Can you sell a house in SC without a realtor?
Asked by: Garrett Wisozk | Last update: January 23, 2026Score: 4.3/5 (72 votes)
You can sell a house without a realtor in South Carolina in a few ways, usually by selling: For sale by owner (FSBO) using a
Do I need an attorney to sell my house in SC?
Do you need a lawyer to sell a house in South Carolina? Technically, no. As a seller, you aren't legally required to hire your own attorney — however, state law does require that a licensed attorney be present at the closing to oversee the proceedings. In most cases, the buyer will be the one who hires this attorney.
Is it OK to sell a house without a realtor?
Yes, it is possible to buy and sell a house without an agent. This process, known as For Sale By Owner (FSBO), involves the seller managing the listing, marketing, negotiations, and paperwork. Buyers and sellers often use online platforms and legal services to handle documentation and contracts.
Do sellers pay closing costs in SC?
Yes, home sellers do pay some closing costs in South Carolina (and every state). Sellers and buyers are each responsible for different kinds of closing costs. Common seller closing costs include Realtor fees, title insurance, transfer taxes and property taxes.
How to sell your house yourself paperwork?
- Original sales contract. This is paperwork from when you purchased the home. ...
- Property survey. ...
- Mortgage statement and other loan documents. ...
- Latest utility and property tax bills. ...
- Certificate of occupancy. ...
- The title. ...
- Warranties. ...
- Homeowners association agreements.
Sell My House Myself To Save On Realtor Fees?
What are the three most important documents in any sale of property?
However, the most important documents in real estate are offers, agreements, and contracts between the buyer and seller.
Can you represent yourself when selling a house?
It is 100% legal for you to represent yourself. The agent on the other side might want to have you sign a No Brokerage Relationship Disclosure. This will protect them and should be more than enough for their insurance carrier.
Who pays the deed transfer tax in SC?
However, in South Carolina, it's standard for the seller to pay the transfer tax. Transfer taxes are paid at closing, along with other fees, like appraisal fees. You should pay them to the closing attorney. Buyers in a hot real estate market might negotiate with the seller to split the cost of the transfer tax.
Who pays attorney fees when selling a house?
Costs both parties might pay
Attorney fees: Real estate attorneys are often hired by either or both parties to review contracts and closing documents — in fact, in some states, the transaction cannot legally close without one. They typically charge by the hour, though there may be set fees for certain tasks.
Does the buyer pay realtor fees in South Carolina?
Who pays the real estate commission in South Carolina? The seller typically pays the real estate commission in South Carolina. Usually, the REALTOR® fees are deducted from the proceeds the seller makes when the transaction is finalized at closing.
What not to fix when selling a house?
- Cosmetic flaws. Many cosmetic issues are typically easy to fix: painting and landscaping, for example. ...
- Minor electrical issues. ...
- Driveway or walkway cracks. ...
- Grandfathered-in building code issues. ...
- Partial room upgrades. ...
- Removable items. ...
- Old appliances.
How to sell your house on Zillow without a realtor?
Sign in to your Zillow profile. Hover over the Sell tab, found in the navigation menu to the left of the Zillow icon, and click Post For Sale By Owner. Enter your property address and click Continue. On the For Sale By Owner Listing page, set your price, add photos, edit home facts, and input your contact information.
How do you sell a house to a family member?
- Agree on the Process. Before determining your home's price, establishing a clear and agreed-upon process is essential. ...
- Hire Professionals. ...
- Evaluate the Home. ...
- Agree on Price. ...
- Close on the Sale. ...
- Transfer Property Titles. ...
- Overall Tips.
How to sell a house without a realtor in SC?
You must hire an attorney to sell without a realtor in South Carolina. According to state law, you need to pay an attorney to prepare all legal documents and facilitate closing. Real estate attorneys in South Carolina typically cost $152-343 per hour. You must disclose issues with your house.
What do I have to disclose when selling a house in South Carolina?
These disclosure requirements include big problems like flooding or major environmental hazards. In the state of South Carolina, all sellers are required to disclose information about buyer warranties or insurability of their property. No one wants a lawsuit.
What is the most seller can pay in closing costs?
- Less than 10% down: The seller can pay up to 3% of the purchase price.
- 10% down: The seller can pay up to 6% of the purchase price.
- 25% or more down: The seller can pay up to 9% of the purchase price.
What if I can't afford closing costs?
Government Assistance
For example, California has the CalHFA program available to qualified low-income buyers. The program provides grants and loans to eligible borrowers, and the money can either directly subsidize part of a down payment, or cover the entire thing, depending on certain factors.
What are sellers responsible for when selling a house?
Home sellers have a legal obligation to disclose any known material defects or issues with the property. This includes previous repairs, structural problems, or any other factors that may affect the buyer's decision. Additionally, cooperating with the buyer's inspection process is essential.
What are the taxes on selling a house in South Carolina?
The capital gains tax in South Carolina is 7%. There is also a federal capital gains tax. To calculate your state capital gains tax, you will need to deduct the “cost basis” from your sale price. The cost basis is typically what you paid for it, plus any improvements you have made while owning it.
What are typical closing costs for buyers in SC?
On that day, you'll sign a number of documents, as well as pay a few fees, which are known as closing costs. South Carolina's closing costs average 1.66% to 4.94% of a home's value, with this variance depending on a number of factors, including location, services used and lender.
How much does it cost to transfer a deed in South Carolina?
This fee is composed of two fees - a state fee of $1.30 for every $500, or fractional part of $500, of the real property's value and a county fee of fifty-five cents for every $500, or fractional part of $500, of the property's value.
Who signs first when selling a house?
Typically, the seller signs the closing documents first, before the buyer even arrives at the office where the closing is taking place. Buyers have to sign a LOT more documents than the seller and it is not necessary for the seller to sit and watch the buyer sign their papers.
Do I have to use a realtor?
Real estate sales usually involve professional realtors who earn commissions when a sale closes. But buyers and sellers have no obligation to use a realtor. Generally speaking, parties to a real estate transaction have three options: (1) realtor representation; (2) self-representation; and (3) lawyer representation.
Can you change your mind after selling your house?
Yes, a seller can back out of a real estate purchase and sale agreement. However, the seller will need a legitimate legal or contractual reason to cancel a home sale.