Selling in South Carolina
FSBO vs Realtor in South Carolina
A straight, factual comparison of selling your home yourself versus listing with an agent in South Carolina.
What Selling FSBO Actually Involves in South Carolina
Selling your home yourself, known as for-sale-by-owner or FSBO, is legal in South Carolina. Some sellers do it successfully, especially when they already have a buyer. It is worth understanding what the job involves before you choose, because a few requirements apply to every seller in the state regardless of whether an agent is involved. This page lays out the facts so you can decide with clear eyes. It is general information, not legal advice.
The Facts Every South Carolina Seller Should Know
- ✓Property condition disclosure is required either way. South Carolina law (the Residential Property Condition Disclosure Act, Title 27, Chapter 50) requires the owner of a one-to-four-unit residential property to give the buyer a completed, signed disclosure statement before the contract is formed. FSBO sellers must provide it too.
- ✓South Carolina is an attorney-closing state. State law requires a licensed attorney to supervise residential real estate closings, so a closing attorney is part of the transaction whether you list with an agent or sell on your own.
- ✓FSBO sellers still handle pricing, marketing, showings, negotiation, and contract and disclosure paperwork themselves, then coordinate the attorney closing.
- ✓National data from the National Association of Realtors shows FSBO is a small share of sales and that FSBO homes tend to sell for less than agent-assisted homes. That is national correlation, not a guarantee, and FSBO sales are often to a buyer the seller already knew.
- ✓FSBO sellers commonly still agree to pay a buyer's-agent commission, negotiated case by case, to attract agent-represented buyers.
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FSBO vs Realtor in SC, Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to sell my own home in South Carolina?
Yes. South Carolina does not prohibit selling your home without a real estate agent. You will still need to meet the same seller requirements that apply to everyone, including providing the state property condition disclosure and closing through a licensed South Carolina attorney.
Do FSBO sellers have to fill out a disclosure in South Carolina?
Yes. The Residential Property Condition Disclosure Act applies to the owner of a one-to-four-unit residential property regardless of whether an agent is involved. The seller must provide the buyer a completed, signed disclosure statement before the contract is formed. The form does allow an owner to state that they make no representation as to a given item, and certain transfers are exempt.
Do I need an attorney to sell my house in South Carolina?
Yes. South Carolina requires a licensed attorney to supervise residential real estate closings. This applies to FSBO and agent-assisted sales alike.
Do FSBO homes sell for less?
National data from the National Association of Realtors shows FSBO homes tend to sell for less than agent-assisted homes, and that FSBO is a small share of overall sales. That is a national pattern and correlation rather than a guarantee, and many FSBO sales are to a buyer the seller already knew. Your result depends on your home, your price, and your market.
If I sell FSBO, do I still pay a buyer's agent?
Often, yes. Many FSBO sellers still agree to pay a buyer's-agent commission, negotiated on a case-by-case basis, because most buyers work with an agent. How buyer-agent compensation is offered changed in 2024, so it is worth confirming current practice.
What does a listing agent do that I would handle myself as FSBO?
A listing agent handles MLS listing and syndication to the major home-search portals, professional marketing and photography, pricing and comparable analysis, fielding and negotiating offers, managing the contract and South Carolina disclosure and deadlines, and coordinating the attorney closing. As a FSBO seller you would handle each of those steps yourself.
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