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Road to Closing
Every successful real estate transaction depends on the right team. Here are Charleston's most reputable professionals — hand-picked to guide you from contract to keys.
Step by Step
The Home Buying Process in Charleston
South Carolina has its own real estate laws and customs. Here's exactly what to expect from your first conversation to closing day.
Get Pre-Approved
Before you tour a single home, connect with a lender and get pre-approved. This tells you exactly what you can afford and shows sellers you're a serious buyer. In Charleston's competitive market, this step is non-negotiable.
Tip: A pre-approval letter is different from pre-qualification — make sure you get the full approval.
Define Your Priorities
Work with your agent to clarify what matters most — neighborhood, school district, commute, style of home, price range. Charleston offers everything from historic peninsula homes to waterfront retreats to family-friendly suburbs.
Tip: Rank your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves before touring to stay focused.
Tour Homes & Make an Offer
Once you've found the right property, your agent will help you craft a competitive offer based on market data, comparable sales, and the home's condition. In a hot market, speed and strategy matter.
Tip: In SC, the offer includes an initial deposit (earnest money) — typically 1% of the purchase price.
Due Diligence Period
After your offer is accepted, you enter the due diligence period (typically 10–14 days in SC). This is your window to schedule a home inspection, review disclosures, and negotiate repairs. You can walk away during this period.
Tip: Always hire an independent, licensed home inspector — not one referred by the seller.
Secure Financing
Your lender will order an appraisal and finalize your loan. You'll need to provide updated financial documents and avoid major purchases or job changes during this phase. Stay in close contact with your loan officer.
Tip: Lock in your interest rate as early as possible once you're under contract.
Title Search & Insurance
Your closing attorney will conduct a title search to ensure the property is free of liens, disputes, or ownership issues. Title insurance protects you if any problems surface after closing. In SC, a licensed attorney must handle closings.
Tip: In SC, the buyer typically chooses the closing attorney — take advantage of that.
Final Walk-Through
The day before or morning of closing, you'll do a final walk-through to confirm the home is in the agreed-upon condition, repairs were completed, and nothing has changed since your inspection.
Tip: Bring your inspection report and compare each item during the walk-through.
Closing Day — You Get the Keys!
At closing, you'll sign all final documents, pay closing costs (typically 2–5% of the purchase price), and receive the keys. In SC, closings are handled by an attorney and usually take 1–2 hours. Congratulations — you're a homeowner!
Tip: Bring a valid photo ID and a certified or cashier's check (or wire funds in advance).
Closing Attorneys
Expert legal guidance from contract to keys
Buist Byars & Taylor
Boutique Charleston law firm specializing in residential & commercial real estate closings, tax, estate planning, and probate.
Weeks & Irvine
Top-rated closing attorneys serving Charleston and Mount Pleasant with a focus on residential real estate transactions.
Cipolla Cox, LLC
Facilitates residential and commercial real estate transactions for buyers, sellers, and lenders throughout the Lowcountry.
Crantford Meehan
Specializes in both commercial and residential real estate closings in Charleston with detailed oversight throughout the process.
Buxton & Collie
Dedicated closing attorneys with over 20 years of experience making Charleston real estate transactions seamless.