This takes two minutes and tells you whether her license is current, whether it has ever been suspended or revoked, and whether any complaints have been filed against her.
A current license means she is legally allowed to work. A clean complaint history does not mean she is perfect, but it does mean no clients have filed formal complaints with the state. If there are complaints, the database will show what they were about and how they were resolved.
You can work with any agent you want
You are not obligated to work with Terri Horton or any particular agent just because you found her name or because she contacted you. Real estate is competitive, and you have the right to interview multiple agents, compare their experience and approach, and choose the one who feels like the best fit for your situation.
If you do decide to work with an agent, you will typically sign a buyer's agent agreement or a listing agreement. Read it carefully. These contracts spell out how long the agent represents you, what happens if you find a property on your own, and what commission you owe if a sale closes. Do not sign anything you do not understand, and do not hesitate to ask questions or to have a lawyer review it if the terms are unclear.
Red flags to watch for
Be cautious if an agent pressures you to make a decision quickly, promises results she cannot may provide, or discourages you from getting a home inspection or having a lawyer review your contract. These are signs that she may be prioritizing speed or her own commission over your protection.
Be cautious also if she is evasive about her experience, refuses to provide references, or becomes defensive when you ask questions. A good agent welcomes questions because she knows her work speaks for itself.
What happens after you hire an agent
If you are buying, your agent will search listings that match your criteria, arrange showings, help you make an offer, and guide you through inspection, appraisal, and closing. If you are selling, your agent will list your property, market it to other agents and the public, show it to potential buyers, and negotiate offers on your behalf.
Throughout the process, your agent should keep you informed and answer your questions. You should never feel like you are in the dark or that decisions are being made without your input. If that starts to happen, you have the right to end the relationship—though you may owe commission if a sale closes during the contract period, so read your agreement carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much commission does a real estate agent typically charge?
Commission is usually 5 to 6 percent of the sale price, split between the buyer's agent and the seller's agent. The seller typically pays both commissions out of the sale proceeds. Commission is negotiable, so you can discuss it before you sign an agreement, but most agents in a given market charge similar rates.
Can I work with a buyer's agent if I am buying a home?
Yes. A buyer's agent represents your interests during the purchase process. The seller typically pays both the seller's agent and the buyer's agent from the commission, so using a buyer's agent does not cost you extra money out of pocket. This is standard practice.
What if I find a property on my own and want to buy it without an agent?
You can buy a home without an agent, but you will still owe the seller's agent a commission, and you will be negotiating alone against someone who has professional experience. Many buyers hire an agent specifically for this reason—to have someone in their corner who knows the market and the process.
How long does a typical real estate transaction take?
Most home sales take 30 to 45 days from offer to closing, though this varies. Cash sales can close faster; sales that require financing or inspection repairs can take longer. Your agent should give you a realistic timeline based on your specific situation.
What should I do if I am unhappy with my agent?
Talk to her first and explain what is not working. If the relationship does not improve, you can end it—though check your contract to see whether you owe commission if a sale closes during the contract period. If you have a serious complaint about her conduct, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission.