Karen Tamalavicz at RE/MAX 100 in Baltimore: Representing Buyers and Sellers in a Commission-Based Model

Karen Tamalavicz operates as a real estate agent at RE/MAX 100, a franchise office in Baltimore, earning commission on completed sales rather than a salary. She represents both buyers and sellers in residential transactions, competing in a market where Baltimore agents work under similar fee structures but with varying specializations, market knowledge, and sales volume.

What a real estate agent actually does

A real estate agent like Tamalavicz facilitates the buying or selling of property by representing one party in the transaction. A listing agent markets a seller's property, coordinates showings, and negotiates offers. A buyer's agent helps a buyer find properties, arrange inspections, and negotiate purchase terms. Both roles involve contract execution, negotiation of contingencies (inspections, appraisals, financing), and coordination with lenders, inspectors, and title companies. Agents earn commission only when a sale closes, typically split between the listing agent and buyer's agent, then further split with their brokerage. At RE/MAX, individual agents retain a larger commission percentage than at many traditional brokerages, but they also pay desk fees or transaction costs to the franchise.

Services and how agents charge

Real estate agents in Baltimore do not charge flat fees or hourly rates; they work on commission. The standard is 5-6% of the final sale price, split equally between listing and buyer agents. On a $300,000 sale, that is typically $9,000 to $18,000 total; the listing agent and buyer agent each receive half, then pay a percentage to their brokerage. At RE/MAX 100, Tamalavicz keeps a higher split than at traditional offices (often 80-90% commission after desk fees versus 50-60% at firms like Coldwell Banker or Keller Williams), but this requires her to cover her own marketing and operational costs.

For sellers, Tamalavicz would list the property, photograph it, place it on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), and organize open houses and showings. She negotiates the listing agreement upfront, specifying the commission percentage and duration (typically 90 days, renewable). For buyers, she attends showings with the client, explains neighborhood details specific to Baltimore (school zones, property tax rates, flood risk from the Inner Harbor or Jones Falls watershed), and writes offers. Neither service carries an out-of-pocket cost to the client, but sellers accept the commission deduction at closing.

How to evaluate and compare agents in Baltimore

Tamalavicz's value depends on three factors: transaction volume, neighborhood specialization, and negotiating skill. An agent who closes 20-30 sales per year typically outperforms one closing 5-10; higher volume signals client trust and repeat business. Agents who specialize in a neighborhood, such as Canton, Fells Point, or Roland Park, understand local market conditions (price per square foot, days on market, bidding wars) better than generalists. Many Baltimore agents list credentials: Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR), or e-Pro certification; these require continuing education and ethical compliance but do not guarantee sales skill.

Compare Tamalavicz to agents at competing Baltimore brokerages. Keller Williams agents often work in teams that share leads and split commissions, reducing the commission percentage each agent keeps but providing backup support. eXp Realty operates as a virtual brokerage with lower overhead, allowing agents to retain up to 80% commission without desk fees but with less in-person office support. Coldwell Banker and Long & Foster maintain traditional office structures with stronger brand recognition and client referral networks. At RE/MAX, the trade-off is commission retention in exchange for self-directed marketing and client acquisition.

Who should work with this agent and who should not

Tamalavicz suits a buyer or seller comfortable with commission-based pricing and who values high commission retention (a sign the agent is profitable and motivated). She is suitable for straightforward residential transactions in Baltimore where the buyer or seller has time for the process. She is less ideal for a distressed seller needing rapid off-market sales, a complex estate transaction requiring probate coordination, or a buyer relocating to Baltimore with no local network and needing detailed neighborhood research beyond property details.

A buyer working with Tamalavicz pays no upfront cost (the seller's commission covers both agents), but the buyer should verify she is a true buyer's agent (legally representing the buyer's interests) versus a dual agent (representing both buyer and seller), which creates a conflict of interest. A seller should confirm Tamalavicz's recent sales in their neighborhood and average days on market before signing a listing agreement.

First engagement and logistics

Initial contact typically occurs via phone, email, or through RE/MAX 100's website. Tamalavicz will schedule a consultation: sellers meet for a comparative market analysis (CMA) of similar properties recently sold nearby, to establish an asking price. Buyers meet to discuss budget, neighborhood preferences, and financing status (pre-approval letter required). RE/MAX 100 is located at a Baltimore address; confirm hours before visiting, as agents often work by appointment. Most communication occurs via phone, email, or video showing platforms like Matterport rather than in-office.

Why this agent matters in Baltimore's market

Baltimore's real estate market varies sharply by neighborhood, with prices ranging from $150,000 in outer areas to $800,000+ in Canton and Roland Park. An agent's local knowledge directly impacts pricing accuracy and sale speed. Tamalavicz's affiliation with RE/MAX, a national network with MLS access and transaction infrastructure, ensures compliance with Maryland Real Estate Commission regulations and connection to the broader buyer pool.