Residential Real Estate Closings
We’re With You
Every Step of the Way
Whether you’re buying a new home, refinancing a current loan, or obtaining a line of credit, The McCord Law Firm, LLC is here to assist with your residential real estate closing. We understand that your real estate transaction is a significant and costly investment that will influence your finances for years to come. The McCord Law Firm, LLC works closely with realtors, mortgage brokers, and lenders to ensure a smooth closing process for all parties involved in real estate closings. Additionally, in the event that you are in a for sale by owner (FSBO) transaction, we are happy to assist you and provide advice along the way.
The McCord Law Firm, LLC assists individuals, real estate agents, lenders, and title companies with many different services including but not limited to:
Residential Purchase Closings
Investor Closings
Wholesale Closings
Double Closings
Mortgage Refinances
Residential Leases
Second Mortgage and Equity Line Closings
Construction Loans
Title Searches
Title Insurance
Deeds
Purchase Contracts
Mobile Home Closings
In South Carolina, an attorney is required for all real estate closings regardless of whether a commercial or residential property is involved. All borrowers, purchasers, and sellers are entitled to be represented in the transaction by the attorney of their own choosing. Even if the seller or mortgage company is paying closing costs, you have the right to use the attorney you want.
The Process
What to Expect
1. Loan Application and Pre-Approval
We recommend that you find a reputable lender before ever looking for houses. This way you don’t waste time looking at houses you may not be able to afford. We would be happy to help you select a great lender whose services will best meet your needs. During this process, you’ll need to provide the lender with information regarding your assets, income, debts and credit history. Once pre approved, you’re free to look for your dream home!
2. Make an Offer/Under Contract
It’s important to be patient while looking so you can make sure you find the best home for you and your family. Once you find one you love, work with your real estate agent to negotiate a competitive, yet fair offer based on comparable homes. Once you and the seller have reached agreement on a price, the house will go under contract and into escrow, which is the period of time it takes to complete all of the remaining steps in the home buying process. This is the time when you select the closing attorney, and make sure that The McCord Law Firm is listed to protect your interests. As a real estate closing lawyer, we see the ins and outs the real estate process. If you need a referral for a great realtor, please let us know and we’d be happy to assist you in that process.
3. Home Inspection and Repair Procedure
It’s important to find a trusted inspector to look over your potential home. The inspector will do a top to bottom inspection of your property, for which you’ll be responsible to pay. After you get the list recommended fixes from the inspector, you have a right to ask the sellers to fix anything of concern, also known as the Due Diligence Period.
4. Due Diligence
During this period, the inspections, surveys, title search, and testing happen.
5. Appraisal
As a part of the loan approval process, the lender will require that the property be appraised to ensure that the value of the property is adequate to justify the loan.
6. Loan Approval
One the appraisal is complete and the lender has verified the buyer’s financial standing, the lender makes an official decision on loan approval.
7. Closing Attorney
After the loan is approved, the real estate closing lawyer will begin to prepare for and facilitate the closing. Along with many other duties, the attorney checks the title to the property, prepares necessary paperwork, and handles the receipt and distribution of all funds.
8. Termite Inspection
Most contracts require the sellers to hire a licensed pest control person to verify that the property is free from termites or other wood destroying organisms. Treatment and repair may be required if an infestation is uncovered.
9. Homeowner's Insurance
For a home with a mortgage, the buyers must purchase a homeowner’s insurance policy that properly covers the property and that satisfies the requirements of the lender. The policy must be bound before closing and the evidence of purchase must be present at closing. Often, the policy will be paid at closing, unless the buyer has paid for the policy beforehand.
The Residential Real Estate Closing
Where We Come In
The Closing is the last step in buying a home. At the closing, all legal documents are signed. These documents may include your mortgage, note, and deed, which is signed by the seller grants you ownership of the home.
The Closing Disclosure or HUD settlement statement outlines the financial obligations related to your mortgage. Per the contract, either the buyer or the seller may agree to pay certain closing costs related to the transaction.
Once these steps are complete, the buyer will receive the title to the property and the seller or a representative will finally give the buyer the keys to their new place, which means the long process of becoming a homeowner is finally over, and the owner can now enjoy their new home!
Why Choose Us
Seasoned Lawyers. Small Firm Advantage.
At The McCord Law Firm, LLC, we make every effort to earn our client’s trust by listening to the client’s needs, keeping the client up to date, always returning calls, and providing the highest level of legal advocacy.
We would love the chance to talk to you to see how we can assist you with moving into your perfect space.
Get in Touch
We’d Love to Hear From You
Here at The McCord Law Firm, we care about you and your unique challenges. Even if we’re not able to help you in your exact situation, we’ll always guide you in right direction.