How to Find Cash Home Buyers in South Carolina for a Hassle-Free Home Sale
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Cheyenne Wiseman Associate EditorCloseCheyenne Wiseman Associate Editor
Cheyenne Wiseman is an Associate Editor at HomeLight.com. Previously, she worked as a writer for Static Media (Mashed.com and Chowhound.com) and as an editor for CBR.com. Cheyenne holds a bachelor’s degree in English from UC Davis, where she also founded and led a literary magazine called Open Ceilings. She has four years of experience writing and editing on topics including real estate, financial advising, and pharmaceuticals.
If you’re a South Carolina homeowner looking for a quick sale without the challenges of listing on the open market, working with a cash buyer might be the hassle-free solution you need. Both local and out-of-state investors continue to show interest in properties across the Palmetto State, although the market has been showing signs of cooling recently.
Now could be a good time to explore cash buyers, especially if you prioritize convenience and speed. In this guide, we’ll explain how to find reliable cash home buyers in South Carolina and provide a step-by-step breakdown of the cash sale process.
How to find cash home buyers in South Carolina
Want to sell your home quickly and with minimal effort? Cash buyers can be an excellent option. Here are some tips to help you locate trustworthy cash home buyers in South Carolina who may be ready to make an offer.
Work with a reputable local real estate agent
Even in a cash sale, working with a real estate agent can make the selling process more manageable. Agents often have connections with vetted cash buyers, saving you the time and hassle of researching different options.
An agent-recommended buyer can provide added reassurance, as they’ve already been evaluated and are ready to make a serious offer. If you don’t have an agent, HomeLight can match you with top-rated professionals in your area. While agents charge commissions, their experience and vast network can help simplify your sale.
Do your due diligence
It’s essential to carefully assess cash-for-home companies before proceeding with a sale. Start by checking platforms like the Better Business Bureau for reviews, and look for feedback on Google, Yelp, or Trustpilot. You can also contact your local office, which could include the BBB Serving Central South Carolina & Charleston and the BBB of Upstate South Carolina.
Examine the company’s history, licenses, and customer testimonials to confirm their reliability. Always ask for proof of funds, such as a bank statement, to ensure they have the financial ability to purchase your property. If a buyer is unwilling to provide this documentation, treat it as a red flag and consider looking for a more trustworthy option.
Inside the South Carolina cash home buyers market
South Carolina’s cash home-buying market includes real estate investors and other buyers who purchase homes without mortgages. Here’s a quick look at the main types of buyers and their motivations:
- New residents: Over the past few years, South Carolina has attracted many out-of-state buyers, some of whom are paying cash to streamline their relocation process. The state’s pleasant climate, low cost of living, and flourishing healthcare and tech sectors make it appealing to new residents. Cities like Myrtle Beach and Greenville are especially popular destinations.
- Baby Boomers: In 2024, 33% of all home sales in the U.S. were cash transactions. Among Older Boomers, 51% paid cash for their homes, while 53% of Silent Generation buyers paid in cash. This reflects their financial security and preference for avoiding mortgages.
- Property investors: This group includes institutional investors, house flippers, buy-and-hold landlords, wholesale buyers, and iBuyers, all aiming to capitalize on opportunities in South Carolina’s housing market.
- iBuyers: These companies often offer prices closer to market value than other investors. While their service fees and specific criteria may limit accessibility, they provide a fast and convenient option for sellers seeking a streamlined process.
Pros of working with a South Carolina cash home buyer
Selling your home for cash can offer a simple and efficient solution. Here’s how working with cash home buyers in South Carolina can benefit homeowners:
- Fast closings: Cash transactions in South Carolina typically close within days or weeks since there’s no waiting for mortgage approvals, drastically reducing the timeline.
- Fewer contingencies: Cash sales usually come with minimal or no contingencies, making them less likely to fall through due to financing or inspections.
- Sell as-is: Cash home buyers in South Carolina frequently purchase properties in their current condition, saving you time and money on repairs or upgrades.
- Streamlined process: The process is typically more straightforward than a traditional sale, with less paperwork and fewer steps to complete.
How to request a cash offer in South Carolina
If you want a seamless way to secure a cash offer for your home, HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform can connect you with the nation’s largest network of pre-approved and vetted investors.
By answering a few quick questions about your property, you can receive a no-obligation cash offer within 24 hours. If you choose to accept, you could close in as few as 10 days and even select a move-out date that works for you – up to 30 days after closing. Plus, there’s no need to worry about repairs, staging, or showings.
While cash offers are typically lower than what you might receive on the open market, traditional sales often come with fees amounting to 9% to 10% of your home’s sale price. Depending on your priorities, a cash buyer could ultimately save you both time and money.
How much are South Carolina cash home buyers willing to pay?
Cash investors and home-buying companies typically aim to purchase properties below market value. In exchange, sellers benefit from a faster and more convenient selling process. For instance, house flippers often adhere to the 70% rule, meaning they limit their purchase price to no more than 70% of a home’s after-repair value (ARV), including renovation costs.
Market conditions can also impact cash offers. In a seller’s market with high demand and limited inventory, cash offers may reach 80% to 85% of a home’s ARV as buyer competition intensifies. On the other hand, in a slower market, offers generally fall further below market value.
In South Carolina, the housing market has been cooling, with slowing sales and increasing inventory. However, home prices remain steady. Your cash offer will vary depending on your specific region.
What’s the process of selling to a South Carolina cash home buyer?
If you prioritize speed and simplicity, a cash home sale could be the perfect option for you. Here’s a general overview of how the process works when selling to cash home buyers in South Carolina.
Complete the South Carolina Residential Property Condition Disclosure Statement
- What it is: In South Carolina, sellers must disclose any defects before accepting an offer by completing the State Of South Carolina Residential Property Condition Disclosure Statement.
- Why it matters: Mandated disclosure laws ensure buyers receive important property details. Providing accurate disclosures is a legal requirement that helps prevent complications during the sale, even in a cash transaction.
- How cash buyers help: Many “We Buy Houses” companies in South Carolina will handle this paperwork for you. However, completing it ahead of time can expedite the process. Since cash buyers purchase homes as-is, disclosures are mainly a legal formality.
The buyer runs a title search on the property
- What it involves: Cash buyers perform a title search to verify property ownership and uncover potential issues, such as liens, undisclosed heirs, or boundary disputes.
- Why it’s important: Identifying and resolving title issues early ensures a smoother transaction and prevents delays.
The seller pays any associated fees
- Typical costs: Cash sales generally have fewer closing costs, but sellers may still need to pay transfer taxes, title insurance, escrow fees, and attorney fees.
- South Carolina’s transfer tax: In most states, transfer taxes are paid at closing. In South Carolina, the seller typically pays transfer taxes, but depending on the terms of the sales agreement, this can fall to the buyer. The state’s deed recording fee (essentially a transfer tax) is levied at a rate of $1.85 on realty values of $100 to $500 and an additional $1.85 for each $500 increment thereafter.
- Minimizing fees: Some “We Buy Houses” companies absorb these costs, but their offers are generally below market value, trading higher prices for convenience.
Deciding to sell to South Carolina cash home buyers
Even with current market fluctuations, South Carolina homeowners have strong opportunities to sell for cash.
Whether you choose to evaluate buyers on your own, work with a real estate agent, or explore an offer from Simple Sale, HomeLight can connect you with top professionals and essential tools. By leveraging South Carolina’s active investor market, we strive to simplify your selling experience and help you find a fast, effective solution for your home sale.
Editor’s note: As a friendly reminder, this blog post is meant for educational purposes, not legal or tax advice. HomeLight always encourages you to consult your own advisor.
Header Image Source: (Dar ius / Pexels)
- "South Carolina Housing Market: Trends & Forecast 2024-2025," Norada Real Estate Investments, Marco Santarelli (October 2024)
- "Strong In-Migration to South Carolina in Recent Years," South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce, Leah Price (January 2024)
- "Cash Rules," National Association of Realtors, Jessica Lautz (April 2023)
- "REALTORS® Confidence Index," National Association of Realtors® (November 2024)