What Palmetto State Title Company Does and How Title Services Work in South Carolina

Palmetto State Title Company handles the paperwork and money that move between buyer, seller, and lender when real estate changes hands in South Carolina

Palmetto State Title Company is a title insurance and closing services provider based in South Carolina. At closing—the final step before you own property—a title company verifies that the seller actually owns what they are selling, holds the money from your lender, pays off the seller's debts from the sale, and records the deed in your name with the county. Palmetto State Title does this work and issues a title insurance policy that protects you and your lender if someone later claims a legal right to the property.

The company operates within South Carolina's real estate closing system, where a title company or attorney must oversee the transaction. Palmetto State Title's role is to make sure the chain of ownership is clear, all liens and taxes are paid, and the transfer is recorded correctly with the county.

Key Takeaways

• Palmetto State Title verifies ownership, holds closing funds, and issues title insurance—a policy that protects you if someone later claims a legal right to the property.
• Title insurance is required by your lender and covers legal costs if a past claim against the property surfaces after you buy it.
• The title company orders a title search, which looks back through county records to confirm the seller owns the property free and clear of hidden debts.
• Closing typically takes place at Palmetto State Title's office or another agreed location, where you sign documents and funds transfer from lender to seller.
• You pay for title services and insurance as part of closing costs, which are itemized on your Closing Disclosure form before closing day.

What happens during a title search

Before closing, Palmetto State Title orders a title search—a review of county records going back decades to trace who has owned the property and what claims or liens sit against it. The search looks for unpaid property taxes, mortgage liens, judgment liens from lawsuits, homeowners association liens, and easements (legal rights others may have to use part of the land). If the search finds a problem—say, a previous owner's tax debt still attached to the property—the title company works with the seller to clear it before closing.

The title search is not a walk-through or inspection. It is a paper trail through the county recorder's office and tax assessor's records. A title examiner, not a person visiting the property, reviews these documents. The search typically takes a week to two weeks, depending on how far back the records go and how complex the property's history is.

How title insurance protects you after closing

Title insurance is a one-time premium you pay at closing that covers you for as long as you own the property. Unlike homeowners insurance, which you renew yearly, title insurance is issued once and does not expire. It protects you if someone shows up after closing claiming they have a legal right to the property—for example, a relative of a previous owner who was never notified of a sale, or a contractor who was never paid and filed a lien decades ago.

Your lender requires a lender's title policy, which protects the bank's investment in the property. You can also buy an owner's policy, which protects your equity. If a claim arises, the title company pays the legal costs to defend your ownership and covers any loss up to the policy amount. Most claims never happen, but when they do, title insurance can save you tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees and settlement costs.

What Palmetto State Title does at closing

Closing is the meeting where ownership transfers. Palmetto State Title prepares the closing statement (an itemized list of all costs and credits), coordinates with your lender to receive the loan funds, and ensures all parties sign the required documents. The title company holds the money in an escrow account—a neutral holding account—until all conditions are met, then disburses it: paying off the seller's existing mortgage, paying property taxes and HOA fees, paying Palmetto State Title's fee, and delivering the remainder to the seller.

You will sign a promissory note (your promise to repay the loan), a mortgage or deed of trust (the lender's security interest in the property), and a deed (the document that transfers ownership to you). Palmetto State Title witnesses these signatures, ensures they are notarized where required, and then records the deed with the county recorder within a few business days. Recording is what makes your ownership official and public.

Title company fees and closing costs

Palmetto State Title's fee is part of your closing costs, which typically range from 2 to 5 percent of the purchase price, though this varies by loan type and local practice. The title company's charges usually include the title search, title examination, title insurance premium, closing coordination, and document preparation. Your lender will send you a Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing, which itemizes every fee and credit so you can see exactly what Palmetto State Title is charging and what other costs apply.

Some costs are negotiable between buyer and seller—in a competitive market, sellers sometimes pay part of the buyer's closing costs as an incentive. Your real estate agent or lender can tell you what is typical in your area and whether there is room to negotiate.

How to contact Palmetto State Title and what to bring to closing

Your real estate agent or lender will coordinate with Palmetto State Title on your behalf and provide you with the closing date, time, and location. You can also contact the company directly if you have questions about the title search, insurance, or closing process. Bring a photo ID, proof of homeowners insurance (your lender will require this), and a cashier's check or arrange a wire transfer for any down payment or closing costs you owe. Palmetto State Title will tell you the exact amount due at closing.

Closing typically takes one to two hours. Bring a pen and be prepared to sign multiple documents. A title company representative will walk you through each document and answer questions about what you are signing.

Title issues that can delay or complicate closing

If the title search uncovers a lien, unpaid tax, or other claim, closing may be delayed while the seller resolves it. Common issues include a previous owner's unpaid property tax, a contractor's lien from a renovation, or a judgment from a lawsuit. The seller is responsible for clearing these before closing, though sometimes the buyer and seller negotiate who pays. In rare cases, a title defect cannot be cleared—for example, if the seller's ex-spouse has a claim to the property and cannot be located. In these situations, title insurance may still cover you, or the transaction may not proceed.

If you are buying a foreclosed property or a home with a complicated ownership history, the title search may take longer and uncover more issues. Palmetto State Title can advise you on whether these issues are typical and how they are usually resolved.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a title search and a title inspection?

A title search is a review of county records to find liens, taxes, and ownership history. A title inspection is a physical walk-through of the property to check its condition. Palmetto State Title does the search; a home inspector does the inspection. Both are separate and both are common before closing.

Can I skip title insurance?

Your lender requires a lender's title policy as a condition of the loan, so you cannot skip that. You can choose not to buy an owner's policy, which protects your equity, but most buyers purchase it for the added protection. The premium is usually a small percentage of the purchase price and is paid once at closing.

What happens if the title search finds a problem?

Palmetto State Title will notify you and the seller. The seller is typically responsible for clearing the issue—paying off a lien, settling a tax debt, or obtaining a release from a creditor. If the problem cannot be cleared, title insurance may still cover you, or you and the seller may renegotiate the sale price or terms.

How long does closing take?

The closing meeting itself usually takes one to two hours. The title search and preparation typically take one to three weeks before closing day. After closing, Palmetto State Title records the deed with the county, which takes a few business days. You will receive your recorded deed in the mail after that.

Who pays Palmetto State Title's fee?

Typically the buyer pays the title company's fee, though this is negotiable. In some transactions, the seller pays part or all of it. Your Closing Disclosure will show who is responsible for each fee. Ask your real estate agent or lender what is standard in your market.