Certifying Title to Your South Carolina Property
When buying a home or undeveloped property, the mortgage lender will normally require that you purchase title insurance. By verifying that the property is available for legal transfer (free of defects or claims by third parties), the seller and the lender are protected in the event a defect or lien is later discovered or asserted. Though not required, it also advisable to purchase owner's title insurance (a nominal cost) to protect your own investment.
Tidelands Law of Georgetown, South Carolina represents clients from throughout the United States in residential property transactions in Georgetown County and Horry County. We are a full-service real estate firm, including real estate contracts and all closing services. Call (843) 485-0977 for a free consultation.
Certifying Title
In South Carolina, a licensed attorney must certify title to a property for sale. With 15 years of experience, Turner Perrow can confidently provide a legal opinion that the property is unencumbered. The law requires a 60-year chain of title. In performing your title search, we dig back as far as necessary in thoroughly researching the history of ownership to identify and address any clouds:
- Bank liens, mechanic's liens
- Creditor's claims or judgments
- Unresolved probate disputes
- Claims arising from divorce
- Claims by heirs or ex-spouses of previous owners
- Discrepancies in boundary surveys
- Easements or quiet title actions
- Claims by Native American tribes asserting ancestral rights
Title Insurance
Title insurance is a legally binding guarantee of clear title. It releases you from financially responsible for claims arising from undiscovered liens or easements against the property, or defects in the title such as improperly recorded deeds. Because financial burden would fall to Tidelands Law, you are assured that we will fully investigate before writing your policy. Mr. Perrow is an authorized title agent for Attorneys' Title Fund.
You are not required to purchase title insurance through the lawyer who certified title. However, it eliminates the need of working with yet another company in your transaction. Contact Tidelands Law at (843) 485-0977 to discuss title insurance and all aspects of your real estate purchase.
