What Landmark Resources Offers for South Carolina Real Estate
Landmark Resources is a real estate title company serving South Carolina
Landmark Resources is a title insurance and closing services company that handles the paperwork and legal steps when you buy or sell property in South Carolina. They work with buyers, sellers, real estate agents, and lenders to make sure the property's ownership history is clear and that the transfer of ownership happens correctly at closing.
Title companies like Landmark Resources sit between you and the courthouse records. They search the property's history to uncover any liens, unpaid taxes, or claims against it—things that could complicate your ownership later. They also issue title insurance, which protects you and your lender if someone later claims a right to the property based on something missed in that search.
In South Carolina, a title company typically handles the closing meeting where you sign documents, coordinates with your lender and real estate agent, and records the deed with the county after closing. Landmark Resources operates across multiple South Carolina counties and works with both residential and commercial transactions.
Key Takeaways
- Landmark Resources searches property records to confirm clear ownership before you buy, uncovering any liens or claims against the property.
- They issue title insurance policies that protect you and your lender if ownership disputes arise after closing.
- The company coordinates the closing meeting, manages document signing, and records the deed with the county.
- You can contact Landmark Resources directly through their office locations or website to request a quote or schedule a closing.
What a title search reveals
When you buy property, Landmark Resources searches the county records to build a chain of ownership going back several decades. This search looks for anything that could affect your right to own or use the property cleanly—unpaid property taxes, mortgage liens from previous owners, judgment liens from creditors, easements that give others rights to cross your land, or code violations that haven't been resolved.
If the search turns up a problem, Landmark Resources reports it to you and your lender before closing. Some issues can be cleared up before you take ownership (like paying off an old lien). Others, like an easement for a utility line, may be permanent but won't stop the sale—you just need to know about it going in.
The title search is not optional if you are financing the purchase. Your lender requires it and requires title insurance to protect their investment. Even if you are paying cash, a title search is worth the cost because it protects you from inheriting someone else's legal problems.
Title insurance and what it covers
Title insurance is a one-time policy you buy at closing that protects you against future claims to the property. Unlike homeowners insurance, which covers damage to the building, title insurance covers legal disputes over who actually owns the land.
If someone later claims they have a right to your property—because a deed was forged decades ago, or a previous owner's ex-spouse was never removed from the title, or a contractor was never paid and filed a lien—your title insurance covers the cost of defending your ownership in court. It also covers the cost of fixing the title if the claim is valid.
South Carolina requires title insurance when you finance a home purchase. The lender's policy protects the lender; the owner's policy protects you. Both are issued at closing and are paid for once, at that time. Landmark Resources issues both policies as part of their closing services.
The closing process with Landmark Resources
Closing is the final step where ownership officially transfers from seller to buyer. Landmark Resources schedules the closing meeting, prepares all the documents you need to sign, and coordinates with your lender, real estate agent, and the seller's side to make sure everyone is ready.
At closing, you will sign the promissory note (your promise to repay the loan), the mortgage or deed of trust (which gives the lender a claim on the property if you don't pay), the closing disclosure (a summary of all loan terms and costs), and the deed (which transfers ownership to you). Landmark Resources explains each document and answers questions about what you are signing.
After you sign, Landmark Resources records the deed with the county register of deeds, which makes the transfer official and public. They also handle the distribution of funds—paying off the seller's old mortgage, paying real estate commissions, paying property taxes and insurance, and sending you a final accounting of all costs and credits.
How to contact Landmark Resources
Landmark Resources operates multiple office locations across South Carolina. You can find their contact information and office addresses on their website, which also lists the counties they serve.
If you are buying a home and your real estate agent or lender has already chosen Landmark Resources as the title company, they will contact the company on your behalf to order the title search and schedule closing. If you are choosing your own title company, you can call Landmark Resources directly to request a quote for title services and ask about their closing timeline.
Most title companies, including Landmark Resources, can provide a preliminary title report within a few days of ordering a search. This report shows what the search found and what title insurance will cover. You should review it carefully and ask questions about anything unclear before closing day.
Title company costs and what affects the price
Title insurance and closing services are not free, but the cost is typically split between buyer and seller according to South Carolina custom—though the exact split can be negotiated. The cost depends on the purchase price of the property, the complexity of the title, and the title company's fee schedule.
A straightforward residential purchase with clear title might cost several hundred dollars in title and closing fees. A commercial property or one with title issues that need to be resolved before closing will cost more because it requires more work from the title company.
You should ask for a quote from Landmark Resources early in the buying process so you know what to expect. The quote should itemize title search fees, title insurance premiums, closing fees, and any other charges. This gives you a clear picture of closing costs before you sign a purchase contract.
When title problems delay or complicate a closing
Not every property has a clean title. Sometimes the search uncovers a lien that was never paid off, a missing signature on a deed from years ago, or a boundary dispute with a neighbor. When this happens, Landmark Resources works with you, the seller, and the lender to resolve the issue before closing.
Some problems are simple to fix—paying off an old lien, getting a missing signature notarized, or obtaining a court order clearing up a boundary question. Others take longer or may require a title insurance exception, which means the policy will not cover that particular issue but you can still close and own the property.
If a title problem cannot be resolved before closing, your lender may refuse to fund the loan, which stops the sale. This is rare, but it is why the title search happens early—so problems surface while there is still time to fix them. Landmark Resources will keep you informed throughout the process and explain your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use the title company my real estate agent recommends?
No. You can choose your own title company, though your lender may have preferences or requirements. If you want to use Landmark Resources instead of the agent's choice, tell your agent early so they can coordinate with Landmark Resources instead. The lender will also need to approve the title company.
What if the title search finds a lien I didn't know about?
Landmark Resources will report the lien and work to have it paid off before closing, usually from the seller's proceeds. If the seller cannot pay it, you and the seller may negotiate who pays, or the sale may not close. This is why the title search happens before you are locked into the purchase.
How long does a title search take?
A straightforward search typically takes a few days to a week. More complex properties or those with title issues may take longer. Landmark Resources can give you a timeline when you order the search. Most closings happen 30 to 45 days after the purchase contract is signed, which gives plenty of time for the title work.
What is the difference between the lender's title policy and the owner's policy?
The lender's policy protects the bank's investment in the property. The owner's policy protects you. Both are issued at closing and are paid for once. If you pay cash and do not have a lender, you can still buy an owner's policy to protect yourself, though it is not required.
Can I close without title insurance?
If you are financing the purchase, no—your lender requires it. If you are paying cash, you are not required to buy title insurance, but it is strongly recommended because it protects you against ownership disputes that could be expensive and difficult to resolve on your own.