What to Know About Burnett David A Real Estate Services in South Carolina

Burnett David A offers real estate services across South Carolina, handling property transactions, valuations, and related matters for buyers, sellers, and investors.

Real estate transactions involve legal documents, property assessments, and financial commitments that require careful attention. Burnett David A operates within South Carolina's real estate framework, where state law governs how properties change hands, how titles transfer, and what disclosures sellers must make. Understanding what services a real estate professional provides—and what your own responsibilities are—helps you move through a transaction with fewer surprises.

This guide explains how real estate services work in South Carolina, what to expect from a real estate professional, and how to prepare for a property transaction. The information here is educational and does not replace the advice of a licensed attorney or your own real estate agent.

Key Takeaways

• Real estate professionals in South Carolina must be licensed by the state and follow disclosure rules that protect both buyers and sellers.
• A real estate transaction typically involves a purchase agreement, title search, inspection period, and closing—each with its own timeline and requirements.
• South Carolina law requires sellers to disclose known defects in the property, and buyers have the right to inspect before committing to purchase.
• Closing costs in South Carolina vary but usually include title insurance, recording fees, and transfer taxes that both parties share.
• Working with a licensed professional and an attorney helps protect your interests and ensures documents are filed correctly with the county.

How Real Estate Professionals Work in South Carolina

A real estate professional in South Carolina represents either the buyer or the seller—or sometimes both, though that arrangement requires written consent from both parties. The professional's job is to market the property (if selling), show it to interested buyers, negotiate terms, and coordinate the steps leading to closing. They do not prepare legal documents or give legal advice; that is the attorney's role.

South Carolina requires all real estate agents and brokers to hold a current license issued by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (SCDHEC). You can verify a professional's license status on the SCDHEC website. Licensed professionals must follow a code of ethics that includes honest dealing, disclosure of conflicts of interest, and accounting for client funds.

Real estate professionals typically earn a commission—a percentage of the sale price—paid by the seller at closing. This arrangement is negotiable, and commission rates vary. If you are buying, you do not pay the agent directly; the seller's agent commission is split with the buyer's agent from the seller's proceeds.

The Steps in a South Carolina Property Transaction

A typical real estate transaction follows a sequence: offer, acceptance, inspection period, appraisal, title search, and closing. Each step has deadlines and contingencies that protect both parties.

Offer and acceptance: The buyer makes a written offer to purchase, which includes the price, earnest money deposit (usually 1 to 3 percent of the purchase price), and proposed closing date. The seller can accept, reject, or counter. Once both parties sign, you have a binding contract.

Inspection and appraisal: The buyer typically has 7 to 10 days to inspect the property and order an appraisal. The inspection is a walk-through by a professional who looks for structural, mechanical, and safety issues. The appraisal is ordered by the lender and determines whether the property is worth the purchase price. If the appraisal comes in low, the buyer and seller must renegotiate or the buyer can walk away.

Title search and insurance: An attorney or title company searches the county records to confirm the seller owns the property free of liens or claims. Title insurance protects the buyer and lender against future disputes over ownership. This usually takes 5 to 10 days.

Closing: Both parties sign final documents at a closing meeting, usually held at an attorney's office or title company. The buyer brings a cashier's check or wire transfer for the down payment and closing costs. The seller receives the net proceeds. The deed is recorded with the county, and the buyer receives the keys.

Seller Disclosures and Buyer Protections in South Carolina

South Carolina law requires sellers to disclose known defects in the property in writing before the buyer is bound by contract. The disclosure form covers structural issues, roof condition, plumbing, electrical systems, past flooding, and other material facts. If a seller fails to disclose a known defect, the buyer may have grounds to cancel the sale or pursue damages after closing.

Buyers have the right to inspect the property within the timeframe stated in the contract—usually 7 to 10 days. If the inspection reveals problems, the buyer can request repairs, ask for a credit toward closing costs, or withdraw from the contract. The seller is not required to make repairs but must decide whether to negotiate or let the buyer walk away.

South Carolina does not require a home inspection by law, but lenders typically require one for financed purchases. Even if your lender does not require it, hiring an inspector protects you by identifying issues before you commit to the purchase.

Closing Costs and Taxes in South Carolina

Closing costs are fees and taxes paid at the end of the transaction. In South Carolina, these typically include title insurance, recording fees, transfer taxes, and attorney fees. The buyer and seller usually split the transfer tax, though this is negotiable.

South Carolina's transfer tax is 0.5 percent of the purchase price, split equally between buyer and seller unless the contract states otherwise. Recording fees vary by county but are usually $50 to $150. Title insurance is a one-time premium, typically 0.5 to 1 percent of the purchase price, and protects against ownership disputes.

Attorney fees are required in South Carolina and typically range from $500 to $1,500 depending on the complexity of the transaction. The buyer and seller each hire their own attorney or share one if both agree. Ask your real estate professional or lender for an estimate of closing costs specific to your county and transaction.

What to Bring and Prepare Before Closing

Before closing day, gather documents that prove your identity and financial readiness. Bring a government-issued photo ID, proof of homeowners insurance (required by lenders), and a cashier's check or wire transfer instructions for your down payment and closing costs. Your lender will provide a Closing Disclosure form at least three business days before closing; review it carefully to confirm all numbers match your loan estimate.

If you are selling, have your deed, property tax records, and any warranties or service contracts ready. If there are outstanding liens or judgments against the property, your attorney will work with you to clear them before closing. Do not make large purchases or take on new debt between signing the contract and closing, as this can affect your loan approval.

Walk through the property one final time before closing to confirm agreed-upon repairs were completed and that fixtures you negotiated to stay (appliances, light fixtures) are still there.

Working With an Attorney in a Real Estate Transaction

South Carolina requires an attorney to be involved in every real estate transaction. The attorney prepares or reviews the deed, conducts the title search, orders title insurance, and oversees the closing. You can hire your own attorney or use one recommended by your real estate agent or lender, but the choice is yours.

An attorney protects your interests by reviewing all documents before you sign, explaining terms you do not understand, and ensuring the title is clear before you take ownership. If disputes arise—such as a lien discovered after closing or a boundary disagreement—an attorney can advise you on your options.

Attorney fees are a closing cost and are typically paid at closing. Ask for a fee estimate upfront so there are no surprises. Some attorneys charge a flat fee for a standard transaction; others charge hourly. Clarify what is included in the fee—for example, whether it covers a title search, title insurance, and the closing meeting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is earnest money and what happens to it?

Earnest money is a deposit—usually 1 to 3 percent of the purchase price—that shows the buyer is serious about the purchase. It is held in an escrow account by the real estate agent or attorney. At closing, it is credited toward your down payment. If you withdraw from the contract without a valid reason, you may lose the earnest money.

Can I back out of a real estate contract in South Carolina?

Yes, if you are within the inspection period and the inspection reveals problems, or if the appraisal comes in below the purchase price and you do not want to renegotiate. Once the inspection period ends and you have not withdrawn, backing out usually means losing your earnest money. An attorney can explain your options based on the specific contract language.

How long does a real estate transaction take in South Carolina?

A typical transaction takes 30 to 45 days from offer to closing. The inspection period is usually 7 to 10 days, the title search takes 5 to 10 days, and the appraisal takes 7 to 14 days. Lenders need time to review documents, and the attorney needs time to prepare closing papers. Delays can happen if the appraisal is low or if title issues arise.

Do I need a real estate agent to buy or sell property in South Carolina?

No, you can buy or sell without an agent, but you still need an attorney. An agent helps market the property, find buyers or properties, and negotiate terms. If you sell without an agent, you pay no commission, but you handle marketing and showing the property yourself. Many buyers and sellers find an agent's expertise and network worth the commission.

What is title insurance and why do I need it?

Title insurance protects you against claims that someone else owns the property or has a lien against it. It is a one-time premium paid at closing and covers you for as long as you own the property. Lenders require it to protect their investment. Without it, you could face legal costs and loss of ownership if a claim arises years later.