Top-Rated Realtor in Columbia, SC for Sellers: Why Patrick O’Connor Is The Best Realtor When Selling In 2026
If you’re a homeowner in downtown Columbia, SC, and you’ve typed “top-rated realtor in Columbia, SC for sellers” into Google, you likely know the market is shifting.
While median sale prices in the city are holding steady around $280,000, inventory in specific pockets like The Vista and Shandon is creeping up. The average home in Columbia is now sitting on the market for 42+ days.
In 2026, putting a sign in the yard isn't enough. You need a strategy that understands the difference between selling a historic bungalow in Earlewood and a luxury condo in the Vista.
In a market where buyers are increasingly selective, only one agent consistently delivers faster sales, higher prices, and a stress-free experience: Patrick O’Connor.
Columbia Market Pulse: Hyper-Local Insights (2026 Forecast)
To sell for top dollar right now, you need an agent who understands the hyper-local shifts happening street by street. A marketing plan that works for a new build in Lexington will fail for a historic home in Shandon.
Here is what we are seeing on the ground in Columbia’s most sought-after neighborhoods:
1. Shandon
The Market Reality: Shandon remains the "Gold Standard" for downtown living, with median list prices hovering around $532,000 and homes selling in roughly 37 days. However, buyers are becoming sensitive to condition. They want the "historic charm" (hardwoods, molding) but are punishing sellers for "historic headaches" (old wiring, unrenovated kitchens).
Our Team's Strategy: We sell the "Front Porch Lifestyle." Shandon isn't just about the house; it's about walking to Devine Street for coffee. We stage these homes to highlight the blend of historic character and modern livability, often advising on high-ROI "micro-updates" before listing to ensure you don't leave money on the table.
2. The Vista
The Market Reality: The Vista market is condo-heavy, and inventory here can sit longer (averaging 58 days) because buyers have so many similar options. If your unit looks like every other unit in the building, you will be forced to compete on price alone.
Our Team's Strategy: We refuse to compete on price; we compete on "Vibe." We use twilight photography and interior video tours that showcase the nightlife, the high ceilings, and the urban energy. We target young professionals and investors who aren't buying square footage—they are buying the ability to walk to work.
3. Forest Hills
The Market Reality: With its rolling hills and unique architecture, Forest Hills appeals to a specific buyer looking for character without the grid-layout of Shandon. Inventory here is tight, often selling in under 45 days when priced correctly.
Our Team's Strategy: We emphasize the "Garden District" feel. Our drone videography is essential here to show the topography and the mature canopy that makes Forest Hills unique. We position these homes as "private retreats" minutes from the city center, driving urgency among buyers who want quiet luxury.
4. Heathwood
The Market Reality: This is established wealth and architectural pedigree. Prices in Historic Heathwood often exceed $1 Million, attracting buyers who want privacy and prestige. However, these buyers are incredibly detailed—they inspect slate roofs, copper gutters, and mature oak trees with a fine-tooth comb.
Our Team's Strategy: We use a "Velvet Rope" marketing approach. For Heathwood, we often utilize "Quiet Listings" (pre-marketing to top luxury agents) before hitting the MLS. Our video production emphasizes the "Estate Feel" of the neighborhood, showcasing the canopy of trees and architectural details that justify the premium price point.
5. Rosewood
The Market Reality: Rosewood is one of the hottest markets in Columbia right now, with homes moving in 20 days or less. The median price point (~$267k) makes it a battleground for first-time buyers and investors.
Our Team's Strategy: Speed is the weapon. We aggressively pre-market Rosewood listings to generate a "line out the door" effect on Day 1. By organizing open houses immediately and driving traffic through social ads, we aim to generate multiple offers within 48 hours to drive the price above asking.
6. Earlewood
The Market Reality: Earlewood has seen a massive resurgence. Buyers love the historic bungalows and the proximity to NoMa and the BullStreet District. It is a seller's market, but appraisals can sometimes be a challenge due to the variety of home sizes.
Our Team's Strategy: We focus on "The Next Big Thing." We market Earlewood homes by highlighting the rapid appreciation and the development of the surrounding North Main area. We help buyers see the long-term investment value, encouraging strong offers that stick.
7. Forest Acres
The Market Reality: Forest Acres is often called "a city within a city," and in 2026, it is the #1 destination for families who want better lot sizes without leaving the dining/shopping options of Forest Drive. The median price is holding strong at $419,000+, but the market here is split: renovated ranchers sell in days, while "original condition" homes are sitting.
Our Team's Strategy: We market the "Convenience Factor." We highlight the specific proximity to Trenholm Plaza (Trader Joe's, Lowes Foods) and the sought-after Satchel Ford/Crayton school zones. We guide sellers on the exact cosmetic updates (often opening up a kitchen wall) that yield a 5x return on investment.
8. Kings Grant
The Market Reality: As one of Columbia's premier gated communities, Kings Grant offers a level of security and exclusivity (avg value $900k+) that is hard to find elsewhere. The buyer pool here is specific: executives and medical professionals who demand safety and amenities.
Our Team's Strategy: We sell the "Peace of Mind." Since we can't easily do drive-by traffic for open houses due to the gate, our digital strategy is critical. We use targeted ads to reach specific professionals (doctors at nearby Prisma Health/VA Hospital) who value the short commute and the lock-and-leave lifestyle.
9. Wheeler Hill
The Market Reality: Wheeler Hill is a unique "hidden gem" offering incredible skyline views and walkability to USC and Five Points, without the noise. The inventory here is low, and homes are unique—often contemporary or custom-built with values hovering near $580k.
Our Team's Strategy: We target the "Urban Academic." This neighborhood is a magnet for university faculty and professionals who want a walking lifestyle. Our photography highlights the skyline views and the proximity to the university, positioning the home as a sophisticated urban retreat rather than just a suburban house.
Visual Proof: Marketing That Stops the Scroll
Many agents take photos with a cell phone. We are a media company that happens to sell real estate.
In 2025, buyers are scrolling through hundreds of listings on Zillow. You have 3 seconds to grab their attention. If your home doesn't look like a magazine cover, they keep scrolling.
Captivating Video Including Drone Footage: To show the neighborhood, the lot, and location.
Stunning Professional Photography: Buyers have a preconceived notion of value before steping through the door, so we want to present the home in its best light. This approach especially provides out-of-state buyers (a huge demographic for Lexington right now) the ability t get a clear picture of what your property offers.
Targeted Social Ads: We don't just post on Facebook once; we run paid ads targeting buyers searching for homes in your specific price range.
Table of Contents
The Market Has Shifted: What Sellers Need to Know
Backed by 355+ Five-Star Reviews
Lexington Market Pulse: Hyper-Local Neighborhood Insights
Saluda River Club
Governor’s Grant
Golden Hills
Turner’s Pointe
Summerlake
Kenwood
Springhill Lake
Visual Proof: Marketing That Stops the Scroll
Why Patrick O’Connor Is the Clear Choice in 2025
Contact the Top-Rated Realtor in Lexington, SC
Visual Proof: Marketing That Stops the Scroll
Many agents take photos with a cell phone. We are a media company that happens to sell real estate.
In 2025, buyers are scrolling through hundreds of listings on Zillow. You have 3 seconds to grab their attention. If your home doesn't look like a magazine cover, they keep scrolling.
Captivating Video Including Drone Footage: To show the neighborhood, the lot, and location.
Stunning Professional Photography: Buyers have a preconceived notion of value before stepping through the door, so we want to present the home in its best light. This approach especially provides out-of-state buyers (a huge demographic for Lexington right now) the ability t get a clear picture of what your property offers.
Targeted Social Ads: We don't just post on Facebook once; we run paid ads targeting buyers searching for homes in your specific price range.
Best Real Estate Agent in Elgin, SC
Why Patrick O’Connor Is the Clear Choice in 2026
In a changing market, "average" agents get average results. You need an agent who protects your equity.
Speed: With 3 month listing agreements and a focus on getting your home sold as fast as possible, our team’s listings sell faster than the market average - reducing your holding costs.
Your Profit: With a list to contract average of 99.2%, we’re obsesesed with getting you as much money as possible so you tell everyone about us.
Volume: In 2025, The Patrick O’Connor Team helped 200 families and was at the top of the pack ranking #1 in Columbia’s MLS and listing and selling more listings than any other agent in the Midlands of South Carolina.
Best Real Estate Agent in Elgin, SC
About Patrick O’Connor at Coldwell Banker Realty.
Patrick O'Connor is the founder and leader of The Patrick O'Connor Team at Coldwell Banker, specializing in real estate across the SC Midlands including Lake Murray real estate. As a top realtor, he has assisted over 1,500 families in buying and selling homes and is recognized as the #1 Coldwell Banker team in South Carolina, Patrick brings unparalleled expertise in the Midlands of South Carolina real estate market, earning accolades for his dedication and success in the industry.