From Greenville to Charleston, more South Carolinians are selling their homes FSBO than ever before. Millennials lead the way, with over 55% comfortable selling their homes themselves. FSBO home sellers want to maximize their savings while retaining full control of their sale.
With the right FSBO site, you can save over $20,500 on a median $377,900 home. But beware of cheap services with hidden fees and low buyer exposure. That’s why we’ve spent thousands of hours researching and ranking the best For Sale By Owner websites for you!
Rankings: 5 Best For Sale By Owner Websites in South Carolina
FSBO Website | Listing Fee | 100% Online* | MLS Access | Online Showings & Offers | 5 Star Customer Service |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Houzeo | $199 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
2. List With Freedom | $89-$395 | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
3. Carolina Realty Solutions | $549 | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
4. ForSaleByOwner.com | $0 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
5. Zillow | $0 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
* Companies rated 4.75 stars and above are considered 5-star
What Are the Types of FSBO Websites?
There are two types of FSBO websites to sell your home by owner in South Carolina:
- Paid FSBO Websites: The paid websites let you list your home FSBO on South Carolina MLS for a fixed fee. The MLS syndicates your listing to 100+ real estate websites like Zillow, Redfin, Trulia.
- Free FSBO Websites: They provide a free listing on their own website but not on the MLS. The lack of MLS exposure limits the number of buyers and can reduce the selling price.
Reviews: Best Paid FSBO Websites
1. Houzeo
Houzeo offers 3 FSBO MLS listing packages:
- Silver Package – $199: You can list your property on the MLS with 24 photos and for 6 months. It also becomes visible on Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, etc. You can also make unlimited changes to your listing.
- Gold Package – $249: You can post the maximum number of photos, avail licensed broker assistance, get access to seller disclosures, and a premium yard sign.
- Platinum Package – $299: You get virtual full assistance from a licensed broker and a 12-month listing term.
Based on the plan you choose, there’s an additional 0.5% to 1.25% due at closing.
Here are the key features that make Houzeo one of the top FSBO websites:
- Max Exposure: Houzeo’s MLS packages give you visibility to the MLS, Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, Redfin, and 100s of other websites.
- 5-Star Customer Service: Houzeo has a fully staffed customer service desk available 6 days a week. Chats and emails are open 7 days a week.
- 100% Online: Houzeo is a high-tech platform with easy listing, fast changes, online showings, and online offers. Its powerful house search app makes your home visible to interested buyers on the go.
- No Hidden Fees: In most states, you’ll pay just a small flat fee to list on MLS by owner. Remember, all fees are disclosed upfront, so there are no Houzeo hidden fees. You also bypass the listing agent commission.
- Free Home Value Estimator: Now, you can get a free home value estimate within 30 seconds. It helps you set a listing price.
There are no red flags with Houzeo.
Houzeo is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars by thousands of home sellers on Google & Trustpilot.
» Houzeo Reviews: With over 10,090+ happy customers, Houzeo is the most trusted FSBO website.
👉 Our Take: We recommend Houzeo’s Gold plan for most home sellers. It offers the best combination of 5-star customer service, Houzeo’s unique technology, max exposure, and broker assistance. And with the Gold plan, you’ll save between 2% and 5% of your sale price in commission.
2. List With Freedom
List With Freedom is a popular Multiple Listing Service that offers 3 packages:
- Gold Package – $89: You can list your home for 6 months with 25 photos and unlimited changes. Online showing service, open house, a professional yard sign, and other services are available at additional charges.
- Platinum Package – $195: You get everything in the Gold plan, plus you can list your property for 6 months with the maximum number of photos.
- Platinum Plus Package – $395: This package provides a 12-month listing term with an online showing service, virtual tour, and other features. Add-on services cost extra.
Here are some advantages of choosing List With Freedom:
- Affordable Pricing: List With Freedom offers affordable listing packages starting at just $89.
- Unlimited Listing Changes: List With Freedom lets you make unlimited listing changes, regardless of the plan you choose.
- Nationwide Coverage: Their service is available in 45+ states across the U.S.
- Important Paperwork: The company provides necessary paperwork and seller disclosures for a smooth, compliant process.
- Direct Buyer Leads: Buyer inquiries are forwarded directly to you, ensuring you maintain full control over negotiations.
Some drawbacks of using List With Freedom include:
- Additional Fee at Close: List With Freedom charges a compliance fee of 0.25%–0.50% when your property sells. This may increase your overall costs.
- Extra Charges: Even with the Platinum Plus plan, you need to pay extra for features like open houses, contract prep, and offer review.
- Expensive Add-Ons: Add-ons like virtual tours, open houses, and offer reviews increase transaction costs. List With Freedom charges $49 for a yard sign, and you are responsible for installation costs.
- Limited Online Showing Service: List With Freedom does not provide online showing service in all the areas. Additionally, even if the service is included in your listing package, the company doesn’t provide a refund or credit if unavailable in your area.
List With Freedom has a 4.7 out of 5 stars rating from 700+ reviews on Google.
» List With Freedom Reviews: Should you opt to sell with them? Check out our review!
👉 Our Take: List With Freedom offers an affordable MLS listing service, starting at $89. However, they charge for every essential add-on service, such as online showings and yard signs. Additionally, they impose a 0.25% – 0.50% compliance fee at closing, which can significantly increase your expenses.
3. Carolina Realty Solutions
Carolina Realty Solutions offers two packages with MLS listing.
- Flat Fee Listing Package – $549: List your home on the MLS with maximum photos allowed. It will be visible on other websites like Realtor.com and Zillow. You also get a yard sign, lockbox, and Showingtime tool for appointment setting.
- Full Service Listing Package – $549: Along with the features of Flat Fee Listing package, you receive support with listing, disclosures, and negotiation. A CMA report is also provided. However, you have to pay additional 1.5% at closing.
Here are some advantages of listing with Carolina Realty Solutions:
- Easy House Showings: You can manage house showings easily through a ShowingTime app. It also lets you request feedback from agents after the showing.
- Do-It-Yourself: Get your home listed on real estate websites while managing the selling process yourself through a personalized platform.
- Free Listing Updates: You don’t need to pay extra for updating your listing.
In our research, we discovered some deal breakers with Carolina Realty Solutions:
- High Commission Fee: You must pay a 1.5% commission fee on closing in the Full Service Listing package which makes it quite costly.
- Fewer Customer Reviews: The company has fewer reviews on credible websites, making it hard to assess their service quality.
- Unprofessional Document Handling: Some customers reported that agents mishandled important paperwork for selling a house.
Carolina Realty Solutions has 4 stars out of 5 from 4 customer reviews on Yelp.
👉 Our Take: We recommend Carolina Realty Solutions’ Flat Fee Listing package if you’re looking for a simple MLS listing with basic services. Just be aware that it’s a bit more expensive than some competitors.
Reviews: Best Free FSBO Websites
You can check the reviews of the top free FSBO sites in South Carolina here.
1. ForSaleByOwner.com
ForSaleByOwner.com offers only 1 FSBO package:
- ‘Do It Yourself’ FSBO Package – $0: In this package, your home only gets listed on the ForSaleByOwner.com website. You don’t get an MLS listing. Your property is not visible on Zillow, Trulia, Redfin, etc. This limits your exposure and offers.
These are some pros to consider:
- Nationwide Coverage: ForSaleByOwner.com caters to customers throughout the United States.
- Control and Flexibility: You can set your schedule, host showings, and manage the sale process at your convenience.
- Direct Buyer Interaction: You can directly communicate with potential buyers through their messaging system.
We have found certain cons about ForSaleByOwner.com in our research:
- No Exposure: You can only list on the ForSaleByOwner.com website. It does not get syndicated to other real estate websites like Trulia, Zillow, Realtor.com.
- Lack of Technology: It can be time-consuming and demanding to manage the listings, showings, negotiations, and paperwork.
- Lead for Rocket Homes: Your listing information is shared with Rocket Homes agents. They may frequently contact you to solicit MLS listings.
ForSaleByOwner.com has a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars on Best Company.
» ForSaleByOwner.com Reviews: Read this blog to learn more.
👉 Our Take: ForSaleByOwner.com offers a free listing, but without MLS exposure, your property won’t reach local buyers or agents in South Carolina. We recommend them if you’re a marketing pro, but if not, you likely won’t get any offers.
2. Zillow
Zillow offers only 1 listing plan to home sellers:
- FSBO Listing on Zillow – $0: You can list your home for free on Zillow’s FSBO platform and on Trulia. However, it is not listed on MLS. This limits the visibility to other real estate websites.
You should consider these points while choosing Zillow:
- No Fees: You can list your home on Zillow’s FSBO website free of charge.
- Free Cancellation: Zillow listings can be cancelled without any additional charges or hidden costs.
- Nationwide Coverage: Zillow’s For Sale By Owner services are accessible in all 50 states across America.
- User-Friendly Interface: Their website and mobile app are easy to use and navigate. Users can search for properties based on filters like location, price, features, and other criteria.
We identified several disadvantages of listing with Zillow:
- Slow Listings: Your listing can take up to 72 hours to update from the time you submit your property details.
- Inaccurate Zestimate: Zestimate, Zillow’s property valuation tool is not always accurate. This misleads buyers and sellers.
- Limited Support: Zillow’s customer support may not match the level of personalized guidance other FSBO companies offer.
Zillow has a rating of 1.6 out of 5 stars from 400+ reviews on Trustpilot.
» Zillow’s For Sale By Owner Reviews: Read our in-depth review on Zillow.
👉 Our Take: We don’t recommend selling FSBO on Zillow. It’s like throwing a party and forgetting to send the invites. Your listing is buried in the ‘Other Listings’ tab, like being stuck in the VIP line with no bottle service. You avoid commissions, but you miss the exposure.
🚩 Beware of FSBO Companies With Hidden Fees
Some FSBO companies come with hidden fees that they don’t mention in their pricing section. They provide free or affordable listings, but charge extra for yard signs, lockbox, etc. This increases your overall cost of selling a house in South Carolina and reduces your savings.
For Sale By Owner Websites South Carolina: How Much Can You Save?
Thousands! That’s over $20,500 on a $377,900 home in the Palmetto State, after the NAR settlement. The best For Sale By Owner sites in South Carolina help you save equity.
With best FSBO sites like Houzeo, you can list your home on the MLS for just $199- that’s less than a Lowcountry shrimp and grits dinner! You can save a whopping $20,585 and use it for a trip to the Charleston beaches, a boat upgrade for cruising the Intracoastal, or a weekend in the Blue Ridge Mountains!
Service Provider | Fee in South Carolina | Savings |
Traditional Agent | 3% Listing Fee + 3% Buyer’s Agent Commission – $22,674 | $0 |
Houzeo | Fixed Fee – $199 + $1,890 | $20,585 |
How to Choose the Best FSBO Website in South Carolina?
To choose one from the top For Sale By Owner websites in South Carolina, you need to consider these 4 factors.
- Do they list on MLS? You should opt for a platform that offers Flat Fee MLS service in South Carolina for better exposure. It will lead to more buyers and a higher selling price while maximizing on savings.
- How is their user experience? Look for easy to navigate FSBO websites. They should have features like mobile app, virtual tours and offer-management.
- What are their prices? Evaluate the packages with the services they offer. Some provide free listing-only services. Whereas, others charge a flat fee or a percentage of the sale price for comprehensive assistance.
- Is their customer support good? Look for platforms that offer cutting edge customer service and provide guidance to the sellers. Choose a service with 5-star customer support like Houzeo.
How to Sell Your Home With South Carolina’s #1 FSBO Website?
Here’s how to list your home on For Sale By Owner listing sites in South Carolina:
- Find the Best FSBO Website With MLS Access: Choose a FSBO platform that offers MLS listing when selling a house by owner in South Carolina. Your property will be visible on every real estate website from Charleston to Greenville.
- Create Your Account: Most FSBO sites with MLS access require an account, and Houzeo makes it easier. Manage your MLS listing, showings, and offers from your phone—whether you’re on Folly Beach, in downtown Charleston, or stuck on I-26.
- Choose a Listing Plan: Pick a plan that fits your needs and budget—whether you’re looking to sell a coastal cottage in Hilton Head or a farm in the Upstate. Get your home sold without emptying your wallet.
- Enter Property Details & Add Photos: Show off your property’s best features—whether it’s that wrap-around porch perfect for summer evenings in Greenville, or the stunning marsh views in Bluffton. Get a real estate photographer in South Carolina who knows how to capture the Lowcountry charm!
- Sign the Agreement: Review and sign the listing agreement. Complete seller disclosure forms carefully. If it’s not a minor fix, disclose it—make sure you’re clear on South Carolina’s disclosure rules to avoid any legal surprises.
6 Mistakes to Avoid With a South Carolina FSBO Website
Here are some rookie mistakes that FSBO home sellers must avoid:
- Ignore the MLS: If you don’t list on the MLS, it’s like hosting a shrimp boil in Charleston during a summer downpour. Use Houzeo if you’re wondering how to list your home on South Carolina MLS and gain visibility on 100+ sites like Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com.
- Price Your Home Inaccurately: To sell your home quickly in the current South Carolina housing market, you need an estimate of your property’s value. Without it, you may price your house inaccurately. An asking price that’s too high will scare buyers away. Too low, and you’re leaving money on the table. Use a home worth calculator to get the right price.
- Market Ineffectively: To add poor quality photos is like trying to sell a cozy cabin with a cracked window. Add professional photos, write a compelling description, and install a yard sign – roll in faster than summer tourists in Hilton Head.
- Overlook Seller Disclosures: Legal forms and South Carolina seller disclosures are mandatory. Miss something, and you’ll be sued faster than a thunderstorm hitting the Lowcountry in July. Hire a South Carolina real estate attorney to handle the legalities.
- Fail to Negotiate Smartly: If a buyer lowballs you like an off-season Myrtle Beach motel rate, don’t cave. Stay firm on your price, closing dates, and repair terms. Buyers will test your limits—stand your ground like a Carolina Gamecock.
- Choose the Wrong FSBO Service: Choosing a FSBO service that lacks technology and provides limited exposure will mean more days on the market for your home. Get MLS access, top-notch tech, and a 5-star support team with Houzeo. Why settle for less?
» Houzeo Reviews: Find out what customers have to say about Houzeo.com.