Sue Collins RE/MAX Results in Baltimore: A Listing Agent for Mid-Market North Baltimore Properties

Sue Collins operates as a listing agent for RE/MAX Results, a regional brokerage with multiple Maryland offices, focusing primarily on residential sales in North Baltimore neighborhoods including Roland Park, Guilford, and Hampden. She works within RE/MAX's commission structure, which typically splits 50/50 between listing and buyer's agents on a 5-6% total commission, though this varies by transaction and negotiation.

What a listing agent does and how Collins fits in

A listing agent like Collins represents the seller, not the buyer. Her job is to price the property competitively, market it to other agents and the public, schedule showings, negotiate offers, and guide the seller through inspection, appraisal, and closing. Unlike a buyer's agent (who represents someone purchasing), a listing agent works directly for the homeowner and is paid only if the property sells. Collins's compensation comes from the seller's proceeds at closing, split according to the agreed-upon commission rate.

The distinction matters: if you are selling in North Baltimore, you hire a listing agent like Collins. If you are buying, you typically work with a buyer's agent (often the same brokerage or a different one), who represents your interests and is compensated from the same seller-side commission pool. Collins cannot ethically represent both you and a buyer in the same transaction.

How RE/MAX and commission work

RE/MAX operates on a different model than traditional brokerages. Instead of drawing salaries, RE/MAX agents pay a monthly desk fee (typically $100 to $300 depending on location and office amenities) and keep a higher percentage of commission than agents at full-service brokerages. This means Collins keeps more of what she earns per sale, but she covers her own marketing, signage, photo shoots, and administrative costs. For sellers, this sometimes allows more aggressive pricing or marketing; for buyers, it can mean agents are more focused on closing deals quickly.

On a $400,000 home sale in Baltimore with a standard 5.5% total commission ($22,000), the listing and buyer's agents typically split this equally. If RE/MAX Results takes a 10% office split from Collins's side, she nets approximately $9,900 on that transaction. In lower-margin markets or with higher office fees, agents can be incentivized to close faster rather than hold out for top dollar, though Collins's reputation and repeat business depend on strong results.

Evaluating a listing agent: what to ask Collins

When deciding whether to hire Collins or another listing agent in Baltimore, ask for three specific things: comparable sales data for your neighborhood in the past 90 days, a written market analysis showing your home's estimated value and the average days-on-market for similar properties, and a clear explanation of her marketing plan (online listing platforms, broker tours, open houses, social media, direct outreach to buyer's agents). Request the names and phone numbers of three sellers she has represented in your neighborhood in the past two years, and call them.

Ask her commission rate upfront and whether it is negotiable, especially for higher-priced properties or if you are willing to sign a longer listing period. Find out if RE/MAX Results charges additional marketing fees (some brokerages charge $500 to $1,500 for photos, staging advice, or premium advertising). Get this in writing before signing a listing agreement.

How Collins compares to other North Baltimore options

Baltimore's real estate market includes independent agents, small boutique brokerages, and large national chains. Keller Williams, another major franchise, operates similarly to RE/MAX with higher agent splits and monthly fees. Traditional brokerages like Coldwell Banker or ERA pay agents a salary or lower commission split but handle more back-office support and marketing coordination. Independent agents may offer personalized service but typically cannot access the same tools or buyer networks as franchise agents.

For North Baltimore neighborhoods like Roland Park and Guilford, where homes often sell between $350,000 and $800,000, listing agents with deep neighborhood knowledge and connections to buyer's agents in that price range matter more than brand alone. If you want an agent who specializes in historic homes or have a property with unusual features, ask Collins specifically whether she has sold comparable homes and what the selling price was relative to the asking price.

Who should hire Collins and who should not

Hire a listing agent like Collins if you are a homeowner selling residential property in North Baltimore and want professional marketing, negotiation, and legal guidance. You should not use a listing agent if you are buying (use a buyer's agent instead) or if you are managing a rental property for long-term income (use a property manager). If you own a commercial building or are selling land, Collins may refer you to a commercial specialist, as most residential agents do not handle commercial transactions.

Avoid hiring any listing agent if you are uncertain about your decision to sell; listing agreements typically lock you in for 90 to 180 days, and breaking one early may involve fees.

Hours and contact logistics

RE/MAX Results operates during standard business hours; confirm specific office hours by phone or the brokerage website. Most transactions in Baltimore occur over 60 to 90 days from listing to closing, so timing matters less than availability for showings and communication during active selling.

Sue Collins represents a standard listing-agent model within the RE/MAX franchise structure, appropriate for sellers in North Baltimore who want professional representation and are willing to pay commission in exchange for a faster sale and professional marketing support.