Seller Closing Cost Calculator for South Carolina (2022 Data)

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Find out how much you can make on your home sale with our seller closing cost calculator for South Carolina. These fees will vary depending on the real estate market, agent commission, and your home’s value.

South Carolina seller closing cost calculator

South Carolina closing cost breakdown

Real estate commission

In addition to closing costs, you should expect to pay an average of 5.63% on realtor fees in South Carolina. The average rate for a listing realtor in South Carolina is 2.82%, while a buyer’s agent averages nearly the same rate at 2.81%.

Realtor commissions are usually the single biggest expense in a real estate transaction. The 5.63% fee covers the cost of both your listing agent and the buyer's agent. According to the 2024 NAR settlement, buyers now negotiate rates separately with their agent. However, they will typically ask you to include their agent fees in the costs of the transaction, so they don't have to bring extra cash out of pocket.

To save money, concentrate on finding a qualified low-commission listing agent. Our friends at Clever Real Estate can help you match with experienced local realtors who will help you sell your home for a 1.5% listing fee.

» MORE: How realtor commissions are paid

Transfer tax

When a house sells for over $100 via a real property sale, the seller must record the transfer with the county where the house is. The state and its counties charge real estate transfer taxes through a deed recording fee of $1.85 per $500 of the property sales price.² It’s standard practice for the seller to pay those taxes, also called deed stamps or tax stamps.

» MORE: See how much you’ll pay in transfer tax stamps

Home warranty

Home warranties are optional, but a seller’s home warranty helps offset unplanned expenses if a home system or appliance breaks down before closing.

Homeowners selling older homes often also purchase new home warranties for their buyers. It can ease the minds of potential home buyers who worry about undisclosed issues and problems that may arise after the sale.

HOA fee

Many Homeowners Associations charge transfer fees when a resident sells a home within the community. The seller is usually responsible for that fee and must also be current on monthly dues.

Attorney fee

South Carolina is one of several states that mandate the use of licensed attorney services for real estate closings. Traditionally, the buyer hires an attorney who handles the contracts, mortgage and transfer documents, and other related paperwork and transactions. The buyer and seller may share that cost. Alternatively, sellers may hire their own lawyers. But it’s not a legal requirement.

Termite letter

Most lenders require a termite inspection for South Carolina home sales. The resulting South Carolina Wood Infestation report is called a CL-100, also known as a termite letter. It also details infestations like fungi, carpenter ants, and beetles.

Prorated property taxes

South Carolina counties mail out tax bills covering the current calendar year every October. Homeowners have until January 15 of the following year to pay the note without accruing interest. Sellers must bring enough funds to closing to cover unpaid property taxes spanning the beginning of the year through the closing date.

How to save on South Carolina seller closing costs

✅ Sell with a low-commission realtor

Real estate commissions are often the most considerable expense you'll have when selling. You can lower that cost by choosing a low-commission realtor.

We recommended an agent matching service like Clever Real Estate. You’ll only pay a 1.5% listing agent commission or $3,000 flat fee instead of 2.5–3% with a traditional real estate agent. That can lower your total realtor commission expenses from 5–6% of your purchase price to only 4%, netting you thousands more in profit.

✅ Negotiate closing costs with the buyer

You can lower your closing costs by asking your buyer to contribute to expenses traditionally paid by the seller. It’s a common tactic in a robust seller’s market. Discuss the possibility with your realtor to learn whether that option would work in your local market.

South Carolina seller closing cost FAQ

Who pays closing costs in South Carolina?

Sellers and buyers pay closing costs in South Carolina, but those expenses differ. Buyers normally pay loan-related fees, title costs, administrative fees, and various third-party expenses. Sellers commonly take care of transfer taxes, HOA fees, and realtor commissions.

» LEARN: South Carolina buyers may save on closing costs when qualifying for FHA loans

Who pays tax stamps at closing in South Carolina?

The seller typically pays the tax stamps or deed stamps in South Carolina. But it’s not a legal mandate, so the seller can negotiate for the buyer to pay, or they may share the cost.

Who pays transfer tax in South Carolina?

Sellers generally pay the transfer tax in South Carolina. Those transfer taxes are also referred to as deed stamps or tax stamps. That’s because the tax is linked with recording the deed, making it part of the public record when property ownership changes.