What First American Title Agency Services Offers in South Carolina

First American Title Agency Services handles the paperwork and money that move between a buyer, seller, and lender when property changes hands

First American Title is one of the largest title companies in the United States, and it operates in South Carolina through local branch offices and partner agencies. When you buy or sell a home or commercial property in the state, a title agency's job is to search public records to confirm the seller actually owns what they're selling, hold the buyer's money until closing, coordinate with your lender, and record the deed after the sale closes. First American handles these tasks through its own offices and through independent agents who use First American's underwriting and systems.

The company also issues title insurance, which protects you and your lender if someone later claims they have a legal right to the property you just bought. Title insurance is standard in South Carolina real estate transactions and is usually required by your mortgage lender. First American's role as both a title agency and an insurer means the same company often manages the closing process and provides the insurance policy.

Key Takeaways

• First American Title operates in South Carolina through its own offices and through independent agents, so you may work with a First American branch directly or through a local partner agency.
• Title agencies search property records, hold buyer funds, coordinate with lenders, and record the deed—tasks First American handles as part of the closing process.
• Title insurance protects you if someone later claims ownership of the property; First American issues this policy, and your lender typically requires it.
• Closing costs and title insurance rates vary by property price and location within South Carolina, so asking for a quote before closing is standard practice.
• You can request First American as your title agency when you make an offer, though your lender or real estate agent may have preferred providers.

How First American Title Agencies Work in South Carolina Closings

When you're under contract to buy property, your real estate agent or lender usually recommends a title agency, or you can request one yourself. First American has offices in major South Carolina cities including Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and Myrtle Beach, and also works through independent agents statewide who are authorized to use First American's underwriting and insurance products.

The title agency's first step is a title search—a review of public records at the county courthouse to trace ownership back several decades and identify any liens, easements, unpaid taxes, or other claims against the property. If problems appear, the agency works to resolve them before closing. Once the title is clear, the agency prepares closing documents, coordinates the final walkthrough, collects signatures, and transfers funds from the buyer's lender to the seller. After closing, the agency records the new deed with the county register of deeds.

First American also manages what's called the escrow account—the temporary holding place for the buyer's down payment and earnest money deposit until closing is complete. This protects both buyer and seller: the buyer knows their money won't go to the seller until the deed is recorded, and the seller knows the funds are held by a neutral third party. The escrow agent keeps detailed records of all funds received and released, and provides a settlement statement to both parties showing exactly where every dollar went.

Title Insurance and What It Covers

Title insurance comes in two forms: lender's insurance, which protects your mortgage lender's investment, and owner's insurance, which protects you. Most lenders require lender's insurance; owner's insurance is optional but recommended. First American issues both and typically bundles them into a single premium paid at closing.

The policy protects against problems discovered after you own the property—for example, a forged deed in the chain of title, an unpaid judgment against a previous owner, or a missing heir who claims a stake in the property. If a claim arises, First American's title insurance covers your legal defense and any settlement or judgment, up to the policy limit. Unlike homeowners insurance, you pay title insurance once, at closing, and it covers you for as long as you own the property.

In South Carolina, title insurance rates are set by state law and do not vary between insurers, so First American's price is the same as any other title company's. The cost is typically a percentage of the purchase price and is usually split between buyer and seller, though the contract can specify who pays. Search fees and closing fees, however, can vary between companies, so comparing quotes from multiple agencies may save you money on the total closing cost.

Choosing First American or Another Title Agency

You have the right to choose your own title agency in South Carolina, even if your lender or real estate agent suggests someone else. If you prefer First American, tell your agent or lender early—ideally when you make the offer. Some lenders have preferred-provider lists and may offer a small discount if you use one of their partners, but you are not required to use their recommendation.

When comparing title agencies, ask for a written quote that breaks down the title search fee, title insurance premium, closing fee, and any other charges. First American's fees are the same as competitors' for title insurance (since rates are state-regulated), but search and closing fees can vary. Getting quotes from two or three agencies before closing lets you compare the total cost and service reputation.

First American's size and statewide presence mean they have local expertise and established relationships with county registers of deeds, which can speed up recording. However, smaller local agencies often provide more personalized service. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize convenience, cost, or personal attention.

What to Expect at a First American Closing

A few days before closing, First American sends you a Closing Disclosure—a federal form that lists all final loan terms, closing costs, and the amount you'll pay or receive at closing. Review this carefully and call with questions; you have the right to see it at least three business days before closing. This document is your last chance to catch errors or unexpected charges before you sign.

On closing day, you'll meet with a First American closing agent (or an agent working under First American's license) at their office or sometimes at a real estate office or attorney's office. You'll sign the promissory note (your promise to repay the loan), the mortgage or deed of trust (the lender's security interest in the property), the deed (transferring ownership to you), and various other documents. The closing agent will explain each document before you sign and will answer questions about costs and terms.

After you sign, the closing agent collects the funds from your lender, pays the seller and any other parties owed money (real estate agents, inspectors, contractors), and records the deed with the county. You typically receive the keys and a copy of the recorded deed within a few days. First American also sends you the title insurance policy within a few weeks, and you should keep this document with your important papers for the life of your ownership.

First American Title Offices and Contact Information in South Carolina

First American operates offices in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, and several other South Carolina cities. You can find the nearest office and contact information on First American's website by entering your city or zip code. The company also works through independent agents statewide, so if you don't see a First American office near you, a local agent may be authorized to handle your closing under First American's license.

When you contact First American or a local agent, have your property address, purchase price, and lender information ready. They can give you a quote for title search, title insurance, and closing fees within a day or two. If you're working with a real estate agent, they can often request a quote on your behalf and coordinate the timing with your lender's approval process.

First American's Reputation and Regulation in South Carolina

First American is one of the "Big Three" title insurers in the United States (along with Fidelity and Old Republic), so it's a stable, well-established company with decades of experience. However, all title insurers in South Carolina are regulated by the state Department of Insurance, and all must maintain reserves to pay claims. Your protection is the same regardless of which company issues your policy.

If you have a complaint about First American's service or a dispute over closing costs, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Department of Insurance. The department investigates consumer complaints and can take action against insurers that violate state law. Most title companies, including First American, also have internal dispute resolution processes and will work with you to address billing errors or service problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use First American Title if my lender prefers a different company?

Yes. You have the right to choose your title agency in South Carolina. If your lender has a preferred provider, they may offer a small discount, but they cannot require you to use it. Tell your lender and real estate agent that you want First American, and provide First American's contact information to your lender so they can send loan documents directly to the closing agent.

What happens if the title search finds a problem?

First American will work to resolve it before closing. Common issues include unpaid property taxes, old liens, or missing signatures on a previous deed. The agency may contact previous owners, lenders, or the county to clear the title. If a problem can't be resolved, First American can issue a title insurance policy with an exception (a carve-out for that specific issue), though your lender may not accept it. Serious problems can delay closing.

Do I have to buy owner's title insurance?

No. Your lender requires lender's title insurance to protect their investment, but owner's insurance is optional. However, owner's insurance protects you personally if a title claim arises after closing, and it costs only about 10 percent more than lender's insurance alone. Most buyers purchase it for the extra protection.

How long does the closing process take with First American?

From the time you go under contract to closing day typically takes 30 to 45 days, depending on your lender's approval timeline and any title issues. First American's title search usually takes 3 to 5 business days. Once your lender approves the loan, First American can schedule closing within a few days of your request.

What if I'm refinancing instead of buying?

Refinancing also requires a title search and title insurance, though the process is simpler because you already own the property. First American handles refinance closings and can often complete them faster than purchase closings because there's no buyer-seller coordination needed. You'll still sign loan documents and pay closing costs, though they're usually lower than in a purchase.