South Carolina’s real estate market continues to benefit from strong population growth, economic development, and cooperation among industry professionals. During a recent webinar hosted by Chicago Title, SC REALTORS® CEO Nick Kremydas and Chief Legal Officer Byron King discussed market trends, regulatory updates, fraud prevention efforts, and legislative changes shaping the state’s real estate landscape.

South Carolina’s Strong Growth Continues

South Carolina remains one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, adding approximately 80,000 new residents over the past year. Growth has been concentrated in key markets such as Horry, Greenville, Charleston, York, Lexington, Spartanburg, Richland, Beaufort, Berkeley, and Lancaster counties.

This population influx continues to fuel housing demand while supporting economic growth and job creation across the state.

A More Balanced Housing Market

The state’s housing market is transitioning into a healthier, more balanced environment. The median home price is approximately $340,000, with modest year-over-year appreciation. Inventory levels have increased, giving buyers more options and reducing some of the pressures seen during recent competitive market cycles.

Homes are also spending more time on the market, creating additional opportunities for negotiation and helping establish a more predictable transaction environment for buyers, sellers, lenders, and attorneys.

Key Contract and Forms Updates

The South Carolina Association of Realtors has updated its residential forms to reflect changing regulations and industry practices.

One of the most significant changes involves compensation. Rather than including cooperative compensation language within standard contracts, compensation terms are now documented directly through listing agreements, buyer representation agreements, seller concessions, and dedicated compensation forms.

These updates promote greater transparency and help ensure that compensation arrangements are clearly documented before closing.

New Trust Fund Compliance Guidance

The South Carolina Real Estate Commission recently emphasized the importance of documenting earnest money deposits held outside brokerages.

Agents are encouraged to obtain written confirmation from attorneys or title companies whenever trust funds are received. Those confirmations should include:

• Property address
• Names of transaction parties
• Date funds were received
• Amount received

This documentation creates a clear compliance record and helps reduce misunderstandings throughout the transaction process.

Fraud Prevention Remains a Priority

Seller impersonation fraud and vacant land scams continue to challenge the real estate industry.

Fraudsters frequently target vacant, unencumbered, and non-owner-occupied properties using fake identities, forged documents, and fraudulent listings. Realtors are increasingly using verification tools, identity checks, and property-owner confirmation procedures to detect suspicious activity before a transaction progresses.

As artificial intelligence makes impersonation schemes more sophisticated, collaboration between Realtors, attorneys, lenders, and title professionals remains critical to protecting consumers.

Legislative Wins for Property Owners

Several legislative changes emerged from the 2025-2026 session that strengthen property rights and consumer protections.

Senate Bill 822, the Deed Verification and Deed Alert Protection Act, enhances safeguards against deed theft and fraudulent filings. House Bill 3387 creates a faster process for removing unlawful occupants and squatters from private property. House Bill 4477 helps families resolve heirs’ property title issues without triggering unfair tax consequences, making it easier to maintain or transfer inherited property.

The Association also supported efforts to prevent additional fees that could increase housing costs and further affect affordability.

Real Estate Is a Team Effort

The webinar concluded with a reminder that successful transactions depend on strong partnerships among Realtors, attorneys, lenders, title companies, and settlement professionals.

Whether identifying fraud risks, communicating financing updates, or ensuring proper documentation, each participant plays an important role in creating a smooth closing experience. As South Carolina continues to grow, that collaboration will remain essential to protecting consumers and maintaining confidence in the real estate marketplace.

The central message was simple: when real estate professionals work together, transactions run more smoothly, risks are reduced, and South Carolina’s housing market remains strong for everyone involved.