In April 2022, 46.5% homes in South Carolina were sold above List Price, a 21.9% increase as compared to 2021.
Because South Carolina has a number of real estate agents and brokers, finding the best will take some time. That is why we have compiled a list of the top South Carolina real estate brokers and brokerages to help you in your home selling or buying process.
👁️🗨️ Sneak Peek: Best South Carolina Real Estate Brokers
| Top South Carolina Brokers | Best For | More Than 10 Years of Experience | More Than 100 sales in the last 12 months | Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Randal Longo | ✔️ Sellers looking for maximum savings ✔️ Sellers looking for Stellar Customer Reviews ✔️ Sellers looking for Fast Listing Changes ✔️ Sellers looking for Cutting-edge Technology | ✅ | ✅ |  |
| 2. Jeff Hunt | ✔ Sellers/Buyers looking for a broker in Steamboat Springs | ✅ | ✅ | |
| 3. Greg Coutu | ✔ Sellers/Buyers looking for a property in Lake Keowee | ✅ | ❌ | |
South Carolina Real Estate Broker Commission
The average real estate agent commission in South Carolina is 5% to 6%.
This commission is split evenly between the listing and the buyer’s agent. Let’s look at the below example to understand how the average real estate broker commission is divided:
- 6% Real Estate Commission
- 3% Listing Agent Commission
- 1.5% Listing Agent Commission
- 1.5% Listing Broker Commission
- 3% Buyer’s Agent Commission
- 1.5% Buyer’s Agent Commission
- 1.5% Buyer’s Broker Commission
- 3% Listing Agent Commission
So, effectively, the real estate broker commission in South Carolina is lesser because it is split between the buyer’s agent and the broker. It is possible that the buyer’s agent may be a licensed real estate broker. In that case, they earn the full 2.5% to 3% broker commission.
» MORE: Will real estate commissions keep falling sharply in 2024?
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🏆 Reviews: South Carolina Real Estate Brokers
1. Randal Longo, Houzeo Affiliate
🔥 BEST OVERALL
⌛ Experience: 12 Years 5/5
(60 Reviews)📌 Note: Randal Longo provides an unbeatable combination of best-in-class savings, cutting-edge technology through Houzeo, and 5-star customer support. Skip the hassle, and begin listing paperwork on Houzeo.com.
Randal Longo
🤵♀️ About: Randal Longo is a South Carolina Real Estate Broker. He covers all the major MLS’ and has an excellent customer rating. He has been in the real estate industry for the past 12 years.
🏡 Number of properties sold: As per zillow.com, he has sold 487 properties in the last 12 months.
🤝 Affiliations: He is affiliated with Houzeo which is America’s #1 Flat Fee MLS listing service.
Houzeo.com
💰 Save 3% listing Commission: Randal Longo offers his services through Houzeo’s plans typically for a small flat fee. This will save you thousands. If your buyer is unrepresented, you save the buyer agent commission as well.
📣 Maximum Exposure for Your Property: Listings get syndicated to the MLS, Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, Trulia, and hundreds of other websites. Houzeo also has nifty social media sharing tools. No other platform gives you this much exposure.
⚡ Fast Listing & Hassle-free Changes: Through Houzeo, Randal offers all his services 100% online. Listing is easy and changes are fast. So you can focus on what is most important – your sale.
📱 Cutting-edge Technology: Through Houzeo, Randal Longo provides various tech-enabled solutions. These include:
- IntelliList Listing Management System: Lets you manage your listing 100% online.
- Houzeo Showings: Manage showing appointments online.
- Houzeo Offers: All offers are summarized online. You can view and compare offers, or counter an offer. In a multiple-offer situation, you can also call for the highest and best offers.
- Buyer Search: Buyers can contact you directly on Houzeo.com instead of going through a real estate agent.
- Houzeo Settlement Agent Platform: Guides you to your closing.
No other REALTOR comes close to offering such features.
👉 Our Take: Randal Longo is our top pick as a REALTOR in South Carolina because his services deliver an unbeatable combination of savings and tech features.
- Full-time real estate professional
- Offers services for a flat fee, saving you thousands of dollars on commission
- Serves via Houzeo i.e., 100% online – easy listing, fast changes, online showings, and online offers
Randal Longo has a 5-stars rating on Houzeo.com
Randal Longo covers most of the MLS in South Carolina.
- 💡 FACT: You don’t need to be a real estate broker to access Houzeo technology, and can list on the MLS within 8 business hours. Get started here to sell FSBO with Houzeo!
2. Jeff Hunt, Dunes Real Estate
🎯 CLIENT CENTERED
⌛ Experience: 25 Years 5/5
(145 Reviews) 🤵♀️ About: Jeff Hunt is a South Carolina real estate broker. Jeff deals in commercial and residential properties. He provides assistance in buying/selling, taking properties on lease, investing, and managing the real estate transactions.
Jeff is a real estate professional who owns multiple million dollar businesses. He has extensive knowledge of the local marketplace with which he assists buyers and sellers in a unique way.
🏡 Number of properties sold: As per Zillow, Jeff Hunt has done 65 sales in the past 12 months.
🤝 Affiliations: Jeff Hunt is affiliated with Dunes Real Estate. He also owns a real estate business, Jeff Hunt & Associates.
Dunes Real Estate
🏢 About: Dunes real estate was established in 1979. It is a full service real estate brokerage service company. This brokerage firm serves in Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, and the surrounding areas of Lowcountry.
» EXPLORE: Top Real Estate Agents!
- 25+ years of experience as a real estate professional
- One of the top producers of Dunes real estate for the past 5 years
- Well versed with residential and commercial properties of South Carolina real estate market
Jeff Hunt has a 5-stars rating on Zillow.com.
Jeff Hunt covers the following 3 areas of South Carolina:
- Okatie
- Bluffton
- Hilton Head Island
💲 You Don’t Need A Fancy Luxury Broker
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3. Greg Coutu, Allen Tate Realtors
🏞 EXPERT OF LAKE KEOWEE PROPERTIES
⌛ Experience: 18 Years 5/5
(139 Reviews)🤵♀️ About: Greg Coutu is a South Carolina Real Estate Broker. He has been assisting buyers/sellers for 18 years with their real estate transactions in Lake Keowee. He has substantial knowledge of the local Lake Keowee real estate market in SC.
Greg believes in building and keeping lasting relationships with the clients.
🏡 Number of properties sold: As per Zillow, Greg has done 57 sales in the past 12 months.
🤝 Affiliations: As a full-time Broker/Realtor, Greg Coutu is affiliated with Allen Tate Realtors.
Allen Tate Realtors
🏢 About: Allen Tate Realtors was founded in 1957. It is an independent, locally-owned real estate company. Allen Tate Realtors is ranked #1 in the state of South Carolina. This company has grown much in the past years and currently has offices across Carolinas.
Allen Tate Realtors covers the High Country, Triad, Triangle, Upstate of South Carolina, and Highlands regions of North Carolina.
» EXPLORE: Top Realtors in South Carolina!
- A Member of Western Upstate of Realtors
- A contributor to Local Charities within South Carolina
- Recognized as a monthly top performer in Allen Tate Realtors
- An important member of Greater Greenville Association of Realtors, SC
- Since 2004, he has closed approximately 565 transactions worth over 245 Million dollars
- Ranked as #13 real estate agent in 2019, in 2020 #22, and in 2011 #8 by Real Trends for the entire state of South Carolina
Greg has a 5-stars rating on Zillow.com.
Greg Coutu covers the following 7 areas in South Carolina:
- Keowee
- Pickens County
- Clemson
- Seneca
- West Union
- Salem
- Oconee County
💲 You Don’t Need A Real Estate Broker
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What is a Real Estate Broker?
Real Estate broker is often confused with real estate agent and both are often used interchangeably. This is actually wrong.
Both the terms have different definitions and have different jobs. Here’s a summary table highlighting the differences between the two:
| Real Estate Agents | Real Estate Brokers |
|---|---|
| Have basic real estate license | Have advanced real estate broker license |
| They have limited expertize related to real estate transactions. Helping in offers and counter offers, completing paperwork, etc. are some of the features their job requires. | Real estate brokers have additional expertise compared to a real estate agent involving – drafting purchase agreements, contract review, escrow arrangements, etc. |
| Real estate agents are not licensed to start their own brokerage | Brokers can start their own brokerage when compared with the real estate agents |
- 💡 FACT: Real estate agents need to work with a real estate broker to gain required experience. They usually don’t work independently. When a real estate agent passes the broker license exam, they become a licensed real estate broker.
» NOTE: There is another term used frequently in the real estate industry apart from real estate agents and real estate brokers i.e. Realtors. A Realtor is a real estate broker or agent who is a member of National Association of Realtors (NAR) and strictly follows NAR’s code of Ethics.
Types of Licensed South Carolina Real Estate Brokers
| Types of Brokers | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Flat Fee MLS Brokers | A flat fee MLS broker has an upfront fee of $199-$999. They list your property on the MLS and provide customizable services on an ala carte basis. » MORE: Find Flat Fee MLS Brokers in America |
| 2. Flat Rate or Discount Brokers | A flat rate or discount broker offers all the services of a traditional broker for a discounted flat rate. This can range anywhere between $2000 to $8000. » MORE: Best Discount Real Estate Brokers in America |
| 3. Low Commission Brokers | A low commission broker charges a lower commission than a traditional broker. Even if the buyer agent commission remains standard, their listing broker commission ranges between 0.5% - 1.5% of the selling price. » MORE: Low Commission Brokers in America |
| 4. Virtual Full-Service Brokers | Virtual full service brokers provide all services from listing, documentation, negotiation, showings, to closing 100% online. They may have a set upfront fee or a commission. » MORE: Fine Your Virtual Full Service Partner Brokers |
| 5. Traditional In-person Brokers | A traditional in-person broker is a real estate professional that provides all services for the buyer and seller for a commission of 3%-6%. Luxury real estate brokers may charge more than 6%. » MORE: Know About How to get Preapproved for a Mortgage |
Difference between Real Estate Agents, REALTOR, and a Real Estate Broker
| Sr. No. | Defining Features | Real Estate Agent | Real Estate Broker | REALTOR® |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Explanation | A real estate professional possessing the license to assist people in buying, selling, or renting real estate. | A real estate professional having in-depth knowledge of the field, who has obtained a license after completing additional coursework beyond the agent level. | Real estate agents or real estate brokers can become realtors by becoming members of the NAR. They follow the NAR Code of Ethics and are held to a higher standard than real estate agents and brokers. |
| 2. | Training | No additional training is required except the completion of the prelicensing coursework | Required to undergo additional training pertaining to contracts, insurance, taxes, and ethics | Same as a Real Estate Agent and/or Broker |
| 3. | Eligibility | Required to pass the pre-licensing exam to obtain an agent’s license | Required to have some experience working as an agent and obtain a broker’s license after completing additional coursework | Same as a Real Estate Agent and/or Broker |
| 4. | Mode of Operation | Real estate agents are required to work for a broker or a brokerage. | Brokers can either start their brokerage or work independently as agents. | Same as a Real Estate Agent and/or Broker |
| 5. | Responsibility | Seller agents are required to help the seller price the property, host open houses, be present during the inspection, provide contract assistance, etc. | Brokers are required to oversee other agents working for them and hold other roles depending on whether they are a Principal Broker, Managing Broker, or Associate Broker. | Same as a Real Estate Agent and/or Broker |
- 💡 FACT: Anyone who is a member of the NAR is licensed to use the REALTOR® trademark as part of their name.
It is usually recommended to take the help of a local real estate broker when you are selling a house in a particular city. This is due to the fact that a local agent would be aware of everything like the neighborhood, prices, and other important factors from the real estate perspective.
There are 3 options in the selling process i.e. using the help of a real estate broker, going FSBO, or using a Flat Fee MLS service.
Selling a house with the help of a real estate broker may cost you around 6% as commission fees which is quite high.
Next, selling a house by owner in South Carolina will require your full involvement, taking care of every aspect of the transaction.
The last method is using Flat Fee MLS services like Houzeo which is 100% online and makes most of the processes digitized. The platform takes care of many features like listing your house on MLS and other real estate websites, managing home showings, and counteroffers for a flat fee.
How to Find the Best South Carolina Real Estate Broker?
It is not easy. You will need to be methodical and will have to do a thorough research and analysis for the process. Taking recommendations from friends and family can be a good option, but the final decision will rest on you.
Here’s what you can do to find the right real estate broker In South Carolina:
| 💻 Use Zillow or South Carolina REALTORS to find the brokers in your specific area. Check their expertise and skills before making a decision. |
| ⏲️ Consider the basics of real estate transactions and evaluate costs, time, and efforts. Post that you can visit the profile of brokers to understand if they fit the bill. |
| 👱 National brands offer nationwide coverage, but service quality may not be guaranteed in each office. You will be yet another lead in the marketing funnel while a real estate agent is assigned for your listing. Choose a local real estate broker and you could substantially save on time and efforts. However, real estate commissions still remain questionable and depend on the work done by the real estate broker. |
| 💰 Flat Fee MLS listing services like Houzeo are a great way to save time. If you are going FSBO, then Houzeo could prove to be a great option for you. It is a 100% online platform that makes the comprehensive listing paperwork and other processes seamless. |
👁️🗨️ Sneak Peek: Best South Carolina Real Estate Brokerages + Companies
| Companies | Key Highlights | Customer Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Houzeo | 📱 Most Advanced Tech 💲 Maximum savings 🌟 Stellar Customer Reviews 📃 Fast Listing Changes | |
| 2. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Myrtle Beach Real Estate | ✨ Expert Knowledge about Local Area Real Estate |  |
🏆 Reviews: Best Real Estate Brokerages and Companies in South Carolina
1. Houzeo: Best Flat Fee MLS Platform
🔥 BEST OVERALL
🥇 Best Flat Fee MLS Platform 4.9/5
(3,141 Reviews)🏢 About Houzeo: Houzeo is the most popular and competitive platform for sellers looking for full service affordable companies that will give maximum savings with minimum real estate agent interaction. Also, it is considered to be the best Flat Fee MLS and FSBO provider in the US real estate market.
⚡ Package Customization: You can customize the listing packages as per your requirements and even opt for services like contract review, pricing assistance, professional photography, and more as per the requirement.
⭐ 5 Star Reviews: Houzeo has superior reviews on popular websites like Google and Trustpilot.
🏆 Best For: Zero hidden fees, MLS exposure, 100% automated process, Listing within 8 business hours with Houzeo Concierge, Buyer leads directly shared with the seller, Counteroffer feature, and Affordable full-service packages` No other real estate company comes close to offering such features.
🏡 Annual Sales Volume: $3.5 billion transactions in 2021
💰 Affordability: Houzeo is an advanced tech platform that allows home sellers to list their homes on the MLS for a small flat fee. A seller works with a listing agent who doesn’t typically charge a commission. This saves you almost 50% of the agent commissions right away.
The pricing for Flat Fee MLS services in South Carolina using Houzeo is $379. This is much lower than the traditional 3% listing commission.
Houzeo uses cutting-edge technology to offer unmatched services to its clients.
- IntelliList Listing Management System: Lets you manage your listing 100% online.
- Lightning Fast Listing & Changes: Houzeo is 100% online. Listing can happen in under 60 minutes and any MLS listing changes are updated quickly.
- Houzeo Showings: Manage showing appointments online.
- Houzeo Offers: All offers are summarized online. You can view and compare offers, or counter any offer. In a multiple-offer situation, you can also call for the highest and best offers.
- Buyer Search: Buyers can contact you directly on Houzeo.com instead of going through a real estate agent.
- Houzeo Settlement Agent Platform: Guides you in ensuring the successful closing.
- Digital Transaction Management
- Houzeo ID Secure
- Pro Directory
- Houzeo Buyer Lead Manager
- Houzeo Mobile App: All features are at your fingertips with Houzeo mobile apps for iOS and Android.
Houzeo has 4.9-stars out of rating 5 on Google.
Houzeo is available nationwide.
2. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices (BHHS) Myrtle Beach
🏘 BEST FOR RELOCATION
⌛ Founded in: 2008 4.9/5
(58 Reviews)
🏢 About BHHS Myrtle Beach Real Estate: It is a real estate brokerage firm based in Myrtle Beach South Carolina. This real estate agency is a franchise of one of the most renowned brokerages, Berkshire Hathaway.
This brokerage works with an aim of providing high-quality customer service, with expertise and professionalism. BHHS Myrtle Beach Real Estate specializes in relocations.
👨⚖️ Agent Advantage: The brokerage has experienced agents in every facet of real estate. The well-trained agents of this brokerage work with integrity to provide the best level of customer service.
💁♀️ Services: BHHS Myrtle Beach real Estate assist sellers with listing their homes to get the right buyer. Connecting with this brokerage as a seller means you get to know the right worth of your home for free. As a buyer, you will get free and instant listing updates from the most trustworthy sellers in the local market.
» EXPLORE: A Guide for Home Sellers!
- Local expertise in relocation
- Professional agents and brokers
- A franchise of one of the most renowned real estate brands
- Combined experience of more than 100 years in the real estate industry
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Myrtle Beach Real Estate has 4.9-stars rating out of 5 on Google Reviews.
BHHS Myrtle Beach Real Estate has coverage across the Grand Strand of South Carolina.
Alternatives to South Carolina Real Estate Brokers & Brokerages
Apart from the real estate brokers and brokerages, you can take other routes as well for your real estate transaction in the state of South Carolina:
| 📈 Sell FSBO with Flat Fee MLS | Going FSBO with Flat Fee MLS service in South Carolina gets you on the local MLS and the listing also gets syndicated to other real estate websites like Zillow, Trulia, Redfin, Realtor.com, etc. which increases the chances of the exposure of your listing. With FSBO/Flat Fee MLS platforms like Houzeo, you can get multiple offers and also compare the highest and the best offers from potential buyers. There is an opportunity to negotiate the sale price, closing costs, etc., and save substantially in commissions by choosing a Flat Fee MLS platform or low commission real estate agent. One more way is that you can take help of South Carolina discount real estate brokers to save on commissions. » MORE: Discount Real Estate Brokers in the US |
| 📲 Take Help of iBuyers | iBuyers are instant buyers. These companies have created a level-playing field with full cash offers and technologically advanced platforms. The important point is that you get a reasonably fair cash offer instantly, and you can close within a matter of a few days. » MORE: Top iBuyers in 2024 |
| 🤑 Companies Buying Houses for Cash | If you are not ready to spend thousands of dollars on repairs or closing costs, then you can choose “we buy houses for cash” companies. These companies help sell your house fast for cash, but they’ll pay pretty less i.e. 30% to 70% of your home’s market value. » MORE: Companies Buying Houses for Cash in 2024 |
💲 You Know Your Home Better Than Any Real Estate Broker
Trust your gut, and sell your home yourself with Houzeo technology!
START YOUR MLS LISTING NOW
✋ BEWARE: There are scammers everywhere, in every industry. Make sure you do no get caught up in any of housing scams. Prioritize investigation and be careful about the company and the brokers you are going with.
South Carolina Real Estate Brokers & Brokerages: Is 3% Listing Fee Worth It?
The Flat Fee MLS model companies like Houzeo can help you save from shelling out big bucks.
With Houzeo, you can list your South Carolina house for a small flat fee. This means that you don’t have to spend 3% commission.
The comprehensive paperwork that comes with listing a house has been intuitively digitized on Houzeo. You can finish all listing formalities in under is 1-2 hours max.
⭐ Pro Tip: If you feel lost or need additional assistance during the process, you can check with our 5-Star Customer Support team.
Find Your New Home in South Carolina With Houzeo
With thousands of property listings, Houzeo.com is one of the biggest property listing sites in the US. Find condos, townhouses, co-ops, and other types of homes for sale in South Carolina on Houzeo.
» Need More Clarity? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why the platform is the best in America’s competitive housing market.
Eager to Know How Houzeo Works?
We’ve got you covered. Check out the following video to understand how Houzeo works and why it is the best FSBO and Flat Fee MLS platform in the United States.
» NEED MORE CLARITY? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why the platform is the best in America’s competitive housing market.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who are real estate brokers?
Real estate brokers are the professionals who are allowed to work independently for facilitating real estate transactions. The real estate brokers are allowed to start their own brokerage and give employment to real estate agents.
How do I become a real estate broker in SC?
To become a real estate broker in South Carolina, you need to follow the following steps:
1. Complete your broker's courses
2. Clear your broker exam
3. Apply for your license for South Carolina real estate salesperson
4. Gain some real estate market experience
5. Apply for your broker license
