What Thompson Transaction and Notary Does for South Carolina Real Estate

Thompson Transaction and Notary handles closing documents and notarization for real estate deals in South Carolina

Thompson Transaction and Notary is a closing and notary service that works with buyers, sellers, and lenders during real estate transactions. The company prepares and notarizes the documents you sign at closing—the deed, promissory note, mortgage, and other papers that transfer property ownership and establish the loan. They coordinate the closing meeting itself, making sure all parties sign in the right order and that documents are properly witnessed and notarized before they go to the county register.

The service sits between your real estate agent, your lender, and the county courthouse. Your agent or lender typically refers you to Thompson, or you can contact them directly. They do not represent you as a lawyer would; instead, they manage the paperwork flow and ensure signatures are valid under South Carolina law.

Key Takeaways

• Thompson Transaction and Notary prepares closing documents, schedules the closing meeting, and notarizes signatures for real estate transactions in South Carolina.
• The company works with both buyers and sellers, coordinating between lenders, real estate agents, and the county register's office.
• Notarization confirms that the person signing is who they claim to be and that they signed willingly—a requirement for deeds and mortgages to be recorded.
• Closing typically takes one to two hours and happens after your lender has approved your loan and all parties have reviewed the final numbers.
• You can reach Thompson directly to ask about their service area, fees, and availability, or your real estate agent can make the referral.

What happens at a closing with Thompson

At closing, you will sit down with a representative from Thompson Transaction and Notary, your real estate agent (usually), and sometimes a lender's representative or attorney. The Thompson representative walks through each document page by page, explaining what you are signing and why. You sign the deed (which transfers the property to you), 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 do not pay), and several other forms required by your lender or the state.

As you sign each document, the Thompson notary watches and verifies your identity using a government-issued ID. They then stamp and sign the document to certify that they witnessed your signature. This notarization is what allows the deed and mortgage to be recorded at the county courthouse—the register will not accept unsigned or unnotarized documents.

The meeting usually lasts one to two hours. Before you arrive, Thompson will have received the final loan numbers from your lender and prepared a closing disclosure—a document that shows the exact amount you are borrowing, the interest rate, your monthly payment, and all fees. You should review this carefully before closing day and ask questions if anything surprises you.

How Thompson coordinates with your lender and the county

Thompson Transaction and Notary receives closing instructions from your lender, which spell out which documents must be signed, in what order, and any special conditions. The company prepares those documents using information from your purchase contract, your loan approval, and the title search. They also coordinate with the title company (which insures that you own what you think you own) and the real estate agent to make sure everyone has the same closing date and location.

After closing, Thompson sends the signed and notarized documents to the county register's office, usually within one to three business days. The register records the deed in your name and the mortgage in the lender's name. Once recorded, the deed is public record and the lender's claim is official. You will receive a copy of the recorded deed by mail a few weeks later.

Notarization and why it matters

A notary public is a person authorized by the state to witness signatures and certify that the signer is who they claim to be. In South Carolina, notarization is required for deeds, mortgages, and most loan documents. Without it, the county register will not record the deed, and the lender will not fund the loan.

The notary does not check whether you understand what you are signing or whether the deal is fair. They only confirm that you showed a valid ID, that you signed the document in front of them, and that you appeared to sign willingly. This protects the lender and future buyers by creating a record that the signature is genuine.

What to bring to your closing

Bring a government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will check this against your name on the documents. Bring a checkbook or be prepared to wire funds if you owe money at closing (for example, if your down payment plus closing costs exceed what the lender is providing). Ask Thompson in advance whether you will owe money or receive a refund, and in what form they accept payment.

Bring any questions you have about the documents or numbers. This is your last chance to catch errors before the deed is recorded. If something is wrong—a misspelled name, a wrong property address, an incorrect loan amount—tell the Thompson representative before you sign. Fixing errors after closing is more expensive and time-consuming.

Contacting Thompson Transaction and Notary

You can reach Thompson directly by phone or through their office to ask about service area, fees, and availability. If you are working with a real estate agent or lender, they may already have a relationship with Thompson and can make the referral. Some lenders require you to use a specific closing service; others let you choose. Ask your lender whether they have a preference or requirement.

Thompson typically schedules closings within a few days of your request, though timing depends on when your lender is ready and when all parties can meet. Give them at least a week's notice if possible so they have time to prepare documents and coordinate schedules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use Thompson Transaction and Notary, or can I choose a different closing service?

That depends on your lender. Some lenders require a specific closing service or attorney; others let you choose. Ask your lender before you contact Thompson. If your lender has no requirement, you can shop around and compare fees.

What if I cannot make the scheduled closing date?

Tell Thompson and your lender as soon as possible. They can reschedule if all parties agree. Rescheduling may delay your loan funding and your move-in date, and some lenders charge a fee for pushing back the closing date.

Will Thompson explain what I am signing?

Yes. The Thompson representative will go through each document and explain what it does and why you are signing it. If you do not understand something, ask before you sign. You can also bring a lawyer to closing if you want independent legal advice.

What happens if I find an error in the documents after I sign?

Tell Thompson immediately. Small errors (like a typo in your middle name) can sometimes be corrected before the documents are recorded. Major errors (like a wrong property address or loan amount) may require a new closing or an amendment. The sooner you catch it, the easier it is to fix.

How long does it take for my deed to be recorded after closing?

Thompson usually sends the documents to the county register within one to three business days. The register then records them, which can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks depending on how busy the office is. You will receive a copy of the recorded deed by mail.