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RE/MAX Purpose Driven: What It Is and How It Works in South Carolina

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

RE/MAX Purpose Driven connects real estate transactions to charitable giving

RE/MAX Purpose Driven is a program where RE/MAX agents and brokers donate a portion of their commission from each sale to a charity of the buyer's or seller's choice. Instead of keeping the full commission, participating agents set aside money that goes directly to nonprofits—food banks, animal shelters, youth programs, schools, or other organizations the client selects. The client doesn't pay extra; the donation comes from the agent's side of the transaction.

In South Carolina, RE/MAX offices in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and other areas participate in the program. When you work with a Purpose Driven agent, you learn upfront what percentage of their commission will be donated and to which organizations they partner with. You then choose where that money goes at closing.

The program works for both buying and selling. A seller might direct their agent's donation to a local food bank. A buyer might choose a scholarship fund or animal rescue. Some agents have standing partnerships with specific charities and promote those relationships, while others let clients decide from a broader list.

Key Takeaways

  • RE/MAX Purpose Driven agents donate part of their commission to a nonprofit you select, with no extra cost to you as the buyer or seller.
  • The donation amount and participating charities vary by agent and office, so you should ask about both before signing any agreement.
  • South Carolina RE/MAX offices in major cities offer the program, though not every agent in every office participates.
  • The donation is completed at closing and goes directly from the agent to the charity, not through you.

How the donation works at closing

When you reach closing on a home purchase or sale, the title company or closing attorney handles the money transfer. The agent's commission is calculated as usual, but a portion of it—typically between 0.25% and 1% of the sale price, depending on the agent's agreement—is set aside for the charity. That money is transferred directly to the nonprofit you selected earlier in the process.

You don't handle the donation yourself. The agent and the closing professional coordinate so the charity receives the funds without any action required from you. You'll see the donation listed on your closing disclosure so you know where the money went.

The timing matters: the donation happens at closing, not before. This means you should confirm the charity's name and details early in your transaction so there's no confusion when paperwork is being finalized.

Finding a RE/MAX Purpose Driven agent in South Carolina

Not every RE/MAX agent participates in Purpose Driven, so you'll need to ask directly. Start by contacting RE/MAX offices in your area—Charleston, Greenville, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, and Hilton Head all have RE/MAX locations. When you call or visit their website, ask which agents are enrolled in the Purpose Driven program.

You can also search online for "RE/MAX Purpose Driven" plus your city name to find participating agents. Some agents list the program on their personal websites or social media. Once you identify an agent, ask them three things: what percentage of their commission they donate, which charities they work with, and whether you can choose a different nonprofit if yours isn't on their list.

Interview the agent the same way you would any real estate professional. Purpose Driven is a bonus feature, not a substitute for finding someone who understands your local market, communicates clearly, and has experience with transactions like yours.

Choosing which charity receives the donation

The charity you select should be a registered nonprofit. Most agents work with well-known organizations—food banks, schools, animal rescues, homeless shelters, youth centers—but some allow you to nominate any 501(c)(3) organization. Ask your agent whether they have a pre-approved list or if you have flexibility.

If you're selling a home, you might choose a charity connected to your community or a cause you've supported for years. If you're buying, you might select an organization in your new neighborhood. Some buyers and sellers choose charities that align with their family's values or that have helped them personally.

Confirm the charity's legal name and tax ID with your agent before closing. Nonprofits sometimes have similar names or operate under different legal entities, so getting the details right prevents delays at closing.

What Purpose Driven does not cover

The program applies only to the agent's commission, not to other costs in a real estate transaction. Your closing costs, title insurance, property taxes, homeowner's insurance, and any other fees remain your responsibility. The donation doesn't reduce your out-of-pocket expenses or the sale price of the home.

Purpose Driven also doesn't change how the agent is paid or how commissions are negotiated. If you're buying, the seller typically pays both the buyer's agent and the seller's agent from the sale proceeds. If the buyer's agent participates in Purpose Driven, part of their commission goes to charity. The seller's agent may or may not participate—that's a separate decision.

The program is voluntary for agents. Some RE/MAX professionals choose not to participate, and that's their right. It doesn't make them better or worse agents; it's simply a business choice about how they allocate their earnings.

Tax considerations for the donation

The donation is made by the agent, not by you, so you cannot claim it as a charitable deduction on your taxes. The agent may be able to deduct it as a business expense, but that's between them and their accountant. From your perspective as the buyer or seller, the donation has no tax impact.

If you want to make your own charitable contributions as part of a home purchase or sale, you can do that separately. Purpose Driven is an additional option, not a replacement for personal giving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does using a Purpose Driven agent cost me more money?

No. The donation comes from the agent's commission, not from you. Your purchase price, sale price, and closing costs remain the same whether the agent participates in Purpose Driven or not.

Can I change which charity receives the donation after I've chosen one?

Usually yes, but you should ask your agent early. Changes are easiest to make before closing documents are prepared. Once closing paperwork is finalized, changing the charity becomes complicated, so confirm your choice well in advance.

What if the charity I want isn't on the agent's list?

Ask the agent whether they can work with nonprofits outside their usual partners. Some agents have flexibility; others work only with pre-approved organizations. If your preferred charity isn't an option, you can choose from the agent's list or work with a different agent.

Does the charity have to be local to South Carolina?

That depends on the agent's policy. Some agents donate only to South Carolina nonprofits; others work with national organizations. Ask your agent about their geographic preferences before you decide.

How do I know the donation actually reached the charity?

The closing disclosure you receive at closing will show the donation amount and the charity's name. You can contact the nonprofit directly after closing to confirm they received the funds, or ask your agent for a receipt or confirmation letter from the charity.