Frequently Asked Questions
Columbia SC Real Estate FAQs
About The Hunt Team at Coldwell Banker Realty
Who is The Hunt Team at Coldwell Banker Realty?
The Hunt Team at Coldwell Banker Realty is a Columbia, South Carolina real estate team led by Brian and Melinda Hunt. The team serves Columbia, Blythewood, Elgin, Lexington, Camden, and surrounding Midlands communities.
How long have you been in real estate?
Brian Hunt has more than 25 years of experience in residential real estate brokerage.
How many homes do you sell each year?
The team consistently closes between 75 and 100 properties per year as a small team.
What types of properties do you handle?
The team handles resale homes, new construction, acreage, rural property, luxury homes, investment property, probate sales, and estate transactions.
Are you in the top 1 percent?
Yes. The Hunt Team consistently ranks in the top 1 percent within their company in the region.
Buying a Home in Columbia SC
Do I need to sign a buyer representation agreement?
Yes. As of August 2024, buyers in South Carolina must sign a written buyer representation agreement before touring homes.
How are buyer agents paid now?
Compensation is negotiated and documented in writing. It may be offered by the seller or negotiated separately as part of the contract.
Do you work with first time buyers?
Yes. The team explains financing, inspections, appraisals, timelines, and closing costs step by step.
Do you help with new construction?
Yes. The team works with builders across Columbia and surrounding counties and helps review contracts, inspections, and upgrade decisions.
Do you help with rural properties and land?
Yes. The team regularly works with properties that include acreage. Many rural properties require wells, septic systems, and rural zoning classifications.
Do you help buyers relocating to Columbia?
Yes. Many clients relocate for work, PCS military transfers, or retirement. The team provides market data and virtual consultation when needed.
Can you help with homes near the University of South Carolina?
Yes. The team works with buyers and investors near the University of South Carolina for primary residences and student housing investments.
Selling a Home in Columbia SC
How do you determine pricing?
Pricing is based on comparable sales, current competition, absorption rate, and overall market trends within the neighborhood and price range.
Should I price high and negotiate down?
Maybe. In most cases, pricing correctly at launch generates stronger activity and better leverage than starting high and reducing later.
What preparation should I do before listing?
The team provides guidance on repairs, updates, cleaning, and presentation to position the property competitively.
Do you assist with estate or probate sales?
Yes. The Hunt Team works with attorneys and families handling estate, probate, and inherited property situations.
Do you work with sellers who are out of state?
Yes. The team regularly coordinates repairs, inspections, contractors, and closing logistics for remote sellers.
What marketing do you provide?
Marketing includes MLS exposure, IDX website placement, syndication to major real estate platforms, targeted social media promotion, and direct agent outreach. We have a robust network of top producing real estate agents world-wide.
Investors and Advanced Transactions
Do you work with real estate investors?
Yes. The team works with rental property investors and resale properties.
Can you assist with 1031 exchanges?
Yes. The team coordinates with qualified intermediaries and closing attorneys to complete 1031 exchange transactions.
Do you help with owner financing or creative terms?
Yes. The team has experience structuring installment sales and owner financed transactions when appropriate. It is best that we connect you with a real estate attorney that can help you protect your investment.
Do you handle luxury properties?
Yes. The team represents higher priced homes, custom homes, luxury estates, and acreage estates throughout the Midlands.
Market and Process Questions
How long does it take to close in South Carolina?
Most transactions close within 30 to 45 days depending on financing and inspections.
Do you offer free home value estimates?
Yes. The team provides market based home value evaluations using current sales data.
What costs should buyers expect at closing?
Buyers typically pay lender fees, appraisal fees, inspection costs, prepaid property taxes, homeowners insurance, and attorney closing fees. The exact amount depends on financing type and purchase price.
What is earnest money and how much is normal?
Earnest money is a deposit that shows a buyer is serious about purchasing a home. In many Columbia area transactions, it is commonly around one percent of the purchase price, but it can vary.
What inspections are common in South Carolina?
Most buyers complete a home inspection, a wood infestation inspection known as a CL100, and an appraisal. Depending on the property, septic, well, roof, or HVAC inspections may also be recommended.
Can a buyer back out during due diligence?
Yes. During the due diligence period, buyers may terminate the contract under the terms agreed upon in writing.
Do I need an attorney to close in South Carolina?
Yes. South Carolina law requires attorney supervised real estate closings. The closing attorney prepares documents, oversees signing, and records the transaction.
What is a CL100?
A CL100 is a wood infestation inspection report required in most South Carolina real estate transactions. It identifies active or previous termite activity and related damage.
How competitive is the Columbia SC housing market?
Market conditions vary by price range and location. Entry level homes often move quickly, while higher price ranges may require careful pricing and marketing strategy.
Is Columbia SC a good place to live?
Yes, We love Columbia because it offers a mix of established neighborhoods, suburban communities, lake access, and proximity to major employers. The area also benefits from the presence of the University of South Carolina and state government employment. But do your research to make sure that Columbia aligns with your lifestyle.
What are the major employers in Columbia?
Major employers include the State of South Carolina, Prisma Health, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, Fort Jackson, and the University of South Carolina.
Is Blythewood growing?
Yes. Blythewood has experienced steady residential growth due to its location along I-77 and the availability of larger lot communities and newer construction neighborhoods.
What school districts serve the Midlands?
The Columbia area is primarily served by Richland One, Richland Two, Lexington One, and Lexington Richland Five school districts. School assignments should always be verified before purchase.
Are property taxes high in Columbia SC?
South Carolina property taxes are generally lower than many other states, especially for owner occupied primary residences that qualify for the four percent assessment ratio.
Can you help coordinate buying and selling at the same time?
Yes. The Hunt Team regularly structures contracts with contingencies that allow clients to sell and purchase within coordinated timelines.
Do you help military families relocating to or from Columbia?
Yes. The team works with military families connected to Fort Jackson and other assignments and understands relocation timelines and PCS requirements.
Do you provide market updates and data reports?
Yes. Clients receive data driven updates based on current sales activity, absorption rates, and neighborhood specific trends.
Why work with a local team instead of a national online platform?
A local team provides direct access to experienced agents who understand neighborhood trends, zoning, contract practices, and market behavior specific to Columbia and the Midlands.
How do I get started?
The first step is a conversation. Whether buying, selling, investing, or planning ahead, The Hunt Team at Coldwell Banker Realty will review your goals and outline a clear next step based on your situation.