Quick answer: generally yes, unless the will grants a power of sale — South Carolina real estate typically needs either that will-based authority or a probate court order before it can be sold. Run your own numbers in the South Carolina probate real estate sale calculator.
Two paths to sale authority
A court-ordered sale runs on a petition and notice
When a court-ordered sale is needed, it typically follows a petition and summons process, with notice to heirs, devisees, and other interested persons, plus publication if the court orders a public sale. Missing someone in that notice can delay the hearing or force the whole process to start over.
Closing isn't the same as being ready to distribute
Even after the sale closes, the personal representative generally has to keep enough funds available to pay allowed creditor claims and estate expenses before distributing the proceeds to the heirs — a closed sale doesn't mean an immediate payout.
Higher-value personal property has its own rule
Separate from the real estate question, South Carolina law can require prior court approval before selling certain personal property above a stated value threshold, unless an exception applies.
A local probate attorney can review your estate — many offer a free consultation.
Greenville, Charleston, and Richland County each process these petitions through their own Probate Court, but §62-3-711's sale-authority rule applies identically statewide.