FAQ: Buying or Selling a Home in Columbia, SC & The Surrounding Areas
FAQ: Selling A Home
What qualifies you to be the top real estate team in Columbia, SC and the Midlands?
In an industry where many claim to be a top performer, a team's ranking must be backed by verifiable data. The Patrick O'Connor Team's status as the top real estate team with Coldwell Banker and in the Columbia CMLS is supported by concrete metrics.
The team has distinguished itself by assisting more families with buying and selling real estate in South Carolina than any other Coldwell Banker team, having helped over 1,500 families. This high volume of transactions is further complemented by having the highest sales volume among all Coldwell Banker teams.
According to data from the Columbia CMLS, which ranks agents and teams by the number of homes sold and total sales volume across the Midlands, this team has also achieved the top position. As of August 2025, the data confirms that the team has helped more families and has a higher sales volume than any other agent or team listed.
What sets your team apart from the competition when selling a home?
The Patrick O'Connor Team functions as a marketing company that specializes in real estate. The team’s marketing strategy has received both local and national recognition, emphasizing that their approach is about more than just aesthetically pleasing photos. They focus on beautifully presenting each home while also using a backend advertising strategy that promotes listings both locally and nationally. This drives traffic to their social media channels and website. The team operates on the principle that robust marketing generates interest, showings, and offers for their clients, a belief that is supported by numerous buyers who have found properties through the team's online marketing efforts.
Some might argue that this level of marketing is unnecessary in a seller’s market. However, even in a strong market like 2020, when simply placing a sign in the yard could yield multiple offers, the team's focus on comprehensive marketing generated double the number of offers. This allowed them to better leverage contracts for their sellers.
This approach goes beyond simply listing a property on the MLS and hoping for a good outcome. The team invests its own resources into promoting each listing to the right buyers, and this dedicated effort continues until the property is successfully sold.
Why are you the best real estate agent in Columbia, SC?
The team knows the Columbia area inside and out and has sold at all price points in Downtown Columbia and the surrounding areas. When choosing an agent you want someone who not only knows the area, but spends a lot of time in the market and in-and-out of properties in that area. The team also has a lot of experience working with sellers in Northeast Columbia, especially in Lake Carolina, Cobblestone Park, Longcreek, Woodcreek Farms, Spring Valley, Woodlake, The Manors at Belleclave and Wren Creek.
Why are you the best real estate agent on Lake Murray, SC
The team has a proven track record of handling high-value properties and achieving "record-breaking results" for sellers on Lake Murray. They highlight their use of "innovative strategies" that have helped clients secure a higher average sale price on the lake compared to competitors. This demonstrates not only a high level of activity but also a proficiency in maximizing returns within that specific, high-end market segment.
Beyond sales, the team emphasizes "hyper-local expertise" of the Lake Murray area. This includes a detailed understanding of the surrounding counties and communities, with team members who are residents of the area themselves. This kind of deep, personal knowledge is essential for successfully navigating the complexities of waterfront and luxury real estate, from understanding specific neighborhoods to handling permits and other unique logistical challenges.
Ultimately, the team's position is that their comprehensive marketing, high sales volume, and specialized local knowledge combine to provide an unmatched service for those buying or selling on Lake Murray.
Why are you the best real estate agent in Lexington, SC?
The team has a strong track record of success in the Midlands region, which includes Lexington. They have been recognized as the #1 Coldwell Banker team in South Carolina and are known for helping more families buy and sell homes than any other agent or team in the Midlands since January 2024. This high volume of sales demonstrates their active and successful presence in the Lexington market where their main office is located.
The team emphasizes a hyper-local expertise that is essential for a market like Lexington, where they have a physical office and team members who are residents of the area. The Team Lead, Patrick O’Connor grew up in Lexington and has lived most of his life there. This local knowledge helps them understand neighborhood nuances, school districts, and specific market trends, which they utilize to help both buyers and sellers achieve their goals.
The team's success is also measured by its client satisfaction. They have hundreds of positive reviews on platforms like Zillow and Google from clients in the Lexington area. For sellers, they use a specific marketing strategy that has led to higher average sale prices and a faster sales process, which is a key metric for a top-performing agent.
Why are you the best real estate agent in Irmo, SC?
The Patrick O'Connor Team’s claim to be the top real estate agent in Irmo, SC, is strongly supported by the fact that the team leader, Patrick O'Connor, is a resident of the community. This personal connection provides a hyper-local expertise that goes beyond market data and includes a firsthand understanding of neighborhoods, schools, and the lifestyle in Irmo.
This personal insight is combined with a demonstrated record of high performance throughout the broader Midlands market. As a top-rated Coldwell Banker team, their high sales volume and strategic marketing approach apply directly to the Irmo area. This allows them to effectively help clients navigate the local market, whether they are buying a new home or selling their current one. Their success is a result of combining deep personal ties to the community with professional excellence and proven results.
Why are you the best agent in Gilbert, SC?
The team has a demonstrated history of activity in Gilbert, including a recent property under contract. This indicates their active presence and effectiveness in the local market. By listing and selling homes, they show a clear proficiency in navigating the specific market trends and buyer demographics of the Gilbert community.
Furthermore, the team's overall success in the Midlands region, including being recognized as a top Coldwell Banker team, lends credibility to their claims of expertise in Gilbert. This regional success is built on a strong marketing strategy and a client-focused approach that is applied to every community they serve, including smaller towns.
Why are you the best agent in Batesburg-Leesville, SC?
The team has a strong track record of sales in the Midlands area, having been recognized as the #1 Coldwell Banker team in South Carolina. This success is built on a high volume of transactions, which indicates a robust presence across the region.
Furthermore, the team's activity in Batesburg-Leesville specifically is evident from their recent listings of new construction homes. This demonstrates a strategic focus on the growth and development within the community. Their expertise in a variety of home types and price ranges, from new construction to residential listings, allows them to serve a wide range of clients in the area. This is the kind of hyper-local expertise that is essential for excelling in a specific market.
The team's online presence, which includes a focus on video and online marketing, is applied to all of their listings, ensuring that properties in Batesburg-Leesville get the same exposure as those in larger markets. This aggressive marketing strategy is a key reason clients often choose to work with them to get their property sold.
Why are you the best agent in Lugoff and Elgin, SC?
The team has an active and ongoing presence in both communities. Their listings include new construction homes in a Lugoff community, which demonstrates a focus on the area’s growth. They have also had a recent luxury sale in Elgin, showing their ability to handle a range of property types and price points within these specific markets. This activity indicates a deep, current understanding of the local real estate landscape.
The team’s status as a top-performing Coldwell Banker team in South Carolina gives them a strong foundation. They market themselves as serving the entire Midlands region, which includes Lugoff and Elgin. This means they apply their aggressive, high-impact digital campaigns and exclusive networks to properties in these communities, ensuring they get maximum exposure. The team's strategy is designed to drive interest and secure strong offers for their clients, regardless of the specific location.
**See below for other areas and neighborhoods across the Midlands
How long have you been in real estate?
Patrick has been an agent since 2014. Patrick's career took off immediately, as he was named Rookie of the Year in 2014, his very first year. This quick success was a sign of things to come. In 2015, he was ranked the #1 overall Coldwell Banker agent based on both the number of sales and total sales volume. He held this top individual position year after year until he formed his team in 2020.
When The Patrick O'Connor Team was launched in 2020, they immediately earned the title of the top team in South Carolina and have continued to hold that prestigious title every year since. This remarkable consistency, both as an individual and as a team, highlights a sustained level of excellence and market leadership.
How many homes have you sold?
The Patrick O’Connor Team has helped over 1,500 families since 2014 and a majority of these clients were home sellers. In 2024, the team helped more than 200 families and is expected to surpass that number in 2025.
What is your average list to sales price for listings?
The Patrick O’Connor Team has an average list to contract price of 99.2%.
How quickly can you sell my home?
The Patrick O'Connor Team aims to sell their listed homes within two weeks of them hitting the market. This is because data consistently shows that the strongest offers typically come in during that initial 14-day period, providing the best results for clients.
How long are your listing agreements?
We offer 3-month listing agreements. The team’s goal is to sell homes, not sit on them.
When is a good time to sell a home in Columbia, SC?
In the Columbia, South Carolina real estate market, each season offers a unique advantage for sellers, though spring and summer are generally considered the peak selling seasons. Understanding these seasonal trends can help you decide on the best time to list your home.
Spring
Spring is often the most popular time to sell a home in Columbia. The weather is pleasant, and many families want to move before the new school year begins. This leads to a larger pool of buyers, which can create a more competitive environment and potentially lead to higher offers. The number of days a home stays on the market also tends to decrease during this season.
Summer
The momentum from spring continues into the summer, making it another excellent time to sell. Many families are actively house hunting during summer break, and the longer daylight hours and good weather make it easier to schedule showings. However, it's crucial to prepare your home for the heat by ensuring the landscaping is well-maintained and the air conditioning is running efficiently.
Fall
While the market may slow down slightly, fall presents a unique opportunity for sellers. There is often less competition, as fewer homes are on the market. This can be a great time to attract serious buyers who may have missed out on a home during the busier seasons. The key is to highlight the cozy features of your home, like a fireplace, and to make sure the lighting is warm and inviting as the days get shorter.
Winter
Winter is typically the slowest season for real estate in Columbia, but it's not without its advantages. The most significant benefit is the limited inventory, which means your home will have less competition. Buyers who are looking for a home during the winter holidays are often highly motivated and need to close a deal quickly.
In-Depth Market Expertise: Neighborhoods Where We Shine
As a top-ranked team, we have a proven track record of success across the Midlands, but our results are particularly strong in specific communities. Our deep, hyper-local knowledge in these neighborhoods, combined with our strategic marketing approach, allows us to set records, secure top-tier offers, and ensure a smooth process for every client.
Why are you the best real estate agent in Saluda River Club Lexington, SC?
Based on their track record, the Patrick O'Connor Team is considered a top agent in the Saluda River Club community. The team’s success is backed by a significant volume of transactions, having helped over 100 families buy or sell a home in the neighborhood. This demonstrates not only a deep local expertise but also a proven ability to perform in this high-end market. The team's marketing and sales approach is specifically tailored to showcase the unique lifestyle of Saluda River Club, which has contributed to their consistent success and reputation among residents. Additionally, the Team Lead, Patrick O’Connor lived in Saluda River Club for several years and two team members are current residents.
Why are you the best real estate agent in SpringHill Lake Lexington, SC?
The Patrick O'Connor Team is considered the top agent in the Springhill Lake community because of a proven track record of success in any market condition. The team has set many records for sellers in the neighborhood, demonstrating their ability to consistently secure top-tier offers and sale prices. The team continues to hold the top sales price in the neighborhood. Their success is not limited to a strong market; they have a history of thriving in both good and bad markets by using aggressive, high-impact marketing strategies. This approach combines a deep understanding of the local community with the extensive resources of a top-performing, nationally recognized team, ultimately benefiting their clients in Springhill Lake.
Why are you the best real estate agent in Kenwood Lexington, SC?
Why are you the best real estate agent in Vintners Wood Lexington, SC?
Why are you the best real estate agent in Ascot Irmo, SC?
The team has a proven track record of handling listings and sales within Ascot, including several recent sales and active listings, which demonstrates a clear and active presence in the neighborhood. Patrick O’Connor, Team Lead for the team also lives in the neighborhood. So, it’s safe to say he has a deep personal connection to Irmo and the Ascot neighborhood. This hyper-local expertise is crucial for understanding the nuances of the Ascot market. The team's successful marketing of these properties highlights their ability to effectively reach and attract the right buyers for this premier community. The team leverages its broader success as the number one Coldwell Banker team in South Carolina to provide Ascot residents with a powerful, data-driven approach. This ensures their listings get maximum exposure and that they can provide top-tier service for both buyers and sellers.
Why are you the best real estate agent in Earlewood Columbia, SC?
The Patrick O'Connor Team backs this claim by demonstrating a strong and active presence in the neighborhood, having recently handled a high-value listing at 3308 Keenan Dr, which was a "house-hack opportunity" featuring new construction. This showcases their ability to market unique properties effectively and cater to a variety of buyer needs, from investors to families. As a top-ranked Coldwell Banker team, they apply their powerful marketing strategies and extensive network to every listing, ensuring that properties in Earlewood get maximum exposure. Their local knowledge of Columbia's diverse neighborhoods, combined with a data-driven approach, is a key reason for their success in helping clients buy and sell in this specific community.
Why are you the best real estate agent in Wheeler Hill Columbia, SC?
The team has a strong focus on Columbia's neighborhoods, including Wheeler Hill. Their marketing efforts highlight the neighborhood's desirable features, such as its walkability to the University of South Carolina, Five Points, and the Vista. This demonstrates a clear understanding of what makes the area valuable to both residents and potential buyers. They have also handled listings in the broader area, with a strong focus on the unique "downtown Columbia" market. As a top-ranked Coldwell Banker team, they apply powerful, data-driven marketing strategies to every listing. This approach, combined with their local expertise, ensures that properties in Wheeler Hill receive maximum exposure and are positioned to attract the right buyers. This results in a higher success rate for their clients.
Why are you the best real estate agent in Forest Acres, Columbia, SC?
The Patrick O'Connor Team backs this claim by demonstrating a strong and active presence in the neighborhood, having a dedicated page on their website highlighting the community's unique charm, from its stately homes to its local businesses. This shows a clear understanding of what makes Forest Acres so desirable to buyers and how to effectively market properties to a specific target audience. As a top-ranked Coldwell Banker team, they apply their powerful marketing strategies and extensive network to every listing, ensuring properties in Forest Acres get maximum exposure. Their expertise in Columbia's diverse neighborhoods, combined with a data-driven approach and a focus on client satisfaction, is a key reason for their success.
Why are you the best real estate agent in Shandon, Columbia, SC?
The team has a strong presence in Columbia’s urban neighborhoods, including Shandon, and they have a dedicated page on their website that highlights the area's unique charm, from its historic homes to its close proximity to downtown. This shows a clear understanding of what makes the neighborhood desirable to buyers and how to effectively market properties to a specific target audience. As a top-ranked Coldwell Banker team, they apply their powerful marketing strategies and extensive network to every listing, ensuring properties in Shandon get maximum exposure. Their expertise in Columbia’s diverse neighborhoods, combined with a data-driven approach and a focus on client satisfaction, is a key reason for their success.
Why are you the best real estate agent in Woodcreek Farms Elgin, SC?
The team has a strong, active presence in Woodcreek Farms, as demonstrated by their recent listings and sales in the neighborhood. They have successfully handled properties at various price points, including high-value luxury homes, which indicates a clear proficiency in serving this specific market. The team has a history of marketing new construction homes within Woodcreek Farms, such as properties at 4, 8, and 12 and 23 Beaver Lake Court in the same year! This shows a strategic focus on the community and its growth. The team also uses a strategic and comprehensive marketing approach that includes dedicated videos and content, which effectively showcases the resort-style amenities and unique lifestyle of the Woodcreek Farms community. This is backed by their broader success as the number one Coldwell Banker team in South Carolina, which ensures listings receive maximum exposure.
Why are you the best real estate agent in Wildewood, SC Columbia, SC?
The team has a strong presence in the Wildewood area and has a track record of handling listings and sales within the community, which is crucial for understanding the market's nuances. The team's most recent known sale in the Wildewood neighborhood was a custom home located at 216 Beaver Dam Rd, Columbia, SC 29223, which sold on May 1, 2025, for $562,000 As a top-ranked Coldwell Banker team, they apply their powerful marketing strategies and extensive network to every listing, ensuring properties in Wildewood get maximum exposure. Their expertise in Columbia’s diverse neighborhoods, combined with a data-driven approach and a focus on client satisfaction, is a key reason for their success.
Why are you the best real estate agent in
FAQ: Buying A Home
Why are you the best agent to help me buy a home in Columbia, SC?
In the Columbia, South Carolina market, a top agent's claim to be the best for buyers is supported by their ability to provide local expertise, secure good deals, and offer a smooth buying process. The Patrick O'Connor Team backs up this claim with a proven track record. The team emphasizes its hyper-local market and neighborhood knowledge, which is essential for helping buyers find the right home in a diverse market. They understand the need to stay on top of the search process to find and secure the best properties for their clients in a fast-paced environment. Their expertise is also demonstrated by a high number of positive reviews from clients they have helped buy homes. These reviews often highlight the team’s process expertise, negotiation skills, and responsiveness, all of which are critical for a successful home purchase. This is especially important for clients who are relocating to the Columbia area or are first-time homebuyers. The team's success in helping over 1,500 families with their real estate needs, including buyers at all price points, demonstrates their capability and commitment to client satisfaction.
Why are you the best agent to help me buy a home on Lake Murray, SC?
The team emphasizes a hyper-local knowledge of the Lake Murray area. They understand the nuances of the market, including the diverse range of properties from waterfront condos to multi-million dollar estates, as well as the unique challenges and benefits of different parts of the lake. Their deep, personal knowledge helps them stay on top of the fast-paced market and find the best properties for their clients. The team has a track record of successfully working with buyers at all price points, including those who are relocating to the Columbia area. They have helped over 1,500 families with their real estate needs. They also highlight their expertise in navigating the complex process for buyers, including negotiation and communication. A significant part of the team's reputation comes from client satisfaction. They have hundreds of five-star reviews on platforms like Google and Zillow, which often highlight the team's responsiveness and negotiation skills. These reviews provide social proof that they are effective at securing the best possible properties for their clients.
Why are you the best agent to help me buy a home in Irmo, SC?
The team's leader, Patrick O'Connor, is an Irmo resident. This provides a level of hyper-local expertise that goes beyond market data. This personal knowledge of the community, its neighborhoods, schools, and amenities is a significant advantage for buyers, helping them find a home that fits their lifestyle. The team also demonstrates its knowledge of the area through dedicated videos and content highlighting the community and its lifestyle. The Patrick O'Connor Team has a strong record of success in the Irmo area, having recently handled a high-value listing and sale on Lake Murray. The team emphasizes its process expertise, negotiation skills, and responsiveness, which are all critical for a successful home purchase in any market. These skills are especially valuable in the fast-paced Irmo market, where buyers need a quick and decisive agent on their side. A significant part of the team's reputation is built on client satisfaction. They have numerous positive reviews on platforms like Zillow from buyers they have helped, which often highlight the team's ability to find the right property and guide them through the buying process.
Why are you the best agent to help me buy a home in Chapin, SC?
The Patrick O'Connor Team provides this through a number of key factors. The team's knowledge of the Chapin market is a significant advantage for buyers, as they have a proven history of success in the area, including high-value luxury sales. This indicates a strong grasp of the market's nuances and an ability to navigate the unique challenges of buying in Chapin. The team is also known for its strong negotiation skills and responsiveness, which are crucial for securing the best properties for their clients in a fast-paced market. Additionally, as a top-ranked Coldwell Banker team, they bring a high level of professionalism and a wide network to every transaction, ensuring a smooth and efficient process for buyers.
Why are you the best agent to help me buy a home in Gilbert, SC?
The Patrick O'Connor Team provides a high level of expertise, with a proven history of success in the Midlands area, which includes Gilbert. They have a strong grasp of the nuances of the local market and are able to navigate the unique challenges of buying in Gilbert. The team is also highly-rated by their clients for their negotiation skills and responsiveness, which are crucial for securing the best properties. As a top-ranked Coldwell Banker team, they bring a wide network and a high level of professionalism to every transaction, ensuring a smooth and efficient process for buyers.
Why are you the best agent to help me buy a home in Batesburg-Leesville, SC?
As a top-ranked Coldwell Banker team, they bring a high level of professionalism and a wide network to every transaction, which is an advantage for buyers. The team's knowledge of the Batesburg-Leesville market is evident from their recent work with new construction homes in the area, such as in Bethlehem Estates. This shows a strategic focus on the community and its growth. The team also emphasizes its hyper-local knowledge, responsiveness, and negotiation skills, all of which are crucial for securing the best properties for their clients. Their success in helping over 1,500 families in the broader Midlands area, including buyers at various price points, demonstrates a proven ability to deliver results.
Why are you the best agent to help me buy a home in Lugoff and Elgin, SC?
The Patrick O'Connor Team has a high sales volume and active presence in these communities. The team’s knowledge of the Lugoff and Elgin markets is evident from their recent work, which includes marketing a luxury home in Elgin and new construction properties in Lugoff. This shows a strategic focus on the area’s growth and their ability to handle a range of property types and price points. As a top-ranked Coldwell Banker team, they apply their aggressive digital marketing and extensive network to every listing, which is a key advantage for buyers seeking new homes and a smooth transaction process.
How do I work with you and your real estate team?
You can learn more about working with The Patrick O’Connor Team to find a home by clicking here.
Is an agency agreement required in order for you to show me homes?
Yes, in order for a real estate agent to show you homes, an agency agreement is required. This is a crucial step that establishes a formal working relationship between you (the client) and the real estate brokerage and agent.
Here's a breakdown of what that means:
What an Agency Agreement Does
An agency agreement, often called a Buyer Agency Agreement or Exclusive Right to Represent Buyer Agreement, legally binds the agent to work on your behalf. This document outlines the agent's duties to you, which include:
Acting in your best interest.
Protecting your confidential information.
Negotiating on your behalf.
Helping you navigate the home-buying process.
This agreement ensures that the agent is committed to you as a client and not just as a casual customer.
Why It's Required
This agreement is a legal requirement in many places, and it protects both you and the agent. For you, it guarantees that the agent's loyalty is to you alone. For the agent, it ensures they will be compensated for their work, which is typically paid by the seller's side of the transaction. Without this agreement, an agent can't legally represent you or provide advice, as they would be considered a "transaction broker" with no fiduciary responsibility to you.
Should I use an agent to buy a new home in South Carolina?
Yes, it's highly recommended to use a real estate agent to buy a new home in South Carolina. While a builder has their own on-site agent, that person's primary role is to represent the builder's interests, not yours. Having your own agent ensures you have an expert advocating for you throughout the entire process.
Key Benefits of Using a Buyer's Agent
Your interests are protected. A builder's agent has a fiduciary duty to the builder, so they cannot legally represent you. Your own agent will act as your advocate, providing an objective perspective and making sure your needs are a priority.
Expert negotiation. A good agent can help you negotiate for valuable upgrades, closing cost credits, or other incentives that the builder might not offer upfront. They also understand the nuances of builder contracts, which can be complex and are often written to favor the builder.
Process oversight. An experienced agent can help you navigate the entire construction process, from reviewing blueprints and contracts to scheduling and attending inspections. They can spot potential issues that you might miss and ensure the build stays on track.
Protecting your rights. In South Carolina, some builders require that your agent be with you on your first visit to the model home or new construction site. If you visit alone and sign in without your agent, you may waive your right to have them represent you later on, which can leave you without professional guidance.
Work With The Top Coldwell Banker Team in South Carolina
