Commission guide
South Carolina real estate commission rates
The average real estate commission in South Carolina is 5.65%, about $19,210 on a $340,000 home. Here's exactly how that breaks down, what changed after the NAR settlement, and how to pay less.
Total rate
5.65%
Listing agent
2.83%
Buyer agent
2.82%
Median price
$340,000
What you'll actually pay in South Carolina
On a $340,000 home (the South Carolina median), the total commission breaks down like this:
| Fee | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Listing agent commission | 2.83% | $9,622 |
| Buyer agent commission | 2.82% | $9,588 |
| Total commission | 5.65% | $19,210 |
The listing agent's commission (2.83%) is paid by the seller from the sale proceeds. The buyer's agent commission (2.82%) was traditionally also paid by the seller, but since the NAR settlement in August 2024, this is negotiated separately.
In practice, most South Carolina sellers still offer to cover the buyer's agent commission to attract more offers, but the amount is no longer set by the MLS. Buyers should be prepared to negotiate this cost directly with their agent.
How the NAR settlement changed South Carolina
The NAR settlement took effect in August 2024, and the South Carolina Real Estate Commission updated its regulations to require buyer representation agreements before touring properties. SC's average total commission dropped from approximately 5.96% pre-settlement to 5.65%, a 0.31 percentage point decline driven primarily by buyer agent rate compression. Charleston has seen the most adjustment given its higher price points and growing inventory. South Carolina is an attorney-closing state, meaning a licensed attorney must supervise every closing regardless of commission structure, this provides a layer of consumer protection that exists independent of agent compensation. About 37% of sellers nationally now negotiate commission post-settlement, and SC's competitive Charleston and Greenville markets are tracking near that rate.
Before NAR settlement
5.96%
Total commission ($20,264 on $340,000)
Buyer agent rate: 2.98%
After NAR settlement
5.65%
Total commission ($19,210 on $340,000)
Savings: $1,054 per transaction
The NAR settlement, effective August 2024, ended the practice of listing buyer agent compensation on the MLS. In South Carolina, this means:
- Buyer representation agreements are required. Before touring any home in South Carolina, buyers must sign a written agreement with their agent that clearly states what the agent will be paid.
- Commission is more negotiable. With rates no longer set on the MLS, agents are more open to discussing their fees. Average buyer agent rates in South Carolina have dropped from 2.98% to 2.82%.
- Sellers can still offer buyer agent compensation. Most South Carolina sellers continue to offer it, but the amount and terms are negotiated directly between the parties rather than advertised publicly.
Commission rates by city in South Carolina
Commission rates vary across South Carolina metros. Higher-priced markets tend to have slightly lower percentage rates because agents earn more per transaction.
| City | Listing | Buyer | Total | On median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston | 2.83% | 2.82% | 5.65% | $24,860 |
| Greenville | 2.85% | 2.8% | 5.65% | $17,233 |
| Columbia | 2.85% | 2.82% | 5.67% | $15,026 |
| Myrtle Beach | 2.85% | 2.82% | 5.67% | $18,144 |
Rates are averages based on 2024–2025 transaction data. Actual rates depend on agent, home price, and negotiation. Median home prices sourced from Zillow Home Value Index.
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How to negotiate commission in South Carolina
Commission rates in South Carolina are always negotiable. They have never been fixed by law or regulation. Since the NAR settlement, more buyers and sellers are negotiating, and agents are increasingly open to competitive pricing. Here are strategies specific to South Carolina:
1. Use SC public deed records for leverage
South Carolina records sale prices in public deed records, unlike neighboring Tennessee. Before meeting with an agent, look up recent sales in your area through county Register of Deeds websites. This gives you concrete comp data when discussing commission, you can see exactly what homes are selling for in your neighborhood.
2. Negotiate before signing the buyer representation agreement
SC now requires a signed buyer representation agreement before your agent shows you any property. This agreement specifies what you'll pay your buyer's agent. Before you sign, ask: "Is this rate negotiable?" and "What happens if the seller offers less than this amount?" This is your best leverage point as a South Carolina buyer.
3. Get three agent quotes, not one
47% of homeowners hire the first agent they talk to. That's negotiation leverage left on the table. Interview at least three agents, ask each for their commission rate and what services are included, and let them know you're comparing. SC's post-settlement market has made rate conversations normal, not awkward.
4. Leverage the attorney-closing requirement to reduce agent scope
South Carolina requires a licensed attorney to supervise every real estate closing, title examination, document preparation, fund disbursement, and recording. Attorney fees typically run $500–$1,500. Because the attorney handles the legal and title work that agents in non-attorney states must coordinate, your agent's closing workload is lighter. Use this to argue for a lower commission: "Since the closing attorney handles title, docs, and disbursement, what rate reflects your actual scope of work?" On a $440,000 Charleston home, a 0.25% reduction saves $1,100.
5. Compare flat-fee listing options in your SC metro
South Carolina has active flat-fee and discount brokerages in every major metro. iSave Realty lists Charleston homes on the MLS starting at $149 plus 0.6% at closing. Houzeo offers statewide SC listings from $249. Carolina Realty Solutions provides flat-fee packages starting at $549. These aren't FSBO, they're licensed SC brokerages that get your home on the same MLS as traditional listings. On a $340,000 home at the state median, a flat-fee listing versus a 2.83% traditional listing agent saves roughly $7,400–$9,100 in listing-side commission.
Calculate your South Carolina commission
Enter your home price to see exactly what you'd pay in agent commissions at South Carolina average rates. Compare buyer vs seller costs and see how referral platform fees affect your agent.
Average rates in South Carolina: 2.83% listing + 2.82% buyer = 5.65% total
What you'll pay as a buyer
Since the NAR settlement (August 2024), buyers may need to pay their agent directly. Here's what that looks like at $415,000.
Your agent keeps $2,926 more of their commission
With our 25% referral fee vs. the industry's 33-40%, your agent keeps more, which means more resources for your deal, not the platform.
Need the full tool? Try our commission calculator with all states and comparison mode.
South Carolina commission FAQ
Related resources
Commission Rates by State
Compare rates across all states with our full breakdown.
Commission Calculator
Interactive tool to estimate your exact costs as a buyer or seller.
Find an Agent in South Carolina
Browse vetted agents across South Carolina metros.
NAR Settlement Explained
Full breakdown of what changed for buyers and sellers in 2024.
How Agentsorted Works
See how we match you with a vetted local agent.
North Carolina Commission Rates
Average 5.53% total rate on a $340,000 median home.
Florida Commission Rates
Average 5.57% total rate on a $400,000 median home.
Georgia Commission Rates
Average 5.66% total rate on a $330,000 median home.
Texas Commission Rates
Average 5.85% total rate on a $310,000 median home.
Colorado Commission Rates
Average 5.28% total rate on a $490,000 median home.
Arizona Commission Rates
Average 5.48% total rate on a $400,000 median home.
Virginia Commission Rates
Average 5.19% total rate on a $380,000 median home.
Idaho Commission Rates
Average 5.39% total rate on a $410,000 median home.
Alabama Commission Rates
Average 5.55% total rate on a $230,000 median home.
Tennessee Commission Rates
Average 5.32% total rate on a $330,000 median home.
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