5 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in South Carolina
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Richard Haddad Executive EditorClose
Richard Haddad Executive EditorRichard Haddad is the executive editor of HomeLight.com. He works with an experienced content team that oversees the company’s blog featuring in-depth articles about the home buying and selling process, homeownership news, home care and design tips, and related real estate trends. Previously, he served as an editor and content producer for World Company, Gannett, and Western News & Info, where he also served as news director and director of internet operations.
It’s likely that you’ve spotted those “We Buy Houses” signs around South Carolina. These companies make all-cash offers for homes, even those in need of repairs.
If you’re a homeowner in South Carolina and find yourself needing a quick sale, perhaps due to unexpected events or life changes, a cash sale can be your ticket out. It lets you bypass lengthy renovations, sidestep the traditional market, and dive straight into your next chapter.
But is it the right move for you? In this post, we’ll delve into the process and the pros and cons of selling to Cash-For-Homes companies in South Carolina to help you weigh your options.
Sell Your House Fast in South Carolina With a Cash Offer
Get an all-cash, no-obligation offer on your South Carolina home through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform whenever you’re ready. Receive your offer in 24 hours and close in as few as 10 days. No showings, no repairs, no open houses.
Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Links and mentions of South Carolina “we buy houses” companies should not be considered endorsements.
Working with house-buying companies in South Carolina
If you’re considering a We Buy Houses company in South Carolina, here’s an example of what you can expect the process to look like:
- Research reputable companies: Start by identifying legitimate and well-reviewed house-buying companies operating in South Carolina.
- Initiate contact: Reach out to your chosen company, typically through their website or phone number. Provide necessary details about your property.
- Schedule a property walkthrough: The company will arrange a time to visit your home. This allows them to evaluate its condition and determine an appropriate offer.
- Receive a cash offer: After the walkthrough, expect a cash offer in a short timeframe. These offers are usually non-negotiable and reflect the company’s estimate of the property’s value minus any repair or renovation costs.
- Review and accept (or decline) the offer: Take the time to assess the proposal. While it may be below market value, the speed and convenience can often outweigh this downside. We’ll look at offer prices more closely later in this post.
- Close the deal: If you accept the offer, the company will handle most of the paperwork and logistics. In many cases, you can expect to complete the sale and receive your cash within days or a week.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in South Carolina
If the process of selling to a house-buying company in South Carolina sounds good to you, it’s time to find a legitimate operation you can trust.
We’ve compiled some top companies that will pay cash for your Charleston Single House or your parents’ Coastal Style Beach House. By selling to one of these companies, you should be able to sell your South Carolina home in as little as a week or two.
Charleston House Buyers
Charleston House Buyers is a family-owned and operated real estate company based in Charleston. They have served over 400 families in real estate transactions since they started in 2019. They provide a cash offer and explain the current market conditions and reasoning that led to the home valuation. Their no-pressure approach and dedication to offering the best cash offer possible have made them a reputable choice for homeowners looking to sell their South Carolina property.
Locations: Charleston House Buyers buys houses in Goose Creek, North Charleston, Summerville, James Island, West Ashley, and Mount Pleasant in South Carolina.
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Charleston House Buyers covers them.
Charleston House Buyers has been BBB accredited since 2020 and holds an A+ rating. The company also has a 5-star rating on Google. Customer reviews for Charleston House Buyers speak to their professionalism, efficiency, and exceptional customer care. Clients say the staff demonstrates great attention to detail and follows through on their promises, making customers feel confident in their services. Their ability to present fair and competitive offers, along with their smooth and easy transaction process, receives high commendations from South Carolina sellers.
Website: chshousebuyers.com
Phone number: 843-800-2039
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in South Carolina (and across the country) can request a cash offer for their home. Simple Sale connects you to the largest network of cash buyers in the U.S. Partner investors have a wide range of investment strategies, including fix-and-flip and buy-and-hold. This enables Simple Sale to provide cash offers for a wide array of properties, even those that need some or a lot of work, in different locations throughout South Carolina.
With Simple Sale, you can get a no-obligation, all-cash offer in 24 hours and sell your home in as few as 10 days, skipping the months it can take to sell the traditional way.
Locations: Nationwide, including South Carolina.
Closing costs: No prep costs, no agent commissions, and no fees charged by HomeLight. Individual investor fees may vary.
Simple Sale is a HomeLight platform. HomeLight was founded in 2012 and is BBB accredited with an A+ rating. The company has 4.8 stars on Google based on hundreds of reviews. Below you can hear about how Baohan Wu, a seller who used Simple Sale to sell his high-rise apartment, closed within three and a half weeks and what he thought of the process overall.
Learn more: homelight.com/simple
Phone number: 844-488-8455
Myrtle Beach Home Buyers
Myrtle Beach Home Buyers is a reputable cash home-buying company that operates as a family-owned business. The staff holds honesty, accountability, and exceptional customer service as its core values. Myrtle Beach Home Buyers purchases properties as-is, eliminating the need for repairs or improvements. They are a popular local choice for homeowners facing urgent situations or properties in need of major repairs. The company prides itself on providing local expertise and transparent offers.
Locations: Based in Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach Home Buyers buys houses, condos, apartments, and mobile homes in Horry County, Georgetown County, Florence County, and Darlington County in South Carolina, and Brunswick County, North Carolina.
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Myrtle Beach Home Buyers covers them.
Myrtle Beach Home Buyers holds a 5-star rating on Google with 100 reviews. The company has been BBB accredited since 2018 and holds an A+ rating. Clients commend Myrtle Beach Home Buyers for their excellent service and smooth home-selling process. The company’s team is noted as helpful, trustworthy, and promptly addresses questions even relating to rental properties with extensive damage. Overall, clients feel that Myrtle Beach Home Buyers are reliable, responsive, and true to their word.
Website: myrtlebeachhomebuyers.com
Phone number: 843-507-5058
Fast Charleston House Buyer
Fast Charleston House Buyer is a family-owned business with a solid track record in the Charleston area since 2007. Fast Charleston House Buyer is led by a third-generation real estate investor, ensuring local expertise. The company differentiates itself by offering transparent and math-based offers, factoring in both the value of the property if completely updated and the cost of renovations. They advertise: “We can literally have an offer in your hands in 24 hours or less for your consideration.”
Locations: Charleston and the surrounding area, specifically Charleston, Dorchester, and Berkeley County, South Carolina
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Fast Charleston House Buyer covers them.
Fast Charleston Home Buyer has been BBB accredited since 2020 and holds an A+ rating. It has a 4.1-star rating on Google. Clients appreciate the knowledgeable, honest, and respectful approach of the team. The company is praised for providing regular updates and working closely with customers even when they are in different states, accommodating their needs during the selling process.
Website: fastcharlestonhousebuyer.com
Phone number: 843-920-5696
Columbia Cash Home Buyers
Columbia Cash Home Buyers is a real estate solutions company located in Columbia, South Carolina. They have been serving the community for over a decade, leveraging their family’s generations of experience in the area. As a family-owned business, they take pride in assisting homeowners facing challenging situations such as foreclosure, burdensome properties, or probate. They provide quick solutions, allowing homeowners to sell their properties within seven days without the need for repairs, cleaning, or closing costs.
Locations: Blythewood, Cayce, Chapin, Elgin, Forest Acres, Hopkins, Irmo, Lexington, Richland County, West Columbia, Gilbert, Lugoff, Leesville, North Augusta, Rock Hill, Newberry, Sumter, Aiken, and Orangeburg, South Carolina; and Augusta, Georgia.
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Columbia Cash Home Buyers covers them.
Columbia Cash Home Buyers is a BBB-accredited company with an A+ rating. Past clients praise the company for its ease and efficiency in the selling process. The team is described as friendly, professional, and courteous, with special mentions for Kim and Marissa. One client expressed appreciation for the fair offer and flexibility, making the emotional process of selling a home after 40 years much more manageable. The company had built a reputation as genuine, no-nonsense professionals. Columbia Cash Home Buyers holds a 4.4-star rating on Google.
Website: columbiacashhomebuyers.com
Phone number: 803-592-2353
Why sell your South Carolina house for cash?
There are plenty of valid reasons a South Carolina home seller may choose to work with a Cash-For-Homes company. Leading the list are the benefits of speed, certainty, and remarkable convenience.
In South Carolina, it typically takes around 99 days to sell a home on the market using an agent. That includes an average of 56 days on the market, plus the typical 43 days a buyer needs to close on a purchase loan.
Compare that to the typical seven to 10 days promised by many house-buying companies in South Carolina, and it’s clear why these We Buy Houses groups are an attractive option, even though they don’t always offer top dollar for the homes they purchase.
Let’s take a quick look at some common scenarios South Carolina homeowners might encounter where turning to a house-buying company could be a good solution:
- Property damages: Your home may have suffered from issues like hurricane damage or flooding, which are prevalent in the state.
- Urgent life events: You may face a divorce, medical emergency, financial upheaval, or sudden job relocation and need a fast sale.
- Lack of funds for repairs: Not everyone has the resources or inclination to spruce up a property before selling.
- Avoiding sale-related stress: You’d rather bypass the hassles of home staging, handling showings, or wading through complex negotiations.
- Desire for discretion: Selling your house off-market to a cash buyer provides a higher level of privacy, particularly if you wish to keep the sale quiet.
- Foreclosure looming: If you’re on the brink of foreclosure, selling to a cash buyer can be a way to swiftly settle debts and prevent further damage to your credit.
- Handling an inherited property: Dealing with inherited homes can be overwhelming, especially if they come with their own set of issues.
- Exiting the landlord role: You might be a landlord tired of property management or eager to rid yourself of problematic tenants.
- Aging and downsizing: As you age, you or your family might find it more convenient to quickly sell your property, especially if you’re downsizing, transitioning to assisted living, or moving in with relatives.
- Living out-of-state: Managing a property sale from afar can be cumbersome. A quick cash sale becomes an attractive option in such cases.
If any of these scenarios resonate with your situation, considering a cash offer from a We Buy Houses company in South Carolina might be a step in the right direction. Nonetheless, as with all pivotal decisions, it’s crucial to know the pros and cons and explore every avenue.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in South Carolina
Choosing to sell your home to a house-buying company in South Carolina offers the twin advantages of speed and hassle-free sales, even if your house isn’t in pristine condition. Here’s a look at the major benefits:
Pros
- Speedy process: House-buying companies often close deals within days or weeks, letting you move on quickly.
- No need for repairs: These companies purchase properties as-is, saving you time, effort, and money on renovations.
- Eliminate traditional sale hassles: You won’t need to stage, advertise, or coordinate open houses, streamlining your sale.
- No added costs: Selling directly means you’ll avoid commissions, closing costs, and other fees typical of traditional sales.
However, this convenience comes with its own set of trade-offs. Notably, you will likely end up receiving an offer below your home’s potential market value. Let’s break down some of the drawbacks:
Cons
- Lower than market value offers: Most companies follow the 70% rule, meaning they’ll only offer you 70% of your home’s after-repair value, minus repair costs.
- Less negotiation power: Most offers from these companies are take-it-or-leave-it, leaving you little room to negotiate.
- You may feel pressured: Some house-buying groups may prey on your urgent situation, leading to pressure tactics or unfavorable deals.
- Potential for scams: Like any industry, there are unscrupulous operators. Ensuring that you’re working with a reputable company is paramount.
Curious What Your Home Is Worth?
Get a near-instant real estate house price estimate from HomeLight for free. Our tool analyzes the records of recently sold homes near you, your home’s last sale price, and other market trends to provide a preliminary range of value in under two minutes.
Vet cash buyers and know your home’s worth
When you decide to partner with a We Buy Houses for Cash company in South Carolina, the quality of service and integrity you encounter will largely depend on the character of the individual or group behind the offer.
It’s crucial that before you put your trust (and property) in their hands, you conduct thorough research. Dive into online reviews, pore over testimonials, and investigate their market presence and track record. Moreover, your home is an invaluable asset. Even if you are in a hurry to sell, there’s wisdom in pausing and getting additional insights.
HomeLight suggests you consult with an experienced South Carolina agent to get a better idea of what your home might be worth if sold on the open market. Then, compare your cash offer. HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing agent in your market. You can also use HomeLight’s Home Value Estimator to get an initial ballpark estimate in less than two minutes.
Other options to sell your South Carolina home quickly
iBuyers
iBuyers, or instant buyers, use automated valuation models to provide quick home value estimates and a mostly online selling experience. They give all-cash offers, often closer to market value, for homes in good condition. The entire process can be as fast as a few days to two weeks.
Notable iBuyers like Opendoor and Offerpad do charge service fees around 5%-6% and best suit homes in areas with uniform housing.
Listing with an agent
Though traditional, listing with a top South Carolina real estate agent can result in a swift sale in a seller-friendly market, especially if the property is well-priced and expertly marketed. A major advantage is the potential for a higher selling price. HomeLight data indicates that the top 5% of agents sell homes for up to 10% more than average agents.
Agents also provide a comparative market analysis (CMA), a valuable tool to determine a home’s worth, potentially leading to faster sales and higher proceeds. Many agents will offer a CMA for free just to have a chance to consult with you about your sale. An agent with a strong network might also link you with cash buyers.
Considering listing with an agent? HomeLight can connect you with a top real estate expert in your South Carolina city.
FAQs on South Carolina house-buying companies
By and large, most We Buy Houses for Cash companies in South Carolina are legitimate businesses. Their services and transaction fees may differ, but the business model has been around for decades. If you use an established group with a track record, you can be fairly confident that it’s legit.
That said, as with any financial transaction, it’s a good idea to be on the alert for scams. Always research companies before you sign a contract. Check customer reviews, look at their online presence, verify professional licenses, get a referral if possible, and vet the company on the Better Business Bureau website. Watch for anything that just doesn’t seem right.
As described in our pros and cons list above, most South Carolina We Buy Houses for Cash companies apply the 70% rule, meaning they’ll offer you about 70% of your home’s after-repair value, minus their estimated repair costs.
Here’s an example of what a simplified formula might look like:
(Your home’s ARV x .70) – repair costs
To see how this might work in a real-world scenario, let’s take a look at an example offer equation. Let’s say your South Carolina Charleston Single House could sell for $384,000 after repairs, but it’s going to need $30,000 of work to get there.
($384,000 x .70) – $30,000 = $238,800
In this example, a South Carolina We Buy Houses company might offer you around $238,800 for your home.
However, different types of house-buying companies will offer varying amounts for homes. As mentioned previously, iBuyers tend to pay more than We Buy Houses companies because iBuyers look for homes in better condition. An iBuyer might pay you 85%-95% of market value while charging a fee for their services.
When you accept an offer from a South Carolina We Buy Houses for Cash company, you will likely be coming to grips with a two-edged sword. On the one side, it shouldn’t cost you any additional money because these companies make an offer and handle almost everything once the offer is accepted. On the other side, you’ll likely get less money overall for your home.
Because We Buy Houses for Cash companies tend to focus on distressed homes, they typically have zero fees. Many will even cover your closing costs. In most cases, this means that the cash offer you receive is going to be the price you walk away with at the end of the deal. Of course, it’s always a good idea to flat-out ask the company if there are any hidden program fees that might impact your bottom line.
- Research and vet the house-buying companies that serve your South Carolina area. Our list above is a good place to start.
- Submit offer requests to a few of the companies you like best.
- Schedule any required on-site property visits.
- Compare offers. Weigh the pros and cons and choose the best option for you.
- Close the sale in a week to 30 days and get paid. (Some companies will let you choose a closing date up to 90 days after accepting the offer, which can be helpful when planning a move).
We Buy Houses for Cash in South Carolina vs. top South Carolina agent
Another helpful exercise is to compare how a We Buy Houses for Cash company might stack up against working with a real estate agent. Let’s take a glance at how different aspects of the sale might look, and compare possible proceeds.
| Aspect of the sale | Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in South Carolina | Sell with a top Realtor in South Carolina |
| Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 99 days average; 56 to attract an offer, 43 to close the loan |
| Home preparations | None | Deep clean, declutter, make necessary repairs, landscape, stage home |
| Showings | None | 10 to 25 showings average |
| Inspections / repairs | None | May need to make additional repairs for the buyer or renegotiate the price |
| Appraisal | None | May need to lower your asking price if the appraisal comes in low |
| Title search | Cash-For-Homes companies often handle title issues | Must clear title before you can sell home |
| Financing contingency | None | Mortgaged buyers use a financing contingency that could hold up the deal if the buyer’s loan doesn’t clear |
| Agent commission | None | 3%-5.8% average* |
| Closing costs | None | 1% to 3% of the home sale price on top of agent commission* |
Example net proceeds
Below, we’ve put together one example of how net proceeds may differ between selling a home to a We Buy Houses for Cash company and an agent-assisted sale.
Let’s say your home in South Carolina is currently worth about $354,000 and needs about $30,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $384,000.
| Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in South Carolina | Sell with a top Realtor in South Carolina | |
| Estimated sale price | ($384,000 x .70) – $30,000 = $238,800 | $354,000 |
| Market preparations | 0 | $3,540 (1% of sale price) |
| Agent commissions | 0 | $10,620 (5.8% of sale price) |
| Closing costs | 0 | $5,310 (1.5%) |
| Estimated take-home for seller | $238,800 | $334,530 |
As this example illustrates, financially, it’s usually in your best interest to partner with an experienced real estate agent.
Agent commission changes
*On March 15, 2024, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) announced a landmark lawsuit settlement that will change the way real estate agent commissions are handled in the future. These changes will “decouple” seller and buyer agent compensation. Industry experts predict that this decoupling will likely lower agent fees and give buyers the ability to negotiate commission amounts directly. Learn more.
However, net proceeds are not the only consideration when selling a home. What’s best in your situation will depend on the condition of your property, what level of repairs are needed, and your selling objectives. It could be that selling on the open market will be a challenge in your area, or the agent timeline might not fit your immediate needs.
Key takeaways
- Speedy sales: We Buy Houses companies in South Carolina offer quick, all-cash transactions, freeing you from the traditional, lengthy selling process.
- No repairs needed: These companies buy homes in as-is condition, sparing you the hassle and expense of making repairs or staging your home.
- Offers below market value: Typically, house-buying companies provide offers below the market value, so you might not maximize your home’s potential profit.
- Vet carefully: The experience varies between cash buyers, so research, read reviews, and understand the buying agreement thoroughly before committing.
- Other options available: Beyond Cash-For-Homes companies, consider iBuyers or traditional real estate agents for potentially better offers and market insights.
- Knowledge is power: Knowing your home’s worth and potential market value helps in making an informed decision, whether selling to a cash buyer or on the market.
In your journey to sell your South Carolina home, it’s essential to arm yourself with information and multiple offers. Taking time to weigh your options ensures you make the best choice for your situation.
At HomeLight, we’re here to assist you with your real estate needs, whether you’re looking for a no-obligation cash offer or seeking to consult with a top South Carolina agent to help you sell your property quickly and at the best price. Let us help you make an informed and confident decision.
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