Susan Souder at RE/MAX 100 in Baltimore: Single-Agent Focus in a Franchise Network

Susan Souder operates as an individual agent within RE/MAX 100, a franchise office in Baltimore where agents work on commission and retain a higher percentage of their earnings than traditional brokerages typically allow. She handles residential sales across Baltimore city and county, competing in a market where agent density is high and reputation often drives referrals more than brand recognition.

What RE/MAX 100 and independent agents within it actually do

RE/MAX 100 is a franchise that pools support services—transaction coordination, marketing templates, administrative staff, and MLS access—while letting individual agents like Souder operate as independent contractors. This structure differs from traditional brokerages where agents are employees. Souder's role is to represent buyers or sellers, guide them through Maryland's real estate process, and earn commission on closed sales. Her compensation comes from a split of the sales commission (typically 5-6% of the sale price, divided between listing and buyer's agents), minus RE/MAX's franchise fee and any brokerage desk costs.

The advantage of this model is flexibility and higher commission retention. The trade-off is that Souder bears her own marketing costs and has less institutional support than an agent at a larger, fully staffed brokerage would have.

How buyer and listing representation work, and where Souder fits in the Baltimore market

If you are buying, Souder would represent your interests, help you search listings, negotiate offers, and manage inspections and appraisals. You pay nothing directly to a buyer's agent; the seller's listing agent splits commission with the buyer's agent at closing. If you are selling, Souder lists your home on the MLS, markets it, and negotiates on your behalf. She earns her share of the agreed-upon commission only when the sale closes.

Baltimore's real estate agent landscape includes large franchises like Coldwell Banker and Keller Williams, each with dozens of agents in the city, and independent brokerages with smaller rosters. RE/MAX 100 falls in the middle: it has enough agents and structure to provide some institutional backing, but individual agents like Souder must build their own client base. This is common in Baltimore, where word-of-mouth and past-client referrals matter more than brokerage brand in residential transactions.

Evaluating any real estate agent: what to ask and how Souder compares

Before choosing an agent, verify their Maryland real estate license with the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (search online at dllr.maryland.gov). Ask how many transactions they closed in the past year, how long they have been licensed, and whether they specialize in a neighborhood or price range. Request references from buyers or sellers they have worked with in the last 12 months.

Souder's positioning within RE/MAX 100, a franchise model, means she has lower overhead than an independent agent operating solo but less institutional reach than an agent at a 50-person brokerage. For sellers, this can translate to more personal attention but potentially less in-house marketing muscle. For buyers, her access to the MLS and negotiation skill matter more than her brokerage affiliation.

Who should work with an individual agent at RE/MAX versus larger brokerages

Choose an individual agent like Souder if you value personal attention, have a specific neighborhood in mind, or prefer working with someone who has deep roots in that area. RE/MAX agents often excel in repeat-buyer markets and with clients who value flexibility and direct access. Choose a larger brokerage if you are selling a complex property, need extensive marketing across multiple channels, or want institutional support for a difficult transaction. If you are relocating to Baltimore and need broad market knowledge, a larger brokerage's resources may serve you better.

The first conversation and what to expect

Initial consultations are typically free and informal. Souder would ask about your timeline, budget, and what you are looking for (if buying) or the condition and location of your property (if selling). For sellers, she would tour the home, discuss comparable sales in the neighborhood, and propose a listing price. For buyers, she would understand your price range and preferences, then arrange showings. Neither party is locked in during this phase; it is an opportunity to assess whether you work well together.

Hours and how to connect

Real estate agents in Maryland work around buyer and seller schedules, including evenings and weekends. Reach out to Souder through RE/MAX 100's office line or her direct contact information to confirm availability and arrange a meeting.

Susan Souder's placement within RE/MAX 100 reflects how Baltimore's residential market operates: through individual agents working within franchise networks, where success depends on client satisfaction and local knowledge rather than corporate marketing alone.