How Tricia Tennyson and RE/MAX Southern Shores Can Help You Buy or Sell in South Carolina
Who Tricia Tennyson is and what she does
Tricia Tennyson is a real estate agent with RE/MAX Southern Shores, a brokerage operating across South Carolina's coastal and inland markets. She works with buyers and sellers on residential properties, helping clients navigate the purchase or sale process from listing to closing. Her background includes work in the local real estate market, and she operates as part of RE/MAX's national network, which means she has access to broader listing databases and resources beyond her immediate office.
RE/MAX Southern Shores maintains offices in multiple South Carolina locations, allowing agents like Tricia to serve different regions. The brokerage operates under the RE/MAX franchise model, where individual agents maintain their own client relationships while benefiting from the company's training, technology, and brand recognition.
Key Takeaways
- Tricia Tennyson works as a real estate agent through RE/MAX Southern Shores, helping clients buy and sell residential properties across South Carolina.
- RE/MAX Southern Shores provides agents with access to multiple listing services, market data, and technology tools that support the buying and selling process.
- You can contact Tricia directly through RE/MAX Southern Shores' office locations or website to discuss your specific property needs.
- Real estate agents typically earn commission based on the sale price, which is usually paid by the seller and split between the buyer's and seller's agents.
What to expect when working with a real estate agent
When you hire a real estate agent to sell your home, they typically list your property on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which is the database that other agents and their clients search. The agent will help you set a price, stage the home for showings, market it through various channels, and negotiate offers. The process usually takes weeks to months depending on market conditions and your property's appeal.
If you're buying, an agent helps you search available properties, arrange showings, write offers, and navigate inspections and appraisals. Buyers typically do not pay the agent directly—the seller's proceeds cover both the listing agent's commission and the buyer's agent's commission, usually split 50-50 or according to terms set by the listing agent.
How RE/MAX Southern Shores operates
RE/MAX is a franchise system, meaning individual agents own their own businesses but operate under the RE/MAX brand and pay fees to access the company's systems, training, and support. This structure gives agents like Tricia independence in how they run their practice while connecting them to a larger network. RE/MAX agents can access listings from across the country and internationally, which is useful if you're relocating or investing outside your immediate area.
The brokerage provides tools for market analysis, client management, and marketing. Agents typically handle their own client relationships, so your primary contact remains the individual agent rather than a corporate office, though the office can assist with administrative tasks and support.
Finding Tricia Tennyson's contact information
To reach Tricia Tennyson, start with RE/MAX Southern Shores' main website or call their office directly. The brokerage maintains multiple locations across South Carolina, and the main office can direct you to Tricia or provide her direct contact details. You can also search for her name on RE/MAX's national agent directory, which lists agents by location and often includes phone numbers and email addresses.
When you contact her, be ready to describe what you're looking for—whether you're selling a home, buying one, or exploring options in a particular area. This helps her understand whether she's the right fit for your situation and whether she has current listings or buyer clients in your target market.
What to ask a real estate agent before you hire them
Before committing to work with any agent, including Tricia, ask about their experience in your specific market or neighborhood. How long have they been selling real estate? How many homes have they sold in the past year? What's their average time on market, and how does that compare to the area average? These questions help you understand whether they have active business and local knowledge.
Also ask about their marketing strategy if you're selling—will they use professional photography, virtual tours, and social media, or primarily rely on the MLS listing? If you're buying, ask how they stay current on new listings and whether they have access to off-market or pocket listings. Finally, clarify the commission structure and whether it's negotiable, and confirm that you understand the terms before signing any agreement.
Understanding real estate commissions and costs
Real estate commissions are typically a percentage of the sale price and are negotiable, though many markets have conventional rates. In South Carolina, commission rates vary but often range around 5 to 6 percent of the sale price, split between the listing agent and the buyer's agent. The seller usually pays this from the proceeds at closing, so the buyer doesn't write a separate check to the agent.
Beyond commission, you may encounter other costs: home inspection fees (typically $300 to $500), appraisal fees (usually $400 to $600), title insurance, property taxes, and homeowners insurance. If you're buying with a mortgage, the lender will require an appraisal and title search. These are separate from the agent's commission and are standard in most real estate transactions.
When to work with a real estate agent versus other options
A real estate agent is useful if you want professional marketing, access to the MLS, negotiation support, and someone who knows local market conditions. If you're selling, an agent handles showings and attracts buyers from across the market. If you're buying, an agent shows you properties you might not find on your own and represents your interests in negotiations.
Some sellers choose to list without an agent (for-sale-by-owner, or FSBO), which saves commission but requires you to market the property, handle showings, and manage negotiations yourself. Some buyers search listings independently and contact sellers directly. These approaches work for some people but require more time and carry more risk of pricing mistakes or unfavorable terms. Working with an agent like Tricia trades commission cost for professional support and market access.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if Tricia Tennyson is the right agent for me?
Ask her about her experience in your specific neighborhood or market segment. If you're selling a waterfront property, ask how many waterfront homes she's sold. If you're buying in a particular school district, ask whether she knows that area well. The right agent has recent, relevant experience and can speak specifically about comparable sales and market trends in your target area.
Can I negotiate the real estate commission?
Yes, commission is negotiable. The rate is not set by law or by RE/MAX—it's agreed between you and the agent. However, lowering the buyer's agent commission may discourage buyer's agents from showing your property, so any negotiation involves tradeoffs. Discuss this directly with Tricia before signing a listing agreement.
What happens if my home doesn't sell?
If your home doesn't sell within the listing agreement period (typically three to six months), the agreement expires and you can choose to relist, adjust the price, or work with a different agent. You don't owe commission if the home doesn't sell—commission is only paid when a sale closes. However, you may have paid for inspections, appraisals, or marketing materials out of pocket.
Do I need an agent to buy a home?
No, but having one is usually beneficial. Buyer's agents are paid by the seller, so using one costs you nothing directly. An agent shows you properties, explains market conditions, and negotiates on your behalf. Without an agent, you search listings yourself, arrange your own showings, and negotiate directly with the seller or their agent.
How long does it take to sell a home with a real estate agent?
The time varies by market, season, and property condition. In active South Carolina markets, homes may sell in weeks; in slower markets or for properties needing work, it can take months. Your agent can give you a realistic timeline based on comparable sales in your area and current market conditions.