The real estate closing is when the buyer and the seller of a residential or commercial property meet with a South Carolina real estate attorney to review and sign the legal and financial documents to transfer ownership of the property from the seller to the buyer.
In the state of South Carolina, the real estate purchaser chooses the closing attorney. If you are purchasing real estate and haven’t contacted a real estate closing attorney, please call us in Greenville at (864) 284-9009 or in Spartanburg at (864) 597-0300.
Your real estate agent or mortgage banker may have provided a list of local real estate closing attorneys. However, it is ultimately your choice as to who will conduct your closing.
Take a few moments to speak with the attorneys and find out what they charge for a closing fee; also check with them as to whether they charge separately for the title examination, and if the closing fee is waived if the contract doesn’t close.
Your attorney will need a copy of your signed real estate contract. The contract is needed to order the title search and ensure that your rights are adequately protected. Decide on an attorney and make sure they have your signed contract within a week of signature.
If you haven’t already been pre-approved for a mortgage loan, you will need to apply for your loan. Your mortgage banker will need a copy of your contract, your last two years of W2 forms, a year-to-date paycheck stub, three years of federal income tax returns and copies of your current bank statements.
The property you wish to purchase must be inspected by both a home inspector and a termite inspector to ensure the property is in good order and free of termites. Your contract will have specific deadlines to report defects in either the property or title. Either your real estate attorney or your realtor can help you with these.
If you need hazard or flood insurance for your new property, apply for them as soon as possible. Your insurance agent will need to know the year your home was built, how many heated square feet it contains, the type of construction and its elevation above sea level.
You should receive a copy of your closing statement in advance that will detail the amount you need to bring to closing. Be sure to get a certified bank check in advance and bring it with you to your closing. Some attorneys may also take wire transfers for closing funds.
Note that wiring instructions should be independently verified via phone call to the recipient before initiating a wire – never trust emailed wiring instructions without verification!