What Blue Granite Title Does and How Title Companies Work in South Carolina

Blue Granite Title handles the paperwork and money when you buy or sell property in South Carolina

Blue Granite Title is a title company operating in South Carolina that manages the closing process for real estate transactions. At closing, a title company verifies that the seller actually owns the property, searches for any liens or claims against it, holds the buyer's money in escrow until all conditions are met, and coordinates the final transfer of ownership. Blue Granite Title performs these same functions—they do not represent the buyer or seller, but work as a neutral third party to make sure the transaction closes correctly.

Title companies exist because buying property involves significant money and legal risk. A title search can uncover problems like unpaid taxes, contractor liens, or competing ownership claims that would prevent a clean sale. The title company's job is to find those problems before closing, arrange for them to be paid off, and then issue a title insurance policy that protects the buyer against future claims someone else owns the property.

Key Takeaways

• Blue Granite Title acts as a neutral third party at closing, verifying ownership and holding funds until the transaction is complete.
• Title companies search public records to uncover liens, unpaid taxes, and other claims against the property before closing.
• Title insurance protects the buyer against future claims that someone else owns the property or has a legal claim to it.
• Closing costs at a title company typically include the title search, title insurance premium, and the company's closing fee, which vary by transaction size and property location.
• You can contact Blue Granite Title directly to ask about their services, fees, and whether they work with your lender or real estate agent.

What happens during a title company closing

When you reach closing day, Blue Granite Title coordinates the final steps of your purchase or sale. The title company prepares the closing disclosure (a document showing all final costs and loan terms), schedules the closing meeting, and makes sure all parties—buyer, seller, lender, real estate agents—receive the documents they need in advance. At the closing table, a title company representative witnesses signatures on the deed, promissory note, and other legal documents.

After signatures are complete, Blue Granite Title records the deed with the county register of deeds, pays off the seller's existing mortgage and any liens from the sale proceeds, deposits the buyer's down payment and loan funds into the appropriate accounts, and distributes the remaining money to the seller. The title company also orders and issues the title insurance policy, which takes effect once the deed is recorded. This entire process typically takes one to two weeks from closing day to final recording.

Title insurance and what it covers

Title insurance is a one-time premium you pay at closing that protects you for as long as you own the property. Unlike homeowners insurance, which covers damage to the house itself, title insurance covers legal disputes over who owns the property. If someone later claims they have a right to the property—because a previous owner's spouse was never properly divorced, or a contractor was never paid and filed a lien—the title insurance company pays for your legal defense and any settlement or judgment against you, up to the policy limit.

South Carolina title companies issue two types of policies: an owner's policy (which protects the buyer) and a lender's policy (which protects the mortgage lender). Most lenders require a lender's policy as a condition of the loan. The owner's policy is optional but strongly recommended, since it protects your equity in the home. The title search performed before closing is meant to catch most problems, but title insurance covers gaps the search might have missed—old liens that were never recorded, forged documents, or claims by heirs to a property.

Title search and what it reveals

Before closing, Blue Granite Title orders a title search from the county register of deeds and other public records. The search looks back through the chain of ownership—every deed, mortgage, and legal claim on the property—to verify that the seller has the right to sell it. The search typically goes back 40 to 60 years, though title companies can search further back if problems are found.

A title search can uncover unpaid property taxes, mortgage liens, judgment liens from lawsuits, contractor or mechanic liens from unpaid construction work, homeowners association liens, and other claims. If problems are found, they must be resolved before closing—usually by paying them off from the sale proceeds. If a problem cannot be resolved, the title company may issue a title insurance policy with an exception (meaning the insurance does not cover that particular claim), or the closing may not proceed until the issue is fixed.

Closing costs and title company fees

Title company fees in South Carolina are not set by law and vary by company and transaction. Blue Granite Title charges for the title search, the title insurance premium, and a closing fee for coordinating the transaction. The title search fee typically ranges from $150 to $300. The title insurance premium is usually calculated as a percentage of the purchase price—often around 0.5 to 1 percent—though rates vary. The closing fee (sometimes called a settlement fee) covers the title company's work preparing documents, scheduling, and conducting the closing, and typically ranges from $300 to $800.

Your lender or real estate agent can tell you whether Blue Granite Title is on their preferred list and what their standard fees are. You have the right to shop around and use any title company you choose, though some lenders have preferred providers. Asking for a quote in writing before closing helps you understand the total cost and compare options.

How to contact Blue Granite Title and what to ask

If you are buying or selling property in South Carolina and your lender or real estate agent recommends Blue Granite Title, you can contact them directly to ask about their services, fees, and timeline. When you call or email, have the property address ready and ask for a written quote that breaks down the title search fee, title insurance premium, and closing fee. Ask whether they have worked with your lender before and whether they can accommodate your closing timeline.

You can also ask Blue Granite Title whether they offer any additional services, such as 1031 exchange coordination (for investors selling one property to buy another), probate closing services, or commercial real estate closings. Some title companies specialize in certain types of transactions, so knowing what they offer helps you decide if they are the right fit for your situation.

Title companies versus real estate attorneys in South Carolina

South Carolina allows both title companies and real estate attorneys to conduct closings. Some buyers and sellers work with an attorney instead of or in addition to a title company. An attorney can provide legal advice about the transaction, review documents for legal issues, and represent your interests if a dispute arises. A title company conducts the closing and issues title insurance but does not provide legal advice.

Many South Carolina transactions use both: a title company handles the closing logistics and title insurance, while an attorney reviews the contract and advises the client on legal matters. If you are working with a real estate agent, they can recommend both a title company and an attorney, or you can ask your lender which providers they prefer. The choice depends on your comfort level with the transaction and whether you want independent legal review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose my own title company, or does my lender pick one?

You have the right to choose your own title company, but your lender may have a preferred list and may require you to use one from that list. Ask your lender upfront which title companies they work with. If Blue Granite Title is not on the list, you can ask your lender whether they will accept it or whether you must use a preferred provider.

What if the title search finds a problem?

Most problems are resolved before closing by paying them off from the sale proceeds. If a lien or judgment cannot be paid, the title company may issue a policy with an exception (meaning that claim is not covered), or the closing may be delayed until the issue is resolved. Your real estate agent or attorney can help negotiate who pays to fix the problem.

Do I have to buy the owner's title insurance policy?

No, but it is strongly recommended. Your lender requires a lender's policy, which protects their investment. The owner's policy protects your equity and is a one-time cost at closing. If you skip it and a title problem appears later, you could lose money defending your ownership or paying a settlement.

How long does closing take from start to finish?

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. The title company's part—the search and closing itself—usually takes one to two weeks. Recording the deed after closing takes a few more days to a week, depending on the county's workload.

What documents do I need to bring to closing?

Bring a government-issued photo ID, proof of homeowners insurance, and a cashier's check or wire transfer authorization for your down payment and closing costs. The title company will tell you the exact amount due and whether they accept checks, wire transfers, or both. Ask in advance so you have time to arrange the funds.