Grand Strand · Horry & Georgetown County
Closing & Recording
What every buyer needs to know about taking possession of your home in the Myrtle Beach area.
How it works here
Closing here in the Grand Strand area can get a bit frustrating when it's time to take possession of your home. Unfortunately, the process is a bit different than what you are likely familiar with. Over the years Drew has experienced many issues with our closing process here in Horry & Georgetown County — those instances led to this article to make sure every client is prepared.
In this area, we are one of the only areas in the state that still operate using "recording" guidelines. In a nutshell, there is a 2-part process to how your closing will be handled.
1
Signing Closing Documents
The seller and you sign all closing documents. In most states this makes the sale final and attorneys disburse funds to the seller. Here, it's just the start of the process.
2
Recording at the Courthouse
The deed must physically travel to the courthouse and be recorded by the on-site title abstractor in your name. Only after recording can keys be transferred.
Typical recording timeline
The timing of recording is what most often causes issues. Here is what a typical day looks like:
Midday
Most attorneys send their courier to the courthouse once a day, typically around midday.
3:00–5:00 PM
The on-site abstractor updates and records the deed transfer in your name. This is when you can take possession.
Important
If either party signs closing documents in the afternoon, recording will happen the following day between 3:00–5:00 PM — meaning you won't gain access until then.
⚠ Friday Closings
If a closing gets delayed and falls on a Friday, you could sign documents and pay for utilities through the weekend — yet be unable to gain access until the following Monday. This is why Drew always sets closing dates Monday through Thursday in your contract to account for any unexpected delays.
Mail-Away Closings
A mail-away closing is when you or the sellers are signing documents from another location and returning the package via overnight courier (FedEx, etc.). If either party is closing by mail-away, there is a very good chance possession will be delayed by at least one day after signing.
If You Are Financing & Closing By Mail-Away
There is a 100% chance recording will not happen until the following day at the earliest. Lenders will not allow closing documents to be signed prior to the closing date. The absolute best-case scenario: you receive documents one day early, sign immediately, overnight them back the same day, and the attorneys have everything ready to courier to the courthouse before noon the next day. Even that is the best case — not guaranteed.
How to prepare
When it comes to taking possession, Drew always tells clients: expect the worst and hope for the best. Here's how to stay ahead of it:
Book a hotel as backup. Have accommodations lined up in case possession is delayed by a day or more.
Brief your movers. Make sure they understand furniture may need to stay on the truck overnight if there is a recording delay.
Close Monday–Thursday. Drew always sets closing early in the week to buffer against unexpected delays pushing into a weekend.
Coordinate mail-aways early. Drew alerts both attorneys well in advance if either party is signing remotely so they can coordinate properly.
Drew doesn't like this process any more than you do — and thinks it needs to be adjusted for consistency across the country. But since it's ultimately the attorneys who must make that change, the best he can do is make sure every client is fully prepared before it becomes a problem.
Questions About Your Closing?
Call or text Drew any time. He'll walk you through exactly what to expect for your specific closing situation — mail-away, in-person, or financed.
843.446.2893