Average Real Estate Commission in South Carolina: 2024 Data

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By Jon Stubbs Updated March 1, 2024

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How commission works | Commission calculator | Best ways to save | Methodology

📊 The data:


Our December 2023 survey of local agents found that the average real estate commission in South Carolina is 5.62%, which is higher than the national average of 5.49%. Calculate your estimated commission in South Carolina.

The average total real estate agent commission rate in South Carolina is 5.62% of the final sale price. Based on the latest median home sale price in South Carolina ($284,797), that translates to a total cost of roughly $16,006.

Home sellers typically cover the total commission fee from their sale proceeds, which is split between the listing and buyer’s agents who handle the sale. In South Carolina, the average listing agent fee is 2.80%, while the average buyer’s agent fee is 2.82%.

Real estate agent commissions make up a significant portion of the closing costs for South Carolina home sellers. But you don't have to pay the full 5.62% to a traditional agent. If you're selling a home in South Carolina, you can use a discount broker to save on realtor fees. In fact, depending on your situation and the agents you work with, you could save 31% on realtor fees, or about $4,974 on average.

Find top agents and save: Answer these five simple questions to get matched with the best local agents offering reduced commission rates. Compare agents from top brokerages like Keller Williams and RE/MAX, and get a discounted rate through Clever’s partner network.

How real estate commission works in South Carolina

Average listing commission 2.80%
Average buyer's agent commission 2.82%
Total average commission 5.62%
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There are usually two real estate agents involved in the real estate transactions of a home sale:

  • The seller's agent (also called the listing agent), who represents the home seller
  • The buyer's agent, who represents the person buying the home

Based on our research, the average real estate commission paid in South Carolina for listing agents is 2.80% of the final home price and 2.82% for buyer's agents, for a total of 5.62%.

» LEARN: How do real estate broker commissions work?

Real estate commission calculator for South Carolina

Use this commission calculator to estimate how much you'll pay in realtor fees when you sell your home in South Carolina. Enter an estimate of your home's sale price, and see how much you'll pay at different commission rates.

If you want to reduce your realtor fees, Clever can connect you with a top local listing agent charging just 1.5% commission. This will allow you to keep more of the sale proceeds for yourself.

» SAVE: Sell with Clever for 1.5% listing fees and save thousands in commission!

Who pays realtor fees in South Carolina?

When selling a home in South Carolina, the sales commissions for both the seller's and buyer's agents are deducted from the final sale price. These fees do not need to be prepaid.

The seller's agent earns their commission by providing services such as market analysis and handling the closing process. The buyer's agent makes their commission by bringing a qualified buyer who meets the purchase terms and closes on time.

The seller does not pay these commissions out of pocket. Similar to closing costs, the agents' fees are subtracted from the sale proceeds once the sale is completed.

Why do sellers pay the buyer's real estate agent commission?

Offering to cover the buyer's agent commission may draw more potential buyers to your listing.  

Paying this fee makes your home more appealing to buyers, since they won't have to pay their agent's commission upfront on top of the down payment and closing costs—something many buyers cannot afford.

When you make a competitive offer on the buyer's agent commission, real estate agents become more motivated to showcase your property to their clients. This can boost your odds of getting multiple offers. Experts suggest advertising a buyer's agent commission within 0.5% of the local norm, which is 2.82% in South Carolina.

Will the NAR lawsuit change how real estate commission works?

On March 15, 2024, the National Association of Realtors agreed to pay $418 million in damages to settle a real estate commission lawsuit the industry group lost in November 2023. 

While the full impact of the settlement is yet to be determined, experts believe that the change will eventually lead to lower buyer's agent commissions and give buyers the ability to negotiate those commissions based on the services they need. 

The terms of the settlement are scheduled to take effect in mid-July 2024. But, the settlement hasn't been officially approved yet, and it could be delayed or changed by objections. We'll continue to monitor the status of the settlement and the effects it has on the real estate industry.

» READ MORE:

How to save on realtor fees in South Carolina

Commission rates are not set in stone. In fact, we found that while 2.80% is the average listing commission in South Carolina, rates typically fall between 2.00% and 3.00%. You can save money by negotiating a lower rate with your listing agent or by working with a discount real estate brokerage.

Listing commission range 2.00%– 3.00%
Buyer's agent commission 2.50%– 3.00%
Total commission range 4.50%– 6.00%
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» LEARN: What's the commission on a $1 million home?

Can I negotiate realtor commission in South Carolina?

Real estate commission is always negotiable. In South Carolina, the 18 agents we surveyed said these were their most common reasons for agreeing to lower their commission.

Would you lower your commission for…? Agents who answered yes
Homeowners who also plan to buy with you 72%
Seller’s situation (e.g. divorce or death in the family) 67%
Homeowners with more than one property to sell 61%
Homeowners who are repeat clients 56%
Higher property values 33%
Periods of low housing inventory 33%
High competition for clients 28%
Homes expected to sell quickly 17%
High buyer demand in the area 6%
Houses in excellent condition 6%
Highly experienced home sellers 6%
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Negotiating realtor fees in South Carolina depends on two main factors: your situation and the housing market.

Factor You may have an easier time negotiating low rates if...
Your situation
  • You're selling a high-value home
  • You have a personal relationship with a realtor
  • You can offer a realtor repeat business
The South Carolina housing market
  • Homes are selling quickly
  • There are relatively few homes listed for sale
  • Home values are rising
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While your personal situation may vary, real estate conditions in South Carolina will impact all home sellers in the area.

Generally in a seller's market, where sellers have more leverage than buyers, listing agents' jobs are easier so they may be more willing to reduce commissions. The opposite is often true in a buyer's market.  

Not comfortable negotiating with a realtor? Avoid the awkward conversation and let Clever pre-negotiate a lower rate with a top agent for you.

To assess the current state of your local real estate market, look at these three factors: 

  • Months of inventory
  • Sale to list price ratio  
  • Home value trends

If all signs point to South Carolina being a seller’s market, you may be in a good position to negotiate a lower commission with your agent. If conditions are mixed or favor buyers, it may be harder to get your agent to accept a cheaper rate.

The current state of the South Carolina real estate market

Factor Trends Indication
Months of inventory There's 1.62 months of housing inventory on the market Seller's market
Sale-to-list ratio Homes are selling for 98.10% of their listing price Seller's market
Home values Home values have risen 15.10% year over year Seller's market
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» LEARN: See state-by-state average commission rates. How does your state compare?

Low commission real estate companies in South Carolina 

Negotiating a lower rate with a professional negotiator can be hard! In many cases, home sellers can save just as much (or more!) by selling with a low commission real estate company.

Discount real estate brokers typically offer full-service support for a reduced commission percentage or flat rate. How they create those discounts will depend on the company's model, with some creating more risks and trade-offs than others.

Best for most sellers

Clever Real Estate

Learn more
4.9
Excellent

Listing Fee

1.5% ($3,000 min.)

Customer Rating

5.0 (2,627)

Availability

Nationwide

Overview

Pricing

Reviews

Contact

Overview: Clever is an exceptional choice for homeowners in South Carolina aiming to cut down on real estate commission costs while still enjoying full service. Clever strikes an impressive balance between affordability and quality service.

✅ Benefits and features: With Clever, you can expect to pocket more savings with rates cut down by as much as 50% compared to traditional agents. The cherry on top is Clever's acclaimed matching service which is free of charge, and there's absolutely no commitment required.

🏠 How it works: Clever will pair you with esteemed local realtors associated with widely recognized brokerages, such as RE/MAX and Compass. This allows you the freedom to compare and choose, all while securing a competitive 1.5% listing fee (on par with Redfin) irrespective of your realtor selection.

Pros

  • Sell with a traditional agent from a name-brand brokerage (not a discount agent)
  • Agents work for up to 50% off their typical rate when you go through Clever
  • Most agent selection by far — choose from hundreds of top South Carolina realtors

Cons

  • No guarantee you’ll be able to work with a specific agent or brokerage you have in mind
  • Add-ons like professional staging, drone photos, and 3D tours may cost extra (agents will break down what’s included during their listing presentation)

Fee structure

  • 1.5% listing commission ($3,000 min.) paid at closing
  • 2–3% buyer’s agent commission paid at closing
Weighted avg. 5.0 2,627
Trustpilot 5.0 2,402
Google 4.8 225

Website: listwithclever.com
Phone: 1-833-225-3837
Hours: 8 a.m.–8 p.m. EST, 7 days a week
Address: 6358 Delmar Blvd, Suite 300, Saint Louis, MO 63130

Redfin South Carolina

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4.7
Very Good

Listing Fee

1.5% ($3,500 min.)

Customer Rating

N/A*

Availability

Multi-state

Overview

Pricing

Reviews

Contact

Overview: For those who are selling property in South Carolina and aiming to cut down on commission costs while still receiving quality service, Redfin is a top contender.

✅ Benefits and features: Redfin's compelling listing fee of 1.5% promises substantial savings for sellers, and there’s an additional incentive—a 0.5% reduction in the listing fee—if you buy and sell with Redfin within a single year. Their presence in South Carolina is strong, offering a more extensive selection of discount realtors than many of their regional competitors.

🚩 Potential red flags: The model that Redfin operates under—a blend of technology and a team-based approach to the selling process—might not align with every seller's desired experience. Interaction is predominantly conducted online, with a main agent who is assisted by a team behind the scenes. Redfin charges a minimum commission fee of $3,500 in South Carolina. If your property sells for less than $230,000, you’ll pay slightly more than the advertised 1.5% listing fee.

Pros

  • Substantial savings through lower listing fees
  • Well-known and trusted brand with a wide range of agents to choose from
  • Tech-driven process may appeal to certain sellers

Cons

  • Higher minimum commission fee compared to other options in South Carolina
  • The high-volume and team-based approach may not be ideal for every seller
  • Smaller selection of agents compared to Clever

Fee structure

  • 1.5% listing fee ($3,500 min. in South Carolina) at closing
  • 2–3% buyer’s agent commission at closing
  • 0.5% listing fee refund if you also buy with Redfin within 12 months

*Not enough available data at this time

Website: redfin.com
Phone: 1-844-759-7732
Hours: 11 a.m.–8 p.m. EST, 7 days a week
Address: 677 King St, Suite 300, Charleston, SC 29403
Areas served: Beaufort, Charleston, Columbia, Fort Mill, Greenville, Greer, Hilton Head Island Mount Pleasant, Murrells Inlet, Myrtle Beach, Rock Hill, Simpsonville, Spartanburg, Summerville, and more

CapCenter

Learn more
4.6
Very Good

Listing Fee

1.5% (3,000 min.)

Customer Rating

4.8 (1,526)

Availability

Multi-state

Overview

Pricing

Reviews

Contact

Overview: If you're looking to streamline your home-selling and buying process while also securing financing in South Carolina, CapCenter stands out as an impressive, budget-friendly option.

✅ Benefits and features: Delight in the cost-saving advantage of CapCenter's innovative approach to real estate transactions. They allure clients with the potential of a 0% listing fee when you engage their comprehensive services for buying, selling, and acquiring a mortgage. Even if selling is your sole aim, their fees remain competitive, charging 1.5% with a baseline charge of $3,000. 

🚩 Potential red flags: It's worth noting that CapCenter gears its incentivized fee structure towards clients who utilize their full suite of services. Should your intentions be exclusively to sell your property, other brokers might offer arrangements that align more closely with your needs. Moreover, CapCenter suggests allotting a typical 3% commission to the buyer's agent, which is a standard aspect of many real estate transactions.

Pros

  • Highly regarded by customers in South Carolina
  • Personalized service with flexible options
  • Potential for incredible savings and 0% listing fees

Cons

  • The 0% rate is only available when you finance, buy, and sell through CapCenter
  • Suggested payment of 3% commission to buying agent

Fee structure

  • 1.5% ($3,000 min.) at closing 
  • 3% buying agent commission at closing
Weighted avg. 4.8 1,529
Google 4.5 209
Trustpilot 4.8 817
Yelp 3.6 14
Zillow 5.0 486

Website: capcenter.com
Phone: 1-800-968-5844
Address: 103 N Main St, #301, Greenville, SC 29601
Areas served: Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Washington, DC

» LEARN: How do discount real estate brokers offer lower fees?

Next steps

Thinking of selling your home but don't know where to start? Here are some next steps.

Start interviewing local agents

Set up some listing appointments, where an agent visits your home to discuss its estimated value, lay out their marketing strategy, and provide a quote for their fee.

Here's why it's smart to sit down with a few agents before signing with one:

It's completely free to meet with agents: There's no obligation or risk on your end. Just keep in mind that the agent is meeting with you to win your business, and will try to sell you on their service.

You can compare pricing and features: Shopping around helps you find the best fit for your specific needs – in terms of fees, experience, and services provided.

Learn more about your market from an expert: Realtors can provide local data, like how much nearby homes are selling for, how fast they sell, and other current market trends.

Learn about the home sales process: An agent can walk you through the sales process from start to finish, and provide tailored advice for marketing your property to home buyers.

To get started, check out our guide on the best ways to find real estate agents — or you can sign up for Clever’s free agent matching service below to connect with top realtors in your area right now (and save on commission).

Clever has pre-negotiated low commission rates of only 1.5%, with South Carolina's top agents. Contact Clever today to find out how much you can save on commission!

👋 Next Steps: Find an agent!

Clever can connect you with top local agents sell your house for a pre-negotiated low rate: just a 1.5% listing fee when your home sells (half the typical rate!).

You can interview your Clever agent matches, get free pricing estimates, and compare marketing plans — all with no strings attached.

Ready to learn more? Click below to take our simple quiz and see your agent matches!

Methodology

We gathered our commission rate data from a survey of 630 of our partner agents. The survey asked about standard local rates for both listing and buying agents. We also asked agents about when and why they're willing to negotiate real estate commissions. 

Additionally, we utilized the following data from Zillow and Realtor.com:

  • Home values, list prices, and sale prices: Based on Zillow data as of January 2024
  • Sale-to-list ratios: Based on Zillow data as of January 2024 (unless specified otherwise)
  • Months of inventory: Based on Realtor.com data as of February 2024

Additional resources for South Carolina home sellers

Better real estate agents at a better rate

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