Thinking closing works the same in every state? If you’re moving from North Carolina to Taylors in Greenville County, a few South Carolina specifics can catch you off guard. You want a smooth, predictable close with no last-minute costs or paperwork chasing. Here’s what actually changes in SC, what to ask for early, and how to keep your timeline on track.
Let’s dive in.
What changes when you close in Taylors
Many steps look familiar: title search, payoffs, prorations, and lender requirements. Still, SC has its own customs and forms that affect your final numbers and timing. The biggest differences you’ll notice involve recording fees, property tax assessments and proration methods, South Carolina’s seller disclosure rules, and how closing parties handle title, surveys, and HOA documents.
Your best move is to confirm who pays what in the contract, get fee estimates early from your closing agent, and review taxes, assessments, and disclosures well before your final walk-through.
Deed recording and fees in Greenville County
In Taylors, deeds are recorded at the Greenville County Register of Deeds. The county sets the fee structure, which can differ from what you saw in North Carolina. Fees may be flat or per page, and extra charges can apply for plats or multi-page documents.
Who pays these fees is not set in stone. It’s negotiable and guided by your contract terms, which often reflect local custom. Recording usually happens at or right after closing, or the next business day during recording hours. That timing affects when your ownership appears in public records.
What you should do
- Ask your title or closing company for an itemized estimate of recording fees early.
- Confirm in writing who pays recording and document fees in your purchase contract instead of relying on “custom.”
- Ask your settlement agent when they plan to record your deed so you know when the transfer will be public.
Property assessments, taxes, and proration
Property taxes in Taylors are handled by Greenville County. You’ll want to verify the current assessed value, whether any appeals are pending, and if there are unpaid amounts. Proration is common at closing, but the method varies. It can be based on the most recent tax bill and calculated through the closing date or to the next billing cycle, depending on your contract and local practice.
Special assessments can be separate from the regular tax bill. These may include local improvements or municipal fees that don’t appear until billed. Sellers or municipalities may disclose them, but you should still verify if any are outstanding or pending.
If you’re retiring or downsizing, review any homestead or senior exemptions available in South Carolina and check eligibility with the county tax office.
What you should do
- Request the latest Greenville County property tax bill and proof of payment.
- Ask for the parcel number so you can review county records and maps.
- Confirm how taxes will be prorated in your contract and on your closing statement.
- Ask the seller and closing agent to confirm whether any special assessments exist or are expected.
South Carolina seller disclosures and exemptions
South Carolina uses a standard Seller’s Property Condition Disclosure that asks about known material defects, moisture issues, structure, systems, and utilities. This is different from North Carolina’s forms and wording. Also, not every sale requires the disclosure. Certain transfers, such as those by fiduciaries or some institutions, can be exempt under state law.
Remember, a disclosure reflects the seller’s actual knowledge. It does not replace inspections. Federal lead-based paint disclosures still apply for homes built before 1978 and are separate from the state form.
Local items to watch closely include septic or drain issues on older properties, drainage on hilly parcels, and the age and condition of HVAC systems and roofs.
What you should do
- Ask for the completed South Carolina property disclosure as soon as you go under contract.
- If a seller claims an exemption, request documentation and consider additional inspections.
- Order independent inspections, such as home, pest, septic or well, and roof, to avoid surprises.
Closing parties, title, surveys, and HOAs
Closings in South Carolina are commonly handled by title companies or settlement agents, and sometimes attorneys. Your closing agent prepares the settlement statement, coordinates disbursement, and manages recording.
Lenders usually require lender’s title insurance. Buyers often purchase owner’s title insurance for added protection against title defects. Premiums and who pays are negotiable and reflected in the contract and local custom.
Surveys and plats depend on your lender and the property type. Subdivisions may rely on recorded plats, while acreage or non-platted lots often need a new survey.
If the home is in an HOA, you should receive a resale package with governing documents, fee schedules, and recent budgets. Timing matters. Review these early so you understand assessments, restrictions, and any approval processes.
What you should do
- Confirm early with your lender and closing agent whether a new survey is required.
- Decide on owner’s title insurance and verify who pays in the contract.
- Request the full HOA packet and assessment history as soon as possible.
- Ask your closing agent to search for any municipal liens, utility balances, or code issues.
Your NC-to-Taylors closing checklist
Ask your agent or title company for copies of these items early to keep closing on track:
- Your signed contract showing who pays recording and document fees.
- The most recent Greenville County tax bill and proof of payment.
- The completed South Carolina Seller’s Property Condition Disclosure, or documentation of any exemption.
- The title commitment or preliminary title report with any liens or judgments.
- An estimated closing statement with line items for recording fees, title insurance, and prorations.
- A draft of the deed the seller will sign so you can confirm vesting language.
- The HOA resale packet, if applicable, plus assessment history and fee schedules.
- A survey or recorded plat, or an estimate for a new survey if required.
- Contact information for the Greenville County Register of Deeds and Tax Collector.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Assuming local “custom” will cover fees. Put allocation of fees in your contract and get an estimate.
- Relying on NC disclosure rules. South Carolina’s forms and exemptions are different, so review the SC form early.
- Overlooking tax proration. Confirm the method and basis (most recent bill, through closing or next billing) with your closing agent.
- Waiting on HOA documents. Request the full packet early so you have time to review budgets, rules, and assessments.
- Skipping inspections. Disclosures reflect seller knowledge. Independent inspections help you spot issues before closing.
Ready to close with confidence in Taylors?
If you want clear answers and a closing plan tailored to Taylors and greater Greenville County, let’s talk. With high-volume experience across Upstate SC and western NC, Mike Dassel helps you confirm fees, timelines, and documents early so you can focus on your move. Request a free home valuation.
FAQs
Who usually pays the deed recording fee in Greenville County?
- It’s negotiable and set by your purchase contract. Local custom can influence it, but you should confirm the allocation in writing and get an itemized estimate from the closing agent.
Will my deed be recorded on the day of closing in Taylors?
- Often it is recorded at closing or the next business day during recording hours. Ask your settlement agent for their recording timeline so you know when the transfer will be public.
Are South Carolina seller disclosures the same as North Carolina’s?
- No. South Carolina uses its own disclosure form and has specific statutory exemptions. Always request the SC form early and do not assume NC rules apply.
How are Greenville County property taxes prorated at closing?
- Methods vary by contract and local practice. Confirm whether proration uses the most recent bill and whether it runs through the closing date or to the next billing cycle.
Should I still order inspections if I receive the SC disclosure?
- Yes. The disclosure reflects the seller’s knowledge and is not a substitute for inspections. Order home, pest, septic or well, and roof inspections to reduce risk.
