Selling in Charleston? Utility Questions Buyers Ask

Lowcountry summers are long and humid, and buyers know air conditioning drives the bill. After they've seen the porch and the kitchen, many will ask what the house costs to run.

Clear, accurate answers help. These are the questions Charleston area sellers commonly hear.

Who Provides Your Utilities, and What Do They Cost?

Many Charleston area homes receive electricity from Dominion Energy South Carolina, while others are served by Berkeley Electric Cooperative or another cooperative. Water comes from Charleston Water System, Mount Pleasant Waterworks, or another local provider. Share your providers.

Download a year of billing history to show the summer peak. If you're on a budget plan, mention it. Kilowatt-hours are often more useful than dollars.

What Should Buyers Know About the A/C?

Share the system type, age, and service history. Many homes have heat pumps, and larger homes may have two systems. In a humid climate, maintenance matters, so note filter changes and drain line service. Lifespan and sizing questions belong with a licensed technician or the buyer's inspector.

Have You Made Improvements?

An encapsulated crawlspace, a dehumidifier, spray foam insulation, or a new heat pump are worth describing. Share what was done, when, and by whom. Avoid promising savings.

How Are Water and Sewer Handled?

Most homes have public water and sewer. Some areas, including parts of Johns Island and rural Berkeley and Dorchester counties, use septic. Share pumping records if yours does.

Are There Comfort Problems?

A room that gets humid, a bonus room that runs warm, or a crawlspace that holds moisture is worth describing. South Carolina requires a seller disclosure statement, so talk with us.

If you're preparing to sell, ask us which running-cost information would be useful to have ready for buyers considering your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who provides electricity in Charleston?

Dominion Energy South Carolina serves many homes, and cooperatives like Berkeley Electric serve others.

Should I share crawlspace encapsulation details?

Yes. Buyers often ask about moisture control.

When are bills highest in Charleston?

Usually in summer.

Is a disclosure statement required in South Carolina?

Yes, most residential sellers must complete one.

Should I promise energy savings?

No. Describe the work instead.

Do I have to share utility bills?

It isn't required, but many buyers ask.