Becca Suraci at RE/MAX Aspire in Baltimore: A Listing Agent Focused on Renovation and Historic Properties
Becca Suraci is a listing agent at RE/MAX Aspire, a single-office brokerage in Baltimore, who specializes in marketing homes that require renovation or carry the complications of older construction. Rather than taking every listing, she focuses on properties where the agent's task is to translate renovation potential or period character into buyer appeal, a narrower role than the generalist agent working across all price points and condition types in the city.
What Becca Suraci and RE/MAX Aspire actually is
RE/MAX Aspire operates as an independent franchise office within the national RE/MAX network, which means agents keep a higher percentage of their commission (typically 85 to 95 percent after desk fees and splits, depending on production level) compared to traditional brokerages where agents may retain 50 to 60 percent. The firm is small enough that agents are not competing with dozens of colleagues for the same leads, but large enough to have MLS access, broker support, and brand recognition. Suraci's specialization in renovation and historic properties narrows the scope of her work: she markets to buyers who expect to invest time and money in a purchase, who understand disclosure requirements around older homes, and who view structural quirks or original details as assets rather than liabilities.
How listing agents are compensated and what that means for sellers
In Baltimore, a typical listing agreement grants the listing agent authority to offer the buyer's agent a commission split, usually 2.5 to 3 percent of the sale price paid to each side. The listing agent (Suraci) keeps her percentage and pays RE/MAX Aspire a desk fee or percentage cut. If you list with Suraci, you pay no upfront fee; her income comes only if the home sells. This structure aligns her incentive with yours, but it also means her willingness to take a listing depends on her confidence she can sell it. Agents who specialize in renovation properties, as Suraci does, often turn down listings in neighborhoods or conditions they cannot market effectively; generalists are more likely to list anything at any price.
Services and how Suraci's approach differs from a generalist agent
Suraci's core task as a listing agent is marketing, negotiation on your behalf, and managing the sale process from contract to closing. Her specialization means she likely spends time identifying the right buyer pool for a fixer-upper: investors, owner-occupants comfortable with construction, buyers willing to use FHA 203(k) renovation loans. A generalist agent might post photos and hope; Suraci likely emphasizes potential, stages around period features, and attracts buyers who know what they are looking at. She handles inspections, appraisals, and contingencies, though the substantive decisions (what repairs to negotiate, whether to lower price or offer credits) remain yours.
For a Baltimore renovation property, expect discussions about whether to disclose known issues (required by Maryland law), how to price against comparable recently sold homes, and whether market conditions favor a quick sale or waiting for a buyer who will pay more. These conversations are more complex with a renovation property than with a turnkey home, which is why specialization matters.
How to compare Suraci and RE/MAX Aspire to other Baltimore agents and brokerages
Baltimore agents range from solo practitioners operating under small local brokerages to franchisees at Keller Williams, Coldwell Banker, or Compass. A few questions separate them:
Does the agent specialize or generalize? An agent listing mostly suburban single-family homes may not know how to market a Federal Hill rowhouse needing foundation work. Suraci's niche reduces mismatches.
What percentage do you keep? RE/MAX's commission split favors the agent (and thus the broker's overhead), which some sellers view as a reason to negotiate lower overall commission. A discount brokerage like Redfin or Zillow offers list-only services starting around $5,000 flat fee, giving up agent representation and marketing but cutting costs. For a renovation property, agent expertise usually justifies the standard commission; for a turnkey home in a hot market, a discount brokerage is more appealing.
What marketing support exists? Larger firms (Keller Williams, Compass) have in-house photography, staging, and digital tools. RE/MAX Aspire is smaller and may rely more on the individual agent's network and hustle. That can work in your favor if Suraci has deep relationships in the renovation buyer community; it can work against you if the brokerage lacks resources.
Who should list with Suraci and who should not
List with Suraci if you own a Baltimore rowhouse, a home with period details, or a property needing significant work, and you want an agent whose daily work involves marketing exactly that type of home. She is also a fit if you value a smaller, less bureaucratic office over brand-name support.
Do not list with her if you need hand-holding through a first sale, expect the brokerage to stage your home or arrange a professional photographer at no cost, or live outside Baltimore where RE/MAX Aspire cannot serve you.
What to expect in your first interaction
When you contact Suraci, expect a consultation about your home, your timeline, and your goals. She will likely ask about the property's condition, recent major repairs or issues, and your bottom-line price. If she thinks she can sell it, she will propose a listing agreement and commission rate (negotiable but typically market rate). She will then photograph it, enter it into the MLS, write marketing copy, and begin showing it to agents and their buyers. You retain the right to refuse any offer.
Hours, location, and logistics
RE/MAX Aspire's office location and hours depend on current operations; verify these details before visiting. Suraci is reachable by phone or email to schedule a listing consultation at a time that suits you. There is no standard fee beyond commission, which is due only if the home sells.
Suraci's specialization in renovation and historic properties gives her a narrow but genuine advantage in a city where rowhouses and older homes dominate the market. If your property fits that category, her focus is worth the conversation.
